Ballerstatus.Com: Pleasure P Interview: A Man First, Musician Second

Identity Theft has risen at an alarmingly rate in the past couple of years. I know what you’re thinking – “Carl, what does this have to do with Pleasure P?” Well, unlike Pleasure P, or Marcus Cooper, he hasn’t had any issues as far as people swagger jacking his style, or more or less, his persona. His candor may come off as pretentious to some, but could you blame him?

Could you blame him for the atrocious fallout between him and his group Pretty Ricky?

Could you blame him for having interviewers assiduously cajoling him to spew a couple of shots towards his former bandmates?

Could you blame him for just wanting people to recognize him for just simply being him?

There’s more to the crooner than the ballads, and lullabies. Raised in Carver Ranches, Florida, coming up, Pleasure P was merely Marcus Cooper – a kid trying to find his way out.

Now, Marcus, is the man who just finishing touring with Lil Wayne, Drake, & Young Jeezy this past summer. Now Marcus, is the man whose first album, Introduction to Marcus Cooper, has smash hits including “Did You Wrong”, “Boyfriend No. 2”, and “Under”. And now, Marcus is the man touring with the King of R&B, R. Kelly. Get the picture?

Ballerstatus was able to sit down with the self-proclaimed new “Bad Boy of R&B” and discuss his fallout with Pretty Ricky, the fakeness in the industry, fatherhood, and the essence of valuing life, in this tell-all interview.

Ladies, and gentlemen, here’s Pleasure P.

No – here’s Marcus Cooper.



BS: It’s been about four months since your debut album was released. If you could change anything on the album, would you? And if so, what would it be?

PP: Oh hell nah man. My album is a classic man. You know, once people actually take a listen to it, they’ll be like: “Yo – he has one of the best R&B albums out this year. You know something that’s really R&B.” So nah – I love my album. I love everything about it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

BS: By titling your album the Introduction to Marcus Cooper, you were able to show a more close up view as to who you were as a person. Were you trying to remove the label of being Pleasure P from Pretty Ricky, or was this more of a personal thing, for people to get a closer look as to who you were?

PP: It was more of a personal thing. Being with Pretty Ricky, the personalities of the group kind of overshadowed who I was as a person. I don’t think people got the opportunity to meet that person. So, you know, I wanted to introduce them to me – to show that I have maturity – that I’m a grown up just like everybody else because life isn’t all about playing games, and all that kind of stuff. I just wanted to show them that side of me. I actually feel that as an artist, my next album – which is titled Suppertime - should have been titled the Introduction to Marcus Cooper because I’m actually connecting with music as an artist. Each album, you get better, and better, and better. You learn more. That’s what grooms you into becoming someone like a R.Kelly. This album, I’m actually connecting with music. I’m going to get a lot of stuff off my chest. I’m going to tell them like it is. You know, this album is going to be a phenomenal album.

BS: I remember reading an interview, you said you were the real quiet one, and didn’t have a personality in the group. Was that how people behind the scenes wanted you to be marketed as?

PP: Nah I used to be quiet because it was always a battle of who talked the most. Since I was the singer, I was always singled out. So, you know, maybe one rapper out of the group would get jealous or something like that. Now, when you see the group, you see the singer – he don’t talk. He don’t talk as much. And, the rapper, he always talks. That’s how they wanted the group to be. They didn’t want the singer to get all of the shine, and stuff like that. But, the singer will always get the shine when it comes to that, because there’s only one singer. So, they definitely gon’ want to hear what the singer can do. Always.

BS: Songs like “Did You Wrong”, and “Under” were real deep records (cut off by Pleasure)

PP: And they both number one records. I’m the only R&B artist out right now to this day, at this time, with two number one records on one album. Number one on Urban, and number one on the R&B charts. In my world, I’m very happy about that. “Under” touched number one a couple weeks ago, and Boyfriend 2, of course, went number one as well.

BS: Before I even pose you the question I was going to ask, do you feel you’re not receiving enough credit as far being mentioned with the Ushers, the Chris Browns, the Trey Songz etc?

PP: I definitely don’t get the credit because this was my first album. I’m the underdog. With me coming from Pretty Ricky, I’m going to be honest, it was a negative. I came in the game at a negative because I have people thinking I’m one way when I’m really not. So this album sort of solidified to people like “Oh he cool.” Now they want to see what he’s coming out with next. A lot of people didn’t even know I was solo. There’s a lot of things that comes with that. I’m not Usher. I’m not Chris Brown. I’m Pleasure P. I just started this shit. In due time, people will know, and realize that I’m real R&B. I mean, R.Kelly, he realized it – that’s why I’m on this tour. I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity to show that I’m real R&B. Everyday my motto is I’m gonna turn people into believers. And, slowly, but surely, we’re definitely doing that. I toured with Lil Wayne all summer, and I had the opportunity to perform to different types of audiences. Now, I’m on this R.Kelly tour, and this one is older, and sexy. You know, who knows? I might come back a as co-headline with Usher, and Chris Brown. You know, it’s all about introducing everybody to Marcus Cooper. You know I’m introducing everyone to him. I’m going to keep coming with hits.

