Curren$y Interview: HipHopGame.Com

HHG: First off, on the snippets for This Ain't A Mixtape, one line that caught me was, "Watch Brian to hear the peanut butter and jelly song." I'm assuming you're a big Family Guy fan?

CY: Yeah I love Family Guy. Who doesn't? You know I watch it all the time. High or not. It's good material. It doesn't really matter if you're high or not to watch because Family Guy is quality programming either way.

HHG: You said you're rarely found clubbing because DJ's are hating on you. Do you feel the DJ's are particularly responsible for this hip-hop recession?

CY: Nah. I mean they gotta play what's hot. It's their job to make people move. You know whatever is hot--if the general public like a certain thing, they gotta just play that stuff. The only thing I feel is that it's bigger than that. I feel like some DJ's they could give people a shot though. Instead of just playing some other shit, they gotta look for what's new. They gotta take what's being sent to them. That's part of the machine(record labels). They have to work under the machine. At the same time, you [DJs'] have to look for that shit too man. They gotta bring it back to how it was.

HHG: I remember DJ's back in the day, it wasn't even about playing the hottest single.

CY: Right. They were records like "Oh you didn't hear this. You don't know this." It was whatever was the new shit. It's that shit. Original shit..... The way it is right now man, the system, the only way they get through, the only thing the machine isn't filtering out, is the stuff that's out. So you gotta sound like that, to get in. You know what I'm saying? But, the DJs, I feel like with some DJ's--who I'm not saying are all guilty--but some DJ's instead of just playing what's given to them, they have to do some looking too.

HHG: Like get in touch with everything?

CY: Yeah man, they gotta get in touch with everything. There's all kinds of people bro. That's why I just be saying some DJ's are hating because they ain't really taking a chance to be one with music.If you a DJ, you gotta at least play what you feel. I think some DJ's are guilty of not even being true to themselves. You gotta play what you feel. I'm always gonna rep what I want. You gotta be true.

HHG You have the Mythblazers going on at The Smoking Section. Would you take part in the Smoke-A-Thon, with Juelz, B-real, and Snoop?

CY: Oh I would love to do that! I would prefer to smoke joints though man. Blunts be real hard on you dog. So that might just disqualify me, but I would love to get in it. So you know, line it up bro.

HHG:So is that an open invite?

CY: Yeah if it's going down, come on man, I'm with it.

HHG: A lot of artists get high to record tracks because they feel free and are at their highest peak of creativity. Do you feel you're at your record at your best when you're high?

CY: I don't know. This is why I don't know no more. Last year i took a little break, and stopped smoking because i was recording a mixtape. Some of that shit i recorded were like some super Kill Bill shit. So I'm like I don't know no more. I would rather be high cuz I'm comfortable.

HHG: You know what would be cool? If you did like a show with Bam Magera or like of of those dudes from Jackass mixed with Mythblazers. Would something like that interest you, if that came about?

CY: Yeah man! Yeah! You know what's funny bro? You remember X Games two years ago when Travis Pastrana did like two flips with the motorbike, broke records, and all that kind of shit? That's my homie, so I don't mean to downplay what he did. He called me, and wanted me to sit in a car, while he jumps over the it, and I FUCKING missed out! I was in New Orleans, and I was wrapped up. I didn't get the message because it was too late.

HHG:On a serious note, when you look at Young Money right now, Wayne gave them a lot of play on the Dedication mixtape. The album is on the way too. Do you feel Wayne didn't show as much attention to you as he does to his artists now like drake, and Jae Millz?

CY: Well I haven't been really watching that situation, you know what I'm saying? At the same time, if that's the case, it's understandable because now he has a different spot in his career. He's done so much shit, and had so much problems, he probably had some time to do it now. What I can tell you is, This Ain't No Mixtape will be out in March. (laughs)

HHG: With This Ain't No Mixtape, why did you decide to push this album independent, rather than shop it around with some major labels?

CY: It's like what i saying about the machines bro. I don't know if you heard the snippets of the album, but i played the snippets for quite a few majors. Everybody agreed that it was great music, and they made offers, but it was like DID YOU HEAR THE RECORDS!?!? Are you sure that you heard them? I figured that nobody really knows what we're trying to do for us. So actually with the way it's going is, I'm going to drop This Ain't No Mixtape, which is totally produced by Monsta Beats. It's like I came over here bro honestly to do a couple records to round out my shit, and the sounds was so me. They actually threw in some different sounds where i did so much shit, and to try to pick which one I would go with, and we were like we got one here. As far as the machine (record labels) and all that goes, I'm gonna build my own machine man. Like I know where all my fans at, all my followers. They already understand that they don't hear the real shit on regular channels, or avenues no more. They know when they turn on the radio, they ain't gonna hear that shit. Thank God, Wale, & Charles Hamilton are on MTV Jams man. That's the highlight of my day. To see some people that were on the cover with me (XXL Magazine), and represent this new shit. Both them boys got videos.

HHG: It's good to see you guys like Charles, Wale and the other rappers from the XXL cover for the new school can have such a camadaire. People would expect you guys to bump heads, have egos, and clash.

CY: Because we all here for the greater good. Like I was a fan of rap when I was younger. I always tell people if I was a kid right now, I wouldn't want to be a rapper, because I don't really like the state of the game. I don't really like the music. When I was in school doing my thang, I knew a bunch of shit, but through music, i was hearing intelligent music. The Tribe was out. Camp Lo was out. All kind of shit was out. I feel like all the people on that cover, they were all fans of that era too. I met everybody. So we all talked, and had a chance to see what's real. I just wanna see everybody do there shit, because I know they're thinking the same thing. So when I see Wale's video, B.O.B's video, Charles Hamilton's video, it feels like I'm watching my shit, cuz these are the same people who graduated with me. Like the same class, you know? But I think my way to do it is the way I even got my buzz. I was just dolo man. I had to break away from a situation that people felt was better for me, because of how much limelight i coulda been getting. But a part of that, wasn't mine. I gotta get mine. I feel like there's no room for egos, we just trying put the game at a different state than what it is right now.....

HHG:You had the "Where The Cash At" single with Wayne and Remy. The record did receive pretty good feedback. What happened to prevent your project from going further man?

CY: I don't know.(long pause) I don't know. I don't know yo. I ain't really try to figure it out. It's just once i realized the car wasn't moving no more...

HHG: Do you feel like it was a sense of selfishness from Wayne's end?

CY: I feel what you saying. I just don't know man. I ain't even to figure that out. I wish I had the answer for you man, but for you to recognize that there was a situation, that shows there obviously was something. I didn't look to figure it out. I was like "Well ok, there's no gas in this car, so I just gotta switch whips and go." I don't really know. At the end of the day, that's why there's no love lost.

