UB Celebrates #HipHop50: Top 10 ‘UB Hip Hop Interviews’

It’s day five of UB’s Celebration of Hip Hop 50.

Tomorrow our new interview with Juana from J.J. Fad launches, so what perfect time to countdown the previous “Top 10 UB Hip Hop Interviews.”

Our e-zine was originally designed towards R&B, we gradually shifted in our early years to include more Hip Hop. As record labels were reaching out, to feature their artists.

Our first interview was with the late Nate Dogg, a singer that laid vocals on countless classic Hip Hop tracks.

Over the years we’ve spoken with the likes of Bow Wow, Remy Ma, Cassidy, Mr. Cheeks, Mobb Deep, and legends such as Master P, Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, plus late emerging rapper Dolla.

Today we countdown our Top 10, including interviews with Nelly, T.I., Jeezy, YoYo, Saucy Santana and more.

Including 90s rapper MC Brains, who shared with UB his issues with Michael Bivins. Plus a new artist originally signed to Atlantic, came to the very outlet his label asked to help break him..to expose them.

Check out our list, to understand why they landed where they did.

10. | Tigga

Big Tigger has earned a name for himself as one of radio and television’s most distinctive personalities, providing hip-hop fanatics with the hottest music and performances from multi-platinum hip-hop and R&B artists. He reached millions of fans daily, as host of New York City’s Power 105.1 FM, Detroit’s FM98 WJLB, Miami’s 103.5 FM The Beat and BET’s top-rated “Rap City: Tha Bassment.” Big Tigger was set to expand his listening empire with his own syndicated weekly countdown show “Live in the Den with Big Tigger.”

This well-spoken broadcast veteran defines the who, what, when, where and how of hip-hop culture.

In 2003 Tigger spoke with Josiah from our previous e-zine T M H. He spoke on working at 105.1, as well as recording music and of course Rap City. Big Tigger also spoke on the Benzino vs. Eminem beef at the time and how he was loving Rapheel Sadiq’s album and more.

UrbanBridgez.com: What is it like working at your new radio station Power 105.1 in New York?
Tigger: It’s cool you know what I’m saying. Power 105.1 is only a year old in New York and we are getting our feet together, our structure and our foundation. We are about to bring the heat to the street. We are just offering New Yorkers a real viable, different sound then what they’ve been used to. A little bit different format and focus then what’s been in New York. We just give them another option to hear their favorite music.

UrbanBridgez.com: And has it been a huge transition between working in D.C. and working in New York?
Tigger: I mean not really; radio is radio most places. I’m from New York, I’m from the Bronx so it’s like being home and D.C. is my second home. It’s just a little different taste in music sometimes and the people are a little different so it’s just a little change. It’s not that big of a deal.

UrbanBridgez.com: Can you get more in depth with your recording career and the jump off with that?
Tigger: I’m looking to put my album out sometime in the near future. The album is tentatively titled “Tiggernometry.” We are in negotiations with four or five labels right now trying to shop around and find the best situation for me. The R. Kelly song is absolutely helping me. I know I’m going to have a song with Kells; I’m going to have a song with Ginuwine, Lil’ Mo, Fat Joe, Ludacris. I got some heat coming!

UrbanBridgez.com: Word on the street has it that you have signed with Swizz Beatz and his new label at J Records? Is this true?
Tigger: Yeah, he’s got Full Surface at J Records. Swizz and I have had really great discussions. It might happen but as of right now, Tigger’s not signed anywhere.

UrbanBridgez.com: Is there any particular label that you would want to be down with?
Tigger: I just want to be with the label that’s going to offer me the best promotion, the best deal monetarily and the best control over what I want to do. I definitely don’t want to be in a situation where I can’t have input into what I’m doing and how I want things go. Just whatever is the best overall situation is for me.

UrbanBridgez.com: So you are doing your thing at BET holding it down with Rap City, what else do you have lined up?
Tigger: I have a syndicated radio show called “Big Tigger Live in the Den Countdown” that can be heard. We’ve already signed up 30 cities, with 6 of them being in the top ten markets in the country. I started doing another show in Miami. I do middays 10am-3pm on 105.3, The Beat in Miami that comes on Mon-Fri.

UrbanBridgez.com: Do you fly down all the time to Miami?
Tigger: It’s back and forth. Sometimes I satellite in New York, sometimes I satellite in Miami. That’s a great balance for me.

UrbanBridgez.com: Definitely. I remember before you came to New York to do radio, you and Star from Hot 97 got into a little beef. What was that all about?
Tigger: Actually, that was just Star doing what he does, and he was hating on BET. And one time Star and I had a heated discussion on the radio, but ever since him and I have squashed it. He’s come up to me and said, “yo I really appreciate what you do.” But that’s what I do, I heal people.

UrbanBridgez.com: What is Tigger playing in his car right now?
Tigger: Tigger is still playing my Rapheel Sadiq album. I’m playing Vivian Green, Fabolous, Lil’Kim, the Roots, and of course 50 cent.

UrbanBridgez.com: Even though the subject is kind of old, do you have any comments towards the Benzino vs. Eminem beef?
Tigger: I think Benzino made some good points, and Eminem made some great points. I think everybody is basically entitled to his or her own opinion. It’s America and you are allowed to say what you want to say. If you have an opinion and you have an outlet to voice your opinion, you can do what you want to do. Somehow along the way you disliking or not agreeing with somebody makes you a hater or that you are hating on them. Just because I don’t like somebody that doesn’t make me a hater. It’s my opinion. If you don’t like a song or somebody’s style and music, it doesn’t make you a hater necessarily that just means you don’t like it. Somebody’s who is a hater just hates for no reason.

UrbanBridgez.com: Do you have any take on the divas that are struggling for sales right now, for example Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston?
Tigger: Not really, but I just think that good music is good music. 50 proved that. He wasn’t a really big artist. He’s hungry; he went after the streets and generated a following for himself. He’s multi-platinum now and the bottom line is if you make good music and there’s a buzz about you, you are going to sell. Not to take anything away from any of the bigger artist, but some of them due to their success may not be as hungry. 50 was like I ain’t got nothing else to do. This is what God put me here to do, and after getting shot 9 times I’m still here. So I definitely respect him and I respect artists for their input in the music game. But good music is going to sell.

UrbanBridgez.com: So is there anything else we can look out for concerning Tigger?
Tigger (Josiah): My foundation, which is a charitable foundation, is called the Street Corner Foundation. We’re raising money to help prevent HIV and AIDS through education. We also want to generate some literacy and self-esteem programs in the hood. I grew up in the Bronx and I know what it’s like to grow up with nothing to do. Any help you can give to a young person is a great benefit. This is my second year doing the Big Tigger Celebrity Classic. It’s going to be in Washington, D.C. June 27-29th. There is a basketball game, a sports clinic; there is a panel for sports, and different well-known music people. Oh, and of course there is partying. If anyone wants more information they can go to www.bigtigweekend.com.

