It’s been four years since we last heard from Black Rob, but his hiatus is over. He’s making his way back into the rap game with his newest album, Genuine Article, which dropped last week. The veteran also released a new single titled “Welcome To My Life”. On the track Rob talks about his long journey back into the spotlight.
Other than working on just music, Rob is in the midst of working on a new reality TV show called “Come Back Kings”. It will follow him, Mr. Cheeks, Ed Lover, Calvin Richardson, Treach, and others that are trying to turn their setbacks into comebacks. We haven’t been given many details, but it sounds like it will be an excellent show.
Black Rob also recently just told us that he suffered a stroke not long ago. His recovery has been going very well, but has nonetheless been a major issue in his life that he’s been battling. I had a chance to sit down with the artist who was once a prominent rapper on Diddy’s Bad Boy Records with hits like “Whoa”. His success was short-lived though when he ended up facing legal trouble for led him to do a four-year prison stint.
How has your health been?
It’s good man, I can’t complain. You know, things were hard before. I’m back to being good though. It took a long time, but that’s okay. You know, it’s just good being healthy again. And it’s good making music again. Before I couldn’t even remember my rhymes. It took me a lot to just start remembering them again. You can’t be a rapper if you don’t remember your own rhymes. But little by little it came back to me. I’m happy.
How are you feeling about the new album?
This album will be exactly what the people were expecting. It’s just me doing the same old thing I always have. It felt good to make this because at a time I thought I wouldn’t even be able to do this anymore.
Did your health end up affecting the music at all?
Nah, man. Not at all. Things are good with my memory now. It took me a while, but I’m good. Once I get into the booth, and hear a beat everything comes back to me. It’s just like that.
What is it like being independent?
I love it. There’s a beauty to it that I can’t explain. It’s different, but it’s definitely better. I’m happy I can put music out like this while being independent. It’s really different than being on a major label, but I like it more.
Who are some of your favorite artists out now?
I haven’t listened to much of the new stuff so it’s hard to say. I’m just happy people is out there getting their money. If I had to pick though I do like Troy Ave. I met him. He’s definitely nice on the mic. Other than that though I don’t know.
What are some of your goals this year, and moving forward?
I just want to keep making music. I’m happy I can do it again. Looking forward to going out there, and giving the fans what they want.
Anything else you’d like to tell the fans?
Go out and cop the album. You won’t be disappointed. It’s that same hip hop sound from me that people came to love. Hip hop needs this album. Trust me, just listen and you’ll understand.
