Ok. Here’s some new ish I’m starting. I like the number 13, I was born on the 13th, Fadia likes the number 13…the number 13 rules. So here’s the start of a new section: 13 Questions and The Truth. It’s a very untraditional interview where I ask 13 questions (that may or may not be related to the person in any way) and then give them an opportunity to provide “the truth,” essentially this is where interviewees may toot their own horn or just speak on something completely random.

Stalley is an emcee out of NYC by way of the midwest. Personally, I dig the flow because to me he’s reminiscent of that raw hip-hop from back in the day that you can only find late at night on college radio stations now. You know, the type of hip-hop that just keeps you in constant head-nod mode. Even when you don’t want to nod your head anymore. He’s not talking about killing or robbing people which is a plus since I don’t kill or rob people. He just gets on the mic and does him.

1. With an over-saturated industry, what made you decide to pursue a career in rap/hip-hop?

For that reason exactly, being that it is an over-saturated industry and I love hip hop so much I just wanted to keep real music, not hip hop but music alive. So in me pursuing hip hop I see more than the hip hop industry–I see a lifestyle. And that lifestyle I can’t see myself letting it go to the pits, lol.

2. Why ‘The Ape’?

Well the APe was a nickname I gave to myself. It’s the closest animal to man and when I get into the booth its like I just Go APe, like a transformation cause most people who know me outside of music know that I am a very mellow laid back person. So it’s sorta like my alter ego. Plus my beard gives you the APe feel, lol.

3. How would you classify your music?

Soulful, life music. I wouldn’t really classify it with any particular genre it’s just raw hip hop and relates to life, something for all people to enjoy.

4. A lot of artists always say they do this for the music, they’re not in it for the money or the fame. But those same artists are pissed when they don’t have the fame and the big money. Let’s say you don’t make it with the masses. As long as you’re making music will you still be good? Be honest.

Honestly I would. I’m sure you expected me to say that, lol but really I would. I’m saying I do music for the love of doing music, I really live it (hip hop). I make hip hop cause I love it, I do it for myself and those that love it the same. Not saying that I don’t wanna make money off of hip hop cause who doesn’t want to make a living doing something they love to do. If I could get paid the same money a year doing hip hop as being a teacher, I would be happy as long as I know me and my family are taken care of.

5. Before you were rapping what did you do?

I played NCAA BBall.

6. Can you explain the “neo-backpacker sunni swagger”?

Well you’re going to have to study the mixtape to get the true meaning of that, lol.

7. Do you like being compared to other artists?

No not at all. I really don’t think anyone wants to be compared to anyone, even if you admire that person your being compared to.

8. What is your familial background?

I’m a midwest Hood, lol.I come from a small town Massillon, Ohio (Milq Town) where them young boys go hard to make the ball team, lol.Small population, very blue collar, a lot of hard workers, most people that are born there die there, it’s a lot of happiness and a lot of pain, but it’s a beautiful strugle to come from The Milq. Just like anyone you will ever meet from this small town I’m bloody proud of my small town!!

9. What types of societal factors go into your music?

As I was saying before its just life, everything that you and I live day to day goes into my music. Joy, pain, poverty, corruption of the gov’t, genocide, gentrification, etc.

10. Do you write and produce your music?

I write everything as far as production it comes from various producers from all over the globe.

11. Do you consider yourself an inspiration to anyone? If so, whom?

I do consider myself an inspiration to people who still love and believe in pure, raw hip hop. And those that want to still do real hip hop can see and hear through me that it’s still out here and possible to create.

12. Hip-hop was at it’s best in what year?

I would have to say ‘94 (Illmatic Dropped, lol). I would have to say ‘94 was a mega year for hip hop a lot of classic work was being put out during that year. I remember going to the record store every Tuesday and they had a classic album for me to purchase.

13. Where do you ultimately see your career headed?

Upwards, I think this is the beginning and people are starting to want more of the original OG sound in hip hop with dope beats and ill rhymes and I don’t think that will ever go away. Right now it’s a lot of trends as hip hop is trend heavy, with the “hipsters rap” and all the other different things its doing at the present time, but its slowly getting back to the essence of raw hip hop “beats rhymes and life”.

The Truth:

I’m a Sunni Muslim, Hip Hopper, activistI’m hot cause I’m different I’m always out side of the box very much an oddball, go beyond the norm and never been a follower of what’s good right now. I think my music is the type of music that has a impact right away and at the sametime it may have to grow on you cause you might not catch everything at 1st listen. I would like to thank you for your time and helping me to shine my light on the world!

And here, he offers you his mixtape. If that one doesn’t work, click here. Listen with open ears. I think you’ll like it.

L$D

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Posted at : May 27th, 2008 - 6:50 am
Filed under : Kids on the Come Up
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