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Dubcnn Exclusive – Xplicit Lyric
By: Jonathan Hay
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay ..........................................................................................

Dubcnn: You recently completed a 107 City Tour with Katt Williams. Tell us about that experience and how it came about…

The “It's Pimpin Pimpin” tour was a hell of an experience! Working with Katt was an experience all by itself, watching him work and seeing how his brilliant mind works was amazing. The nigga is so funny it's ridiculous! I laughed til my back ached every night! The way it came about was crazy though; I got on KattPack Records in November and by January 1st was on tour for damn near a year. How it happened was I needed to get out of Detroit because I was going through some stuff so I was on the road with Katt already before tour started in Miami, and on opening night, a few hours before the show, he asked me, "What songs do you usually perform in Detroit?" I told him and he asked if I had them with me. We made a show cd and he put me on stage on opening night, thinking I was going to chicken out because I wasn't prepared, not realizing that I'm always prepared to go on stage. [laughs]

I went out and opened up the show and rocked it. It was the first time he himself had seen me live on stage. He'd seen video but hadn't been able to check me out live. After seeing me perform, he decided then, on the spot, that he was adding me to the tour roster and I'd be opening for every show! I got a damn good response from the crowd that night, too! The first show in Miami is actually on YouTube. 


Dubcnn: During the tour, what was your favorite city and why? 

My favorite city during the tour was Tampa, Florida. The audience was all the way live. During my set I did this thing where I come and say the old school, "Do my ladies run this mutha fucka?" And the ladies would scream. But in every city when said, "Do my dogs run this mutha fucka?" My dogs would always bark louder than the ladies and I'd have to talk to the ladies and tell ‘em don't let the fellas out do them they way that they did, then I'd do it over. The second time around in Tampa, the Ladies went bizzerk. It was crazy; I couldn't even continue for a few minutes because they were still screaming, stomping and clapping. And they would always get a kick out of the fact that I would only do the ladies again and I wouldn't ask the fellas but once. It sparked a all out scream war between the sexes. The energy was great! I would definitely say that was the best city; they showed the most love.  


Dubcnn: With that said, what city would’ve served as the exact opposite of your favorite and why?

Nashville, Tennessee would be the absolute worst city that we did. It wasn’t due to the people or environment though, it was solely due to the venue’s sound system. The sound system was so fucked up that the people in the back couldn’t hear so they started shouting during everybody’s set, including Katts. It was terrible; we did two shows there, and because I learned on the first night that the sound was horrid, I cut my set short the second day for the second show. I got on, did one song, and got off. They didn’t really get to see who Xplicit Lyric really is due to that faulty sound system. We’d run into some technical issues on tour but those issues were the worst; so it would definitely be the worst city I did on tour.  


Dubcnn: Being out on this tour with Katt Williams, what’s the craziest, most fanatical thing you’ve witnessed a Katt William’s fan do?

Well, I think he's got some of the craziest fans I've ever witnessed but one day after a show we were on the tour bus doing meet and greets and this young lady walks up on the bus and she's tatted up. She's got these little shorts on and when she turns to her side we see a gigantic tattoo on her leg of katts face! And here's the kicker: her father, who was there as well with her, was the tattoo artist who did the ink for her. It was crazy! He took a gang of pictures with her; I even got a few on my myspace page. I appreciate Katt's work and I would even consider myself a fan. I appreciate what he's done for me, but no way in hell could you get me to tattoo his face on my leg -- or any other part of my body for that matter. I was expecting to see that chick show up in every city and be sitting outside his hotel room. Seemed a little like obsession to me. [Laughs]


Dubcnn: What do you think about Katt’s recent legal troubles? 

