Author Topic: Paris Interview (Read 216 times)

Dj Eskimo · « **on:** April 09, 2003, 09:23:52 AM »

HhS: - First thing's first, why did you decide to come out of retirement?

Paris: - Because of a lack of balance. There's way too much negativity and virtually
nothing that's commercially embraced which accentuates the positive. Even
though there are a hand full of artists making good heartfelt music, the
overwhelming majority of what's allowed by labels to be presented to the
public is negative. The artist ratio is about 50-1 negative/positive And it's not
what the street dictates, as labels claim, because the street doesn't know
what it wants. The street responds to what it's presented. It's simply a
corporate effort to inundate our communities with bulls**t messages for
profit.

HhS: - What have you been doing in the 5 year interim between projects?

Paris: - I've been involved in real estate and investment banking, although I never
really left hip-hop.

HhS: -Now the first sign that you might be coming back was your open letter to Def
Jam, was that ignored or did you receive a response?

Read the open letter

Paris: - I received a form letter from Lyor Cohen. It was a response but not progress.

Read the response letter

HhS: - Over your career you've been largely shunned by the mainstream for your
content and the controversy that follows your political ideals. You clearly
haven't shied away from that with this album "Sonic Jihad". Tell us a little
about the project?

Paris: - It's intended to push buttons and force dialogue on issues that go ignored
in the media. The approach is really two-fold in that I'm hitting folks
with the project and the website, http://www.guerrillafunk.com They both
discuss issues like the current climate of manufactured fear and "War on
Terror," fighting the pro-war propaganda that we're assaulted with daily,
police brutality and the embarrassing state that hip hop is in right now.
The object is to reach people with the message in a way that's entertaining. It's important to me for me to be value-added. That's why I do what I do. I don't have to, I want to. I encourage people to visit and SUBSCRIBE to the site and encourage others to do so. Newsletters go out to subscribers, which cover issues and make announcements on upcoming events. It's that way of the future.

HhS: - When is the album actually set to come out?

Paris: - Early May, God willing.

HhS: - Do you feel that due to the cover people might criticize you of selling
through controversy and shock tactics?
Paris: - Some may, but who's benefitted from controversy and tragedy more that the
people I focus my anger and attention on? Surely you'll agree that the
Bush Administration is going to the bank in a MAJOR way with the war,
increased defense spending, the awarding of contracts and inflated-oil
prices. And I'm sure you'll agree that the ENTIRE entertainment industry,
with it's emphasis on marketing "black man as thug nigga" and "black woman
as mammy/seductress" imagery for mainstream acceptance is profiting too.
The difference is that what I talk about is TRUTH. And I do my best to make
it digestible and entertaining. As far as shock tactics go, what's more
shocking, a picture rendered in Photoshop or an unjust and vicious war? Why
don't people ask questions about the shock value of black men being murdered
and black women being prostituted in the music? It's sad that only when
the gun is pointed at the oppressor do people take notice.

HhS: - Did you try and get PE or Dead Prez in on this?

Paris: - Kam is on the record and Dead Prez and PE may be. (note - since the interview took place Dead Prez and Public Enemy are confirmed guests on the album)

HhS: - What are your aims with this project?

Paris: - To enlighten and inspire in a way that's entertaining.

HhS: - Explain your views on 9/11. You have previously mentioned Government
involvement.

Paris: - 9-11 and the War On Terror are a sham. They're the greatest hustle in the
history of this country. I believe the attacks were orchestrated by members
of the current administration and that we are secretly in cahoots with all
of the people we currently purport to be our enemies. Nothing happens on
the world stage by mistake. They are in the process of creating their own
reality. The selling of fear, the endless terror alerts, the unjust wars,
the staged 9-11 tragedy - are all transparent when you know where to look
and what to look for. Visit the "Thought Box" on www.guerrillafunk.com for
a more in-depth analysis of what I'm talking about. Look beyond what you've
been given in the media!

HhS: - Do you plan on signing other artists to Guerrilla Funk?

Paris: - Perhaps, if this project is successful, and if the other acts are on a
conscious page. I'm not even considering other acts right now.

