by Todd E. Jones aka The New Jeru Poet |
The artistic expression created within hip-hop
culture has connected every kind of human being. For an artist to
bequeath a revered legacy, the actual artwork must be honest,
respected, and possess a universal strength. Like a cultural chain,
this universal power links past, present, and future generations. True
artists must remain creatively prolific individuals. Edgar Allen Poe
was a gifted writer who lived a short life, but his legacy of classic
work has persevered for decades. Poe’s artistry is an example of
artistic immortality achieved through work. Many contemporary music
artists are forgotten when their work does not have the ability to
unite the listener with the cultural elements of the artist’s life.
While the average hip-hop emcee rarely uses Edgar Allen Poe as a
reference, an emcee’s legacy can intensify by learning from writer. In
this new millennium, the average hip-hop emcee has an extremely short
shelf life. Their recordings are the only elements of their career. The
artist’s work is the only enduring element that forges the bonds within
the culture.
Edgar Allen Floe is a hip-hop emcee who has learned
from Poe’s legacy and the mentors of his culture. Floe’s obvious play
on Poe’s name is respectful yet representative of hip-hop culture. As a
member of the North Carolina’s Justus League, Edgar Allen Floe walked
through the music industry’s door that was opened by Little Brother.
Although Little Brother started out small, but their classic “The
Listening” LP launched them to unimaginable heights within underground
/ independent hip-hop. 9th Wonder has produced for Jay-Z. Pooh and
Phonte have released their own records. Learning from his fellow Justus
League members, Poe released quality music to fuel his own ascension.
Although Floe started his career as a true individual, he learned from
his mentors in Justus League. As Little Brother and Justus League
continue to grow in both appeal and recognition, Floe is following
their path while walking in his own style. Like a fine wine, the
timeless hip-hop of Floe improves with age. The strength in Edgar Allen
Floe’s successful inception into music industry is a result of his
respectful love of hip-hop injected into music. Although he has not
created a copious amount of work like Edgar Ellen Poe, Little Brother,
and other Justus League members, he ignited his career with the same
spark, independence, and business sense. Floe formed his own label,
MCEO Records. His magnificent debut EP is just an appetizer for the
full meal of his upcoming “The Streetwise LP.” Floe wants people to get
use to him because he wants to remain here for a long time.
Edgar Allen Floe’s debut “True Links” EP is an
excellent slice of musical art that facilitates the universal
connection within hip-hop culture. The poignantly thick production is
handled by 9th Wonder, Khrysis, DJ Forge, Illmind, Khrysis, Picasso,
and Floe (using the name Slicemasta). Instead of featuring many high
profile guests, the EP only includes L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Median. Floe
handles a majority of the rhyming, giving himself a chance to let his
work shine. The songs have a broad range of emotions and topics that
maintain the EP’s balance. The assorted themes, sounds, flows, and
styles link the listener to Floe.
Hip-hop’s power to connect people gives the emcee a
slice of immortality through the music. Edgar Allen Floe’s connection
with the hip-hop strengthens the bond between listeners and his music.
His name links us to the revered writer, Edgar Allen Floe. His EP
connects various emotions, themes, sounds, styles, and moods. In my
interview with Floe, our respectful love of hip-hop united us to the
culture. Floe’s acknowledgement and respect for this power has given
him an infinite potential to achieve musical immortality. Will Floe
reach his potential? Edgar Allen Floe is just one link in the infinite
chain of hip-hop culture. Floe’s musical art will help keep the chain
secure.
T. JONES:
“What goes on?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Chilling, man. Just woke up.”
T.JONES: “Your debut EP, ‘True Links’ was just released. Tell us about the EP.”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “It's called ‘True Links’. It's been getting good
reviews so far. I'm proud of it. I have a variety of producers. 9th
Wonder, Khrysis, Illmind, and many others. I wanted to get something
out there so people could get ready for my full length album, called
‘The Streetwise LP’, which is dropping late this year.”
T.JONES: “What is the meaning behind the title ‘True Links’?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Since I have seven producers across eight tracks,
each producer gives their own unique style. So, the vibe of each track
varies. But even though I'm collab’ing with producers with their own
style, both of our tastes in hip-hop are the same. We can still click
and make a dope track. In the end, the entire project still has a
strong cohesiveness to it. Basically, hip-hop cats have a common bond
or a true link, when it comes to the music.”