HHG: I've heard since December you had over 200 records stashed away. Any particular reason as to why you're hidding so many tracks from the public?

CY: Just because I put some much stuff out on the mixtape. I felt like I needed to stock up on some original shit. I had people gearing up for this album. I was recording with different producers, and that's why I had so many records. I told you, I only wanted two tracks from Monsta Beats, where I got seven instead, and it gotten to a point, where it ended up being amazing. That's why I got so many records. For each situation I was going into, the music I was bringing, I was gearing up. I got a ton of shit.

HHG: So after this album, are you just going to release those tracks on mixtapes?

CY: Yeah what i think I'ma do man is once i put this(This Ain't No Mixtape) out, and we start working on other projects, I'll start putting those records out. It's just I'm sitting on them right now, and it only gets better with age. So it's alright.

HHG: Fly Soceity is name of your movement. How important is it to secure a comfortable place in terms of a label in order for Fly Soceity to grow?

CY: It's the only objective. That's why I haven't signed a deal yet. Everything gotta be straight. I want my dudes to have production shits. I want these niggaz to have deals for their shits.

HHG: So is the plan to basically to become successful, break into mainstream and then emerge as a CEO?

CY:That's all in the plan man. I've been taking bumps and bruises since forever with this rap shit. So I've really seen a lot. Really my plan bro is to drop a classic underground album that then will bubble onto the mainstream. Then my lane will be called, and then that lane will be called for all my friends, because we're all on the same level just trying to bring that real music. Then maybe I'll just do two more albums. I'm not saying like over a span of how many years or whatever. I'm not going to be rapping for a long time.

HHG: Did being on the cover of XXL bring additional pressure in terms of succeeding this year?

CY: Hell yeah man! I don't want to be on that motherfucker at the end of year. You know when they do the cover again, they'll also follow up on us, and give us progress reports.They're not going to be like "Oh well, Curren$y got the cover, and fucking stopped making tapes. He fucking didn't do shit" So nah man, "Spitta got the cover. Spitta hooked up with Monsta Beatz. Spitta put out a Independent album--underground, digitally". That's what it's going to say.

HHG: On another serious note. When you were with Young Money, a lot people linked you and Wayne as like one of the same, because you guys had vastly similar styles. During the time you were there, Tha Carter II was out. Did you write any tracks for Wayne on Tha Carter II?

CY: I did not write any portion of Tha Carter II. I'm a cool guy man. My presence is a motherfucker.

HHG: On the Dedication 3 mixtape, there was a skit, in which it sounded like Wayne was throwing shots at you. What did you think about that?

CY: Yeeaah. I heard it. First, I heard about it, cuz then i didn't really care to hear it. Then I heard it, because I wanted to make my own personal decision on how I felt. But I'ma say, I don't think that's for me. I've been gone for fucking two years. I don't even think it was about me. When did that album come out[Tha Carter II]? 05-06? So I don't think in 2008, he would direct his skits at me. I'm chilling.

HHG: You don't take anything to heart do you?

CY: I'm going to keep doing my shit bro. I figure the reason I don't get so out the way and shit, is cuz like as long as I keep doing what I'm doing, you can't deny the shit. No matter what you have preconceived for me. People write me off, but once they hear the shit, there's nothing they can do. I'm just waiting in the pocket. I'm chilling. I already have Lambogini Keys in my pockets in my mind man. (laughs)

HHG: So how's 09 is going to be your year?

CY: Because we just gon do this shit ourselves. When you doing the shit yourself, its yours. So everyday, and every minute of this year, we're going to be doing it ourselves. Therefore, we own everyday of every moment this year. This Ain't A Mixtape album In March Homie.

HHG: Any parting words for the fans?

CY: March man, This Ain't No Mixtape, totally produced by Monsta Beatz. TK, his hew Supra shoe will be out soon. We have pictures up on his mixtape. We having the sour diesel. We having a good time. We rap, hustle, and we're doing it independent. Credit Spitta for repping New Orleans hard. You could print that.

Juelz Santana Interview ( HipHopGame.Com)

HHG: Funny thing is, I was on WorldStar the other day, and I was looking through the videos. You said you were the first rapper with the Dodge Challenger a couple months back. I'm curious to know, are there any new toys you got right now that these rappers ain't up on yet?

JS: You wanna know what's funny? Ain't too many cars come out. I'm waiting for the new big, big toys to come out. You know the Lamborghinis, the new bodies of the Phantom, the new bodies of the Bentleys. Ain't nothing intrigue me lately. You know I got a lot of toys. I'm real young you know? I feel like I'm a hated dude already. I mean I'm 26. I just turned 26 last week. I got a Rolls Royce. I was already ahead of the game with the cars. Even the Challenger, I felt like that was something extra. You know I was always in love with the muscle cars. Ain't too many toys that intrigue me. I like that Audi though. That R8. I really dig it though. I'm just plotting right now.

HHG: You know how and you were Jimmy were big on the phrase "Ballin". I know you guys have "Splash" too. Are there any new lingo you guys have now for 09?

JS: Oh yeah. We have Sheesh.

HHG: What's that? (laughs)

JS: It's just Sheesh. Yaaa Diigg. It's like when you see something crazy, you go Sheeeshh.

HHG: Cool. Well recently I interviewed Curren$y, and he was interested in the Smoke-a-Thon. What's going on with that?

JS: You know, I had mentioned the Smoke-A-Thon thing to my man who reached out on the internet. It came about when I was telling him how I love to smoke, and he got me and Snoop together. But, it kind of got blown up real fast. People on the internet took it, and made it seem like it was going to be some big Smoke-A-Thon. At the end of the day we're artists. Having a Smoke-A-Thon is illegal. People at the end of the day were kind of implicating. That's why you ain't never really see any more blogs from me. I wanted to sit down and do it the right way with Snoop. You know, maybe get a movie deal on some Chi-Chi-Chong type of shit ya dig? Cuz I would love to do it the way it has been promoted, but realistically it'll never happen without 100's of people getting arrested. So we need to figure out a new way to do that. I'm trying to reach out to my man Snoop, and hopefully we could do it the right way. We could get some cameras out there, and make it right.

HHG: Let's switch gears real quick and talk about SkullGang. I know you've been pushing the group real hard. What's been going on in terms of an album?

JS: It feels like an album came out. We just put the mixtape out. We're working on a compilation mixtape with Koch right now, that's scheduled to come out in like April. I'm still figuring out how we're going to do it. We just doing up the streets right now. I got my mixtape coming out. Shout out to the Boss Mob Entertainment. They're coming up. They're my niggas. You know what I'm saying.