Well, when it comes to the trouble that he's gotten into recently it's hard for me to speak on it because it's not my situation. I will say this though, by the time the media gets a hold of the story that is being reported it's already been modified. You can't believe everything you hear, and most of the time you can't believe what you see if there is no sound! Yes, he's stirred up a tad bit of confusion but he to is human; people expect him to always be somewhere making people laugh but he's got a life to live, too. Every move he makes is being reported right now. Celebrities have disputes with people just like the average Joe Blow, it's just that the average Joe Blow doesn't have the media gassing up the situation and turning it into this explosion when it should really just be a bon fire! 


Dubcnn: You have stated that you believe women don’t have a voice right now; why do you feel that way and how have you attempted to be a voice for women?  

I think the industry is ran by 99.9 percent men and influenced by 99.9 percent women who will compromise their integrity to get where they desire. What I mean by that is, because it's ran by mainly men, there are a lot of women out here who will do anything to get ahead.

There are some veterans out here who had their turn at bat and were influential when they were dominate and maybe still are somewhat to those who come from their generation, such as Queen Latifah and Mc Lyte. But right now we're dealing with a different generation, and a different type of young woman who's growing up right now. I call this the BRB/Babies Raising Babies generation. There's a lot of young mothers out here who need all the guidance they can get, and what we shove in front of them is ridiculous. We got young girls saying they wanna be "video girls" when they grow up. We glamourize the video girl, and even the images of some female artist out now. The message we're sending to women right now is that it's okay to go and surgically repair or fix whatever it is we don't like about ourselves. With the ass shots and breast implants that some artist/video girls get -- the bigger your ass the more guys fantasize about you. It's a bold and wrong statement to put out there. The men make it hard for women with morals to succeed, and the girls who fall for the bullshit just make it worse because they allow them to treat them this way and then they expect this type of behavior from all women.

I've been trying my damnedest to be a voice for women while on the tour; I did a acapella piece at the end of every set which is also on YouTube where I talk about the fact that I won’t compromise my integrity to get to where I'm trying to go. In the rhyme I say: "Cuz I'm a chick they proposition to put me on, won’t turn no tricks magician shit don't turn me on," and that used to get the crowd going! I made it a point to talk about the position of women in the industry while I had the chance for my voice to be heard! I think it was a great effort and I'm just patiently waiting for the opportunity to present itself again.


Dubcnn: Who do you think is the greatest female emcee of all time and why?

Well, I would have to break that into two people for two different reasons. I'm going to always be a fan of Mc Lyte, so I'll say her first because she's still dope and she's definitely a lyricist. But again, it was also for her time/generation. Then there is Eve. Eve to me did what a lot of female emcees weren't doing when she was out. She kept it ladylike without crossing the line. She had a nigga’s attitude but you never saw her as a dude, she was still a lady. She spit like a dude, had a dude’s swag, could hang with the dudes on the mic, yet you still knew she was a lady and she didn't have to personify that by rapping about sex all the time! She had lyrics that you could relate to; lyrics that you said, "Damn, what she just say?" and lyrics that made you bounce. She, to me, epitomizes what female emcees should do. Inspire young girls to be girls, give them music to relate to and entertain all at the same time.


Dubcnn: In your own words, why do you think female emcees in general have sort of fallen off, or at least moved out of the scene? 

I don't think female emcees have fallen off; I think the fans of female emcees have. I say that because there are plenty of female rappers that are hot shit right now but sitting in somebody's basement, recording, waiting for that record deal miracle. However, by industry statisics it's supposed to be known that female emcees don't sell records. I myself have made songs that I'll play for my homeboys and they'll say, "Yo, this shit hot but I can't be seen bumpin’ this in my ride." Niggas say shit like "no homo" to justify saying some homo shit and got a problem bumping a chick’s music in their whip because they aren't secure with their sexuality. Good music is good music -- either you like it or you don't. People care too much about what the next nigga got to say. When Lyte and Latifah were out it didn't matter that they were women rapping, all that mattered was that they were dope, but now gender matters. And the sad part is that the main people who buy albums are women, so we'll go spend 10 to 14 dollars on a album with one nigga calling chicks “bitches” and “hoes”, yet we won’t spend that money to support our own. So not only do we have the odds against us because of the male mentality, but it's a lose/lose. I'm trying to campaign to change that!