T.JONES: “How is working with 9th Wonder different than working with other producers?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “There's not really much of a difference, other than
I actually work with 9th in the studio. Most of the other producers
sent me the beats to listen to. I picked what I liked. 9th will tell me
that he wants me on a specific beat. Then, we go in the studio and make
it happen. He also likes to gives suggestions sometimes, while we're
recording. But for the most part, if he gives me a specific beat, he
knows the song will be dope.”
T.JONES:
“‘Livelyhood’ is one of my favorite songs on the ‘True Links’ EP. Tell
us about the theme, inspiration, and creative process.”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Thanks, man. ‘Livelyhood’ was produced by myself. I
have an alias, Slicemysta. I've been making beats seriously for about 4
or 5 years. I just wanted to have a track that ended the EP on a high
note, so I decided to use that beat. Also, I wanted to let people know
that I can make dope beats. There is not a serious concept behind it.
I'm just flexing my lyrical skills. I almost wanted to make some kind
of a party or danceable joint that everyone would feel. It turned out
really well, so I'll be also producing a few tracks on my full length
album.”
T.JONES: “Tell us about your group, The Undefined.”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “The Undefined is my immediate group, consisting of
myself and my partner in rhyme, Mal Demolish. We've been a group since
1996. We plan on putting out some new music early next year. I do the
majority of the production for our group, but Mal makes beats too.
We'll be dropping an EP soon, called ‘Plan U’. Get ready for that.”
T.JONES: “Do you have a favorite song on ‘True Links’?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “(laughs).It's tough, man, because since every track
has a different vibe. It just depends on how I feel on a particular
day. Honestly, I would say the song I can really zone out to is,
‘Timelife’. I just love how that joint turned out. Shout out to my man
Obsidian Blue!”
T.JONES: “What song took the longest amount of time to complete?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I believe ‘Timelife’ was the one, because me and
Obsidian Blue were trying to make sure the mix was right. Blue was
reworking it a few times, but I told him that we can use one of the
first mixes and run with that. You might hear a different mix of that
track in the future. Same beat, but just a few more sounds added to it.
Every other song on the EP was finished pretty quickly.”
T.JONES: “When you create a song, do you write to the beat or do you have pre-written lyrics or planned out themes?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I first started writing when I was 14. I used to
write all the time. Around 1998 or 1999, I would use a lot of
pre-written lyrics for songs. But, probably since 2000, I've been
writing to the beats. I like the track to be fresh if the beat is new
to me. Also, I can make sure the concept of the song matches the mood
of the beat. I wrote to all of the beats on ‘True Links’. On the joint
called, ‘The Formula 2005’, I couldn't rap on that song the way I did,
without that beat.”
T.JONES: “How did you hook up with Justus League?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “The Justus League was established in 1999. I
basically knew 9th Wonder, Cesar Comanche, Median, and a few other
members from school. We eventually started working on music together in
Yorel's dorm room, and we just kept doing it. The name Justus League
was tagged on to what we did. So, we ran with it.”
T.JONES: “Who are some artists you would like to work with in the future?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I've been thinking about that a lot lately. I would
love to work with any of the greats. Since people say I have a distinct
voice, I would love to do a track with the GZA and Large Professor.
They have a distinct voice as well, on the mic. I think that would be
dope. There are many other emcees who I would like to collab with or
produce for. Common, Sheek Louch, M.O.P., Cormega, or MC Eiht. There
are so many to name.”
T.JONES:
“Speaking of the power of the voice, Guru expresses the importance of
an emcee’s voice on a hip-hop track on ‘Mostly Tha Voice’ by Gangstarr.
In your opinion, how important is the voice for an emcee?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I think the voice plays a part in how the emcee is
received by listeners. You have to have style, charisma, and substance
as well. Some of the greatest emcees did what they did, without really
focusing on the current trends. Do people even realize that Rakim
hardly ever used curse words?! That's something that I really check out
when it comes to emcees. What are you doing different than everybody
else? Bring something new to the table and be able to withstand the
critics. That's what I'm trying to do with my emceeing.”
