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Dubcnn Exclusive – Masta Killa
By: Todd Davis
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Dubcnn: Let’s just jump right into this brand new, third solo album -- What prompted your decision to record a full LP with all "live" material?

You know, I was just really impressed with the sound quality of the live material. And, I thought it would be a good opportunity for my fans to get a taste of me being live on stage, so it might give them more of an incentive to come see me live in person, solo.


Dubcnn: How did you determine which particular tracks and/or verses actually made the final cut?  

Well, the whole show was banging to me, so it was pretty easy. We just had to do a little bit of editing. But basically, every song that I performed went on the album.  


Dubcnn: Now is this project a precursor of sorts to another studio effort?

Absolutely! This is only an appetizer, before the meal comes. Which is the Loyalty is Royalty album.


Dubcnn: Lyrically, when you sit down to write your rhymes, where do you find your inspiration at?

Substance! Substance is life experiences. Substance is where you come from, (and) the people that surround you. Substance is family.


Dubcnn: Let's take it back to your early beginnings...Tell me your whole inception into music -- When did you first become interested? And, how did it all begin for Elgin Turner?

I used to sit with my ear to the speaker, listening to every instrument played, as far as Parliament, funk, New Birth trumpets, Rick James...From those eras. Music has always been in my blood.


Dubcnn: You are a Brooklyn, N.Y.C., native, correct? So, growing up, who were/are some of your strongest musical influences?

I mean, as far as music in general, all the old school stuff. Old school R&B and soul influenced Hip-Hop, period! There would be certain parts of a record that the deejay would decide to cut, which became the break, which became what the emcee would rhyme to. So, my musical history goes from Gladys Knight, New Birth, O'Jay's...All the old good stuff. Good soul.


Dubcnn: At what point did you actually decide that you wanted to pursue music on a professional level?

When I saw what Wu-Tang Clan was getting ready to do!


Dubcnn: Originally, where did the moniker Masta Killa derive from?

Originally, Masta Killa is a classic Kung-Fu movie, which breaks down the introduction of the 36 Chambers.


Dubcnn: What particular string of events led to your initial hooking up with RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, and the late, great Ol' Dirty Bastard, and the eventual formation of the, now, legendary Wu-Tang Clan?

Well, GZA, that's my brother, so our encounters were never about music, just about basic life and brotherhood. He encouraged me to come to the studio several times, and I had denied him until he came to my house with a studio recorded tape of "Protect Ya Neck." And, once I heard that shit, I never looked back.  


Dubcnn: Your last group effort, 8 Diagrams [2007], was less than satisfactory from a commercial standpoint -- How did you feel about that particular record? Why didn’t it fare better sales-wise?

You really can't watch the sales of things. You can have an excellent product, and your sales may not peak to where you want them to. As far as quality-wise, I felt it could've been a better group effort, to give the fans more quality. Then it would've sparked more listeners to go ahead and purchase the album. 


Dubcnn: Is there another Wu project in the works? If so, when will that supposedly go down?

Any product that I consider myself to be a part of, I consider it to be a Wu-Tang project, because, I mean, each individual in their self, rightfully, is always part of Wu-Tang Clan. Take classic albums like No Said Date or ...Cuban Linx, those are individual projects, but the family effort is evident. So, it's a Wu-Tang project regardless.


Dubcnn: How would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?  

The style of music...It's hard to really say the style of it, because I never really thought of giving what I create, and bring to life, a particular sound or style. I just strive to create good music.


Dubcnn: Let's discuss your longevity in this business of music -- What do you feel has been, and will continue to be, the key to your success? And, what will keep sustaining Masta Killa in this grueling industry?

Substance is the key! You can always make something that will be here today and gone tomorrow, but when you create something with substance it will be here for years and years to come. Because of the quality of it, somebody is always gonna go back and say, "Damn, this person took the time to create something with real quality!" And, I think people will appreciate that more.


Dubcnn: What sets you apart from both your peers and friends in this business of music?

What sets me apart is my unique-ness. I don't think I sound like anyone. I don't think I project myself as anyone. I think I've always been ME, and my fans and people that know ME, and know what I bring to the table, appreciate that. I think that's unique itself.


Dubcnn: Do you have any other aspirations, maybe even outside of entertainment altogether?

My aspiration is always success and survival. To be successful is to be always able to provide food, clothes, and shelter for my family. And, music is a passion of mine, and if I can use that tool, which is something I love to do, then that's a blessing as well.


Dubcnn: Would it be fair to say that you are happy with the current state of Hip-Hop music? And more specifically, East Coast rap?

Everything is transitional, nothing will stay the same. Everything has to evolve, this is (called) change. Certain artists look at the game more so that they have to try to keep up and continue with what's currently going...Sometimes they don't feel like they can make good music with substance, and still be successful.


Dubcnn: With that being said, what about the business side of things with the rampant running of illegal file sharing, downloading and bootlegging, that is slowly but surely destroying the industry as “we” know it?

I don't have an answer for that because it's all out of control!


Dubcnn: Since everyone either knows you already, or will become familiar with you, for and through your music, what would you want these same people to know about Masta Killa that they won't get from listening to your record(s)?

The only thing to know is that I strive to keep everything balanced and basic. There's nothing really new under the sun, I (just) try to keep things grounded. I don't get lost in the source or the hype, or take anything for granted. I appreciate my fans and my music. I love what I do! If they dont know that I love my fans and I appreciate them, I want them to know that.


Dubcnn: What would these same people find you doing in your off/spare time completely away from the music?

They can find me beating my big brother, Govenor Tools, up in some chess, because he thinks he the chess-master!


Dubcnn: To date, what has been your biggest career highlight?

Wow, there's so many! Every step was a step up the ladder. From performing at Madison Square Garden, to performing on Arsenio Hall.


Dubcnn: Looking ahead, say, 5, or even 10, years from now, where do you see yourself?

I see myself with a whole lot of money, (living) good, healthy, (and) intelligently moving forward on the next wave of things to come.


Dubcnn: As for the immediate future, what's next for you –- Is there a single and/or video planned? Album, Live On Stage, scheduled for release when?

Live... comes out April 13th.


Dubcnn: Any plans to take the Masta Killa show out on the road anytime soon?

DEFINITELY! THE FANS NEED THAT.


Dubcnn: For someone who hasn't experienced you performing live, what would you tell them can be expected?

A lot (of) fans wouldn't know what to expect. But, they can expect a lot energy, classic music, and PROFESSIONALISM.


Dubcnn: Raekwon vs. Joe Budden! Care to weigh in on this whole situation -- How did it even get started? And, where are you all with it now?

No comment!


Dubcnn: Sadly, Thursday June 25th 2009, the world lost the greatest entertainer who ever lived -- What was your first reaction upon hearing the tragic news? How does Michael Jackson’s untimely passing affect, not only you, but, music in general? And, in the wake of his demise, what does this mean for the future of recorded music?

I love Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5! Everyone grew up listening (to) them. He was a great entertainer, and if you want to be the best, you have to set your standard high like he did. It was a great loss. He will be greatly missed.

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