BS: Being that you are on the tour with Kels, was he able to give you any type of advice?

PP: I’m at the beginning of the tour, so we didn’t really have the opportunity to build like that yet, but, I believe in the middle or the end when everything is settled, we’ll get to do that.

BS: What I was going to say before in reference to "Did You Wrong", & "Under", was that, those were real deep records. I know some artists record to just record, but were those records actually referring to past experiences in your life?

PP: Yeah they were. You know, but you lets take “Boyfriend #2”. I wrote Boyfriend #2 because I’m the type of artist who’s the new bad boy of R&B. I’m going to say whatever I want to say. You know, a lot of people to this day are scared to admit they go under – like a lot of dudes. I mean, we’re grown now. Come on now. We ain’t in school no more when that used to be nasty. I’m going to say that. You know what I’m saying? Some people won’t say it. Like “Boyfriend #2” is telling a girl “Yo? Let me be Boyfriend #2”, because she has a man who ain’t treating her right. I’m going to be the one to say that. I ain’t scared to talk to any female. If she said she has a dude, I respect that. But, at the same time, if he ain’t treating her right, then she gon’ have to be a good woman for me. I’m going to say however I feel. With this album, I feel with the experiences that I’ve been through - this new album that I’m working on – as far as the music industry, the people, how fame is, and how people just come out of the wood works expecting you to have a mentality of your own – I think his album is going to connect more with people because this is going to be the realest shit I ever wrote - Just like Pac said. This album is going to be the realest shit I ever wrote. I’m going to speak some shit that everybody can relate to. I learned in songwriting that a lot people feel like you, you just don’t think they do. I’m going to actually say the shit that people don’t say, but you really feel. Call it what you want, but I’m gonna always keep it 100 when it comes to that.

BS: You just had me thinking, why do you feel artists are so scared to be honest, and personal with certain things in their songs?

PP: Because that was how the entertainment industry was set up. Songwriters stay behind the scenes, and artists are supposed to be marketable. They want you to be marketable, but I feel like if you’re real, that should be something to market about. As long as you keep yourself separated from little kids to grown people, and as long as you keep yourself separated from setbacks, then you’ll definitely be fine. People think R&B guys have to dress a certain way. They have a whole persona of an R&B guy. They say R&B guys can’t have tattoos. They’ll tell you all kinds of stuff. Me, I’m just the type of nigga that does his thing. I just do what I want to do. That’s why I’m the bad boy of R&B. I have tattoos everywhere. I want to have tattoos everywhere. People gon’ have their thoughts, and mentalities, but mine is totally different. I came from Carver Ranches Florida, and now I’m living in Bel Air. That’s my mentality feel me? I live down the street from Eddie Murphy, and all them other people. That’s my mentality. I think that’s why R&B guys are the way that they are. Me – I’m from the streets. There’s no doubt about that. I ain’t trying to make my whole R&B career based off that. I definitely don’t forget where I come from, but I just kind of feel like, it is what it is man. The shit is what you get.

BS: I always thought artists were scared to make certain moves in fear of what the label might have thought.

PP: And that’s what I’m saying. It’s the label – the people behind the scenes. And, honestly, for some of them, it ain’t even within them. There’s some rappers that don’t even have it in them. I know I could beat the shit out of them, because rappers they deserve that man. Niggas going to look at me because I’m an R&B cat, and sing R&B. I don’t want them to look at me like that, but if a rapper even did a diss record on me, it’s gonna be a problem – a real personal problem. I don’t talk back and forth on records. I don’t believe in it. Women do that.

BS: You right. Do you ever feel because you are an R&B singer, a lot of rappers characterize you as a soft?

PP: Yeah they do. They be like “I’m a gangsta rapper. I’m that” Man I don’t give a fuck. I’ve been through the same things you’ve been through, and probably even more than you’ve been through honestly. I don’t carry myself nor walk around like that, but, the day that it ever comes that a rapper tries to diss me on a record, that’s when I’m going to introduce his ass to Marcus Cooper. Feel me? A lot of rappers man, they hide behind security, but me, win or lose, I’m going to go all the way. I’m the type of person – if you lock me in a room one on one, come see what happens. I mean with none of your homeboys around. Let’s do it head-on. I’m from that school. I’ll shoot another man a fair fight without anybody around. A lot of these niggas don’t do that no more. A lot of rappers and people don’t do that no more. Niggas wanna be about gunplay now. That’s their mentality.

BS: Do you feel in rappers in particular follow that mold?

PP: Man, honestly, and truthfully, I don’t like to expose people because that would be a contradiction of what I said. Honestly, that would be like a diss record, where niggas just say names. I don’t name drop in interviews. If a person has a problem with me, you gon’ know about it. That’s all I gotta say.

