Peace man. I'm
well. I'm working to get these projects heard by the world.
Who is Truth
Universal?
Truth Universal
is a Trinidad born, New Orleans raised emcee, that is skilled in the trade of
that old boom-bap.
What does the
name Truth Universal mean to you and why did you choose it?
In coming into
the Knowldege of Self, I realized a name should reflect who you are and/or who
you aspire to be. Thus, Truth Universal speaks to my seeking, striving to speak
and striving to live Universal Truth.
How would you
describe yourself as an MC?
I'm an emcee who
feels that I'm responsible in terms of sharing whatever I know with whoever
I come in contact with. I deal with a degree of social awareness. I stress quality
Hip Hop though man.
What's up with
your "Decolonization" album?
"Decolonization"
is my first full length album. I've previously released like 3 12 inches, and
an EP, but this is my first LP. It's finally complete, and we're working out
distribution details right now.
When are you
planning to release "Decolonization"?
We're shooting
for a late fall release.
What would be
the ideal conditions under which you would want to release your album?
Ideal conditions
would be significant promotion-radio, print and video, significant distribution,
and knowing that you will be properly compensated for your shows!
You like to
talk about politics, can you overdo that though?
Well, first of
all, all things should be in moderation. I think people get it kinda twisted
when you deal with social awareness or Conscious music. I don't think Digable
Planets, BDP, Poor Righteous Teachers, The Micranots, or Public Enemy overdid
anything. It was/is dope Hip Hop that just happens to have a message. I'm not
talking about foreign relations or the war in Iraq from Intro to Outro. That
shit'd be beaucoup boring. Really what I talk about is the climate of society
and how Original (people of color) people are affected. I try to be as creative
as I can be in conveying whatever messages. I'm actually saying similar things
to the average cat, which came from meager circumstance. That's me. That's what
or who I identify with. The only difference is I try to put the shit into perspective.
I do what most emcees do, in that I incorporate my life experiences into my
music. I'm also from that era where skill level is most important. So, at times
I'm just being an emcee. I might just want to spit. I never forget I'm an emcee.
Lectures are for lecture halls, and preaching is for church. You feel me?
What are your
political views?
I try not to get
caught up in the labels and what not. I'm just anti-oppression. I don't feel
collecting wealth at the expense of poor people's well being is in any way cool.
I believe in Freedom, Justice, and Equality for all people.
How do you like
living in America?
It is what it is.
Let's see…It's the richest nation in the world with rampant poverty and
homelessness. You have the demographic with the lowest numbers population-wise
leading in incarceration. You gotta love it. Who wouldn't?
How was it working
with MC Zion (Zion I)?
I always enjoy
being in the company of those brothers. They are both very humble and insightful.
Zion's verse is exceptional. The song came together really well. DJ Maxmillion's
scratching is like icing on the cake.
What about Damien
of K-Otix?
It was just a pleasure
to work with cats who have been puttin' down for like 10 years. When we were
trying to get our act together they were dropping vinyl and touring. If there
was any doubt that cats from the South couldn't make dope Hip Hop and fair well
in the indie Hip Hop arena they dispelled that.
Those two dudes
have some good experience under their belt, what did you learn from working
with them?
I tell you man,
I met Zion and Amp on the road in the Midwest. I've done a couple shows with
those cats. If you didn't know what show rockin' was before you see them man,
you will be well orientated after! With both, we just built on where they are
and how they got there. The formula is basically grind and organize.
Who would you
like to work with?
Man, tons of people…
Bun B, One.Be.Lo, I Self Devine, Primo, S1 from Strange Fruit, Zo in Detroit…We'll
be here all day with that homie! It's a very long list!
What has been
the hardest part about being independent and trying to get heard?
The hardest part
is trying to make moves that take money to make and you ain't really being compensated
for much. It costs to travel across the US for a promotional shows.
What do you
do to pay the bills while you're grinding on the music?
I do contract help
desk computer work.
What do you
want your fans to take away from your music?
From my music I'd
like people to feel like I felt when I bought music between '87 and say '96-satisfied!
What's your
next move in this game?
My next move is
to get this music out, and hit the road, as much as I possibly can, to promote
it. I've also started getting production together for my next album.
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What's
good Truth Universal?