HHG: What's the name of the mixtape you're going to be dropping?

JS: My mixtape is called the Reagan Era. It's called the Reagan Era. Reagan Era (Better Late Then Never). You know what I'm saying? I had people waiting for a long time. I felt like you know it's only right. Believe me though; it's going to feel like an album. It's going to be a real spectacle. Listen man. This is free pay-per-view man. There's no reason to change the channel. There's no reason to pay for basic cable no more.

HHG: Being that Skullgang is led by you; have you tried to implement some of the things that made Dipset into this group?

JS: No and yes. When I say no, it's as far as me creating another Dipset. At the end of the day, we still fly high. How can I try to create something that's already here? Something that's so unique? Even the sound. For one, we have an R&B artist that's in Skullgang. Diplomats had none. I have a dude from VA representing the south named Richmond Rabb. I have a dude from Queens. As you can see right there, there's nothing I was formatting together, like an electronic copy of Dipset. I knew at the end of the day, we were the only ones that could do the things we did as Diplomats. It was just all about me growing, and eventually being my own boss. Jim has Byrdgang. When I say rep, some of the ways I did it was more or less like business ways then regular strategies that I knew worked for us in the game as far as work ethic. As far as putting out material. As far as doing things that other people are not doing. Doing those things; Attacking those things. That's why we worked real hard with the internet. A lot of our buzz came from that because we attacked it so hard. We did a whole lot of videos. I did the Santanuary. You know what I'm saying. Right now we're gearing up for March Madness. I have a lot of good talented people around me that understand the game, which is a beautiful thing. I'm just happy for that. That's why I say Yes and no as far as me trying to implicate any of the things of Dipset. I do as far as work ethic, but not as far as trying to copy what the Diplomats is. That's why I tell people, even though me and Cam are not doing business, I'm still Diplomat for life. I'm never going no where. I just can't do bad business. If you can't respect me for that, then you just can't respect me.

HHG: What intrigues people is how do you deal with the distractions in terms of the Max B situation?

JS: Nothing really distracts me because you know as far as Max B, he can't really say anything about me anyway. I've never really been around the dude like that. I don't know him. He more or less has feelings for Jim. For anything to be said about me, it just rolls off my shoulders. I know where it’s coming from. You know sometimes people tend to say things just because they want to affiliate my name because it sounds good. He was never a distraction for me. Never. The only distraction I ever had was the bad business situation I was in which was stagnating me from being on all the features I wanted to be on, and making the news I wanted to make. As far as dudes talking on the sidelines, I honestly don't pay them no mind. At the end of the day, I deal with reality. I deal with real situations. I know how much the internet hurts people. So me commenting on anything, or trying to come back at somebody just gives them the power of what they need to get more attention. I never really responded to too much of nothing on the internet. I just produce my own cartel which is flyness. Swaggeriffic. You're not going to see me boasting or talking a whole lot of non sense on the internet. One dude asked me over the internet, the one time I was on Myspace, he says "Yo Juelz, I keep seeing the same cars in these videos man like the Phantoms, and the Bentleys." I say "Yeah because they're mine." If I was renting them, then of course I could put a different car. I'm trying to show you what's real. I'm not trying to fabricate to you. I could show you the title. The bank receipts. Not the Bank lease. Some niggas got bank receipts, and some niggas got the lease. I got the bank receipt nigga. Stop playing with me. I tell niggas " I don't get a car note. I get a notice. The cars paid for, and I already know this.

HHG: As far as the distractions, normally a lot of rappers would air these issues on wax. What prevented you from doing that?

JS: I can't pay these dudes no attention. If I was to jump, and get in the mist of fire with anybody, it would have to be somebody real deep. When I say real deep, I'm not trying to discredit anybody, but I'm not going to give anybody some unnecessary attention. If I feel like there's a reason for me to address you--if there's something that's bothering me--because when these dudes talk, it doesn't really bother me. That shit just go in one ear, and out the other. I understand. I understand what cameras do. See I'm a nigga that thinks a lot. I understand what cameras do to people when they get cut on. I understand how a person could be one way when a camera is not on, but just be a totally different person when the camera is on because I understand these type of things. It's the people that don't understand those types of things like, I know one thing. I'm the type of person, I always take 24 hours to do anything. You know how people see something on the internet, then they might call their man an hour later and be like "Yo I need to do this response real quick." I always give myself 24 hours before I do anything. It's just like if somebody comes up to you and slaps ya man. You always react. The best reaction comes 24 hours later when you already thought about it, because you get to really think. You get to think about all the outcomes like "Yeah I could go pop his head off." Cuz listen if I'm going to address some shit, it's going to be some shit. Only reason I didn't address the me and Cam situation for so long was because people kept asking me about certain things like "Well you know we're not doing business together. What? You're just not going to say nothing?" Yo I gave people a little bit of what they want, and I still didn't even get into a quarter of the story. At the end of the day, my career isn't built on controversy. My career is built on being an artist.

HHG: I noticed like you happened to be real big on loyalty. In a past interview I read how you said you could only be loyal for so long.

JS: Yeah there's a thin line between loyalty, and stupidity man. I was loyal for a long time, and being stupid because, for awhile I knew what was going on too, and I still didn't address it. I didn't know how to address it without it like getting to a point like it's at now in terms of doing business together. I was being stupid for awhile trying to be loyal. It was like my manhood was taking over. If we were really suppose to be brothers then how could you do your brother like that.

HHG: An average person could have been able to tell that something was up between you guys, because the only real feature people heard you on during that time was Wayne's "You Ain't Got Nuthin".

JS: Definitely. You know I was stagnant. I couldn't do a lot of the features and shit, but that's neither here or there. I'm free. I'm more than happy right now. I'm so far ahead of the game. Like I said, I'm in boss position right now. I'm 26 years-old. I know so much. There's a lot of niggas scared of me. They know I'm in a great position right now. I'm just going to take advantage of the position I'm in now. I'm not really going to dwell on the past. I'm not going to be harboring over what happened. I gotta worry about what needs to happen, and what's going to happen. At the end of the day, I wish Cam the best of luck in his endeavor. I'm not trying to start another Dipset. I'm just trying to do me. I'm trying to help the people around me. You know, give them the opportunity to not treat them the way I was treated. At the end of the day, it's not going to be easy for him to get out, and create a Dipset.

HHG: Funny thing is, the other day, Cam was on MTV speaking on how he spoke to everyone including Jimmy, but today, Jim comes out, and denies a conversation even taking place.