BS: You’ve mentioned the phrase “Bad Boy of R&B” a couple of times during this interview, and a lot of people have referred Bobby Brown as that. Do you feel a lot of people might try misinterpreting that, and start saying, “Oh, he’s trying to be another Bobby.”

PP: Nah I’m trying to be me. I ain’t trying to be Bobby. I respect Bobby. I love his music, and stuff, but I’m just trying to be me. You’re talking to me right now, and the bad boy of R&B is a mentality. It’s something than more or less what you did. For me to have sense to say: “Man I’m not going to namedrop.” That’s what a bad boy does. Those niggas would name drop for attention and recognition. That’s gay and lame. You know what I’m saying? People do that everyday, and people go out and support these people. I don’t know why. I mean I don’t respect them no way. I treat them like the men that they are. I don’t say nothing to them. I just keep it moving, because they don’t pay my bills. It don’t make no difference in my life. I’m going to keep making records, and I’m going to keep doing my thing,

BS:I know you’re a little tense, so I want touch on something that’s more important to you, and that’s you being a father.

PP: Yeah man I’m a father. I’m definitely a father. I’m a father of a 5 year-old.

BS: What would you want your son to take away from you not only being a musician, but more importantly, as a person at the end of the day.

PP: I just want him to take my teachings. If I had to die a couple of years from now, I’d just want him to take my teachings, and my manly qualities. You know what I mean? I’d want him to take the mentality of not having a small mind like me. Where I was from, I only knew ten streets. Going out of town for me was three hours away to go to my auntie house in Bradington in Miami. So, I’d just want him to just know the world is bigger than that, and not to have a small town mentality. A lot of people have small town mentality, not knowing, there’s more out there. Instead of spending your money, trying to impress these girls in the club, take your money, and travel somewhere. See something different. Hopefully, that’ll make you some money. You might meet somebody, and run into somebody, if you do something. You know, just to have that mentality, to know not to name drop, to know not to do certain things. I want my son to be that man.

BS: You know what it is pleasure? A lot of artists try to expose their kids so early in the game, and it doesn’t necessarily pan out. How do you prevent yourself from exposing your son to the entertainment business with all the negatives swirling around?

PP: Oh, I don’t. I don’t expose him to the entertainment business at all Carl. He grew up like a normal child. He goes to school. To me, when he sees me, it’s daddy, not Pleasure P. I keep that separate. I keep that totally separate. It’s a tough world out there. I just want him to know the things that he needs to know in due time, so when he does become an adult, he’ll know how to handle certain situations. If I’m not around, and daddy gone, he could say: “I know how to do this, because daddy taught me how to do this. Daddy taught me to be private when it comes to girls because these niggas that’s supposed to be my friends, gon’ get after the girl, and spray me.” My son will know all of my teachings man.

BS: I know women throw themselves at you since you’re a celebrity. But, because you have a son, how do you avoid making potential slip-ups, and be a good model in terms of females?

PP: Man, my son is too different. My son is living two different worlds than me. He lives in the I’m daddy, not Pleasure P world. He don’t know nothing of what I do with females, and stuff like that. Honestly though, I’ve been keeping it cool. I used to mess with a lot of females during my Pretty Ricky days, but now it’s kind of tiring and boring. It’s just like how being in the club is tired, and boring now. How many times can I go in the club, and pop bottles of Ace of Spades? It’s just boring on. You have to do better things with your money, and time, other than, make the club a lot of money. We do that. We think that’s going to bring women towards us more by being the freshest people. But, if you think about it, your ass was just sitting at the table the entire night, spending 10Gs, and you didn’t get any women because you were sitting at the table thinking the women were going to come. Now, the nigga that be at the bar, he’s the one that’s getting all of the women man. (laughs) At the end of the day, the nigga who was at the bar is getting all the women. He’s on the date with the girl, while you’re on the phone with your accountant like: “Where my money?”

BS: You’re not lying man.

PP: Yeah. I’m not fascinated with that no more man. People live for that – not me. I could say I did that. I have an old soul.

BS: Safe to say money doesn’t define you?

PP: Money definitely doesn’t define me man. That don’t make you happy. You could do all that stuff, but you won’t be happy. There’ always going to be something you’re missing. You could buy anything in the world, but there’s always going to be something you’re going to complain about, or don’t have.

Ballerstatus Exclusive: Interview W/The Knicks(David Lee, Al Harrington, & Danilo Gallinari)

A lot of people have low expectations this season for the Knicks – there’s no question about that. With everyone spending their Sunday afternoons praying to their respective gods in hopes of number 23 flossing blue and orange in 2010, people seemed to forget about the Knicks’ current studs who posted great numbers last year.

