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Dubcnn Exclusive – Black C
By: Todd Davis  
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Dubcnn: First things first, let's jump right into this brand new solo LP, 70's Baby-- Although pretty self-explanatory, still please tell me what prompted you to title the record this?

I was born (in) 1972, so i'm a '70's baby. Also, it's a soulful album. In the '70's, a lot of soulful, baby makin' music was being made, so I took samples from here and there, re-flipped the beats, and put my soul on these tracks -- My best work, lyrically, to me, thus far.


Dubcnn: How do you feel 70's Baby either differs and/or compares to your previous two solo releases?

My first solo LP, Last Man Standing, had more of a L.A. feel to it, and was aggressive. My second LP, The City Of Gods, had a mob sound to it, and I incorporated third world sounds in some of the tracks. 70's Baby, is a personal album for me -- It's a mature album, it's a mood swing album, and is very different from my earlier LP's.


From a lyrical stand-point, where do you draw your inspiration(s) from?

My inspiration comes from my experiences. As far (my) influences, I would have to say Tupac, Scarface and Above The Law.


Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Staying current with what's going on around you, (and) keeping my 'Swag' updated on tracks. But, most of all, I love doing it, so that helps.


Dubcnn: Aspirations: Is there anything, even outside of music, that you'd like to get involved in or with?

Outside of music, I would love to get into films and videos. Not acting, but shooting and editing mine and other clients' visions. I love the behind the scenes work, handling the equipment, cameras, etcetera. I started in the music biz as an engineer, then became a rapper. Maybe (next,) I'll shoot movies, then get into acting.


Dubcnn: Are you happy with the current state of Hip-Hop? And, more specifically, West Coast and/or Bay Area rap?

I'm happy with Hip-Hop, but the Bay Area music scene, not at all. The West Coast, Bay Area in general, is suffering. We don't get the support at home-base from our radio and club deejays, like some of these other regions get. They support their own, and that's why they're not feeling the rap recession. They doin' shows, tours, and, most important, they doing good numbers locally and nationally. It's ugly in the Bay.


Dubcnn: After tragically losing two-thirds; Mr. Cee in 1996 and Hitman in '03, of RBL Posse -- Are there any future plans for rebuilding the brand/collective with yourself and possibly new members?

The RBL brand, no, but I will carry the torch for my homies, all the way to my grave! Right now, it's about me creating my own brand; the Black C brand. The same way I put RBL on the map with good music, that's what I'll do for myself -- To brand myself, Good music!


Dubcnn: How did you garner the strength to continue on, after not only losing your best friend, and, then, partner-n-rhyme, Cee, but Hitman as well? Was it difficult to even continue on making music?

Not at all. I went through a depression stage after the death of Mr.Cee, but I never thought about quitting what I love to do. Music is my life! I eat, sleep and drink music everyday. Whether I get paid for it or not, I would still do it...I love music.


Dubcnn: On a lighter note, what has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Sharing the same stage with Snoop Dogg, Too Short, and Naughty by Nature.


Dubcnn: Looking ahead, say, five or, even, ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

I expect to be one of the most successful labels coming out the Bay Area.


Dubcnn: As for the immediate, what's next for Black C?

The next thing for me is movies and videos.


Dubcnn: Any closing thoughts?

R.I.P. Mr.Cee and Hitman! Hit us up on ReverbNation, or follow us on Twitter.

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