Dubcnn: As of lately, the public has been heavily gravitating towards Nicki Minaj; what are your overall thoughts on her and what she brings to hip hop? 

I think Nicki Minaj is good for music right now in general because it lets the public know that there are female rappers out here right now and we do exist, so I definitely appreciate that part that she's bringing to the game. But there are pro's and cons to every artist. What she's spitting is cool and I know I sound like I'm gonna start a feminist/woman empowerment movement, but if I must add my opinion to her overall appearance, I don't like where it's headed. Nicki was a beautiful girl without all the "touch ups". Again, I just feel like it sends the wrong message to young women. I know we're not here to be role models but we have to be conscience of how we come across. Overall though, again, I appreciate what she brings to hip hop because she woke a lot of labels up as well with her presence.  


Dubcnn: There have been conspiracies and rumors that Nicki Minaj has a ghostwriter; what are your thoughts on that as well as ghostwriters in general?

To each his own. I write all my own lyrics. The furthest I'll go is to let someone write a hook or bridge for me. But as for verses, I got that on lock. I don't need no help. I won’t knock anybody's hustle. I'll say this though: singers have people write songs for them all the time and never get ridiculed for it because they have the talent to deliver it properly and get a response from fans because of it. I don't see why a rapper can't do that. Just as singers sing songs written by other people and feel them as if they wrote ‘em, I don't see why rappers can't. So whether she does or doesn't, it don't matter to me because whatever she's doing is working for her. 


Dubcnn: Describe your music…what is XL’s signature sound?

XL's signature sound is melodic! [laughs] No, seriously, I try to balance the hardcore side of me with the softer side of me and create a happy median. When dudes hear that you're a chick and you spit they usually look forward to hearing the hardcore shit because you almost have to prove to a guy that you're good when you're good. But ladies like music that they can relate to, listen and vibe to! I make plenty of relationship songs; I got a few sexy ones that are sexy without being trashy and I got the hardcore shit for the hip hop heads! I try to make music for all ages, all sexes, all races – hell, all people! I don't just cater to one crowd. I got ballroom music, dance music, hip hop, love songs etc. Music yo mama can listen to, yo lil siblings can listen to, the older hip hop heads will listen to and the younger! I think my signature sound is just plain old being a woman with no boundaries and making music that not only I will enjoy but people in general can enjoy.


Dubcnn: There is a lot of pain in your lyrics; what it the reason behind that deep and dark emotion? 

Well, my life hasn't exactly been a walk in the park. Everybody's rapping about the glitter and gold, but everything that glitter ain't gold. I'm a artist, true at heart. I love what I do and I use it as an outlet as well to get things off my chest. Sure I got my share of flashy songs where all I'm talking about is the glitter and gold, I'm not exempt, but it's not all i talk about. That pain in my lyrics is real. I wasn't made to be hood, the hood made me! This isn't some consulted image that I gathered and thought would be good for my career, this is me! The source of that deep and dark emotion is life, with so many obstacles in life I find it hard to believe that there are artists out here who don't share their stories with the world when they have soo many people listening!


Dubcnn: Tell us about your life growing up in Detroit, Michigan; give us your backstory…

Well, I grew up in a single parent household, my parents divorced when I was young. I got seven brothers and sisters, though. Growing up, there were four in the house with me, five altogether, including myself. My life was no walk in the park but it wasn't the hardest life one could come by either. I don't know what it's like to have a parent on drugs or a parent that physically abused me. My life was hard because we did a lot of struggling when I was young. I don't know how my mom did it but she raised five kids on a part time job and a full time hustle. My mama done sold everything – legal -- under the sun [laughs]! As for Detroit the city, it's not a city full of celebrities, athletes and entertainers but it is a city full of Hustlers, go getters, and niggas who will make a way of no way. So I may not have been able to meet a lot of influential people who are in the limelight coming up but I met a lot of people who definitely encouraged me to continue doing what I'm doing and follow my dreams. We get a lot of bad press about Detroit considering it's been the Murda Capital several times and the city is poor. People talk about how bad it is in Detroit But growing up in Detroit teaches you survival. I honestly feel like if you can make it and survive in Detroit you can go anywhere and survive!