T.JONES: “Who are some producers you would you like to work with in the future?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Pete Rock! Maybe that'll happen one day. The Rza, Large Professor, and Just Blaze.”
T.JONES: "You just came back from Little Brother’s video shoot. What was the song? What was the concept of the video?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Yeah, I just got back from the video shoot. Man, I
loved it! The whole day was just unbelievable! There will be a lot of
cameos in the video. The concept is clever. I don't think I can say
much about the video right now, but it'll be out very soon. I'm just
really happy I was able to be there and be a part of it. It was
definitely history in the making.”
T.JONES: "How has your life changed since Justus League’s fame grew (and continues to grow) to unimaginable heights?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “It feels good to have fans, from all over the world,
appreciate your work. But everybody in the League still maintains their
focus. We don't let any of the success go to our heads. I just found
out I was in the newest issue of XXL, with The Game on the cover, in
the Chairman's Choice section. I was really happy about that, when I
found out. Even though so many things have happened within the last few
years for us, it's still only the beginning. There's still a lot of
work to be done and many more goals to reach. We have to keep things
moving and keep working. That's what I'm trying to do.”
T.JONES: "What is the song 'Timelife' about?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “'Timelife' is all about how I see some people live
their lives. Whether it's because of their ignorance or their
environment, a lot of people struggle to find themselves. They smile
around people all the time, when deep inside, they're lost and have no
direction. I would notice a lot of vultures out there that prey on
people who are lost. Just like when someone breaks up with their
boyfriend or girlfriend after being together for so long, that person
is so vulnerable. Then, someone comes along and tries to take advantage
of their vulnerability. So, 'Timelife' is all about letting you know to
take advantage of your time on Earth and take advantage of your life on
Earth. If you have goals or aspirations, do what you have to do to make
them happen. Don't be afraid of failure or disappointment. You don't
want to be someone who always asked themselves, ‘What if?’ You
shouldn't live to die, simple as that.”
T.JONES: "What music have you been listening to lately?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I try to stay current with the dope stuff. I've been
bumping that new Sean Price ‘Monkey Barz’ album hard! MC Eiht and Spice
1 dropped an album a few months back called ‘Pioneers’, which I'm still
playing. Cormega, Geto Boys, Common, and of course, my crew's material.
I've been playing Rakim's ‘The Punisher’ like it just came out this
year!”
T.JONES: "What was the biggest mistake you have made in your career?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I would say the biggest mistake I've made is that
I've been too cautious at times. I try to study this music game so
much, that sometimes I forget to take chances and face the
consequences. I've realized that as long as I don't sacrifice my
artistic integrity, I'm good.”
T.JONES: "What are some misconceptions people have of you?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Well, it's not really a misconception, but people
say that I'm very quiet, which I am. But once you get to know me,
you'll realize that I'm not as quiet. I'm a joker on the low. And
sometimes, some people think they have to act a certain way around me
just because of what I rap about or how I carry myself. I don't drink
or smoke, but I'm not going to hate on you if you smoke or drink! Do
you! All my peoples that I've grew up around do what they do, and they
don't hate on me because I'm not smoking with them. It's just a respect
level that we all have for each other. I'm still in the mix of things
though, catching a contact high like a mutha! (Laughs). Live your life
how you choose to live it, because that's what I'm doing! I choose to
be a vegetarian! You don't have to come to me talking about, ‘Yeah, I
don't eat a lot of meat, just chicken.’ Get the f*ck out of here
with that sh*t! (Laughs).”
T.JONES:
"Obviously, your name is a play on Edgar Allen Poe’s name. Are you a
fan of Poe's work? What does the writer, Edgar Allen Poe mean to you?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I just recognize his talent as a writer and a
storyteller. Well, the name, to me, represents a person who isn't
afraid to take chances and speak their mind. Regardless of what others
may think, Poe delivered his stories in a way that only he could.
Original, detailed, intriguing, thought-provoking. These are all
characteristics I've found in his work that I keep in mind when I
write.”
T.JONES: “What is your favorite work by Edgar Allen Poe?”