JS: Yo I can't even comment on that for the simple fact that I don't know. I don't know what happened either. When I heard the comment of him speaking to Jim, I heard it the same way. I'm sure Jim would have probably called me, and let me know if he spoke to him. Then I heard the same thing you heard, because you know, things happen so fast. You know, Jim is gearing up for his album right now. So we don't even get to see each other a lot since he's on his promotions tour, and I'm in the studios working on so much shit. But like he said, I haven't spoken to him.

HHG: The thing that confuses people since you guys portrayed such a brotherhood, is what keeps brothers from talking for so long?

JS: You know what I think it really is. I think it's easier to talk to somebody when you kind of expected to. It's like when you don't expect nothing from your brother that's what makes it so hard. That's what people always think. Like "Damn, if it's such a brotherhood--which is true when you really think about it, then it should be easier for people to get over it. That's what kind of makes it harder my nigga. It's like when you sit there and you don't really expect nothing. It's like if you with the new nigga that you just met yesterday, and he runs from a fight, but you with your man that you knew for ten years, and he runs from a fight, you might be speaking to that nigga you met yesterday. At the end of the day, he might say "Yo, I'm not built like that. I'm a punk. I wasn't ready for that type of shit." But your man, it's just like nah. That's what I think makes it much harder, the fact that it's coming from somebody that you just don't expect, and that you just hear. It’s just harder to believe that they would put you in that situation.

HHG: Switching gears. When you made the track Who Am I off the Diplomatic Immunity album, did you feel like people didn't understand you, or there's a misconception about you?

JS: I don't think there's too much of a misconception about me. I feel like you know I have yet for people to tell people who I totally am. I don't think there's a big misconception. I don't think people say too many misconstrued things about Juelz. I don't, I really have such a label on me being a great artist that hasn't gotten the proper shine he deserves. Besides that, I don't think they've gotten to know me enough.

HHG: Another track is the Lil' Boy Fresh off your last album. You delved into the harsh realities of the streets. How important is it for you to expose that in your music?

JS: Oh man it's beautiful. That's where I come from. That song is actuality based on a movie, and a reality. It was like a movie I've seen that was so similar to a reality that I knew. The movie was called Fresh. That story was so similar to a story so close to home. That's just the art of music. I'm an artist that just puts real content; and not really beat around the bush too much. Of course it’s entertainment. I may do things that are eye candy, but at the end of the day, I definitely feel that I'm one of those artists that's more real, and adds more content to the music.

HHG: I've been hearing that you've been getting your Will Smith on with acting.

JS: Yeah. I did a little test runs with the acting. You know, reading scripts, and trying out. The movie I actually did was about 3 1/2 years ago. It was a movie called The Project. It was real low budget. I just came and read my lines on the spot. They said it won a couple little awards in the film festival. I haven't actually seen the finished product yet. I'm definitely going to be branching out on everything. You know, I'm a fly guy. I'm from Harlem. So I definitely have that Diddy run. I wanna have one of the biggest labels, which I wanna do with SkullGang. I wanna make that like a Bad Boy. That's what I want to do with Skull Gang. I want to make it how Death Row was. It's more like a label. It's not like a crew. It is a crew in the music, but at the end of the day, it is a certified label.

HHG: Speaking of certified labels, you're now at Def Jam with the likes of Nas, Fabolous, Jeezy & Ludacris. How important is it for you to make sure you're a priority instead of being a disgruntled artist?

JS: I mean, pretty much, I like to lay a lot of my groundwork. I pretty much understand the linguistics of how a label works, even though they do have a lot of faith and belief in me. They feel I haven't reached that mark that I need to reach. I know a lot of the times the label waits for the artist to lay out that ground work down. If you're an artist that waits for the label, then you're going to run into those troubles sometimes. So me, I'm always going to get myself hot. Just keep the ball rolling for me. That's what they like to do. That's what they wanna do. They're not really sacrificing a lot. So you gotta sacrifice it. That's my motto right now: Sacrifice for what I believe in. I believe in me. I believe in SkullGang. So if I gotta sacrifice what I got for what I believe in then fine. That's one area I think missing from the game. People sacrificing what they believe in.

HHG: Speaking of the game, because I know you've been watching from the sidelines the past couple of years, what is your outlook on the game?

JS: Ah man.

HHG: You don't sound to pleased (laughs)

JS: It's not too pleasing. You know, it's different. That's all I could really say. It's different. You know I'm young artist. I came in listening to hip-hop. I was a hip-hop head even when I was on the corner in the streets. So I definitely know the essence of hip-hop from the start to where it's at now.

HHG: The people have been dying to know. When are you and Wayne going to drop I Can't Feel My Face?

JS: I'm not even going to promote it no more. I'm done promoting that album. Not in a bad way but, you know, the album is done, which I keep telling people. It's just the politics. I wish I could just give all the music out.

HHG: Why don't you guys just drop it as a mixtape if anything?

JS: Yeah we're gonna have to do that. I'm going to call Weezy and let him know that we gotta give it out. The music is going to get old. It's gonna get to the point that we're not going to want to put it out. So we might as well just do it. Like I tell people, the music is done, and that's the best thing about it.

HHG: Now as for Born To Lose, Built To Win. What's going on with that?

JS: Yeah, yeah. That's the prize right there. That's my Get Rich Or Die Tryin' right there.

HHG: Sounds like you're trying to bring about a classic?

JS: Yeah, yeah. I'm defnitely trying to bring that classic album. You know, something niggaz could bump for the next ten years. I feel like the title is so perfect. It definitely means a lot to me. It means a lot to everybody because that's a situation in that we're all born to lose man. You gotta build yourself to be a winner.

HHG: Any tracks, producers, or features you could mention?

JS: Stay tuned. That's all I could say. It's going to be a motivational album. When I say that, I mean for everybody who loves music. It's going to be a like a breath of fresh air.

HHG: Now, we're going to switch it back to Cam. The allegations that Cam said about you being addicted to syrup. What's up with that?