Coming off a career year, David Lee was the Knicks’ front man, with his high energy and hustle on both ends of the court. After averaging nearly 17 pts, and 12 rebs last year, Mr. Double-Double decided to test his luck onto the free agent market. With a scarce market, and limited offers, Lee rejoined the Knicks for a one year deal.

His teammate, Al Harrington will play his first full season with the Knicks, after being dealt last winter from Golden State. The high school phenom who has a knack for scoring, left Golden State as a disgruntled player, and came into the Knicks as one of their primary scoring options, averaging close to 21 a game.

Then, comes the Knicks’ coveted first round pick from the 2008 Draft Danilo Gallinari. The Italian Stallion, whose lanky frame could present problems for opposing teams defensively, has the ability to shoot the ball inside and out. Though he has massive potential, his limited playing time has raised eyebrows from many fans. Still, Galli remains optimistic, and tell his fans to be patient, as he and the Knicks prepare to compete – and even fight for a playoff spot.

Ballerstatus had the opportunity to sit with these three at the NBA Live 2010 Launch Party and get their thoughts on this upcoming season, Lebron, and their individuals goals, and more.


I know you signed the one year deal returning back to the Knicks. How do you feel being back?

DL: I mean that’s where I set out this summer to be. You know, I wanted to look for a long term deal, but it was a good compromise with the Knicks. They’re trying to save cap room for Lebron, but it’s good that it worked out, and I’m excited for the season.

You know, you and Nate are a formidable duo. How do you think you guys will rank this season in terms of making the playoffs?

DL: I think we have a good shot. I like what I saw in the first exhibition game, and also in training camp. We’ve played together for a year – all of us have under Coach D’Antoni. So now, I think we all have a better idea of what’s going on now, and I’m looking forward to this season. I’m excited. I think we have a chance to be real good.

Last year, you posted career numbers, 17, and 12. Do you think could provide and encore performance this season?

DL: I think it’s only going to go up from here. I’m real excited about continuing to improve my stats.



Al, I know you were traded last winter from Golden State. How do you think the team will fair with you playing one full season with them?

AH: I think we’re going to do a lot better obviously. It ain’t because of what I’m doing, but, because of the team. You know, everybody is really focused. Everybody went back in summer to work on their game. I mean, we’re in great shape. So, I’m very excited to see what we can accomplish this year.

How you feel with everybody counting the Knicks down already, and considering you guys to be just another lottery team this year?

AH: It’s good. It’s a good feeling. It’s good for us you know what I’m saying? That’ll allow us to not relax, but just upset, and creep up some people. The biggest thing our team needs is to overachieve and have the type of success we want to have, and I think we could do it. We have a lot of great guys. We have a great coaching staff, and I think we’re going to find our way to win a lot of games this year.

Are you concerned about the rating you might get in either Live or 2K this year?

AH: (Laughs) Nah, not at all. A lot of times, people always tell me I’m pretty good in the games, so we’ll see what happens.

As for you Danilo, because of lacking of playing time and injuries, you weren’t able to see the floor as much. How do you plan to overcome all of that this season?

DG: I’m concentrated to do better. I’ve been better, and feel good ever since training camp. As for the team, I really have a good feeling. We really know each other from last year. We already have a good cast. We have a great chemistry. We just have to keep believing in ourselves, and with that, we’ll do great.

Everybody has their marbles on you because you were a top ten pick in the draft two years ago. Do you feel any pressure, especially from the New Yorkers?

DG: I think there is a lot of pressure on me. I feel it a little bit, but it’s what I like it. It’s what I like to feel. If you’re like the player, you get to the point you have expectations, and if you don’t get to that point, you have a problem. Now, I feel like I have pressure from a lot of people, and expectations. They expect a lot out of me.

What’s your goal individually?

DG: You know what – my goal is being more useful for the team, and try to be an important player for this franchise.

Because you’re so versatile, you could play any position from the one down to the four spot. If D’Antoni wanted you to play some point a little bit, would you have any problems with that?

DG: No not all. Actually, ever since I was a little kid, I liked playing point guard. So if I would have to play that role, it would not be a problem. I’d be very excited.

I know a lot of people have been talking about Lebron coming over. Do the distractions ever become too much at times to handle?

DG: No, we’re a really concentrated group. We are a team. We’re not thinking about next year – we can not. We are playing the 2009-2010 season. We have to think about now.

HipHopGame.Com: B.o.B A.K.A. Bobby Ray Interview

HHG: You could rap, sing, and produce, which were you able to do first?

BR: I definitely was able to rap first because that was my home. And, from that, I grew into producing naturally. You know, sometimes as an artist, you can’t always find the right producer – not necessarily a talented producer – like somebody who’ll work with you, but, just really developing your own sound. I think that’s how I’ve developed my own style of music. Songs like “Satellite”, “I’ll be in the Sky”, and “Generation Lost” are the most close to home with the sounds I’ve developed.

HHG: Do you find one harder than the other?