HhS: - In the current climate in America, does it worry you
that you will be labelled as a traitor by some of the people you are trying
to reach?

Paris: - Traitor how? By speaking out against our bloodthirsty power-drunk
dictatorship? It's more traitorous to America to not speak out. Everything
that has happened since the staged 9-11 tragedy has worked to our detriment,
not our benefit. The reduction of civil liberties has been massive, with
more cutbacks to come. Racial intolerance has gone through the roof, and
our government and it's associates have profited handsomely. Don't be
fooled by the pseudo-patriotic rhetoric espoused by these so-called
patriots. Anyone not questioning the situation right now is little more
than a SHEEP.

HhS: - What's happening with Self Destruction 2?

Paris: - I'm down to do it but haven't heard anything new about it in a while.

HhS: - What 3 books would you recommend for the Hiphop youth to read?

Paris: - I provide a booklist on guerrillafunk.com. There are many more than 3!
http://www.guerrillafunk.com/thoughts/doc553.html

HhS: - Of that list, which 3 would you recommend as the most enlightening?

Paris: - I won't narrow it down, although the starter section is best for those just
coming into conciousness.

HhS: - We heard a rumour, years ago, that Rakim was your mentor. Is there any truth
in that?

Paris: - Not a mentor, but a stylistic influence in the early days. We've never met. I was also influenced by PE and Cool J.

HhS: - How do you feel about the whole situation over at the Source right now? What
with corruption allegations, poor ratings for highly acclaimed albums, high
ratings for poorly acclaimed albums and the whole beef with Eminem.

Paris: - Beef has been a part of hip-hop since it's inception. I think its fun to
watch sometimes, but nowadays understand that people can get hurt. Bring
back rap celebrity boxing! That'll shut all of that s**t down. If you
wanna battle, get ya ass in the ring! We'll see what you're made of then.
I'll bet many don't wanna participate because it could be potentially
career-ending for the loser, but it would be hella funny...

HhS: - What is your Favorite Paris track of all time?

Paris: - I don't have one.

HhS: - Is there to be a Bush Killa pt. 2?

Paris: - Yeah, the "Sonic Jihad" album.

HhS: - How did you get into Hiphop, was there a thriving scene in San Francisco
when you were coming up or was it something you came to?

Paris: - Back in the days I produced a group from Hunter's Point called ATC. The
scene was thriving but definitely underground. The entire industry was much
healthier back then.

HhS: - When you came out your name was original when compared to many other
artists around. How did the name come about?

Paris: - I chose the name Paris because the focused anger reflected in my music is
more often than not a direct result of the effects of America's oppressive
European white-supremacist ideals. That name, as far as I am concerned, is
a way of saying that I represent the Hate That Hate Made - look what your
racism and ideals have created - me.

HhS: - Anything you would like to add?

Paris: - I encourage people to embrace independent thought and look beyond the
surface of what you're given as information everyday. Became internet savvy
and learn the truth about what's really going on around you. If you get all
of your info from TV and the newspaper than you're ill informed. If you
need assistance in finding alternate sources of information, then please
visit me and SUBSCRIBE at http://www.guerrillafunk.com

Download Paris's new single http://www.hiphopsoundz.net/whatwouldyoudo.mp3

Interview by Myst, Steel and Rezaei

for more interviews from Necro, Ugly Duckling and Copywrite visit www.hiphopsoundz.net

Dr._Funkenstein · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2003, 09:49:29 AM »

Dope interview!

Sven · « **Reply #2 on:** April 09, 2003, 10:03:25 AM »

Quote from: The Funky Doc on April 09, 2003, 09:49:29 AM

Dope interview!

Indeed...

_That_Cracka_J · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2003, 12:05:25 PM »

....so he thinks 9-11 was staged and set up by our government.....OKAY ::)

40oz GRApHire · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2003, 12:39:34 PM »

Paris is dope but is it just me or does he sounds racist?

Sven · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2003, 01:21:24 PM »

From Paris FAQs:

Quote

2. Do you hate white people?

I don’t hate anybody. I love people the way they love me. If you respect me, I’ll respect you. It’s as simple as that. It’s too bad that black people who are concerned with the improvement of the black condition are often viewed as being anti-white.