North Philly’s very own Spade-O is known for his days with rap group Major Figgas. After being behind bars for almost 11 years the Philly artist returned back to his number passion, and that is creating music. In the short time that he’s been back the former Major Figgas artist released the mixtape, The Freestyles, which was hosted by Cosmic Kev and most recently the the acclaimed project Unchained. We here at The Source had the pleasure to chop it up with Spade-O to speak on his new mixtape, Major Figgas and much more, so check out the interview below.
Spade-O please tell us the reason for your hiatus?
Well, I wouldn’t call it a hiatus – I was in the penitentiary for almost 11 years. I was recently released and I’m just trying to put everything back together. I feel blessed, I’m fortunate and I’m happy.
This is your second time emerging into the music scene, what differently do you see this time around, as opposed to the first time you got in the industry?
One thing I noticed is that marketing is a lot more important that talent theses days. Back when we first begining, people had our music everywhere and they didn’t even know how we looked, but now its like the opposite – people want to see you first before they even think about hearing you, so it seems like its more of a marketing game than the art form.
What marketing tools do you find yourself using nowadays?
I’m big on Twitter. I use Instagram and Facebook a lot and I’m still learning as I move along. It’s been a great ride.
When you were a part of Major Figgas, do you feel like the internet could’ve helped your movement a lot more?
Major Figgas would’ve been huge in this era of Hip-Hop because this would’ve been right up our alley.
The Hip-Hop scene seems to have a lot movements and camps currently, do you feel responsible for influencing those major groups?
No doubt. I think we were the first squad out of Philly – it wasn’t about an individual with us, it was about a team and a movement – everybody stood on their own in Major Figgas, but we choose to go about as a team.
How do you feel about the current Hip-Hop sound in Philly?
I feel like sometimes we go away from the sound. Coming out of jail I felt like that was something that disappointed me because when Major Figgas and State Property were out, we was getting it and proud of having our own sound and I think people are letting it go.
Could we possibly see another project from Major Figgas in the near future?
I would hope so.
Tell me about the reception you’ve received from our fans after being released?
Oh man, its been surreal. I thought people would’ve been lukewarm to me, but they’ve actually been telling me that they’ve needed me in the streets and I’m still at odd. People still coming up to me is flattering and humbling, so I can appreciate the fans.
When it came to sound what approach did you take for your recently released project, Unchained?
I went to a bunch of different producers. I got people like All Star, Jahlil Beats and a lot of local Philly cats. I just appreciated what they brought to the table and thats why I didn’t get one particular guy. I wasn’t picking names – I was picking beats.
Were you going for that Boom Bap sound on this project?
I wasn’t going for a particular lane on this project. I just did music that I felt and that I was comfortable with. I wasn’t going to get on a bunch of tracks and bounce around or get on a track and talk about popping molly. I just got on those records and got busy.
How did you end up linking up with Meek Mill for the track “All For Love” off your Unchained project?
A lot of Meek’s management were friends of mine before I got incarcerated. Once I came home Meek reached out right away and we merged every since. We had an instant relationship and he told me “OG, you are one of the reasons why I’m here and why I do this,” so I appreciated that.
Are you looking to drop a project where you can make revenue any time soon?
At the end of the day the purpose is to generate revenue, but being that I’ve been away so long, I feel like I owe the people that genuinely appreciated what I brought to the table and that stuck around with me all these years.
You’ve been in this music industry for some time now, whats the best advice you can offer an upcoming MC?
The number one thing as much as it is to making the art form is to learn your business make sure your not out here winging it.
Roger Krastz @walldoe