Dubcnn: If you could chose only one, what song that you’ve written thus far best describes you?

I got a song called “Fab Life” where I describe what it was like growing up for me. How I was a tomboy and didn't think I was pretty until I got older. I think that would be the song that describes me best. The song is so real. My second verse starts: "When she standing in the mirror she don't see that face / that everybody say is pretty so she were those shades / she kinda skinny so she hide those legs / feeling like the only one that's going through that phase." I wrote those lyrics because it's exactly how I felt coming up. I was a tomboy to the third degree, but eventually I blossomed into the beautiful being that I am today. 


Dubcnn: Being from Detroit, which successful rapper coming out of your city do you hold the most respect for and why?

Well, people hate on a lot of rappers from Detroit. Detroit can't get no love for shit! [laughs] A lot of the rappers who should be on top from here and in the limelight somehow got back behind that light. People like Trick Trick, Obie Trice, and Royce Da 5'9" are underrated. Everybody praised Eminem for being from Detroit and I love Em, he is number one on my favorite rapper list, it's a plus him being from Detroit. I hold a lot of respect for Eminem because he didn't just get big and forget about his people here, he did attempt to reach back with D12, Trick, Obie, and Royce. You gotta appreciate people who don't selfishly take their power and never use it to empower anyone else!


Dubcnn: Being from the same city, have you ever had an encounter or run-in with Eminem?  

Surprisingly no, I've never had a run-in with Em, although I know all the aforementioned people that are in Detroit who used to, or still does, roll with Em. I would love the opportunity to get in the lab with him though, I think his mind is amazing!


Dubcnn: Do you feel that the local hip hop community in Detroit correctly pays homage to the late Proof? 

I do! You'd be surprised at how many "Proof" tattoos are in the city and how many people still shout him out at shows, etc. The people who were in Proof's circle keep his name alive and I think that's the most important part. But with everything there is always room for improvement, they could never pay too much homage.


Dubcnn: Another fallen hero from the Detroit area is MC Breed from Flint, Michigan; how much to people respect his legacy, locally speaking? 

People respect Breed’s legacy for being a pioneer in Detroit. Somebody had to show ‘em that there really is talent in Detroit and Breed was amongst the first to do it. I think a lot of my generation are slacking on knowing what he did for Detroit and what he brought to the game but nonetheless he's well respected and loved in Detroit.


Dubcnn: You’ve had several poems published in children's literature books…how did that come about? 

I started writing poetry in the 3rd grade. They would be simple poems of course but yet and still it was poetry. I had won a few poetry contests due to my teachers submitting the poetry I would do in class to the certain contests that they were aware of, and one day my teacher came to me told me I won a contest she submitted me into and I would have my first poem published in a children’s literature book as a prize. From that point on I decided to keep entering poetry contests. I guess winning that first contest helped me gain all kinds of confidence that I didn't know I had.


Dubcnn: Who are you currently working with, any major collaborations?

Currently, right now I'm working with a lot of producers with major catalogs. I've done some collaborations with artists but because the songs have to be cleared for the album I'd rather not say who yet. [laughs] This industry is a cold bitch and things happen I don't wanna prematurely speak on who's gonna grace the album before we get the clearances. I can say I've been getting a lot of industry love from a lot of people and it's been a blessing to have worked with so many talented people.


Dubcnn: What are you working on right now? 