UrbanBridgez.com: If you had to re-locate to a stranded island and take any three females with you, whom would you pick?
Tigger: Lil’ Kim, Serena Williams and Gabrielle Union.

UrbanBridgez.com: Along with those three women, if you were to pair each one with a CD, which three CD’s would you also take along?
Tigger: The Chocolate Factory, The Best of Sade and the Best of Prince.

UrbanBridgez.com: Do you have any last words for your fans?
Tigger: To anybody who’s ever supported me I just want to thank you for your support. I’m really clear on the fact that without them I wouldn’t be here. Part of the reason that I’m trying to give back to my community is because of the fans. That’s mostly what my foundation is about. I just want the fans to continue to support me and show me L-O-V-E.

9. | Fredro Starr

Fredro Starr spoke with UB’s Tishelle this year, about everything “On The Grind his new talk-series.” Fredro shares why he wanted to do the series and how his relationship with guests sets him apart from the rest.

Fredro also shares new on Onyx 30th Anniversary plans next year and gets candid about the late great Jam Master Jay!

UB couldn’t speak with Fredro Starr without touching on the classic sitcom Moesha, in which he played the character Q for six years on and off. He shares his reluctance at first to do the series and how he found balance and success in the role.

Fredro also shares his favorite film role and much more!

8. | Saucy Santana

Santana spoke with Aries about his debut album, how he made gangsta films pretty and working with LightSkinKeisha and Sukihana.

Plus Saucy Santana gets candid on Love and Hip Hop and clears up the Pool Party headlines.

And Santa shares his influences with us and gives LGBTQ artists great advice.

UrbanBridgez.com: When did you know you wanted to get into entertainment?

Saucy Santana: I didn’t really plan to, I was a make-up artist before I started rapping. I had other hustles as well, but when I started rapping I made a song and it became a hit. So it wasn’t nothing I had really planned to do, it just happened.

UrbanBridgez.com: Recently your “Maneater” visual was trending on Twitter and for good reason, tell us about incorporating motion pictures in your visuals?
Saucy Santana: With Maneater I only uploaded it because when I had first came out with Pretty Little Gangsta, the idea was to show people gangsta movies that they knew. But to make them pretty. I still have my make-up on and still have my nails on. So with Friday, New Jack City, Set It Off and Belly they was gangsta films but made pretty. I just released the full videos, because my fans were going crazy about the clips.

UrbanBridgez.com: How would you describe you and your style of music?
Saucy Santana: My music is kind of raunchy, kind of ratchet. But still very impowering at the same time.

UrbanBridgez.com: Why did you and LightSkinKeisha finally decide to link on Back it Up’?
Saucy Santana: We’re kind of on the same label and we’ve been friends. I love Keisha, I was like sis I’m going to send you a song. She’s very animated and stuff, so I thought she would be perfect for it.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s the latest with Love and Hip Hop Miami and what’s been the best and worst parts for you shooting the series?
Saucy Santana: Nothing we’re not shooting. The best part is exposure, the worst part is how they would like for gays to be perceived.

UrbanBridgez.com: Please clear up for anyone who isn’t clear, what happened at the Pool Party that made headlines?
Saucy Santana: I feel like it’s very clear. One thing I love about my fans, is they be knowing and be like child please! As soon as all of the blogs posted it, my fans were like hell no. I also think people know the stigma people have, like why come over here and mess with a group of gays? Where literally everybody was in their own section, in the pool. There were no children around us, so to think they can come over and start with us I don’t play that. I’m glad people on the internet didn’t even believe it. I understand blogs have to post stuff, to have their stories. But it was completely false. There were actually fans of mine out there, who are followers. They posted they was there and it was all false.

UrbanBridgez.com: Well I’m happy you actually spoke up on it.
Saucy Santana: With gays it’s always these weird people that have a problems with gays. Like with Love and Hip Hop, they want gays to be seen as nasty and just about drama. All of that is not what being gay is all about. And just because we’re gay, doesn’t mean we’re pedophiles and want to mess with children. It was like over 10 gay boys, if we wanted to touch somebody there was 10 of us right there.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s something you would like to see more of from the LGBT community, when it comes to supporting LGBT recording artists, as well from heterosexuals? The talent is there with so many LGBT artists, but the support isn’t.
Saucy Santana: With the gays, everybody wants to be so fab. Everybody wants to be #1 with it, not realizing that you have to wait your turn. So it’s like if you can’t beat them, join them. Instead of being so angry that it’s someone else, ask them like hey what did you do to get here? One of the things I try to do and tell LGBT artists all the time, it’s a lot in your tone when you rap and what you rap about. When I first started rapping and came out with Walk Em Like a Dog, they thought it was a girl before they seen the visual. When I go to McDonalds just on the regular and not me trying to change my voice or anything, they be like thank you ma’am. So that was something that got me through the door. I don’t sound like no harsh man, rapping about sexual content. With LGBT if you only rap them themes you’re going to be stuck on that bridge. For black gay pride in Atlanta, I have more shows booked at straight clubs, than gay. Because I’m able to go everywhere. So when we’re rapping and stuff and being gay and if you’re already feminine, you want to come from that standpoint. If you’re more masculine and gay, don’t do any of the feminine stuff. Like don’t say stuff like come and get it boy, you have to realize we’re in reality. I use to perform in the strip clubs all the time and if I’m like yeah going to your house and put my thing in your baby daddy. They would be like wait, what? But if I’m like come eat this cat, ain’t nobody going to say anything. So just watch your ways and tone and keep everything universal.

UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some of your influences and why?
Saucy Santana: My influences are a lot of people that I grew up around. Gucci Mane is my favorite rapper, Jackie-O is an influence for me. Trina was an influence, Nicki Minaj is an influence. Just really the kind of music that I grew up listening to. Just Florida period, it’s artists like Tampa Tony who make me embrace my Florida music and culture. I’m originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut and moved when I was 15. Even though Khia run her mouth, she was an influence too. Just that south sound. I stay in that lane.