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Just like most people, I've read some of his work in
school. I am a fan of his work, but not a huge fan or anything. I don't
really have a favorite Poe work. I used to read some of his works while
in school. I have a book that has a lot of his more well known works in
there. ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’, ‘The Black Kat’, and ‘The Raven’ are the
ones I remember the most. I don't really have a favorite piece of work.
I like pretty much all that I've read.”
T.JONES: "Is there a deeper meaning to your name Edgar Allen Floe?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Well mainly, I try to be a dope writer and
storyteller from the hip-hop standpoint. There's not a deeper meaning
or anything, but I used to have an acronym for the name back in 1997. I
don't remember it entirely anymore though.”
T.JONES: "Where were you during the Sept 11th terrorist attack? How did you deal with it?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I was in downtown Raleigh, in the middle of a
banking training class. I was finished with the class about 10:30 am.
As I came outside, I kept hearing some guy and lady keep talking about,
‘The hospitals are next.’ I had no idea what they were talking about
until I went into one of the banks, where I saw everybody looking at
the news when everything happened. But just like most people, I just
kept watching TV all day, trying to understand what really was going
on. That was a crazy time that affected the entire world.”
T.JONES: "When producing music, how do you approach a song compared to other producers?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “When I'm making a beat, I usually start with finding
the sample for the main melody. Once I have that, I add a hi-hat just
to figure out the tempo of the beat while I'm creating the melody. Once
the melody is done, I finish up the rest of the drums. I take a
considerable amount of time on the drums, when it could take me 30
minutes to an hour for the right snare that matches the hi hat, then, a
kick that matches the snare.”
T.JONES: "Do you have a favorite drum machine or sampler?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “You might not believe this, but I've had a Boss
DR-550 drum machine since 1996. In '97, I accidentally stepped on the
screen of the drum machine when I woke up one morning and crushed it.
You can only see maybe 1/4th of the screen. Basically, I still use the
drum machine for sequencing, but I don't have the screen to navigate
through the drum machine settings. I had to remember where everything
was on the drum machine. How to change the tempo, metronome, and the
number of bars for the beat. Everything. As far as a favorite sampler,
I must have an SP-1200. Period! I need it in my life! (Laughs). But for
real, as of right now I have an AKAI S-2800 sampler. I plan to get an
SP-1200 really soon. I've studied the greats that have used the SP.
Pete Rock, Diamond D, Beatminerz, Primo, et cetera. I want to have a go
at making next level beats on the SP. Nowadays, it seems like the
technology diminished the creativity factor for producers. Considering
what machines can do nowadays, we should be hearing some crazy next
level shit regularly. But there are producers nowadays who can't make a
beat that compares to ‘T.R.O.Y.’, which Pete Rock made 13 years ago on
an SP-1200! That lets you know the creativity level was so high back
then. I want to be a part of bringing that back.”
T.JONES: "How have you evolved as a producer?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “As a producer, I really haven't gotten a lot of my
ideas into my beats yet. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve. I'm
trying to devote more time to getting them ideas out. It's time for
producers to take initiative, try to things, create new styles, create
your own samples, and learn how to arrange. Be a musician!”
T.JONES: "What is your favorite part of your live show?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I love when I say a line and I can see someone in
the crowd react to it. It feels good to see people actually react
because on stage live, you can be focusing on the entertainment factor.
You don't really have to be focused on the lyrics. But for someone to
be enjoying the show and recognizing the lyrics, I love that.”
T.JONES: "How have you evolved as an emcee?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “As an emcee, I like to see some kind of evolution on
an annual basis. If I can go back to my old stuff a year ago and tell
myself that I've gotten better, then that's a good thing. I want to
always be able to say, ‘This is my best work’, every single year.”
T.JONES: "Tell us about MCEO Records."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “MCEO is actually my own label. I've been sending
demos to all kinds of labels, trying to get my material out to them.
But no one really wanted to listen, so I didn't want to just wait until
someone recognized me, so I decided to put out my own material. MCEO
Records simply means the MC (emcee) is running things, being the CEO.
MCEO. If you're an emcee and trying to get heard, don't be afraid to do
it yourself. Be the CEO with a microphone in your hand!”