JS: As far as what? I told people. It's been out there. I was always drinking sizzurp. The syrup I wasn't addicted. As far as for him to say I was addicted, it was just stupid. I wasn't addicted, I was drinking it. I definitely drank it, when I felt like drinking it. The only thing that really made me upset about the whole thing was the fact that he tried to compare it to crack. As much as it offended me, it was kind of ignorant. I've been sitting in the studio sipping lean, and everybody as far as other artists might not have drank it, but asked like "let me see what that is." Those were like big artists. I don't think if I pulled out a crackpipe in the middle of a session, and started smoking, niggas would be like, "Yo let me get that." For him to compare it to something like crack is like come on now. It's like you just trying to pull wool over the people's eyes. I wasn't addicted, but yeah I drank it. I don't drink liquor. I never popped a pill. I know niggas that popped pills. I never popped pills. He acted like I was out there doing wild drugs. Like come on man. Get the fuck out of here. I was really offended. I actually haven't drank sizzurp in the past two years, but Weed I'm addicted too. (laughs)


Link: http://www.hiphopgame.com/index2.php3?page=juelzsantana2

Joe Budden's Padded Room Review (Ballerstatus.Com)

The man who was dubbed the "Pump It Up" guy has entered a psychiatric ward. Why? Joe's candid lyrics, and ruminative testimonies has enabled him to be hip-hop's martyr. With the culture allergic to in depth lyricism, Joe has decided to play doctor, and proceed with the arduous task of trying to find the cure on Padded Rooms.
The intro titled "Now I Lay" finds an upgraded Joe Budden. With slicker flows, and seamless verses eligible for the New Testament, Budden shows he has reinvented himself for haters as Joe Budden 2.0. The precocious songwriter would also showcase his storytelling abilities on "In My Sleep" and "Exxxes". Joe's vivid imagination on "In My Sleep" provides a Vanilla Sky-esque outlook on life, while "Exxes" finds him in predictments with a female. Knowing Budden, this song has a deeper meaning which he leaves for the listeners to think about. Budden's honesty goes on a different level when he reveals his desire of having his son aborted on "I Couldn't Help It." While the lyrics are undeniably on par, Budden's biggest flaw has been, and remains, his lack of production. With lackluster production, Joe was better off using Soundclick beats to complete this album. The hook on "If I Gotta Go" is harsh on the ears, while "Adrenaline" sounds out of place in Joe's quest for a masterpiece.

Overall, Joe's second effort after 6 years shows a well-groomed lyricist capable of paddling in the streams off success. With stronger producers, Budden has the ability to be mentioned in the same breath as Jay-Z. For now, Joe can be looked upon as the Phantom with worn-out rims ready to be polished.

3.5/5.0
http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/reviews/2009/02/6403/

Musical Menu Short On Hip-Hop(BlackCollegeView.Com)

By Carl Lamarre
Howard University News Service


The all-star line-up for the kick-off concert Sunday celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama is a musical stew heavy on R&B blended with country, rock, classical and pop. But there’s a missing ingredient.

President-elect Obama had Jay-Z on his I-Pod.e feigned flicking Dirt off Your Shoulders at a campaign rally in Raleigh, N.C. and told Vibe that he is a fan of Kanye West. But not one Hip-Hop artist is on a list of scheduled performers that includes Beyonce, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, soprano Renée Fleming and U2’s Bono.

“Nah. I don't feel it’s a slight toward hip hop... Barack has been seen with numerous hip hop artists during his campaign,” said rapper Joe Budden. “ Never mind music, we’re witnessing history as well as being a part of it. For once can we take the attention off our selfish [expletive]… and think like adults..... Everything ain’t about rap.”

Detroit Rapper Trick Trick said he understood why artists like him were not invited to the stage for the free concert at the Lincoln Memorial. “I know I wouldn't be able to do it because my music is too hard for that kinda activity.”



The Hip Hop community’s affection for the president-elect did create a stir during the campaign when Atlanta rapper Ludacris’ released Politics, a song with these lyrics: “Hillary hated on you so that B---- is irrelevant.” The Obama campaign disavowed the song and labeled it offensive.

Jim Jones Interview(HipHopGame.com) Number 50 Kid!!!!

During the time I was in the studio with the capo himself, I learned Jim Jones is an interesting character. While he was annihilating dudes in the game Mortal Kombat , and yelling rambunctiously the phrase "FINISH HIM!", Jones had the time to do the interview with your boy. Shouts out to Dame Dash, Ryan Leslie(R.les, me and you know who killed that slim record lol), Stephen Victor, my man D. Chanda, and all the people at Koch who was there.

> HHG: "Pop Champagne" is doing real good right now. The single is buzzing.The video is receiving a good amount of plays. How do you feel about theresponse you've been getting?

>Jim Jones: Beautiful response man. It's what you want as far as you being anartist as far as coming out with a hit song, and being able to be associatedwith a great hit song. So you know how I'm feeling. You know Pray IV Reign,the new album. You guys look forward to that. I got some things coming onwith that for real.

>HHG: "Ballin" catapulted you to real big success. How do you feel whenpeople say oh he can't top ballin, and that will be his one and only hit?

>Jim Jones: I have nothing to say to the haters. I pay no mind I just keep itmoving. I'm just glad I'm on their mind nah mean, ya dig?

> HHG: Who is going to be featured on the album?

> Jim Jones: You know I got the whole Byrdgang. I got Ludacris, Busta.

> HHG: POME was a great body of work. It also had great productions on the album. Who can we expect this time around in terms of productions for Pray IV Reign?

> Jim Jones: I got Chink Santana, Ryan Leslie, Ron Browz, a couple new cats.

> HHG: Dipset is known for its anthems and like I said productions. How do you feel when people try to credit your success to the nice beats you have?

>Jim Jones: Whatever it maybe. As long as I get paid. (Laughs)

> HHG: Speaking of beats, was Kanye able to give that beat you were askingfor? Cuz I know you said you were going to whoop his ass if he didn't.

(Laughs)> Jim Jones: Nahhh. I'm looking for Kanye. (Laughs). Let me stop. Shouts outto Kanye. I fucks with Kanye. People always take my words, and take them outof context, but it was a joke.

> HHG: Recently Dame came out talked about the concert in Chicago, when Kanyewas supposed to receive his Roc-A-Fella chain, but jay refused to give him the chain. What's your take on that?

> Jim Jones: It wasn't as big as people thought. It was in the midst of medoing the interview. It was like a sidebar while I was on. So I don't reallywanna talk about that.

> HHG: In a video you recently were found at the club singing to Jays verse from Swagger Like Us.

> Jim Jones: And…

> HHG: People are a little confused.

> Jim Jones: Why? Because I like music..

> HHG: I mean on whether it's cool to be a fan of someone's music, and still dislike the person.

> Jim Jones: My personal grudge shouldn't have nothing to do with music yadig. But when he does make a wack verse or a wack song that makes me evenmore be like "Oh that shit was wack..", but when he does something good, howthe fuck can you hate?

> HHG: You're real big on swag. I know you felt Jay and TI didn't have swag in comparison to you. Who else do you feel in the game is being given creditfor possessing swag they don't really have like the capo himself?

> Jim Jones: I wasn't talking like Fuck T.I. I fuck with T.I. They took thatwrong. See I was just trying to make my point. When I say things I'm sort oflike a kid. I have no gage in what I say sometimes. I just talk in what Ifeel is the truth.