UrbanBridgez.com: You’re on Sukihana’s release, tell us a little about that joint!
Saucy Santana: My sister is crazy, first off I didn’t even know the song was called Food Stamp Hoe. So yeah I’m on her new mixtape. It’s a real fun song and we’re suppose to be shooting a video to it as well. I’m excited about her new project, because she knows how to write and talk about other stuff outside of the raunchy. I’m happy she is showcasing her other-side of music.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for Saucy Santana?
Saucy Santana: We’re just going to keep going, I have so many opportunities. I’m about to appear in another big artist video. I’m steady just trying to break the barriers down. People feel like I’ve came real far, but I feel I have so much more to do. I’m taking all advantages right now. I got other opportunities coming out, that y’all will be seeing soon. You know, just making my mark.

UrbanBridgez.com: Anything else you want to leave with your fans?
Saucy Santana: I love all of my fans and thank y’all for all of the continued support. And if it’s up there, its’s up there.

7. | Jeezy

Our interview with Jeezy was conducted in 2005, with Josiah from our then e-zine T M H. Jeezy was a new artist and was preparing to release his debut album “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101.”

A green Jeezy spoke on being from GA, his early influences and his debut album. He also speaks on signing with Def Jam, his top 3 lyricists, who he wanted to collab with and more!

UrbanBridgez.com: Tell me a lil bit about Young Jeezy and where the name came from?
Young Jeezy: The name actually came up from the hood. When I was younger all the lil’ kats in the hood used to always call me Jeezy. I was the youngest one in the hood who used to hang out with all the older kats. So they would always call me young. And then when I started rapping they just put the shit together. A promoter kinda put the name together for me about 8 years ago because I wasn’t really using a name back then. So when it came time for me to perform he was like “Young Jeezy.”

UrbanBridgez.com: So how old are you now?
Young Jeezy: I’m 24 now.

UrbanBridgez.com: So tell me about your upcoming album and why you think everyone needs to pick it up?
Young Jeezy: I mean basically I get into the streets, the hustling, and being an entrepreneur. That’s what I talk about on the album. If you’re not really into that then the album might not be for you. So it might not be for everyone, but if you’re trying to get motivated and you need that something to get through your day, then you will definitely want to pick the album up. I feel the same pain that a lot of people on the streets feel everyday.

UrbanBridgez.com: Talk to me about your new track called “Over Here”? Why was this song released?
Young Jeezy: Right now it’s the introductory song. Since the dj’s fuck with me, they needed something to play, I recorded that track. Now they are playin it in the clubs a lot.

UrbanBridgez.com: Are there any other tracks on the album that you consider your favorites?
Young Jeezy: To be honest with you dawg a lot of that shit is my favorite because it’s all me. It’s a couple of songs that are being chosen as singles that I’m not too keen on, but I guess it’s all good because we gotta sell records. So basically I’m doing the 50 Cent thing, but it’s a down South thing ya feel me?

UrbanBridgez.com: Alright, definitely. So what part of the South are you from?
Young Jeezy: I’m from GA homie. I’m down with the best. I don’t give a particular part of the South because I been all through Georgia, so I just tell people I’m a Georgia nigga.

UrbanBridgez.com: Speaking of that whole movement, how do you feel about the South just dominating radio, and dominating music right now?
Young Jeezy: I feel like it’s a good thing because it’s a chance for us to really be heard. A lot of times people thought kats from the South couldn’t rap. I take it very seriously because I feel like it’s the best thing that could happen because everyone from the South has the chance to put out there what we’ve been doing for a minute.

UrbanBridgez.com: Your “Trap or Die” Mix Tape and DVD’s have sold over 250,000 CD’s and 700 DVD’s sold. How does that feel?
Young Jeezy: I mean it feels good because it’s like people are feelin my pain through mix-tapes and I haven’t even dropped an album yet. I’m still that same kat when you were coming to see me at my local shows. It’s good because it shows that people are messing with me by supporting me like that.

UrbanBridgez.com: To have over 1,000 fans show up to an in-store for a new artist like you is a great feat. What is your response to such great feedback form the public?
Young Jeezy: For a nigga who has no video and no promo I feel like that’s good. That was for a mix-tape. I did a release party and I had more people there than some established artists do.

UrbanBridgez.com: Talk to me about being signed to Def Jam. How is it so far especially with the take over from Jay Z, the new CEO at Def Jam Records?
Young Jeezy: To be honest with you dawg, when I get up in the morning I don’t even think Def Jam. I think Corporate Thugs Entertainment. I just move and let them follow and it’s like they ain’t in the streets but I’m in the streets everyday. I think the deal with Jay is good, but I gotta prove myself to him too. I gotta show and prove to him too and I have to get on my grind. No matter how they feel, I’m making a difference out here. You put me at a venue and niggas are gonna show up to see me.

UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some of the artists who have definitely influenced your style and which one of these artists do you look up to for inspiration?
Young Jeezy: I fuck with my nigga Bun B from UGK. That’s my nigga. I mess with Trick and I’ve always been a big fan of his. Jay Z, most definitely. I don’t really mess with a lot of rap niggas because a lot of them are not who they say they are. I fuck with them Dip Set niggaz, I’m feelin that movement. I also fuck with Fabolous. He was there when I was on the grind and tryin to come up.

UrbanBridgez.com: Do you have any upcoming collaboration with any artists?
Young Jeezy: I got some shit coming out with Fabolous, Trick, Bun B and different people like that who I mess with.

UrbanBridgez.com: Give me your 3 top lyricists:
Young Jeezy: I would definitely say Bun B, Fab & Lil’ Wayne.

UrbanBridgez.com: Who are 3 females in the entertainment business that you would love to get with right now?
Young Jeezy: You mean get with as far as kickin it?

UrbanBridgez.com: Yeah.
Young Jeezy: Awwh shit, that’s a good question yo. I mean on some real shit, I’m a real nigga and I don’t really fuck with industry chicks cause they have too much going on. I see em’ now but I’ve always been a cool nigga since day one so a lot of that don’t phase me. To deal with someone in the industry is a whole lot of ugly stress.

UrbanBridgez.com That’s definitely real talk right there.
Young Jeezy: No doubt.

UrbanBridgez.com: If you were asked 5 years from now to pick an artist to do a Best of Both Worlds album with, who would you choose?
Young Jeezy: Hmmm. That’s another good question. Damn, that’s a good one. I gotta think. I would say definitely that nigga Camron and Jim Jones. I fuck with them niggas. Their whole swagger and everything is wassup.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans?
Young Jeezy: Trap or Die is in stores right now. Let’s get this on the way, if you ain’t with it don’t fuck with me. If you are, let’s get it started.

6. | Krayzie Bone

We interviewed Krayzie Bone in 2005, for the release of “Bone Brothers.”

In this interview, Krayzie talks about the state of hip hop, collaborating with legendary Phil Collins and who he would do a Best of Both Worlds R&B album with and more!

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s the name of the new album?
Krayzie: The name of the album is Bone Brothers.

