He also tells us about the “American Dream”.
So, what are you working on right now?
My first album, Nacirema Dream. We’re putting it together based on the title. It comes out on March 5th.
You just released a track titled “Obituary 2012” which touches on the topic of Chris Lighty’s death. Can you tell us a little more about that song?
Every year I pay tribute to who we lost that year. Just to let people know, we could be here today and gone today. You gotta cherish these moments.
So, you said you don’t think Chris Lighty committed suicide, right? What was your relationship with Chris Lighty?
Yes, I knew Chris Lighty very well. We did a lot of business. Anybody who knows Chris knew he wouldn’t kill myself. That’s fiction. He was a mentor, and advisor, and a good friend. Definitely a really good friend. When I heard that news, I was in disbelief, I absolutely did not believe it.
So, tell me about the features on Nacirema Dream.
I got Jadakiss, Erykah Badu, Mavado, Jim Jones, and my wife, Remy Ma. My track with Mavado is called “Top Of My Game”, and I actually flew to Jamaica on Christmas Eve to shoot the video.
That’s gonna be Remy’s first feature in a while, right? When does she get out?
Yeah, its the first track she’s been on in a while. She’s gonna be home in July.
Nice, so what about the producers on Nacirema Dream? Who do you have on there?
DJ Premier is on there, he produced one track. Ron Browz produced 2 tracks. Certiied Productions is on there, he produced “Law Library Pt. 8 – Firearms”. Law Library is a series that teaches you how to fight the law, should you ever get in trouble. Oh, and I got Alphabetical Slaughter Pt. 2 on the album.
Really? Tell me more about that.
It’s Z to A instead of A to Z. And the beat is the original reversed, it’s like the track is playing backwards.
Nice, nice. Now, what does this new album mean to you?
It’s the definition of what I am. It shows my versatility, my message, my dedication. I’ve been working on it since 2004, its 2013 now. It’s gonna define me. There are some records on there that could change the world. Man, you’re asking me some intricate questions. You’re showing me my music in a new light.
I’m glad I can do that. So, why is it called Nacirema Dream?
It’s the American Dream backwards. It’s a reflection of the American dream. If you listen to the album, it’ll tell you more about the American dream. It tells you about my struggle from growing up in Brooklyn to becoming a rapper, who talks about real topics, not just party and bullshit.
What do you mean by the American dream?
Basically, people from all different parts of the planet come to America for the American dream. They sacrifice their freedom, some of them work 9 to 5 jobs making minimum wage, hoping to live the American Dream. But does the American Dream really exist? Does the American Dream bring you happiness? You need to get the new album to find out.
Kaitlin Stevens
(@kaytiimontana)