BR: Well honestly, I feel like rapping was something that I don’t feel like I’ve mastered it, but I’ve gotten to the point where that I’m good enough at it to where if I have an objective I’m trying to convey, I’ll get the point across, and get people to feel it. I feel like singing is something that is more of a challenge because I’ve always wanted to sing - that was the reason why I decided to take voice lessons, and really try to incorporate that into my music. I feel like I could do both, and hold my own weight, but, I’m still trying to develop everything, and production. Now, I’m working with live musicians – where we make music, and perform together. So it’s like a really close bond I’m developing.

HHG: On Adventures of B.O.B, how many tracks were you able to do all three on?

BR: Actually a lot. A lot of songs are like that. I kind of wanted to give people the best of both worlds. Some songs are mixed up. Some songs are just singing. Some songs are just rapping. For the most part, I kind of like to get the mix between all of it.

HHG: A lot of people would be intimidated to do a song with either Lupe or Eminem, but you have both on the album. Do you feel pressure to match up well, and deliver on those tracks?

BR: Nah not really man. It’s kind of like just a turn of events that happen – you know what I mean? I feel like it would be a great contribution. But, regardless of who was on it, even if it was Michael Jackson, you would still kind of want to show and prove something to the audience. You want to show something to certain people who could become fans, because those are the ones I feel who are real critical, and critique. I know it takes awhile to win certain people over, but, all in all, you really have to show yourself as an artist.

HHG: Because you’re music is so different, and inspired from other eras, I was wondering if you could put an artist from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s to work with, whom would they be, and why?

BR: From the 70’s, I’d definitely want to work with Parliament. Why I would want to work with them is because I feel like their sound was really close to what I would be. I definitely think I was a musician in the 70’s who passed away, and came back. I was born in 88’, so I feel like that was something in me. I didn’t really listen to a lot of funk growing up but, it was kind of something that always been in my soul. I actually want to do more funk. Like even at my shows, it has a funky, gospelish, hip-hop, high energy rock type of vibe. There are definitely some elements of that in there. In the 80’s, I’d probably work with Michael Jackson – the Michael Jackson in the 80’s, and not even because he passed, but, because that was the artist whose impression on me was real great in that era. For Michael Jackson, it’s kind of self-explanatory. In the 90’s, I would want to work with Outkast. Of course I could do that now, but, in the 90’s, that was how I was introduced to rap.

HHG: A lot of people always bring up you and Andre 3000 thousand in the same conversation.

BR: Yeah it really is a close representation of just individuality, or uniqueness – kind of a self-expression of freedom I guess. I think it’s because me and Andre show such great characteristics of that, and it’s kind of inevitable to be compared to that – especially coming from Atlanta. I think it’s pretty obvious to see, and it’s always going to be there.

HHG: Though it’s an honor to be mentioned along the same lines as 3K, does it ever bother you because you want to make your own lane?

BR: I feel like I’ve definitely have grown into my own lane. I think it would only bother me if I allowed it to. I take it as a compliment. Whether it’s a critique or a compliment, there’s always some form of interest. (Laughs)

HHG: I know you’re Scorpio. It’s been said that Scorpios are bound to succeed, but make enemies in the process. How have you tried to prevent any negativity from getting into your circle?

BR: (laughs). I feel like I’ve done a very good job staying hater free – you’ve never going to stay hater free though. A lot of people hate, and they don’t even know me. They don’t even know me from the beginning. So it was kind of like, some people are mad, some people are happy, but, they’re all fans. So it’s like you’re always going to have people perceive you some kind of way. I feel like in the industry, there’s always going to be someone you don’t like. There’s probably someone I don’t like that other people just love, and vice versa. Like there’s going people who love me, but others who can’t stand me. It’s kind of like the inevitable side of life.

HHG: I recall listening to “Hip-Hop Ain’t Dead”, and you were saying, how a lot of rappers pretend to be gangsta when they really aren’t. Why do you feel are scared to show their true colors to fans?

BR: Really man, I feel like it’s something a person has to grow and be comfortable with. I feel like – just the type of life that I live – I’ve learned to be comfortable with all sides of myself, and what I show to people. I really feel like an open type of person because I feel like even the people watching the certain artists portray something that they’re not, and the artists themselves who are portraying something that they are not, are really tired of doing it. But I mean, I think it’s on both sides, and we’re growing tired of it. I feel like it was a phase that people went through and like as a whole, I think everybody is growing out of that. People want to see more to life. They just don’t want to hear about the bad shit. Like, “shit, I might just shoot a nigga, and if shoots me, that’s what it is.” It’s kind of like a tape that’s on repeat, and people are tired of watching that tape. I feel like there’s songs that are always going to be there, and all over the universe. There’s always going to be pockets of society where there’s going to be a lot of violence and a lot of gangsta activity going on. It’s just because people have the freedom to attract into their lives what they want, but, I think as a whole, pop culture is really the whole gangster archetype.