UrbanBridgez.com: Tell me a little bit about it. Producers? Writers? Who did you guys work with?
Krayzie: It’s basically a Layzie and Bizzy album. I’m featured on a couple of the songs. It’s a duo album with them. Mostly the producer on this album is Self Service. He’s a big producer from out this way (New York) and he’s produced for alot of people. He basically spearheaded the whole album.

UrbanBridgez.com: What was it like for Layzie and Bizzie to work on this project without the entire group involved?
Krayzie: It’s a lil’ different. Instead of getting a whole Bone Thugs album, you get half of it. It’s a lil’ twist on it. Just like me and Wish Bone are working on Bone Brothers Volume 2. It’s just us two on the album. We’re trying to mix it up a little bit. And change the vibe a little.

UrbanBridgez.com: What do you think about the current state of hip-hop?
Krayzie: Man, it’s cool. It’s alot more opportunities out there. Alot of chances for people to come in and express themselves. It’s “survival of the game” now. People are not scared of hip-hop like they used to be, a couple of years ago. I think hip-hop is moving at a rapid speed and getting more and more respect as we go.

UrbanBridgez.com: A few years ago, you guys did a song with Phil Collins. How did that collaboration come about?
Krayzie: I was just in the studio one day and I was always playing Phil Collins. And I took one of his songs and I just sampled his voice. I let the dudes hear it and they were like “we need to use this song and put it out.” And see if we can use Phil Collins. It took awhile to clear the song and he finally agreed to be in the video. It worked out really well. We had to go to Switzerland to shoot the video, of course, cause he was busy working on his projects and we flew out to him. It just all worked out.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s the major difference between being on an independent label and a major one?
Krayzie: You get a little bit more freedom instead of getting lost in the shuffle. With an independent label, they tend to keep their eyes on the project. They work it longer and harder than a major label would. If you come out on a major label and sometimes if you don’t do what they expect you to do (in the first week), they’re like “okay we’ll move onto the next project.” Whereas, an independent label, if they’re not satisfied with the numbers, they might change up the whole marketing strategy and put more money into it and just keep working on it until they get the results they’re looking for.

UrbanBridgez.com: If you guys could do a Best Of Both Worlds-type album with an R&B artist, who would you pick?
Krayzie: I’d probably pick somebody like a Jill Scott or Floetry. Somebody like that. Somebody that I think is real down-to-earth. Kinda like talk about the same issues we talk about, real day-to-day issues and real-life drama. Real stuff.

UrbanBridgez.com: Are you guys planning to tour?
Krayzie: Oh yeah. Definitely we’re going on tour. I also have a solo album coming out. My album is called Gemini: The Good Versus The Evil. It’ll be out next month. So we’re gonna be pretty busy working. We’ll probably be on tour together.

UrbanBridgez.com: What do you guys see yourselves doing five years from now?
Krayzie: Hopefully still making music. Just capitalizing on everything to come our way. Just staying in the game. Getting into the producing thing. Doing tracks for myself. Just trying to keep it moving. Just trying to get on my hands on everything possible while the opportunity is there.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for the fans?
Krayzie: Keep supporting Bone. We’re gonna always be here. We’re gonna always be around. We may take time between our albums but we make sure to do songs that will last for our fans until we come back. Keep supporting us and we’re gonna always be here, making the music.

5. | MC Brainz

M.C. Brains debut album release entitled “Lovers Lane” went gold and the lead single single “Oochie Coochie” went platinum.

The album also included the other hit singles “Everybody’s Talkin About M.C. Brains” featuring Val Young of the Mary Jane Girls, followed by the R&B sensual “Brainstorming” featuring Boyz II Men.

The album was extremely versatile for a hip hop artist, blending R&B and Hip-Hop, while hitting some notes himself. Brains was doing Drake, before Drake was.

The debut album also featured some other hot joints like “Strawberry Lane” and “Boyz II Men (The Sequel)” featuring Boyz II Men. That song would later be used on their diamond plus album “II” for the “Khalil (Interlude),” which was dedicated to their late bodyguard Roderick (Khalil) Rountree, who was killed during a robbery attempt.

Unfortunately he had the fame but didn’t reap the benefits financially from this project due to not knowing the loopholes of the music industry at the time.

UB spoke to the platinum artist in a 2009 feature, called “Then 2 Now.” We wanted to get his thoughts on that period and allow him to express why he was upset with Michael Bivins.

UrbanBridgez.com: Where did the name M.C. Brains originally come from?
M.C. Brainz: Me and my homeboy was playing the dozens. Calling each other crackheads & things like that. We started calling each other body parts and things (laughs), someone called me Brains. It’s funny because after that, the name just stuck. After that day, people kept calling me Brains. I was 13/14 at the time & popular in the hood, so that’s what I went by. I decided later to put the meaning behind the name (Bringing Raps And Instrumentals None Stop).

UrbanBridgez.com: Did you remember how you felt about “Oochie Coochie” being your lead single and were you surprised by the success of it?
M.C. Brainz: At the time I was dealing with alot of negativity in the streets. My life was on the line, so the deal was really a blessing. I started flowing in the hood and when I got my deal, I felt like life was good. I was snatched out of a situation and I learned to appreciate it. It was #1 on the Rap, Pop and literally any other chart at that time. It’s one of them songs, I could have never done in the hood. When I got to Cali to start working on the album, he (Michael Bivens) had the idea. So I came in and wrote the verses. I knew it couldn’t be gangsta, so I spit it that way. I can spit to anything from Rock to a Country beat, I’m not just in one lane. That song also allowed me to see the business side of things and how they work. So for that I will always respect that song.

UrbanBridgez.com: You’ve stated recently that you feel Michael Bivens (New Edition) took advantage of you, could you elaborate more on that?
M.C. Brainz: When it comes to Mike, I play two sides of the fence. There are times when I get very upset and there was actually a time where I saw him dead in my head. But as I got older I started to realize God works in mysterious ways. All my homies who I was dealing with at the time, we’re either getting shot or ended up in jail. I know if I would of stayed in that situation I would’ve ended up dead. When I got the deal, I was on my way out of all of that. It was a blessing. But again, that’s why I say there are two sides to it, like the Gemini side that’s still pissed off. The thing is he didn’t just take a little, he was greedy, he stole a lot basically the whole shebang! See with me being young, just the fact that I could go out to the car dealer ship and get the car I wanted & have a stack just by signing my name I thought I was good. I was a teenager, that’s how he did it. Long as I had the fly clothes, car, I didn’t have a care in the world. I was 17/18 partying all over the world.

