What was your first mixtape?
My first official mix cd was “Bang This!!,” dropped it in November 2001. I’ve dropped about 20 or so since then.

When did you start taking the mixtape game seriously?
After I was in it for about a year, so many positive things kept happening that it kinda seemed like it was the right thing to keep pushin with.

You made a lot of noise with your R&B mixtapes, what did that mixtape do for you?
The 2 “fore tha ladies” cds I dropped helped expand my fan base and reach more people, especially the females. I never had planned on doing an R&B type cd, but I get so much music from the labels I figured I might as well put it use and make it pop off.

You're holding it down in Philly now, what's the scene like?
Thanks, there are a bunch of cats putting in work and doin their thing in this area. I think together we’re all holdin down this part of the map very nicely. Different styles, mind states and work ethics all give people a variety of talent to choose from.

What's new with the Forever Fam camp?
We’re all staying busy. Kani’s been rocking parties. Shannon Swain is getting great feedback on the joints she’s recorded and some nice overseas airplay as well. She’s going to be recording more solo joints and collaborations in the near future. Elite’s working on more production for cats, heads everywhere have been lovin the crazy “Shootouts” track he did for Jadakiss & Styles P. Reflect & Prajna are playing out more than ever and have established solid reps for themselves, and they’re cooking up hot tracks as well. C.O.A. has been producing tracks as well. Splitt’s been in the studio and he’s about to rock on a bunch of the dates for the Code of the Cutz/Warped Tour, with Krush Unit.

How's Splitt's projects coming?
They’re going real well, he’s about to release a project on Krush Unit. He signed to Milk Entertainment and he’s been up in NYC, working on joints with Clark Kent.

What do you think of the mixtape game now?
I think there are so many different kinds of djs and mix tape styles out, that there is something for everyone. I think the term “exclusive” is played out and falsely over used. I think there’s too much shit talking and pettiness between djs and I wish some people had more originality, but to each his own. They’ll learn.

You're at a point where a lot of people know your name and you're moving units...are you satisfied?
There’s always room for improvement. I just plan on doing bigger and better things and to keep expanding in a positive direction.

What do you want people to think when they hear a Meddafore mixtape?
I want people to hear some artists they might have been sleeping on or some cats they’ve never heard before and turn them into fans of those artists. I want people to expect good music, because that’s what everyone should be entitled to.

What upcoming projects do you have?
I’m about put out another mix cd. I’m also working on some bigger projects and working with some artists and labels, but I don’t wanna jinx too much – so I’ll just keep it at that for now until it’s all done. But trust me, if everything comes together like it’s looking it’s goin to, you can expect me to makin even much more noise than I have so far.

How can heads cop your mixtapes?
If you’re in my part of the map, there’s a great chance you’ll see me or someone from my crew out and about – so just get at us. You can also hit up my website, http://www.meddafore.com

Shout Outs:
I wanna shout out my family and friends for always being behind me. Gotta show love to Forever Fam, Rat Pack, Tech.Nitions, Rico & Mgmt Inc, 717hiphop.com & MMG, RapAttackLives, Grind-Mode, FoS, Metaphoric Clothing, Phillyhiphop.com and everyone else that I’m down with and shows support. Too many names to mention, but I sincerely appreciate it all. Much respect to you and hiphopgame.com for holding down quality hip-hop.

Interview by Brian Kayser
email Brian Kayser