HHG: I remember you Charles, and Asher did the “Change Gon’ Come” song awhile back. With everything going on with Charles, if you could sit him down, and talk to him, what would you say to him?

BR: You know, he actually gave some good advice on that song. He was like: “How do you change what was written//don’t pull into mind what they mention,” and I would tell him that. I would just tell him to continue to be positive because positivity can override anything – even the worse shit that happened –even death. You know positivity is positive. You could make positive out of anything. Actually, when you think about the type of inspiration it takes to make a song, he’s in a great position. Because as an artist, when everything is going great, then you’re just on cruises, and you’re on vacation, and you don’t want to make a song. You just want to relax. It’s always when something bad happens, that’s when you’re inspired. I definitely wouldn’t be surprised to see Charles Hamilton coming out bangin’. (Laughs)

HHG: Because you’re only 20, and you’ve seen things with Charles, and you’ve seen Cudi contemplate retirement, how do you take their situations, and make sure those don’t become a similar problem for you again in the future?

BR: You know honestly, I’m not even worried about what would come my way because I know as quickly as people can love you, they can turn on you. It’s more so in the media world than word of mouth because for example, Michael Jackson. There were two sides to it with the media, and people. Some people praised him. But even when he died, CNN, and different outlets tried to still stain his image, even when he died. I think the masses knew he was definitely a great person, and he made great music. It’s kind of like, regardless of what is out there, I try to stay as positive as possible. I try to turn all the negativity to positivity. You know, when you get a whole bunch of negativity, all you gotta do is flip it, and becomes a whole bunch of positivity. So either way, the light is going to prevail. That’s a piece of what keeps me going and worry free.


HHG: It’s funny you mention the media because in the past, a musician has always complained in the past about privacy. And with twitter out, privacy has apparently jumped out the window.

BR: Yeah I know what you’re saying about Twitter. I mean, I know some people delete their twitter account, and some people that just don’t get on it. But I feel like, in a way, it kind of makes you, more or less for me, it kind of makes me feel sane. It’s like the entire world is a family, and you know I just happen to be a popular family member. But, at the end of the day, you’re dealing with the same issues as the world, and that you do with your family. Your family gossips about you just as much as the world, so, you know, it’s kind of like a more amplified effect, and just the same thing. It’s just more digital and amplified, but it’s the same. If it ever does get out of hand, I’d probably just alleviate myself, and be an online person. (laughs) But really man, I think it’s good to touch people, and give people links and things like that – just to see how the world feels.

HHG: You have a lot of energy on stage because you play the guitar, rap, and sing. What you taking to get all that extra energy. (laughs)

BR: (laughs) I actually just drink tea. I just kind of stretch and get loose. That’s the best thing to do. Every muscle in your body has to be warmed up, and loose because even if you have the energy, you’ll pull something, and you won’t be loose before you get on stage. It’s kind of like a sport almost. It’s kind of like how a football player would prepare for a game. Of course, there’s no opponent, but yourself, so that’s the only thing.

HHG: I know you were touring with Swayze.

BR: I actually just got off tour with Swayze, and I’m about to go on tour with Blue October. We’re kind of doing a mixture of rock, and hip-hop mixture of a show. It’s kind of like the best of both worlds. It’s the Pick Up The Phone Tour. It’s about suicide awareness, and just that realm of things. It’s kind of like mixture of real positive things, so I’m curious to see whose coming out, and what the energy will be like. I feel like it’ll be great.

HHG: Before I let you go, being that you’re 20, and the same age as me, that would make you a junior in school. If you were to be in school right now, what would you major in?

BR: I’d probably be majoring in culinary arts. I just like to cook. I don’t cook, but if I had the time to cook, then I’d definitely cook. I used to cook a lot when I was a kid.

HHG: What’s your specialty?

BR: Italian Food and anything with Chicken in it. (Laughs)

HHG: I say once you get the album out, you do a cooking show - Rapper to Chef.

I’ve thought about that – a reality cooking show. Like I could be like “Boom”, “Bam”. (Laughs)

HHG: Or you could open up a restaurant, and with every meal comes a free freestyle.

BR: (laughs)

HHG: In reference to the song “Change Gon’ Come”, do you feel Change has arrived, with the class of 09 this year?

BR: I definitely feel like change has arrived, and if you think it hasn’t arrived, and then you just haven’t realized it yet. That’s what I would tell people

HHG: Wait, I have to ask for the fans. When is the album dropping? (Laughs)

BR: (laughs) The album is coming Spring 2010. We’re gearing up for it now. We’re getting everything ready. We’re getting everything in shape. We’re getting the music right, and everything is ready to hit the press. I feel like its perfect timing.