I could just go to the ATM wherever I was to get money and I thought that was good. Just by pushing one button, I could withdraw up to $500. See the deal with me and him came overnight. Like 30 days before all of that started happening I had no idea I would be in that position because it wasn’t planned. Mike was also my manager and the label. I remember talking to my road manager (Todd Russaw) about it at the time. And he was like do the math… We sold 1 million copies of the single and another 500,000 thousand of the album at $10 a pop! Mike made millions, greedy motha fucka. I felt like damn he could of just sent me a million I would of been cool with that, but he kept it all. So again, the other side of me gets pissed when I think about it. But the older I get, I do realize it was a lesson learned.

UrbanBridgez.com: Do you still keep in contact with my boy Todd Russaw, I know he was your road manager back then?
M.C. Brainz: Oh yeah that’s still my boy. I actually talked to Todd some days ago. He was like the only person in that camp I could depend on out on the road. For the two of us we had trust, we had money to make. With Mike, that’s the side that gets me frustrated still. It’s like how could you do another man like that? A man is suppose to respect another man. As I’m sure you know, there are two things you don’t mess with when it comes to a man.. His money & his woman. But it’s cool, I don’t wanna beat his ass on sight no more. Now it’s all about him seeing me succeed, that makes me feel better.

UrbanBridgez.com: You recorded two songs with Boyz II Men for your debut album, what’s your favorite memory of being on the road with them during that time?
M.C. Brainz: Man I just gotta say Wanya is my boy, he’s the one I got in the most trouble with (laughs). I have a lot of stories about us being on the road, I think the most memorable story I have with them though is when we were in the studio. Their vocals are crazy! It was so odd because they would sing like freakin hummingbirds with no flaws. I had never witnessed that before with a group, I mean no effort and they would just sound incredible. I remember when we was recording “Boys II Men (The Sequel),” they told me to sing on it instead of flow. I was like sing, they was like you heard us (laughs). They coached me through it and I did it. It was so much fun. That song was real talk, it’s saying how it is from going from a boy to a man, I still love that song.

4. | YoYo

Aries from UB spoke to YoYo about joining the cast of Love & Hip Hop Hollywood, her upcoming single “Out of Control,” what inspires her to advocate, plus she joins the current conversation on female rappers & more.

UrbanBridgez.com: What made you want to join the cats of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood?
YoYo: It’s an attempt to dive in. Dive into anything that is happening in today’s times. I consider it a great opportunity, to dive in and be a voice.

UrbanBridgez.com: What do you think fans will learn about you from watching this season?
YoYo: Well I finally get a chance to show my authentic self. I think the road I’ve peaked along my journey is something to be seen. So I’m happy to present, a woman who has been in this industry for 30 years. All of my mistakes, all of my influences, relationships to everything that I’ve learned. From my regrets, are all exposed. My parenting and motherhood. Which is hard for a woman in this industry. So just to be real, makes me excited for the platform.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s been the biggest challenge for you filming reality TV?
YoYo: I think the biggest challenge for me, is introducing my family. I mean it’s not always easy. I see myself as one way. I’ve been this way since I was 17. So to include my family and my mom. To be be reintroduced to a generation, where some don’t know who I am or what I stand for. I think it’s still exciting as a whole.

UrbanBridgez.com: Female rappers have been a very hot topic as of recent, which is great! Being a pioneer, what’s your thoughts on the conversation. What would you like to see more or less of so to speak?
YoYo: Well I love the power of women. I’m such a feminist, so with that comes, the double headed sword. Knowing who we are, being able to finally have a voice. To finally get the attention it deserves. What I would like to see more of when it comes to women in Hip Hop. Is more of their authentic self and not just the hype of it or the trend of it. But as a whole because we are mothers, we are leaders, we are sexual, we are lovers. You know, we are…

UrbanBridgez.com: Everything!
YoYo: Exactly!

UrbanBridgez.com: I had chance to preview your fire new single “Out of Control,” with Tyeler Reign and Britany B, that you have coming. Can you give us anymore details on that and more new music?
YoYo: Do you like it?

UrbanBridgez.com: I love it!
YoYo: Oh do you? I’m so excited to hear that, because I struggle with getting back in. I struggle with it because of the music business. When I got out of it Lil Kim and Foxy were coming in. And I could never make myself feel like I fit again. But I have to do some self evaluating. Soul searching of who am I? What does it mean to me? This song makes me feel like I’m right there in the middle. I just got a distribution deal with Fountain Media. So I’m independent and the song will be available in October. The video is shooting October 13th. So I’m working with my team now to set up pre-sales and hopefully have the video out by October 20th. So we’re right there.

UrbanBridgez.com: So great to hear! Iz It Still All Good, with the late great Gerald LeVert will always be one of my favorites. That was your last release on a major and the album Ebony never came. Take us back to that time and tell us how that all played out.
YoYo: So Something is On Your Mind with Gerald LeVert. To be totally honest that was me trying to find my medium. In an industry that had drastically changed. So for a long time I couldn’t find myself, I couldn’t find my cool. With Gerald LeVert on it, someone who I looked up to. It helped me to release a side of me that I felt comfortable. With Ebony I worked with Cube and Sylvia Rhone at the time. There was no beef we just really couldn’t get the attention of Ice Cube because of the companies that were merging at the time. So for me being from the west coast, working with east coast artist, I was sort of happy it didn’t come out. Because I was getting more love from the east coast than the west coast. So I felt like I wasn’t representing the west like I could have. So I was actually happy, it didn’t come out.

UrbanBridgez.com: Out of your catalog, what are your top 3-5 favorite tracks you’ve recorded? My three are So Funky, Bonnie & Clyde Theme and Iz It Still All Good.
YoYo: Oh God let’s see, You Can’t Play with My YoYo, Mama Don’t Take No Mess and Bonnie and Clyde.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s been your biggest accomplishment in your career for you?
YoYo: My biggest accomplishment of my career so far. Is getting my kids to respect me. Knowing that it’s not easy to be a mother and a artist. And my biggest accomplishment, is me feeling like I did accomplish that. I feel like my kids respect me, they know who I am, they respect my work ethics. They inspire and encourage me to keep going. Before I thought it was more of a, that’s enough. So my biggest accomplishment is gaining the respect of my family.

