First off, I've been a fan of your music since "What You Live For," when I downloaded that...How have you guys grown on this album as compared to your previous work?

We have definitely grown since the past work, which is why it has been a while. We wanted to take our time and put out a quality album. We are not afraid to make whatever we feel sounds good even if it means that it is not straight ahead hip hop. That is why on the album we have some soul, some bebop, and alternative Hip Hop sounds.

For everyone that doesn't know of Emanon, can you tell how you guys met?

We met through a mutual friend. We were in the parking lot at a restaurant and Exile started to beatbox. Aloe busted a freestyle. Exile needed an emcee for a mixtape and Aloe was the right man for the job.

What made you two want to work together?

Exile had all the equipment and Aloe was hungry to get some music recorded. We both respected each other's skills and we still do. We are pleased that the talents we have had stayed strong and continued to grow over the years. Exile is also really funny and great to hang out with. He should be a comedian someday because he always makes everybody laugh. Aloe is too serious to be a comedian, but he helps keep everything in order on the business tip.

When did you say, 'hey, this could actually work?'

We knew it worked after the first mixtape "Stretch Marx", that's why we started working on the second tape, "Imaginary Friends/Dream Sequence". We released a 12" single which made EMANON official because that is where we let the world know the name.

Your new album, "The Waiting Room," has a good diversity of tracks, how would you describe this album?

This album is a classic hip hop album with a touch of elements from genres that have helped to influence hip hop over the years. There are some dancehall elements, some soul music, some jazz. We even stepped into folk music, which we believe hip hop is. It helps to report the sentiments and views of the people during a specific time.

Why the title "The Waiting Room?"

The title is named after a song on the album which we believe is the epitome of the EMANON sound. This song was written a few years back and has been the central force of the album that we made.

What was your inspiration for the track "The Waiting Room?"

The inspiration is the chorus says "…tomorrow's another day…". It signifies how life is cyclical and how we all need to recognize that we are here in this "waiting room" called earth, just waiting for the next day. While we are all here in this waiting room, we need to make the most of it. One way that EMANON spends our time is making music and sharing it with others in the waiting room.

"Politician" is a dope track, what place does politics have in Hip Hop?

We think politics has a place in Hip Hop and every genre of music. It has a place in every aspect of life because as individuals responsible for ourselves and for those we love, we need to discuss the things that affect us. Of course this is just a song, but we present it with the hope that it will influence conversation. At least with discussion of politics we can work toward a better informed population.

What artists should talk about politics in their music?

Any artist that feels like talking about politics should introduce the topic in their music. It should never be a requisite for any artist. Art and politics are different things and can serve different purposes. However, it wouldn't make sense for an uninformed artist to present political topics in an attempt to influence opinion because it could possibly mislead other uninformed people who value the artists work.

Exile, you have some crazy beats on here, what do you use?

MPC 2000.

What's the first thing you do when you make a beat?

Usually program drums.

What sound do you want all your beats to have?

Fresh hip hop appeal that makes your head nod or soothing and funky to make you hum the melody all day long.

Aloe, what kind of beats do you look for?

I look for beats that have a story for me to tell and that have a musical sound for the most part.

If you could use 3 words to describe "The Waiting Room," what would they be?

Classic Hip Hop album…or do you mean three adjectives that don't make a complete sentence? Fun, memorable, mature.

So what's the next move for Emanon?

Another album for sure. A lot of touring and some solo projects. Exile is working on a solo project with Sound In Color and Aloe Blacc is finishing a solo album on Stones Throw.