HHG: Any last words

Just check me out on twitter. Twitter.com/bobatl or @bobatl

Ballerstatus Exclusive Interview: 5 Minutes W/Dwight Howard

Last season, Dwight Howard was subjected to criticism for his lack of consistency from the line, and of course, his abysmal outing in the finals. With Kobe being Kobe, he,and the Lakers, shattered the Magic's hope of conquering their first NBA title. Still, Superman wasn't deterred by the loss. In D-Wade fashion--Dwight acknowledged if you fall seven times, you have to get up eight--and that's what he and the Magic, intend to do this upcoming season. I was able to speak to Dwight for Ballerstatus' 5 Mins With Section, and get his insight for this season.

BS: Dwight, last year, your team suffered heartbreak in the Finals losing to the Lakers in 5. How do you try to overcome the adversity, and come back to win this year?

DH: Well this year, we’re going to try to have a different outcome to make it to the finals. Our goal is to win a championship, and I’m going to do whatever I can to help my team get back to that moment. And, hopefully, the outcome—definitely like I said—the experience, the journey, and everything that I went through last season is something that I’ll never forget.

BS: With the addition of Vince Carter, and the lost of Hedo Turkoglu, people have said the lost of Hedo’s leadership may cause some chemistry issues. What do you think Vince could bring to the table to balance that?

DH: Vince is one of those guys that we’re looking for to just be aggressive on both ends of the floor. We’re hoping he could do that offensively and defensively. I think he’s going to just to put us in another group throughout this season I mean, we’ve added Matt Barnes—who is a great defender. We’ve added Brandon Bass—he’s a horse in the paint. We have guys here I believe could help get us get to the next level.

BS: Dwight, even though you’re considered the premiere center in the league, on several occasions, you’ve admitted that you don’t believe you’re quite there. Why do you believe you’re not 100% there?

DW: I don’t still think I’m quite there. I know I have a long way to go. I’m still young, I’m still learning the game of basketball, and it’s just a matter of time before I believe I hit my peak. I mean as of right now, I’m still just learning basketball. I’m 23, and I have a long way to go.

BS: Since I’m pressed for time, Dwight before I go, what team do you play with in Live?

DW: The Magic of course! Who else am I supposed to play with? (laughs)

BS: I’m just saying man—I don’t think it’s fair with you dunking all the time.

DW: (laughs) Nah I let Jameer [Nelson] do the dunking. I shoot all the threes.

BS: I appreciate the time Dwight. Good luck this season.

DW: No problem. Thanks for having me.

Ballerstatus Com Interview : Claude Kelly : I Love My Job

I love my job. Not a lot people could rightfully say those four words without cringing, or vehemently throwing a temper tantrum reminiscent of Tommy from the Rugrats. It’s hard for someone to fall in love with a J-O-B, if the intrigue has simmered down, or, if the passion has passed its stages of amorous infatuation, and has entered a dead end.

Songwriter, Claude Kelly, has been in a long relationship with music since his day of birth. Singing at an early age, enabled Claude to venture into the Never land of music, and segue his way into songwriting. Penning for the likes of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Akon, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson & more, has allowed Claude to develop a love that not too many have with their day jobs.

In this one-on-one interview with Ballerstatus, Claude revealed his love for music, writing in different genres, writing for the late Michael Jackson, and whether he’s ready for a music career of his own.

BS: Can you give the readers some insight, as far as who you have worked with in your career?

CK: Sure. I’ve worked with Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Leona Lewis, Akon, R. Kelly—just to name a few.

BS: Being able to write for different artists of different genres today is such a rarity. How important do you think it is to be versatile when becoming a songwriter?

CK: I think it’s the main part of being a songwriter. If you don’t know how to flip, and work with different sounds, then that could be a disadvantage. It’s been special for me to work with Britney Spears, and then, a couple days later, work with Akon. Just being able to jump genre to genre is real important today, especially when you know your homework.

BS: Do you have preference as far as genre when writing?

CK: You know, I don’t really have a preference, because there are some things with each genre I love. I’ve listened to every kind of music, which I think is responsible, for the way I write right now. But, I think variety is best, because I get bored quickly. So, if I do straight R&B for too long, I’ll get out there and throw a rock track, or a pop record. I kind of love them all honestly.

BS: That’s interesting, because what still bugs me out is, how you’re able to jump from one spectrum, consisting of the Britney Spears, the Miley Cyrus’, & the Kelly Clarksons, to the Akons, the Whitney Houstons, & the Michael Jacksons. What’s your thought process behind that?

CK: It’s really a reflection of what I’ve been listening to be honest with you. I grew up in New York City, and at that time, I’ve heard all those different genres at once. In the 80’s and 90’s, I think that’s when music was super popping. I was really into the Rock-Alternative, Hip-Hop. So I grew up as fan of every different kind of music. So it isn’t as hard for me. I know some writers are good just at one genre, because they really have just a specialty. For me, I really try to be diverse in all of them. It all turns my head. Like, doing a rock type of record is natural for me as doing an R&B record.