UrbanBridgez.com: You started advocating when you debuted with IBCW, later establishing YoYo’s School of Hip-Hop. What motivates you to advocate and what would you suggest to others who
want to, but don’t know how or where to start?
YoYo: What started my journey was everything I did. All of my fears. And that’s why I’m YoYo Fearless on social media. I think all of my fears haunted me. The fact that I didn’t know all that I wanted to know. The pretentious life is such a falsely of life. It’s such a fake life. But to go through the journey and completing 30 years, can you imagine? To go through it and to come out on the other side. Is like looking back and saying, whoa is that all you got (both laugh)? But when I was going through I was thinking, dang can I breathe again? Is this the death of me? It’s such a hard journey and it’s such a tough experience. Specially being a mother and raising kids. Trying to be the best artist you can and to show up. With me for YoYo’s School of Hip-Hop, I’ve given what I didn’t have. To be totally honest, when I surrendered. When I decided to admit that I knew nothing. Admit that I’ve lied, that some of my stories weren’t always true. When I decided to admit my wrong, it made me want to say more. With more came people wanting to learn more. They wanted more information. Me working with the kids, teaching them how to watch what they say. Those are the things that I started doing with YoYo’s School of Hip-Hop. Just wanting to teach them how to have longevity in this industry. What I would say to those trying to get into it. What I’ve learned is the more I give is the more I get. So the more I poured myself into other people, the more I opened myself up. Seriously, the more serious conversations I had. They educated me, I didn’t realize how closed off I was by not having conversations. So I would tell people who want to advocate to always show up. I wasn’t always prepared for the show up. I didn’t know what the conversation was going to be. I’ve been YoYo since I was 17 and I didn’t go to college. But I went back to educate myself, because I knew that I didn’t want anyone to taunt me. I didn’t want to feel like I didn’t know anything. So educate yourself and don’t be afraid to give yourself. Take time to hear somebody out, it could be the start of something you’re very passionate about.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for YoYo?
YoYo: You know it’s politics. Yup seeing my face on a brochure asking people to vote for me. So that I can be the voice of my community. So that I can bring their concerns to the forefront. To go to war for them. That’s really next for me. Of course being a great grandmother, there for my daughter. This generation I’m a young grandma. My goals for the future is being accountable and not for just myself. But for those that look up to me, put faith in me and believe in me. Those that want a better me.

3. | Nelly

Aries from UB, spoke to Nelly in 2004, in support of his double album release “Sweat” and “Suit.”

In the interview Nelly talks about putting both of the album out at once and what made him want to do it. He also tells us what inspired his monster crossover hit “Over and Over,” and he shares what inspires him.

Nelly also gets candid on the most frustrating aspect of being an entertainer and more.

UrbanBridgez.com: First off congratulations on your Grammy nomination, how important are the Grammy’s to you?
Nelly: Thanks man, I appreciate that. Anytime you’re nominated for anything you appreciate it. But I still think The Grammy’s, have a long way to go when it comes to hip-hop.

UrbanBridgez.com: What made you decide to put out two albums at once?
Nelly: Well when I first started it was just to work on one CD. Then I ended up recording so much material, I decided to just put out two at the same time. I thought that was a good way to do it. Plus it was creative to me and something that was never done before. I felt only one person could pull it off and that was me (laughs). I felt like it would be hot and could sort of be my signature. I honestly didn’t know they would be doing as good as they are. When I told people I was going to do it, they said it wasn’t going to ruin my career and would never work. I’m happy they were wrong (laughs).

UrbanBridgez.com: What inspired “Over and Over?”
Nelly: I had the track when I first started working on the CD(s). I really didn’t know what to do with it. So I just wrote the lyrics and then I needed something else to set it off. So then I started thinking about who could sing the hook. I wanted it to be creative. The guitar in it made me think of country music. So I was like should I (laughs), I mean really, should I (laughs)? So I invited Tim on to do the track with me.

UrbanBridgez.com: Who inspires you musically?
Nelly: Just life man. There is so much stuff I want to do. I don’t want to be one of those that didn’t give my all. If I didn’t deal with every challenge thrown at me, I would be cheating myself. I would be cheating my fans, if I didn’t expand all of my talents.

UrbanBridgez.com: There is a rumor you said politics shouldn’t be in hip-hop or music, is that true, if so why do you believe that?
Nelly: Man I didn’t say that. Someone asked me a question on why I personally don’t put politics in my music. Who am I to tell people what they should or should not rap about? Just because I don’t doesn’t mean others don’t like it. Anyway, I love peeps like Public Enemy. That’s what I do, fight for people to say or to do whatever they want. That’s what I love about this shit (hip-hop) man. But yeah I heard that I said that before and let me clear it up now, I never did and it’s something I would never say.

UrbanBridgez.com: What is the most frustrating aspect of being a recording artist?
Nelly: Dealing with the media B (laughs). Stuff like what we were just talking about. Everything else is cool, I love to work, I’m not lazy. But stuff like that gets out and it’s not even true. Stuff people never expect. Then people having the wrong perspective of you when they meet you from what they think you should be and what not.

UrbanBridgez.com: What are your plans with The Bobcats?
Nelly: love them guys. They play at their best and I’m proud. I love their heart and they’re tough. We beat the champs and The Knicks the other night. I’m proud to be their owner.

UrbanBridgez.com: Are there any plans to work with any other artists in the future?
Nelly: I don’t know yet. Not until I hear the track. One thing I can’t say is never say never of who I won’t work with (laughs). We were talking earlier about Chuck (D) and I would love to work with him. Jay-Z also, we’ve never worked together. I think that would be hot!

UrbanBridgez.com: Any touring in your future?
Nelly: Yeah at the top of the year and in the spring. Not sure with who yet. Any you know what else? I’m not sure if I want to do 15,000 or 3,000 seaters. I like smaller arenas better. When fans are right there on you B. Where they can touch you and smell you. Man I would love to do that type of tour. We did it last year with the up-close and personal tour. It was rockin man, the music was beatin up in that mutha fucka. I love when the music is like that, it’s so clear and loud in small arenas (laughs). I mean we’ve had success with larger arenas, but the fans are just to distant for me.

UrbanBridgez.com: What up-coming projects do you have coming up?
Nelly: I don’t know, let me see. I got the soundtrack to The Longest Yard, a movie I did. The soundtrack is going to be on my label. Ali and Big Gip from Goodie Mob got a CD coming out called “Kin Folk.” We’re finishing Murphy Lee’s new CD, which is ridiculous B (laughs). Peeps gon be like, wow! Then next year I plan to take a break. And I mean a break man, not no two/three week vacation, but relax for a good while. I haven’t taken a break since I started.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans?
Nelly: Thank you, those are the best two words I can say. Thank you for all of your support and support Justice For Jackie. Be lookin’ out.

