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BISHOP LAMONT
(March 2011) | Interviewer Todd Davis
At this point in time, it's pretty crystal clear that this Carson,
California, wordsmith doesn't necessarily need a formal introduction. Let's
just do a quick career retrospective...After meeting Dr. Dre on the set of
The Game's "Dreams" video, it wasn't too long thereafter that the good
Doctor scooped up the uber-talented emcee with a penchant for delivering
both controversial and politically charged lyrics.
While sitting on the shelf over at the "House that Dre built," Bishop Lamont
made the very best of his impatience, and later frustration, by ultimately
checking in, via varied cameo appearances on others' high profile projects,
whenever the opportunity presented itself, as well as continually flooding
the streets with his popular mix-tape entries.
Sadly, after more than five years of hanging around with no album
immediately in sight, it became quite apparent that this situation was
becoming more of a hindrance than anything else. Logically, the only thing
really left to do that made any real sense was to, unfortunately, part ways.
So, following in the footsteps of many signees; most notably Joell Ortiz,
Rakim, Hittman and Last Emperor, before him, Bishop Lamont did the exact
same thing and finally left the Aftermath camp for good.
Dubcnn recently tracked down the elusive Philip "Bishop Lamont" Martin, and
this is what transpired...
Read on and enjoy. As always feel free to hit up
the forum with questions or comments.
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Interview was done in March 2011
Questions Asked By:
Todd Davis
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Related Media
Bishop Lamont -
Faded (Feat. Nate Dogg & SonReal) (Audio)
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I Can Do It Too (Produced By King Karnov)
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If U Aint From The Streets (Ft.
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Dubcnn: A little more than one year ago, it was announced that
you permanently parted ways with Dr. Dre's Aftermath imprint -- What was
the exact reasoning behind your departure? And, considering you spent
five long years sitting on the back-burner, how come your much hyped,
highly anticipated solo debut, The Reformation, never actually arrived?
Who wants to wait 6, 7 years for their album to come out?! Or,
NEVER!! The answer...Not me!! *Bishop Lamont laughs* Continuing on...
Dubcnn: You did, however, manage to keep your career alive by
feeding the streets with several top quality offerings -- Were you
actually using some of the same recorded material(s) that you were
saving specifically for your "official" solo LP?
No. If you really do your homework or have really followed my
career, then you'll understand that quality, consistency and originality
have always been a part of my brand.
Dubcnn: That being said, what exactly's going on, career-wise,
with you now?
Everything! Film, television, the establishing of my own label, Diocese,
youth programs, mentorship, cultivating an out-reach program for the
prisons and creating an amazing debut album. I am now a true master of
my own destiny...Cocksuckers!! *laughter*
Dubcnn: So, did you scrap that whole The Reformation concept
altogether? I understand that you were able to leave Dre's venture with
all masters in hand...
Where have you been?? The Reformation is on the way!!
Dubcnn: When then can we, the masses, expect your first
full-length solo outing? And, what all can you reveal and/or divulge
about it at this particular moment?
It's almost here...But it's a fine wine!! Other than that, I
follow in the footsteps of the CIA and I will neither confirm nor
deny...Call me Poppy Bush!! *Laughs*
Dubcnn: Are there any personal/specific highlights, i.e.,
title(s), single(s), producer credits, guest appearances, etcetera, that
you'd like to use this time to point out?
If I told you, then it wouldn't be a surprise. That's what
makes a secret a secret.
Dubcnn: Okay, tell me this then...How much of the work that you
and Dre did do you think will actually make the final cut?
Dre is not a part of the current project. And, in regards to
all of the records we have recorded, only time will tell.
Dubcnn: Hmm...Well, will you still have some/any involvement in
his exceedingly overdue Detox opus, which just very well may be finally
coming now sooner than later?
I have no idea, and that's not even my concern. Again, my name
is Bishop Lamont, and I am focused on my debut album. The
Reformation...Message!!
Dubcnn: Switching gears here...Late last year you dropped your
most recent mix-tape The Shawshank Redemption/Angola 3 -- For those not
in the know, what can you tell me about this particular effort?
Nothing...Besides it represents something greater than rapping.
It's a conduit to bringing the reality of prisons, of injustice and
struggle, that we still face even to this very day. I don't rap just to
make metaphors. I don't rap to be cool. I rap because we're suppose to
be vessels for the truth...And, it was a lot of fuckin' fun to make.
Dubcnn: Success, define yours?
Happiness and peace!!
Dubcnn: Future aspirations, do you have any additional/outside
ones?
We'll be talkin' all night...Just stay tuned!
Dubcnn: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current
state of Hip-Hop? And, even more specifically, West Coast rap?
Absolutely not! Beyond the achievements of my peers and
underground artists, mainstream Hip-Hop is garbage. Rappers nowadays
stand for nothing, say nothing and make us look like complete
coons...But, real emcees and real Hip-Hop is coming back into style.
Dubcnn: Being a part of the "NEW WEST," and especially in light
of recent events, do you still consider/view Ice Cube as one of its most
influential elder statesmen?
Ice Cube will always be a staple in West Coast Hip-Hop.
Dubcnn: So, do you still remain in contact with Dre, and/or your
friends and, former, label-mates; i.e., Em, 50, etcetera? If so, when's
the last time any of you all spoke? And, is there any chance of a
reunion, either on stage and/or wax?
This question is very gay, but the cats that I still fuck with
from over there know who they are. And, as far as any records or on
stage, you'll find out when it happens!! *More laughs follow*
Dubcnn: What's next for Bishop Lamont?
The world!!
Dubcnn: Any message for "our" readers?
Always put God first and keep your morals, principles and integrity at
all cost. When it comes to this music business and remaining true to who
you are and the artist that you set out to be, know that it's an uphill
battle!! But, the harder the battle the sweeter the victory!! Peace and
Blessings!
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