ASHER ROTH  (August 2008) | Interview By: Jonathan Hay

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Interview was done in August 2008

Questions Asked By: Jonathan Hay
 

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The Asher Roth Interview
The Intervention
By Jonathan Hay
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay
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Dubcnn: I just have to ask are you related to David Lee Roth? *laughing*

I don’t think so…although my dad's name is David.


Dubcnn: I am sure that by now you are getting a lil tired of all of the Eminem comparisons, etc., but aside from that, how do you feel about him as an emcee and as an overall hip-hop entity?

I feel like Em is arguably the best that ever did it. If it weren't for him, a lot of frustrated youths in a complicated America would not have had a voice. He stood up for [what] he believed in; he explained that there are problems in the world that America has turned a blind eye to, and opened a window into his world. There is not really many emcees who have accomplished what Em has, and it is flattering to mentioned in the same breathe as him! Nonetheless, I feel it may be a bit premature – ‘potential’ is a scary word, let's see how things pan out.


Dubcnn: I noticed in a few of your promo pictures that you seem to be imitating the classic John Belushi college picture -- is that a correct observation? If so, are you inspired by the late Belushi?

Well first, Animal House is just classic. And second, Belushi is one of the great comedic minds of our time. The picture serves a dual purpose, honoring the late Belushi and portraying that there is a little Bluto in us all.


Dubcnn: With that being said, Belushi obviously lived on the edge, partied hard and ultimately paid the price -- do you fear the repercussions of this type of lifestyle?

I pride myself on mind, body and soul. It's important to take care of yourself mentally and physically, but it's also good to get out and let loose on occasion. Step out of your comfort zone every now and then; it'll make you a better person. I'm not gonna sit here and promote binge drinking and say it’s the right thing to do, but it doesn't hurt to have a few drinks, relax and let your guard down. Life's too short to dwell over the small stuff -- you just gotta breathe, burn and boogie.


Dubcnn: In some of your songs, you take lyrical jabs at Jay-Z -- like the extremely witty line, "When has a Jigga decision ever gone gold?" Do you worry about a public backlash?

No, Jay-Z has accomplished things in this industry that I can only dream of right now. It's just frustration I was feeling at the time that I put a voice to it. I speak from the heart. Besides, passive artists rarely make any noise.


Dubcnn: There are definitely some high times with Asher Roth. What is your favorite type/strand of weed you have ever smoked?

All those names are all blah, blah. Give me some organically grown Kush and I’m chillllllin.


Dubcnn: What would you say to someone who compared you to the Howard Stern of Hip-Hop?

Interesting, haven’t heard that one before -- witty and controversial. Didn't he sign like a 5 year $150 million contract with Sirius? Not bad.


Dubcnn: Your website Asher Roth Music.com is brilliant. How much involved are you with the creative direction behind the site?

It all starts with ideas from myself and other knights at my round table. I'm surrounded by a terrific team that when we have an idea we want to run with, we can put it into action. We knew we wanted an interactive online community to help promote the project, something that people could visit daily to get the latest on Asher Roth and other related news. But it was also important to have a unifying theme and get the point across on who Asher Roth was. Voila, The Daily Kush, Asher Roth the fast spitting, fun-loving hippie.


Dubcnn: Steve Rifkind is a pioneer of hip-hop. Do you have a close relationship with him and does he get personally involved with your career?

Steve Rifkind's a big homey -- he understands who I am as an artist and lets me be just that. Doesn't try to change or conform me and he lets me do my thing; which I'll never be able to explain how important that is. He and I have an unusual relationship; we talk a lot of shit, but it’s all outta love. Rifkind's definitely The King Pin.


Dubcnn: Being that you're label mates with Akon (SRC Records), are you friends outside of business, etc.?

I don't think a lot of people understand how great of a person Akon really is. Dude has a heart of gold and that's a rarity in the business. When he and I link up, we rarely talk music. We talk about life and everything else in between. I'd consider Akon a friend, definitely.


Dubcnn: Lets say you were staying in the same hotel as Heath Ledger when he died; what do you think your action or reaction would have been to his death? In other words, what would you have done?

Wow, I mean it's easy to say what I think I would have done and speculate what I should do in that situation, but you never know until it actually happens. I send my love to the family of Heath Ledger's – by the way, who's Joker performance was arguably the best portrayal of a villain I have ever seen -- but to answer your question, I think if you’re a human being with a heart and instincts and you find someone in life or death situation, you feel inclined to help and not let that person die. Call the effing cops/ambulance, they're here to protect us, not beat us senseless at a routine traffic stop, like it may seem.


Dubcnn: You're career is quickly on the rise, but if this whole rap thing didn't work out, what would be your plan b?

I'd be back in college majoring in elementary education, on my way to teach the little ones.


Dubcnn: Are you familiar with Mickey Avalon, if so, what do you think about him?

Mickey's cool. My dude is having fun, doing his thing, being a rock star. You can't help but laugh and nod your head when you hear a record like "My Dick."


Dubcnn: The Greenhouse Effect Mixtape is phenomenal; is this the sound and vibe that people can expect to hear on your debut album?

Well, I mean, shoot – no, not really. That's all production from the likes of Kanye West, Timbaland, Pharrell, Hi-Tek etc. I don't have that kind of budget yet. The album is going to very organic. It's actually a much different sound, but lyrically along the same vibe -- fun, witty and honest.


Dubcnn: Any final thoughts or words for Dubcnn?

Thank you guys so much for taking the time, much love to all my fans, friends and family…I'm nothing without you guys!! Check me out on The Daily Kush. I'M NICE RIGHT NOW! SEE ME!