2. | Phreshy Duzitt

It’s had been nearly a year, since UrbanBridgez.com first introduced everyone to Hip-Hop Recording Artist Phreshy Duzit, with the release of his debut Atlantic Records single “Pattycake.” However after months of his debut EP “HateLove” being pushed back which was originally scheduled to drop in March, then later pushed to Spring and since then Atlantic has made no mention of it. Questions began to arise on what was going on with the young star and his label & after UrbanBridgez.com reached out to the label for the latest and received no comment, we decided to go straight to the artist himself.

In this Exclusive Interview with UrbanBridgez.com Phreshy Duzit speaks to Aries about what went wrong and even though currently still signed to Atlantic Records, why he would be soon not be calling the label home. In a story we’ve heard many times before, he speaks on how the best dream quickly turned into the worst nightmare & why he felt taken advantage of. Phreshy also speaks on why the members of his former imprint SMC went their separate ways, his new album at the time “Brave New World” and his brand Neighborhood PHCK$.

This is an important read for any upcoming artist, who has goals of signing to a major label and what can happen if you allow them to “sell you a dream!”

UrbanBridgez.com: You’ve been very vocal recently about your issues with your record label Atlantic Records, explain to our readers what is your current situation with the label?
Phreshy Duzit: The current situation is real. Not only did we have differences on creative terms but the business side was handled very poorly. I came into the situation on a very high note. I was promised a great deal of things prior to the deal that was not fulfilled later on. To say the least, I was sold a dream. At this point I am not on good terms with anybody I know personally in that office.

UrbanBridgez.com: How did they try to change you?
Phreshy Duzit: Musically, the label and I were not seeing eye to eye. At some point the only songs that were getting me any attention in that office were pop songs I was writing for others, which led them to try to convince me to stay on that route. Later on they wanted to act confused on what I was doing, saying they didn’t understand the “lane” I wanted to be in. My management then became A&R’s and got lost in translation. I was kept out of the loop and was treated like Atlantic Records stepchild.

UrbanBridgez.com: Why wasn’t the EP ever released, the joints that came in support of it were getting alot of buzz?
Phreshy Duzit: That run-around began all the friction. The HateLove EP was completed nearly a year prior to the release date. At the point I got the release date I grew way more musically. I matured as an artist. I told them to put it out, and once again they felt the need to keep giving me excuses, trying to tell me to work on more records. It was a digital release, I still don’t understand their reasoning on why they held on to that project. It was a great body of work. I know that, they know that.

UrbanBridgez.com: You mentioned in a recent YouTube video that you feel labels take advantage of new artists, something we’ve heard many times before. How do you feel you were taken advantage of in this situation?
Phreshy Duzit: Any artist that signs their first deal will have a huge sense of accomplishment. It humbles you to a point where you are so grateful to everybody that you feel gave you an opportunity. That fucks up everything, I remember writing part of a hook on a record that is now platinum and not even being credited. I got a thousand dollar check to silence my complaints. That right there is being taken advantage of.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next on the label front, what’s being done so you can get out of your contract and are you close to inking a new deal with another label?
Phreshy Duzit: Luckily this deal isn’t hard to get out of. It was a crappy deal. I have a few labels interested that have been reaching out to me based off the music videos I have been leaking. I’m not rushing into anything, I know what I have in my hands is special.

UrbanBridgez.com: You went back in Detroit, what made you go back home instead of staying in New York?
Phreshy Duzit: I was in Detroit, I recorded half of my album there with my producer/engineer Nylez. My family is also there, that is where I feel most comfortable and can work on my craft with no distractions. I’m back in NYC now shooting visuals and recording the final tracks to my Brave New World Album.

UrbanBridgez.com: You spoke to us about SMC earlier this year, what happened with that brand?
Phreshy Duzit: SMC consisted of myself and 3 business partners. My business partners chose to take positions at Atlantic Records. That caused a great deal of distractions on their part, I wish them the best.

UrbanBridgez.com: Tell us about your new brand?
Phreshy Duzit: The new brand is Neighborhood PHCK$. It’s a team that really assembled itself even prior to the downfall of SMC. Everything you see in me is due to the creative nature of this brand. The team consists of Nylez (Production) Butta (Visuals) Rich (Artist) and myself. Anything I released recently was a joint effort amongst my team. We’re all young and focused.

UrbanBridgez.com: You’ve been dropping mad singles and videos via your YouTube, including “Good Mourning,” which is real hot! Do you feel like you have a second wind where you’re more focused now on your music then you were once you got signed?
Phreshy Duzit: I am in a great musical zone right now. I found myself, I am not comfortable but that’s exactly what I needed. I was being misguided and misinformed, I lost the love of creating and was too focused on handling business. I am way more focused now and have way more to offer.

UrbanBridgez.com: Outside of everything else going on with the business, what keeps you motivated to keep pushing forward and not just give up?
Phreshy Duzit: Life & everything that stems from it.

UrbanBridgez.com: What would be your top 5 favorite Hip-Hop albums and why?
Phreshy Duzit: This is a tough one. So I’ll answer and tell you what artists I feel helped mold my sound. Bone Thugs & Harmony. Michael Jackson. Tupac. BIG & Kanye West. Those 5 artists all provided me with albums that inspired Phreshy Duzit. Oh yea, Fugees also.

UrbanBridgez.com: We’re celebrating 90’s R&B on our site this month, what R&B joints from the 90’s does Phreshy bump and never gets tired of?
Phreshy Duzit: I grew up on Michael, nothing specific. They were all classics to me. My mom played alot of Tevin Campbell too (laughs).

UrbanBridgez.com: You said recently many artists are in this industry and are not concerned with leaving their imprint in this game, but more so doing it to impress others…what kind of imprint are you trying to make and why is that important to you as an artist?
Phreshy Duzit: There is alot that people are afraid to talk about. Everybody right now is very political on what they choose to speak on, I don’t. My life is mine, I’ve got a story to tell. I’m a good writer, and I’m blessed to have a team that grows with me. We all have a sense of quality and a vision. I have a sound that is like no other. We have laid a foundation to make history and now is the time to execute. This is important to me because I take this seriously, I’m not doing this for fun.

UrbanBridgez.com: Is there anything else you have coming up that you want to let fans know about?
Phreshy Duzit: Look out for my Brave New World album, coming soon. My first show in NYC is coming up soon with the release of my album. Plenty of big things happening behind the scenes also, so stay tuned!

1. | T.I.

This is our #1 interview, due to the fact T.I. was in such a good space and surrounded by friends and family. He made Aries from UB feel at home, and being a day one fan since “I’m Serious,” that’s all any interviewer could ever ask for.

Since his 2001 debut, I’m Serious, T.I. became one of the rare hip-hop artists who’s fan base and his record sales increased with each new release. The critical accolades have continued to flow as well; including three GRAMMY Awards.