> HHG: The "Jacking Swagger From Us" record with Wayne & Twista is a goodrecord. How important do you feel swag is in the development of a rapper?

> Jim Jones: You gotta be cool. Cool has a lot to do with you being an artist. Music is a big component. If your point of view of fashion is not cool,and what kids wanna be, then there's a conflict there. All the rappers Iwanted to be like, I wanted to dress like them ya dig?

> HHG: You know you, Juelz, and Cam made a huge impact with the DiplomaticImmunity Albums. Aside from G-Unit, you guys were the only groupsrepresenting NY. So do you feel you guys set the standards as far rap groups?

> Jim Jones: I don't know if we set the standards. I'm just happy to say wewere one of the prominent rap groups of all rap history nah mean. I think wedid stand out like that.

>HHG: Speaking of Dipset, last week Luda came out and told BET that if there was one beef that he would want over, it would have to be the beef among The Diplomats. Is there a possiblity of the fans seeing you guys reunite for an album?

> Jim Jones: There's always a possibility.

> HHG: How did you feel when Cam sold Juelz to Def Jam for $2 million?

> Jim Jones: I don't think he sold anybody to anybody. I think it was abusiness move. I don't know if it was two mill but bottom line is Juelz didgood business to get out of his deal, and now he's his own boss. He has hisown ventures.

> HHG: When the last time you Spoke to Cam?

> Jim Jones: I can't say. I don't remember.>

HHG: You have had success with records like "What You Drankin On", "Love Me No More", "Reppin' Time", "Certified Gangsta", and of course "Ballin". Will this album push you over the top in terms of best rappers?

> Jim Jones: I mean that's the plan. You always want to be amongst the elite. I been doing this for a minute, and I've been putting a lot of work in so...i'm trying to make this album have real success as far as money is concerned.

>HHG: You see everyone is jumping ship and collabing with an R&B artist for a bestof both worlds type of album. What's the possibility of you and Trey Songzdoing an album together?

>Jim Jones: I don't know about me, and Trey. Shout outs to Trey. That's mylittle brother, but I know me and Ryan Leslie have a few songs. So we'llprobably do a little collabo together.

>HHG: Any last words for the fans?

>Jim Jones: Hey man, ya boy back out to play. There's been a lot of thingsgoing on that I don't really understand, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorrythese people have been misleading you, but you know, the truth is back, andwe gon' see if these niggaz are really who they say they are. This one is onme. Drinks on the house. Jonesss!

Alone(New Poem)

"Ya'll hail me as the greatest writer of the 21st Century I make some thought-provoking shit Ya'll question whether he falling off I'ma really confuse ya'll on this one" Jay-Z

You know honestly i haven't written a poem in ages, and i don't know something just came out of me with this one...i'm not taggin anyone...none of that...just my thoughts...pure emotion...comment if you want...idc...WRITING IS WHAT I DO HOMIE

What's alone...alone is being held captive by dreary nights, forcing yourself to adapt to the eerie aura that defines what you have become....what is alone?....alone is laying down with your eyes shut, scared to open because love is no longer vacant, and darkness appears to be a suitable fortress for you to relax....what is alone....alone is beyond cold...you become a stranger to warmth, and any other synonyms that opposes your current state....alone can be viewed as a demonic term and in the eyes of some, promote solace....but in the eyes of us loners....alone is virtually a word that we trust....because that word is the only thing associated to us...the word will never befriend us or judge us...alone is word that we cling to as a crutch...because in this cold world, that word is all we have....

Slim Of 112 Interview: Hi Haters (Ballerstatus.com)

Published: Monday - December 1, 2008

Words by Carl Lamarre

What else do you want from Slim? His prolific group 112 has sold over 20 million records worldwide, and with a bevy of awards, cemented themselves into legendary status. Still, haters appear to be creeping. With everybody proclaiming the demise of 112 imminent, rather than grab some Kleenex, Slim simply smiles and waves to the haters a la Maino.

Amid all the controversy, Slim was able to conjure up his solo debut album, titled Love's Crazy, out now. In a time where many artists fall short of reaching acclaimed success on charts, Slim's first single, "So Fly," proved to be resilient. Landing a top 10 R&B record, Slim's decision to go solo at his new home, Asylum Records, has proven to be golden. The young CEO of his new label, M3 Productions, sat down with BallerStatus to reveal, in a bar none interview, his reason for going solo, relationship with Diddy, current state of 112, and why Day 26 wouldn't have been relevant in the '90s.

BallerStatus.com: I know you must be feeling good. Love's Crazy is out.

Slim: Yeah man. The wait is finally over. Man it came out ... the timing of it was great. You know, "So Fly" maxed out to be a top 10 record. Then I had a second look with "Good Lovin'". It was added to the radio last week, and it was the number one added record in the United States. Then you drop the record, Love's Crazy, and I'm getting great reviews on it. So it's like, man I feel like a kid ten minutes before Christmas Eve. You know you're supposed to be sleeping, but I can't go to sleep.

BallerStatus.com: How was the process going into the studio different, knowing all the tracks you recorded were going to be done by only you, and not with the fellas?

Slim: That right there was a challenging situation because you know the sound of 112. It took four members to make that sound, so everybody had to play their part in order for each song to come out great. If one person was slipping on that situation, it dragged the situation. With my situation, I never really had to concentrate on things like background. I would add notes here and there, but never all by myself, where someone like Q, who mastered in background, would waltz through those situations. So of course, it's situations like that. It was a small challenge at first, but I definitely got over that rather quickly.

BallerStatus.com: That's real good. Well Slim, the fans are curious to know. Why did you decide to go solo now?

Slim: I never wanted to go solo to tell you the truth. I promised I never ever wanted to go solo. What I wanted was ... I wanted to start a label. I wanted to start a label and basically, what I wanted to do, was I wanted to run it the independent way. I wanted to run it the independent way, but have the same punch as a major label. I felt like this: music is changing. Things are evolving in the music industry. When you have things like the internet, and you're able to get to certain tracks, and download, what you need to do is stop complaining about it, and adapt to the situation. Adapt to the climate.With doing things independent, you know you could sell a fraction of what a major artist could sell, and you make way more money. I can tell you that because I been in the game for twelve years, I could tell you the break down from a major deal as opposed to an independent deal. Once you're working hand and hand, at the end of the day, it's how much money you spent out or the label spent out as opposed to how much money you bring in and put in your pocket. That's where it really matters. It's about how much money you put in at the end of the day, and in your pocket. Bump all the hype, and all the wild fame. I know artists right now, that in the region ... in the region of certain states that live better than major artists that been in the game for a very long time. So I decided to hang around them, and know what was I doing wrong. Like what's up? That's what was really attractive about the situation. Their knowledge of the game was uncanny. It was like what do I need to do? I shot my game up. I started really focusing, really learning, and studying what's been going on. That's how I got this label M3. I have a great partnership with Asylum records, and everything is going great.