T.JONES: "What advice would you give to an underground or independent emcee coming up in the music industry?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Believe in yourself, period. Go to the bookstore or
library and study the game. Watch the industry and know what's going
on. A merger or acquisition of a record label may not mean much to you,
but it'll affect you one way or another. Most of all though, make sure
you have some dope music! Just because you can make a song in the
privacy of your bedroom, it doesn't mean you'll get signed. There are a
billion rappers nowadays. What makes you stand out? Be original and
creative, but be appealing at the same time. Just because you think you
are cutting edge, it doesn't mean it's hot.”
T.JONES: "How do you feel that the Internet has affected hip-hop?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “It's basically a double-edged sword. It definitely
gives you access to more potential fans. You basically have access to
the world now with the click of a mouse. I really value talking to fans
online. It's amazing how you can connect with people on the other side
of the world. The flip side of the Internet is like what I said
earlier. Everybody thinks they can rap and put out a record just
because they can record a song on their computer and put it out for
sale online. There's a lot more garbage out there that the fans have to
get through to find the talented artists. Also, everybody is a critic
on the internet. Everybody thinks they know hip-hop just because they
have downloaded the newest album before it hit the shelves. So, the
quick access to virtually anything has made the music more disposable.
Once the music is downloaded, people listen to it for a few days. Then,
they go right back online and look for some newer music to download.
They listen to it for a few days and repeat the cycle.”
T.JONES: "What was it like growing up in North Carolina?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “As far as locally, everybody knows everybody in
North Carolina. I think it relates to Southern folk in general. With
kids growing up, the neighborhood would take care of a child. Even if a
neighbor wasn't related, they would still look out for their neighbor's
child as if it was their own. NC has a strong sense of community in a
lot of ways.”
T.JONES: "What are the 3 best things about North Carolina?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “College life, sports, and music. North Carolina has some of the best in all three areas.”
T.JONES: "The 3 worst things about North Carolina?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “The growth can be seen as a bad thing. It seems
there are so many apartments that are being built in the triangle that
is Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area. Constant construction is on
the highways to relieve some of the traffic congestion. Also, I notice
that with so much money put into expansion, it seems there's very
little money being put into areas where there are predominantly black
people, especially the historically Black colleges out here. I wouldn't
say this is one of the worst things, but a lot of the colleges don't
know how to put money into dope hip-hop events. Everybody will do a
little freestyle battle, but no one wants to put money behind a big Hip
Hop event, when it could really happen.”
T.JONES: "What kind of kid were you?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “A smart kid, bright. I knew who I was and I knew my
surroundings. I was the type who could ride a city bus at 7 years old,
go all over the city by myself, and know how to get back home. I jumped
around from school to school a lot, so I didn't really have a lot of
long term friends until the 5th grade. I think that's probably why I
kept to myself and was a quiet kid.”
T.JONES: "What was the lowest thing you ever did for money?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Oh wow! I'll be real with you. I used to always
steal sh*t all the time when I was 6 or 7 years old. I used to steal
money from everybody. Mom, family. Wherever I could get it, I would
take it. Me and my friends used to sneak in houses and steal stuff. I
would get caught most of the time and get my ass whooped!
(laughs.) But I kept doing the shit, hard headed.”
T.JONES: "If you were not an emcee, what would you be doing?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I might be still playing basketball right now. I
really loved basketball and thought about trying to make it to the
pros. Or, I would be doing something with computers probably. When I
first got to college, my major was Computer Engineering. I changed and
graduated with a Business Management degree, since I wanted to handle
the business side of music.”
T.JONES: "You are a lover of hip-hop culture. In your opinion, what are some essential films and albums?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Nearly all films made in the 80s. ‘Beat Street’,
‘Krush Groove’, ‘Wild Style’ are the essentials. As far as albums,
there are too many to name, but definitely you would need something
from LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Ice-T, MC Eiht, Ice Cube. Study your history!”
T.JONES: "Can you expand the song 'Faith In Love'?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I noticed a lot of division when it comes to many
fans and critics nowadays. People love to say something negative before
they say something positive. Critics want to overanalyze the music and
not give credit where it's due. So 'Faith In Love' just says to just
enjoy the music. When you buy a new album, take time to sit down and
get away from everything for an hour and listen to the album like it's
an 8-Track. No skipping songs, no repeating. Just listen to the entire
joint, from beginning to end. Instead of focusing on what you think is
so wrong with hip-hop, do something about it. Enjoy the music.”
