 Raptalk.net is back with another exclusive question and answer session, we've been given the chance to hook up with Chi-town's own Naledge from the group Kidz In The Hall. Naledge is now working on his solo project, he sits down to talk about his past, his future and current projects and his thoughts on the Chicago music scene. Make sure you check out the new track "Broke Diaries" at the end of the interview, enjoy! Dub MD: Naledge, What's good?
Naledge: Not much, Dub! 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?
Naledge: Well damn, That's a lot to sum up in a few sentences but basically I have been doing music for 10 years and I'm now 24 years old. After I graduated college I got signed to Rawkus Records as a solo artist through John Monopoly and Hustle Period Entertainment. I hooked up with Just Blaze and he is executive producing that project. I have a group with my friend and longtime producer/musical partner Double O called Kidz in the Hall. We put out our record on Rawkus / Sony last year and we have been touring ever since. My solo record and the follow up to "School Was My Hustle" will be out in '08. It has been a lot of ups and downs in this time but that's the cliff notes to my career. Dub MD: Coming from Chicago, what do you think of Chi-Town's music scene right now?
Naledge: Chicago is a vibrant and soulful place. It always has been and always will be. Money has changed the goals of the artists in our city but the music is still very competitive and consistent. There are just too many haters and not enough collaborators. Dub MD: A lot of people are saying "Hip Hop Is Dead" lately, how do you feel about the current state of hip hop?
Naledge: Hip Hop isn't dead but the industry is, A&R's are killing creativity! Dub MD: Do you have any new solo mixtapes / albums in the works? what's it called & what can your fans expect?
Naledge: "Schoolboy Fresh Volume 1" is with DJ Sean Mac and "Detention" is being done with Mick Boogie. They will both be out in September. They are essentially street albums, all original material! Dub MD: With this project, what producers & artists are you connecting with this time round?
Naledge: Sa-Ra, S.C., 9th Wonder, Double O, Xcel, Just Blaze, Black Milk, Phonte of Little Brother, Rhymefest, Camp Lo and many others. "We make music for the misunderstood through hip hop. We were both misunderstood and geniuses are often misunderstood." Dub MD: Your one half of the group Kidz In The Hall, For those not in the know, can you tell us a little about what your group?
Naledge: We make music for the misunderstood through hip hop. We were both misunderstood and geniuses are often misunderstood. Dub MD: You've been working pretty close with 9th Wonder, How did you hook up with him and whats it like working with him?
Naledge: Man, It's been an honour because I loved his sound since hearing "The Listening". He reached out to me and let me know i was dope and I knew we were a fit together musically. It was natural that we hooked up. I am on his album and he will be on my solo record. Dub MD: What do you think is your most defining and unique characteristic that sets you apart from every other emcee out there?
Naledge: My IQ is higher than my shoe size and really I am the only backpacker who has a pulse on pop music, I ride the fence perfectly. That is why i will have a real career. Dub MD: If you could describe yourself as an emcee in 4 words, What would they be?
Naledge: Analytical, Introspective, Lyrical and Cool. Dub MD: For your fans who haven't seen you or Kidz In The Hall perform yet are you planning a worldwide tour anytime soon?
Naledge: I'm going on tour with Redman through October! Dub MD: What is on tap for Naledge for the rest of 2007 and beyond?
Naledge: Shows and recording my ass off. Dub MD: Do you have anything to say to the fans? anything you wanna get off your chest? any shout outs?
Naledge: Shouts to Major League Entertainment, Buy School was my Hustle!!! And stop sending me dumb messages on face book lol. DUB MD
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