BallerStatus.com: You know what's really interesting in regards to artists who are on independent labels as opposed to major labels, the first thing that came to my head was Ryan Leslie.

Slim: (laughs) Here we go. That's one of them. That's one particular person.BallerStatus.com: If you can, can you give several people who are making money that we don't necessarily hear of too often?Slim: The ones who are out of control, and on the independent status? Well that's great you called Ryan Leslie because Ryan Leslie ... with dude, people don't even know this, but he's fluent in different languages. I've heard his records, and I've heard an incredible record he's done in Dutch. The records that he's done on mixtapes for years in Germany, he's like P. Diddy over there. That's how I learned about him, and that's why I wanted to work him.If you look at E-40, and his situation. Go to his career, and you will see exactly what's going on. One of the main reasons that really caught my eye was when I was in the Bay area, and I was listening to E-40. E-40 has a show on Sunday. He had a show on Sunday, and they were really clowning this particular major artist because they sold a certain amount of records and got dropped (laughs). They were like "We sold that same amount of records, and you see how much money we've made." I was like "What in the world is going on?" Go check out how Slim Thug is living. I know. I've seen it myself. It is not a game.These dudes are really living this way, and they've sold fractions of what I've sold in my music career. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what you're bringing home to your family, and how you're living. It doesn't matter about how much hype and fame you got, because the bigger the hype and fame, the faster you appear on "Where are they now?"

BallerStatus.com: In the mid to late 90s, you had Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Next, and even B2k. My question is, why not go solo 5-10 years ago when competition was real stiff? The only competition as of now is Day 26, and they're new.

Slim: When 112 came out, 112's competition was Boyz II Men, Jodeci, and Mint Condition. We were like teenagers, and we managed to survive, weather, and sell the millions of records that we have. Our focus was never ... we didn't care whether you knew our names or not. As long you knew the brand of 112, and it was a household name, that's all that matters. That's why we were a group's group. We wanted to let y'all know that we could sing under any type of condition. That you had four lead singers in the group, and group wise, it would transform. Once we came all together ... we were powerful by ourselves, but when we came together, and made that one big robot, we were really unstoppable. That's why 112 kind of stood for.I had no itch to think to even do a solo project. The only reason I'm doing this now is because I already have a sound and I already have a brand when I'm working with 112. I have a distinctive sound.

BallerStatus.com: You touched up on this already but you mentioned Boyz II Men, and Jodeci. Back in the 90's there were some real grown ups in terms of firepower, but as of now, there's barely a spark. Outside of Day 26, do you feel R&B male groups are a dying breed?

Slim: Well you know what? It doesn't really feel like what it was about 4-5 years ago when the only group who was really making noise, even from a mainstream side was Destiny's Child. The competition is definitely different. I call the 90s the golden era, where the groups were explosive. Not to mention when you had Blackstreet, and the rest of those incredible groups. They were selling millions, and this was who we were on stage with night, after night, after night. Let's not forget New Edition. They were doing their thing too. It's like wow. As of right now, you can't really take anything away from Day 26 because they are a talented bunch of guys. It was just that we come from an era where it was very strong.

BallerStatus.com: Let's say Day 26 came out about 1995-1996, do you think they would be just another average group?

Slim: Well if they came out around that time, they would have never existed. I mean, we were the group on Bad Boy. If they were under any other type of situation, I don't know. It would be hard to say. There were advantages of being at Bad Boy at that time. With the piggy-backing of the artists and stuff like that. One thing that really set us apart is the fact that we worked with the Notorious B.I.G., who is pound for pound, one of the best rappers ever. We worked with a label, pound for pound, one of the best labels popping. We ran the charts for a year and a half. There was a Bad Boy artist for a year and a half in the top 5. I don't even know real record labels that set standards like that. Like I said, talented-wise, they have all the potential in the world.

BallerStatus.com: Well you know, there are a lot of young hungry cats in the R&B game out right now. Guys like Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Mario, Trey Songz, and even Ryan Leslie. With you being a seasoned vet, do you feel any sense you should feel worried about these artists in terms of competition?

Slim: (laughs) Worried!? Nooo. At this part of the game, they haven't done anything that I haven't already experienced. I have Grammy's. I have every award that exists except for an Image Award (NAACP Image Award). Everything else I have. I mean we've sold millions and millions of records. We toured around the world. Right now, it's about elevating my career, and taking on the transition from being an artist into a young CEO. That's what I'm doing right now. The transition is great.

BallerStatus.com: Artists like Omarion, and Marques Houston who were in their respective groups, left to begin their solo careers. For the most part, they faired pretty well. Let's say Love's Crazy goes double platinum and receives a Grammy nomination. If all these accolades and awards came to you with you being a solo artist, would going solo be a permanent thing?

Slim: Solo permanent? That's not my itch. That's not what setting out to do. What I'm really trying to do is, I'm trying to make my label M3, the next Def Jam, the next Arista, the next Jive Records, the next Interscope. That's what I'm trying to do.

BallerStatus.com: Normally when musical acts sever ties with their labels, they want nothing to do with them afterwards. What was admirable with you guys was when you guys severed ties with Bad Boy, you and Diddy were still cool. The love was still there. How were you guys able to maintain a relationship like that with Puff even though he knew 112 left the label?

Slim: Well, the problem wasn't really with Diddy. 112 never really wanted to leave Bad Boy. I'm speaking for myself. Slim never wanted to leave Bad Boy. The problem was that 112 was tied into a production deal that was horrible, financially speaking. For us taking care of our family, you want to do things for your parents, your family, and for yourself. The production deal was horrible. There was no way that we could live. It was just impossible with the numbers in that type of a deal. So what we did was, when we finished the production agreement ... people didn't even know this but we weren't directly signed to Bad Boy. We were signed through that production deal to Bad Boy. When we finished the agreement with the production deal, it automatically knocked us off of Bad Boy. When we became free agents, we became free agents at the top of our game. That's great when you're an athlete or anybody. When you become a free agent, you come on the block, and people start coming at you. You know the great thing about me, is that everybody starts coming at us, and we ended up getting an incredible deal. (Laughs)

BallerStatus.com: (Laughs) Most definitely. Congrats on being the first R&B artist signed to Asylum Records. That's a big thing. Do you feel there's any pressure on delivering considering you are the first R&B singer at Asylum?

