In the spirit of giving the fans more of me, I recently sat down with my guy Basquiat aka Hyme and did this interview. Just a way to open up a little more and show that I'm more than the music, I'm an artist. a real person. Thats what I feel should be the aim of all things regarding music- artistry and realness. So I ask that you check out this interview....shout out to Basquiat, check him out: BasquiatsMind, Parle Magazine, Lxents...Money Men Gang or nothing!
Sincerely Yours,
Cardier da Don..Courtlandt Ave State of Mind out now.
what was life life growing up on Courtlandt Avenue?
Growing up on Courtlandt was just like growing up in any hood you know. You see alot of things and get influenced by a lot of things you know. I like to call it a well rounded education in life. Sad part is there too many good things to speak on besides the love that we all had for each other you know as far as being from the same place. I can remember vividly the basketball tournaments n block parties.
what was the name of the group that you were in that got signed to teddy riley?
It was called g.o.m.(Gorillas outta Melrose).
Did you guys ever put out any albums?
To be honest with you we unfortunately never got to reach that peak you know, it was a lot of misguided time wasted, and dreams being sold. And at that age it was hard to take, so I tried my best to grow from it and I realized that I had to take my destiny into my own hands.
what made you wanna go solo?
In situations like groups you have to deal with alot like egos, and not really being on the same page Some people are not good at sharing the lime light. Developing a buzz can go to one persons head and throw the whole group off.
Is it different being a solo artist as opposed to being in a group?
Is it a lot different because the entire burden is off me and you dont have the other members to feed off of creatively. but at the same time I take it as a positive and look at it as It made me a better man. As well as being solo has given me the opportunity to see things clearer.
How did being incarcerated change your and make you more focus? being shot?
Both were turning points in not only my career but in life in general. They forced me to re-evaluate my goals and movements. When that happens, you have to force yourself to make better decisions and strategize.
What would you define your rap style as?
I define it as relatable. Its real you know, like the average person from where im from can relate. And I dont just mean my hood, I mean ghetto America. but at the same time, I appeal to ordinary people with ordinary dreams and goals and I try to motivate, the way life has motivated me.
what kind of relationship do you and Aqil Davidson have today, he helped you out a lot right?
We have a great relationship...more like a brotherhood! He been there when the chips were down.
what would you say you learned from your time on Interscope- to some of the advice that A davidson has give you?
Always have your business straight And when they shoot u down get back up. no pun intended, but just persevearance and resolve.
how have you applied it to your current grind?
Its obvious I'm here talking to you ...lol... On a serious note I have been counted out before you know, and doubted. Icould have easily been dead or in jail. Some of his lessons helped me escape that.
Talk about some of the projects you have out now, where can we find your music?
I have courtlandt ave state of mind the mixtape out. Soon is going to be on datpiff.com. You could youtube my name and i have a lot of new music and videos coming soon. Im basically just working hard, and trying to get my name out there as much as possible, and show people what I can do. My family and entire movement believe in me, im just trying to spark that same belief in the rest of the world and connect with good people who love this music, the way I do. Thats what its all about, the music, the culture, thats what I live for and support. Free Pito! Money Men Gang always up! Cha Ching!