In October 2007 Aries from UB spoke with T.I. about his release T.I. Vs. T.I.P., his favorites from his catalog, and he tells us what happened with his scrapped track he recorded with Ciara.

TIP also got candid about the state of Hip-Hop, gay rappers, as well as his love for acting.

UrbanBridgez.com: Congratulations on all of your success & for still holding down the #1 album in the country!
T.I.: Thank you, I appreciate that a lot.

UrbanBridgez.com: What was the hardest obstacle you faced while working on T.I. VS T.I.P.?
T.I.: Really with T.I. VS. T.I.P. I just really tried to stay consistent with the whole concept of the album. Without the music really going over peoples heads. I just wanted to deliver, basically just pick up where I left off with KING.

UrbanBridgez.com: I like the hidden message in Tell Em I Said That, what inspired you to write that song?
T.I.: Really it’s just how I feel. A lot of artists just tend to provoke a lot of shit. Shit they won’t go through themselves, but will rhyme about it in their songs. They don’t even qualify to speak on half of the stuff they be saying. Basically just being hypocrites. I can actually say that about them, because I actually know these kats. And they be getting the kids all enthused and juiced up on shit these niggas won’t even do themselves. But they’re saying in their music to do it.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s the next single?
T.I.: Right now I’m not sure as of yet. But I do know the next two singles will be T.I. singles because the first was two T.I.P. singles. Matter of fact I’ll let you pick the next two singles, what do you think they should be?

UrbanBridgez.com: Again I gotta say Tell Em I Said That, because that’s one of my personal favorites & maybe Touchdown, that song is tight as well.
T.I.: Thanks man, appreciate that.

UrbanBridgez.com: What happened to the song with Ciara that was to be featured on T.I. VS. T.I.P.?
T.I.: I don’t think Ciara’s management.. (laughs). Let me just say this, we didn’t get all the clearance for the song before it was time for the release to come out.

UrbanBridgez.com: Being a fan since “I’m Serious” with each release, I feel you’ve showed a lot of growth as an artists. Going back to “I’m Serious” what was the best part about recording that album?
T.I.: Thank you! I remember I was just so amped & eager to put it out! I remember feeling like there were so many people in the position of putting out albums that I felt I was better than. So I had this big ass ego, like yeah it’s my time now. That’s most likely why it didn’t blow up (laughs) because I was so amped to show how good I was. But really I just know now that I was before my time. Every since then I have learned to just pace my self with each release and let everything happen and now I’m a success!

UrbanBridgez.com: What are your top three favorite songs in your catalog?
T.I.: Man my top three songs in my catalog? I can’t even choose (laughs). But I got my family and friends here with me, so I’ll ask them. (T.I. asks the people in the room) – Dope Boyz, 24’s and What You Know. Them was all the first three singles I came out with for three of the albums (laughs), and that’s a coincidence. Them ain’t my top three favorites, but I still love y’all (laughs). I gotta add Rubberman Man and Bring Em Out, which still does it’s job till this day. I’m T.I.P right now, but them is T.I.’s favorites.

UrbanBridgez.com: Last year Kanye said rap artists should stop with the homophobic lyrics in their music. What are your views on homosexuality and Hip-Hop? Are you aware of your gay fanbase?
T.I.: I’m aware & I really have no views. I feel what you do is what you do and as long as you’re respectful of me and mines, I have no problem with anybody. Lyric wise there’s no need for homophobic lyrics. Artist wise, there is no place in Hip-Hop for a gay artist. I mean no bashing at all, it’s just history has proven that it won’t work.

UrbanBridgez.com: What can fans expect from your up-coming Scream tour with Ciara?
T.I.: They can expect the unexpected (laughs). Just the legend in the foundation that has been laid. An hour of me, an expansion of the BET & MTV performances. Just action packed! I’m not stopping at nothing, there’s gonna be pyro lights, just all kinds of stuff and expect a Boom! There’s gonna be surprise guests, exclusives, just the whole nine. It’s going down, bottom line. Expect to Scream!

UrbanBridgez.com: Is acting something you always wanted to do or did the opportunity just come about?
T.I.: Man I’ve always been the class clown. Just very theatrical even before I got into music. I got famous because of music, but I was always someone people would say, you should be on TV. Just a really silly person with a personality that made people interested in me. I would always go the extra mile to make people laugh.

UrbanBridgez.com: How was it working with Denzel Washington on American Gangster?
T.I.: It was a phenomenal & honorable experience. Beyond anything I expected, I’m like an intern in the film industry. Denzel is a legend. I mean from Denzel, Cuba Gooding and Russell Crow. To work with all them phenomenal actors and who are proven actors was just a pleasure. This is only my second film, so it was a great experience.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s the most played songs in your iPod?
T.I.: Man I don’t even have an iPod, can you believe it? But I got an iPhone (laughs). It’s sad cuz I ain’t even got no music in it, I just use it as a regular phone (laughs).

Pass The Mic was a new feature of some UB interviews, where an artist we recently interviewed asks a question to an artist we’re scheduled to interview!
Pass The Mic (J. Holiday): What’s your take on the current state of Hip-Hop?
T.I.: Who’s J. Holiday? (A few of T.I.s friends start singing J. Holiday’s “Bed”) Oh I know that song, I like it. I’ve only heard it once so far.

As for Hip-Hop, I think it’s in the best place right now and in the worst place right now. It’s in the best place right now because Hip-Hop is bringing a lot of new business to the industry. It’s putting new leaders in place as executives to make positive changes. So many new ways to earn revenue from Hip-Hop. From all kinds of shit from ringtones, sponsors, it’s just so many ways to get money. Movies, the whole nine. The worst place right now is because so many people are downloading music. So that is making it harder to sell a record.

UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some of your favorite singers, if you have any?
T.I.: Umm Robin Thicke, Marvin Gaye (in a soft voice) and Beyonce’.

UrbanBridgez.com: What artist would you like to work wit in the future that you haven’t already?
T.I.: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Outkast, Robin Thicke, Scarface, I already recorded a song with him, y’all just aint heard it yet. Man, just a lot of people. I wanna work with Jill Scott, Alicia Keys. I think I’ve recorded with most of the rappers I wanted to, so now it’s just some R&B; artists. I really wanna do something with Ronald Isley, oh & Dr. Dre. I think me and 50 Cent will be really interesting as well.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans?
T.I.: Thank you! I feel like a lot of people have always considered me the underdog. And thanks to my fans who have believed in me from the start. The ones that have been consistent and have argued with the critics telling them I should be here, it’s due to them that I am here. My fans gave me the name King and just coming to my shows, the record stores and just for all of the support. For that I thank you and I really appreciate it!

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