BS: I know Michael Jackson was a huge inspiration for you.

CK: Absolutely. He was the king of blending genres. You couldn’t really categorize his records. You couldn’t say it was an R&B record, a Hip-Hop record, or a Rock record. His songs would have Rock guitars, and pop drums.

BS: Where were you on the day of his passing?

CK: I was actually in New York, and on the computer reading my emails. When I looked on the TV, and the Internet, I just didn’t believe it for a couple of hours. I was actually in shock for the first few days. That was the biggest lost in the music industry—possibly one of the biggest losses ever—if not, over the past 30 years—because he was that influential.

BS: It’s crazy, because just recently, I realized, you wrote the “Hold My Hand” record for Mike, and Akon. What was the process for writing that song?

CK: You know it was real unfortunate that though I wrote the song, I was never able to work him in person. As for the process of the song—I wrote the song, and Akon produced the track. This track was supposed to go in the direction of Whitney Houston; so that questions out why I was writing songs for Whitney Houston, so I was sort of hoping you caught that. As for the song, it sort of got bigger, and bigger. Since Akon produced it, he heard it, and loved it. So he decided to use it. At the time, he and Michael were working on some new music. Michael heard it, and loved it. He wanted it done right away. By the time it was done, it became a duet with Michael & Akon on it, and I had backgrounds on there still. It was beautiful accident basically. I’m really grateful to say that. I thank god. I lived a dream even though I wasn’t able to meet him.

BS: That’s an interesting story. You know, with you working with all these big time artists in the studio, was there ever a time you sat back and watched as a fan, more than a songwriter, or just a fellow co-worker?

CK: You know, I rarely get star struck. When I’m in the studio, I normally have my game face on so strong. My goal is to get the most possible performance out ever, and you really can’t do that if you’re a fan. There’s always a time afterwards—always after wards—never in the moment, because there’s no time to do that in the studio when you’re trying to get everything done. You know, Whitney Houston was definitely one of them. Another one was R.Kelly, which I’m an equal fan of as well, and I’ve worked with him. I think he’s dropping October 13th, but, like I said, that’s all afterwards, when the music is done.

BS: You spoke slightly on this in regards to Whitney Houston. I was reading a quote, and she was praising you as far as your skills are concerned. Have you ever thought about taking it a step further, and pursue a career of your own rather than songwriting?

CK: I definitely think that would be a natural progression. I wouldn’t want to force anything. I’m a singer at heart, and a singer at birth. I’ve actually been singing longer than I’ve been writing because singing was my first love. I mean, if the opportunity was right, and I had a great team behind me, backing me up, then absolutely.

BS: Since we’re speaking hypothetically, who would you want to be on your album?

CK: Oh man. (laughs) That’s the hard part because I’ve worked on so many albums. It’s like: “Who do you have? Who do you not piss off?” It would be hard. I would have to do a triple disc. I don’t know. But, another thing is, I have so much to say myself, that I might do it with no features. But, we’ll see—time will tell. Actually, ask me that question when I’m cutting it.

BS: (Laughs) I’m going to hold you to it.

CK: Trust me. I want you too. (laughs)

BS: I got you. As far as songwriting is concerned though, has there ever been a time you were like: “Oh. I don’t feel like going to work today. I don’t feel like writing this type of song.” Did that ever happen to you at one point?

CK: Never. I always try to remind myself that so much given much is required. I definitely feel like I’ve been given a gift in music with my voice, and writing. I have an awesome job. I have no room—no place—to be complaining. If yo’reu doing what you love, you shouldn’t be complaining period. I’m so grateful that I’m doing what I love, and what I love is able to pay the bills, so no complaints here.

BS: Speaking of paying the bills, I need some confirmation on this one: Do songwriters get paid more than artists on a track?

CK: Uhhh. That’s actually a question I can’t answer, because I don’t know. I mean there’s so many different ways to make money. Obviously you have your publishing, but artists have the touring, the marketing, and all those types of stuff. That’s a good question, because I don’t have the answer to that one…(pauses) That doesn’t say hit songs doesn’t make money for everybody.

BS: That’s fair enough. As for writing a song for someone else, have you ever implemented your own personal experiences into the records you’ve written?

CK: All the time, all the time. I mean I’ve written stuff that I’ve gone through and what my friends have experienced. Like I don’t try to make the record be about me when I’m writing it, but if I hear a crazy story about a relationship issue, then it’s going to be in a song. Sometimes television helps too. If I saw a storyline or something from a movie, I might just write a song after that.

BS: Have you ever written a song, and afterward, you were like: “This song could possibly be the soundtrack to my life?”

CK: You know what, I don’t think that song has been written yet, and you know why? It’s because I’m constantly growing, and evolving everyday with every song I write. I mean, there are definitely aspects as for songs that I’ve written where I could relate to, and some that I can’t. But, there’s always a little piece of me in every song I write or it wouldn’t’ be real.