T.JONES: "Word association. I'm going to say a name and you say the first word that pops into your head."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Aiight.”
T.JONES: "9th Wonder."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Humble.”
T.JONES: "Jay-Z."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Hustler.”
T.JONES: "Eminem."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Privileged.”
T.JONES: "Hot Karl."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Brave.”
T.JONES: "Necro."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Beats.”
T.JONES: "Buckshot."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Pioneer.”
T.JONES: "Hieroglyphics."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Bobdobilina.”
T.JONES: "Wu-Tang Clan."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Wisdom.”
T.JONES: "Phife Dawg."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Underdog.”
T.JONES: "Brand Nubian."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Knowledge.”
T.JONES: "Jamiroquai."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Other.”
T.JONES: "Common."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Hungry.”
T.JONES: "Slum Village."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Disappointed.”
T.JONES: "Curtis Mayfield."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Visionary.”
T.JONES: "Smokey Robinson."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Motown.”
T.JONES: "George Bush."
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “War.”
T.JONES: "Little Brother and Justus
League are from the South but they do not have the stereotypical
Southern hip-hop sound. How do you think Justus League compares or
contrasts to other Southern hip-hop?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I think we represent what Southerners already know.
The South has a variety of sounds out here. We are much more than the
stereotypical ‘crunk’. I remember when I went to Atlanta in '98. The
word ‘crunk’ was just starting out there. Everybody was saying it at
the time, but I had no idea it would be so widespread. That is just one
form of music that's in the South. I think that's what made people
cling on to what the Justus League does. We are just some regular cats.
A lot of people in the South are just regular. I think people recognize
that when it comes to our music, many people can easily relate to it.”
T.JONES:
"Did you know about the 9th Wonder collaboration with Hot Karl called
‘I’ve Heard’? I heard 9th Wonder produced the song but did not like Hot
Karl as an emcee. Do you know anything about that?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I don't know anything about that. I didn't know it
existed. I would like to check that out. Sounds interesting.”
T.JONES: "What do you think hip-hop is lacking?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “Hip-hop is lacking the motivation to be next-level
and innovative. Cats like Pete Rock and RZA were ahead of their time
when they first started out. Rakim was ahead of his time when he came
on the scene. Nowadays, we need to have those new cats to take it
to another level, be ahead of their time, and not be afraid to be
innovative. You can't emulate the past and expect this hip-hop thing to
move forward. I also think the hip-hop community, as far as the
artists, need to start thinking about being leaders. Whether it's
owning your masters, calling the shots at the negotiation table,
whatever. We, as hip-hop cats, put in the most work for the least
return. It's not all about money, but why can't you be comfortable
doing what you love to do? Why can't the average emcee be financially
stable? I just don't understand why we can't take control of our own
sh*t and enjoy the benefits.”
T.JONES: "Can you tell us about the song 'The Great Adventure'?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “That joint is basically about the grind of this
music game. The work that is needed to make something happen is so
great. You have to have a strong work ethic and focus to keep the music
thing going, because the stress and frustration can be so great. This
is what the average, determined emcee goes through. It's a great
adventure.”
T.JONES: "What can fans expect from Edgar Allen Floe in the future?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “You can expect to hear a lot more material from me
on the mic and also on the beats. I plan to drop new music from
different perspectives. Of course, you can expect to hear top notch
lyrics from me. I'm an emcee first, so I'll make sure I come correct
when it comes to the lyrics.”
T.JONES: "Any final words?"
EDGAR ALLEN FLOE: “I first want to say thanks to you, Todd for the
interview. I appreciate the opportunity. Peace to my fellow comrades as
we continue to make these moves. My Justus League fam, Mal Demolish of
The Undefined, Battlesquad, Cazmere, all my peoples. If you haven't
already, check out my ‘True Links’ CD. Be on the lookout for my full
length coming soon! As always, thanks to all of the fans who
appreciate my work. You all definitely keep me motivated. Peace!”
THANK YOU EDGAR ALLEN FLOE!!!
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