Slim: Not really, not at all. I don't feel pressured and stuff. Pressure is when you first come out. Pressure is when people start asking you about sophomore jinx. Man I've been in this game for 12 years. If you go and listen to my album, I start my album by quoting the 23rd Psalms. When you listen to the scripture, you'll see why Slim always smiles, and why I always keep a positive attitude. The first sentence starts off real sweet. "The Lord is my Sheppard. I shall not want." It doesn't matter what's the problem or whatever challenges that are faced. That's life. When I put it in God's hands, I could comfortably smile, and know that everything is going to be alright because God watches his children. The Sheppard watches his sheep.

BallerStatus.com: At first it was confusing because it appeared like there were two versions to the "Good Lovin'" single. There was one with Fab rapping over it, and the other with R. Leslie rhyming over it. Was that intentional?

Slim: No, actually when the record was first done, because it was nobody but me and Ryan Leslie putting the record together. Ryan Leslie is very well-rounded talented. He had his rap already on the record. Well me as an artist, and a CEO of the situation, even though I did like Ryan Leslie's rap, at the end of day, I had to make sure that ... first off, I wanted to work with Fabolous, and I felt like he would of definitely kill the track. It was going to be either him or Luda. I tried to reach out to Luda, but Luda was busy at the time; he was doing the movie. When I reached out to Fab, I was blessed to know DJ Clue off the rip. DJ Clue straight up caught him right down the block. "Like yo, he's right up the block. Yo what's up?" You know for him to look out for me like that, and made that happen for me, that was hot.

BallerStatus.com: You touched on this a few minutes ago. It's safe to say you're not really feeling the whole vo-coder thing aren't you?

Slim: Big shouts to T-Pain, because he mastered it. Of course I guess because I've been in transitions for music so long. When I think of vo-coder I think of Teddy Riley, and Zapp & Roger. If you listen to the Backstreet albums, they had it running through that joint too, but they had incredible singers. I feel like if you're using it correctly, like the way T-Pain is doing it, it's all love. It's just when everybody starts jumping into it, they're trying to use it, and they don't do it the right way.

BallerStatus.com: When I first heard the album was named Love's Crazy, the first thing that came to my mind was girl stabbing your tires, and obsessing over you. Maybe those were just my experiences, but what's your interpretation of the title? (laughs)

Slim: (laughs) It's self-explanatory. Love is crazy right? Love will have you doing all types of crazy stuff. I kind of elaborated real good on the AOL Joint. I had my own blog on The BoomBox. Love is crazy, and you could experience all types if craziness. Here's my interpretation on love. I'm an optimistic, and positive cat. So I'm about highlighting the solution of the problem. So when you're in a relationship, life is about a lot of compromise, and communication and stuff like that. A lot of times when things are going wrong, they're always signs. They're always some type of sign showing you like "Oh no, there's a red flag," or this person is not feeling it this day. Sometimes you're significant other may be going through some problems. Maybe they lost their job or whatever and when they come home ... normally our problem is we bring the problem home, and that affects the relationship. Well I have a record called "Don't Say It", and basically what I'm saying is: they might be going through some crazy stuff or whatever, and if you don't pay attention, you'll rub the person the wrong way. What I'm trying to show the other person is you could say two or three things that could shut that whole situation down. If you know your mate, if you know you're special somebody, then you know how to press their buttons. Now you know how and what to get from them anyway, so why not say certain things that will make them feel good?

BallerStatus.com: You should definitely write a book man. (laughs)

Slim: I feel like they should have some type of classes or something man. (laughs) There's so much stuff going on in the world. There's a lot of crazy stuff that's happening. I mean, but then again, there's a lot of change. There are a lot of good things that are happening too. If we could just think about the positive side ... we just need something positive to look at. When I look at music, music is universal. So everybody should be able to relate to something. So why not just put out music that's not just going to sound good on the ringtone or to your ear, but put music that's going to feel real good to the heart, and soul. Those songs that when you hear, great memories come up, those songs last forever.

BallerStatus.com: Well I must have been 11 or 12 years old when Peaches and Cream came out. You know that record had people doing the dirty dirty. (laughs) Did you guys have a feeling that this record would explode the way it did when you guys first started recording?

Slim: (laughs) Yeah the record went faster than Puff thought. When we tried to tell him the name of the album, and the name of the record, he was like "Dog, peaches and cream? Are you sure?" Man, a lot of records he used to come to me, and be like "Slim are you sure?" I used to always be around him, and I kind of started developing the same ear that he had. I still got a long way to go, but at the same time, he did trust my judgment. Man that record we were so passionate, the group threw him out of the studio, and told him "Don't come back here man until after we finish." (laughs) We threw him out of the studio. It was just something special. When Mario Winans brought us the track, man, I knew from the rip that this was easy. I ain't gon' front, me and Mike in the group really wanted this track. We really structured how this record was going to go. It happened rather quickly.

BallerStatus.com: Fans are curious because there was a lot of confusion with the group. With Daron leaving, and coming back, then Mike leaving, we're curious to know, who's currently in the group 112?

Slim: Well right now, if you ask Slim, all the members are in the group. The ones that are going out on the road right now is me, Q, and Daron. One thing we do in this group right here is when a person is soul searching, in terms of what they're trying to do with their life, that situation you have to let whatever suppose to happen just happen. Whatever God has planned for you, that's between you and God. It's bigger than what I want. If you ask me, I want everybody to be together. I want everybody to never ever want to walk away from the brand. Everybody clicked pretty much. The sacrifices, the time. Nobody said one did better than the other. Nobody, because that was what the brand was. It was a group.

BallerStatus.com: That's what's up. Well you know, there was a rumor circulating around. The rumor was the reason that Mike had left was because a former group mate was trying to steal money from you and him. How true is that statement?

Slim: That situation right there ... well I'm going to keep this real one general and plain. Whenever there's a situation that's going on between family, should stay in the family house. I never say anything that's going to affect anybody's family, make anybody look crazy in the group. At the end of the day, when you love somebody, trust me, whatever the problem is you're going to fix that. It won't be in five minutes. It won't have to be in five days. It won't have to be 5 weeks. It could be 5 years, but you're going to fix it right? Well in this situation right here, I know my name was tossed in it; I never left the group because of no money. I have no money issues whatsoever. (Laughs)

BallerStatus.com: Ballin'(laughing)

Slim: I mean even if I did. I would never allow money to affect the relationship of something I felt like that God put together. We've known each other since 8, 9, and 10 years old. Whatever the problem is needs to be handled in the house, and it's going to be rectified.

BallerStatus.com: My final question for the fans is, which will we see first? Slim's sophomore album or another 112 album?

Slim: Don't know. Only time will be able to tell on that one. Like I said, it's bigger than me. I put that in God's hand.