Right now I just shot the video for my single "Nice Wit It", which we'll be virally introducing real soon. I'm working on the "Nice Wit It" mixtape which will drop when we release the video. The mixtape has got a lot of original music on it, because I don't like rapping over instrumentals. It's hard to make a song your own when it's known nationally for being someone elses, you either come across sounding like the person who did it before you or people begin to compare your song to that one and the result is usually not too good. So I'm gonna stay away from industry intros. It’s grinding season, baby! Right now my focus is to really get out here the way I'm supposed to be and work on promoting the up and coming projects.


Dubcnn: When is your album dropping? 

I don't have a final release date for the album yet. A album with no promotion is like not putting an album out. So right now the main focus is building the fanbase and releasing music and video so that i can be seen and heard. I gotta attack the internet. It's the world wide web, so many avenues to reach so many different people and be heard. So after we feel like we've built a big enough buzz we'll set the album date I'll definitely keep you posted on that.


Dubcnn: What is your current relationship status?  

Right now I'm "hiring" and "taking applications" considering that I'm a boss I feel it's only right that I refer to it that way. [laughs] I'm single and ready to mingle! I've dated around and was even engaged at one point but unfortunately it didn't work out so here I am single as can be and free to do me! I don't mind being single though, it works for me because I'm starting to realize that when your in this business you almost have to date someone who is in it as well because they're the people who understand it best. So if you know anyone who is ready to apply tell them that a high school diploma is necessary to fill this position. [laughs]


Dubcnn: What are your inspirations for clothes and fashion? Do you have a favorite designer?

I don't have a favorite designer but I do have a favorite store. My taste isn't very expensive either. When it comes to handbags and shoes, yes, my taste can be rather expensive but I do most of my shopping in BeBe; almost everything in my closet is Bebe and it's mainly because their clothes are modern day sexy. BeBe is so feminine but not too dressy. I don't follow trends often and I don't go for logo clothing either so majority of my expensive items you wouldn't even know what it was until I told you. I like to flash jewels but I'm not too flashy when it comes to my clothing, it's all about sexy for me with fashion. If it's sexy, I'll wear it, especially if it's sexy sporty.


Dubcnn: Is there anything you want to tell the women or young ladies who may be reading this?

Hmmm…a message to young women reading this...I would have to tell them to not believe the media hype when it comes to how they portray women on Tv and in magazines. It's ok to aspire to be a model or an actress, but you shouldn't have to alter your body surgically in order to fulfill that dream. Be happy in your skin and with the way that God made you. We only get one body and it's our temple granted I got a million tattoos but I feel as tho it's an expression of myself, it's art. I believe my tattoos are a reflection of who I am and a enhancement of self expression.

Also, you don't have to sell your soul to the devil in order to get ahead. Have morals and standards set them in place and stand by them. Majority of the people who think they will get "put on" by sleeping around and/or providing sexual favors – don’t! They get blackballed and shunned! They become a product of the industry because your reputation proceeds you everywhere you go. Once you start that way it's a never ending cycle. Want better for yourselves!


Dubcnn: How can people keep up with everything going on in the life of XPLICIT LYRIC? 

I'm a internet socialite big time. I'm all over the net. Whatever website is poppin you can bet ya bottom dolla XL is on dat bitch! [laughs] You can catch me on the following sites through the following links:

twitter.com/xplicitlyric, myspace.com/xplicitlyric & facebook.com/xplicitlyric

Basically, if you put "XplicitLyric" behind a website url you'll find me! [laughs] Or, of course, you can just Google me! If you Google Xplicit Lyric, everything on the first page is me. You can even click on images and you'll find some pictures of me, some old some new.


Dubcnn: Any Final thoughts for Dubcnn?

Of course I have to say thank you! I definitely appreciate the interview! And I want to say thank you to all the people who have supported me thus far especially my people in my home town Detroit and my new town Los Angeles! They've been so supportive. Watch out for the video it's coming soon and the mixtape "Nice Wit It: Vol 1" is coming as well! This won’t be the last you'll hear of me...[laughs]

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