 Raptalk.net this week had the oppertunity to hook up with an artist best known for his work with DJ Jazzy Jeff on his newest album "Return Of The Magnifacent" & with Will Smith co-writing the american award winning the smash hit single "Switch" aswell as working with the "Fresh Prince" on his various projects in the past, Brooklyn's own Kel Spencer. Kel sat down with Rap Talk to speak on his new mixtape "Brooklyn Spartans", his thoughts on Hip Hop music today and his up coming European tour. Make sure you check out his new single called "The Building" at the end of the interview. Dub MD: Kel Spencer, What's good?
Kel Spencer: Nothing much, just trying to make history. Putting this Album together and getting ready to release the "Brooklyn Spartan's" Mixtape in a few weeks. Dub MD: For those who don't know, could you just give a short review of what you've experienced in your rap career up until now?
Kel Spencer: Wow!! Everything from shows to studios, to writing for others to travelling, to meeting new people but, I would say more of being a student of the game more than anything else. Just like anything else, learning what works, what doesn't work and what's best for me as a man, as an artist and for my listeners and my movement. Dub MD: Coming from Brooklyn, what do you think of the New York music scene right now?
Kel Spencer: I think the scene is always gonna be Hot. I don't think we're as creative or as innovative as we've been in the past but that's a general statement. There are still a few cats that push the envelope but for the most part, I think Hip Hop is just sitting around waiting for the next thing to jump on as opposed to creating that next thing, That's where I come in! (laughs) Dub MD: A lot of people are saying "Hip Hop Is Dead" lately, how do you feel about the current state of hip hop?
Kel Spencer: I wouldn't say it's dead but she's definitely on life support (laughs). I think the standards have dropped. Not just with Hip Hop though. Just look at sports, I remember there was a time when I caould name, atleast the starting 5 of every NBA basketball town. Now, it's like "Who's that?" The same with music. There was maybe a 7 year window when you had The Notorious BIG, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Nas, DMX, The LOX, Ma$e, an early 50 Cent, Common, Black Star and a bunch of other artists out at one time. During that time, You couldn't compete if you couldn't hang with cats like this. That's where my standard still lies. I compare today's artists with that time and so many of today's popular artists wouldn't stand a chance in that era. There aren't any superstars any more and it's because what people allow to be Hot, or what people allow to be The New Big Thing is really just average. If people raised their expectations and their standards like before, the artform would have to rise to the occassion. Dub MD: Do you have a new mixtape / album in the works? what's it called & what can your fans expect?
Kel Spencer: I'm working on my album which is called "One Way: The Underground" which is set for release at the top of the year. It's what I like to call a "Specialty Album." It has a 90's vibe with New Mellinium content. The album is an Underground train ride with each song being a stop on the train ride exposing all of the different sides, all of the different moods, all of the different aspects of Kel Spencer. Dub MD: With this project, what artists & producers are you connecting with this time round?
Kel Spencer: I'm working with a bunch of up and coming producers, I love their hunger. I'm working with Street Orchestra, Locsmif, Sonny Brix & The Bang Department, DJ Static, Jazzy Jeff, Logic, Rich Power and a few others on the artist side, I'm working with Baby Blue, Flo Blitz, Masta Ace, Estelle, and a few others. Dub MD: What's your label situation like just now?
Kel Spencer: I have my own imprint 3RD Power Music Group and I'm talking with a few companies that I'm going to partner up with to release this album at the top of the year. "There aren't any superstars anymore and it's because what people allow to be hot or what people allow to be the "New Big Thing" is really just average. If people raised their expectations and their standards like before, the artform would have to rise to the occassion." Dub MD: You work pretty closely with DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith, How did you hook up with them?
Kel Spencer: I met them when I was in College a couple years ago. My boy Marc Lynn had ties with Will and at the time Will was looking for a rapper for his label Overbrook Entertainment and I ended up being that dude. I actually met Jeff before I met will though and from there Will & I met. Marc introduced me to Jeff, and I met Will. Dub MD: What do you think is your most defining and unique characteristic that sets you apart from every other emcee out there?
Kel Spencer: Balance. I can spit with anybody. I can shoe substance. I can get on a Girly Girly vibe kinda like the Fantasia remix I did and I got club Bangers like The Building. Balance is the key to life and I think I'm fortunate to be one of the few that can do that without sounding artificial. Dub MD: If you could describe yourself as an emcee in 4 words, What would they be?
Kel Spencer: Balanced, once again Insightful, Charismatic & Hip Hop! Dub MD: For your fans who haven't seen you perform yet are you planning on going tour anytime soon?
Kel Spencer: I'll actually be headed to Europe in a few weeks but just stay tuned on my Myspace page which is www.myspace.com/kelspencerfans Dub MD: What is on tap for Kel Spencer for the rest of 2007 and beyond?
Kel Spencer: This European tour, this Brooklyn Spartan's mixtape and just setting 2008 up to be all that I expect it to be for Kel Spencer for 3RD Power and for the Brooklyn Spartan's Movement. Dub MD: Do you have anything to say to the fans? anything you wanna get off your chest? any shout outs?
Kel Spencer: I just want to say much love to everyone who loves Hip Hop as much as I do. Thanks Raptalk.net....SPARTA!! DUB MD
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