LIL DAP (September 2008) | Interview By:
Jonathan Hay
Many people often declare that “back in the day” the old school hip-hop art
form was the golden years of our powerful culture. They reminisce over the
pioneers and leaders of that time. Now it seems that our hip-hop society is
suffused with followers, in which everybody seems to mimic and recycle the
same trend, formula and format of the new school of sound.
Well, breaking out of that masquerade is Lil Dap – the gifted persona of an
internationally known emcee and founder of the critically acclaimed Group
Home...and also part of the legendary Gang Starr family and movement.
Lil Dap has just released his solo offering “I.A.Dapt” on Babygrande Records
and we caught up with him for this exclusive Dubcnn interview.
What an honor for Dubcnn to share such a genuine hip-hop legacy with our
readers! New school and old school cats alike will find it easy to Adapt to
the authentic sound of Lil Dap -- in the wise words of Todd Smith, “don’t call
it a comeback; he’s been here for years.”
As ever, you can read this exclusive interview below and we urge you to leave
feedback on our forums or email them to
haywire@dubcnn.com.
..........................................................................................
Interview was done in August 2008
Questions Asked
By:
Jonathan Hay
Interview Assistance by: Jason Eisenmenger
..........................................................................................
Lil Dap: A-Dap-t to the Authentic
By Jonathan Hay
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay
..........................................................................................
Dubcnn: I.A.DAP is a dope album title, have you been holding on to that title
for several years, waiting on the perfect opportunity to use it or did it just
come about recently?
I have been holding that title for the past three and a half years. I have
been promoting and touring for the new LP.
Dubcnn: From a strictly lyrical standpoint - - which song on this new album
really hits home with you?
The two songs that really hit home with me are “A Long Way From B.K” and
“World Peace.” Also a track called, “Life.” These [songs] reflect who I am and
where I come from.
Dubcnn: Three heavyweight producers - Alchemist, Large Professor Big Noyd -
lend a creative hand on I.A.DAP. Can you describe the experience on the
following?
Alchemist? I had a good experience with Alchemist - we have known each other
for a long time and he always showed me love so I really enjoyed working with
him. Large Professor, it was a great honor working alongside this great man
with extreme talent. So working with Large Professor by far, was one of my
best experiences in this business. I have always wanted to work with Big Noyd.
I always liked the Mob and everybody in that camp, so it was a good thing.
Dubcnn: Guru also touches down on the album – Breakdown the song if you
will…
“Sun 4 Reason” is a real song made for the real peeps. The song has strong
meaning [and] it shows the bond between hood peeps and true fam.
Dubcnn: What is the most important thing you learned from your entire
personal experience with Gang Starr?
How to stay above the water in the music game.
Dubcnn: With this new era of hip-hop, do you think that our art form is as
culturally relevant as it was back then?
It is not the same as back in the day. The game [had] more hard pain in the
music, so ever body was so in to it. Now anybody can rap, or say something and
make big money. Skills and realness [are] no longer needed. I mean, it can be
a good thing because [you] get to see and hear a lot of styles and emcees from
other culturally places.
Dubcnn: Do you think the hip-hop tradition has affected civilization in a
negative or positive way from the early nineties until now?
I think [positive] because where ever you go; you can see the impact that
hip-hop has on the world as a whole.
Dubcnn: Give the people your personal feelings of the current state of the
Hip-Hop Union and where you think it is headed in the years to come…
In this state and time, it can only get bigger
Dubcnn: Why do you think there have been less and less truly great groups
that have come onto the scene in the last fifteen years and what do you
attribute to the development of what some would call "The Era of the Solo
Emcee?"
I think the game is missing unity. Everybody can eat together; there is more
than enough to go around.
Dubcnn: Diehards are always looking for some possible new and exclusive
Group Home information…anything on the horizon?
There is so much to tell, but I cannot let out all the goods. Let’s just say -
I have a few good things and projects in the workings - and some tours and
shows coming up - and some music from my new groups…
Dubcnn: Since you have literally been all over the world, what is your
favorite region to tour and why?
Europe -- because the support that they have for the music is real.
Dubcnn: What are your overall feelings and views on Barrack Obama?
I like him… we need change.
Dubcnn: Last words for Dubcnn?
I just want to let everybody know that Group Home is back to stay. Go out and
get that album in stores now! Look out for us coming to an area near you soon!
Peace!
.........................................................................................
......................................................................................... |
