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 Chicago-born rapper and hip-hop artist, Rhymefest, heads to Hong Kong on March 16 for an exclusive performance for Diesel. The Grammy-award-winning artist, who co-wrote Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” song, is signed to Mark Ronson’s Allido Records label. He released his debut album, “Blue Collar,” in mid-2006, and is currently working on his second release, “El Che,” due out in the fall. Meet Rhymefest, the charismatic, humorous guy who famously beat Eminem at the 1997 Scribble Jam festival. He graciously invites you to join the El Che revolution…
1. What are you doing right now?
I’m in the studio, in New York City, with a beautiful woman. 2. You’ve said that you are “wacktose intolerant.” What’s the most wackest thing about the rap industry right now?
The imbalance against mainstream hip-hop. 3. What type of rapper would you define yourself as?
Brutally honest. 4. Describe your upcoming album, “El Che”…
It’s a mix of the revolution of Bob Marley, the passion of Tupac and the universal rhythm of The Fugees. 5. Your debut album, “Blue Collar,” featured guests like Kanye West, Mario and Old Dirty Bastard. Who have you lined up for your second album and why?
Kanye again, because I grew up with him. Common, because he’s from around the block, and we have that Chicago connection. And Lil Jon, who produced a few songs on the album, because he makes songs that make you wanna fight. 6. Your first album also featured unexpected samples, such as The Strokes’ “Someday” and the classic “Build Me Up Buttercup” song. What’s the reason behind this?
Because good music has no boundaries. 7. How did you and Kanye West first meet?
Kanye was introduced to me by a DJ friend, cos he was dating his sister. My friend said I had to meet this clown that his sister was into. He thought I was an a**hole. I thought he was an a**hole. Then we became friends. 8. And what about how did you and Mark Ronson hook up?
Through my manager. 9. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A rapper. 10. What do you want to be now?
I want to be a leader. No, change that. An ambassador of hip-hop. 11. What can we expect from your first-ever HK show?
Entertainment. 12. And what do you expect from your first visit to Hong Kong?
Lots of Chinese girls! Nah, I’m just playing. To learn more. I travel to absorb and learn from different cultures. I hope to be a better person than when I arrived.
Rhymefest appears live for his first-ever Hong Kong performance at the Diesel TWENTYFIRSTCENTURYCLUB event on March 16, 2007.
Supported by guest DJ, Jus Ske.
Central Star Ferry Pier No. 7.
Doors open 9:30pm.
Entry by invite only.
For more information, visit the new Diesel store at 4-6 On Lan Street, Central.
Phoner with Rhymefest done on March 5, 2007, by Davena Mok |
