What could I possibly have in common with Detroit-based rapper Uncle Ill? I’ll let you in on a little secret…it’ll probably shock most of you. Believe it not (and if not check out the proof here on Youtube) he and I hit the studio back in the day. Yes, I have a past life as a singer! We recorded a potato chip commercial for Made-Rite Chips that was aired Michigan-wide. I also sang the hook on a track for an older album of his.
We met when I was working with a now defunct Detroit record label (shout out to Detroit City Prospects) and I attended one of his shows he put on for them. We got to talking about how I wanted to take on new singing projects and the rest is potato chip history.
I sat down with my old friend to see what he has been up to since then. Below he shares his thoughts on everything from women’s rights to social media and advice for anyone working to achieve a goal. Maybe you guys will be seeing a new single from us in the near future…
You found worldwide notoriety with your group Da Ruckus (with fellow Detroiter Hush) and the single “We Shine” featuring Eminem. What was it like to get recognition from that track?
Back in the day we were all guys just doing music for fun because we loved it. We had no idea that he was going to get a huge record deal or any of our peers would. But it was very cool when it happened we were all very proud of him.
It also gave us all faith that many of us had a chance. You seen D12 get a deal Big Sean Obie Trice Royce Slum Village to name a few all make it successfully. Not to mention Kid Rock Uncle Kracker as well as ICP. There are many artists that never got a deal but they did very well on their own like Esham Shane Capone Al Nuke etc.
You are a father of daughters now. What are your thoughts on how women are portrayed in rap songs as well as treated by the industry as a whole?
I feel like women have the power to dictate how they want to be portrayed and treated. It’s as simple as if you don’t agree with an artist doing and saying the things they’re doing then don’t support them. I’m not a huge fan of women being portrayed in a negative context nor accepting being portrayed as such.
I try to make songs the counter those songs such with my songs like Superstar, Lady, Extraordinary Girl, to name a few. Even with my song Medication I talked about sex without being vulgar or portraying women in a negative contacts keeping it light and fun.
With the advent of social media and streaming like Spotify and Apple Music so much has changed for musicians these days. Do you miss the old school ways of having to hustle and work hard versus a video becoming viral on YouTube overnight? How do you feel the music industry has changed since you first started? Has it been a good or a bad thing for artists?
Personally I don’t like the way things are now. I like when we have to do shows do in stores visit record stores that’s where you actually met music fans because people that want music went to music stores. I miss Record Time Hot Hits Sam Goody and Harmony House to name a few. Those stores supported us immensely. For me when I heard something on the radio if I liked it I taped it and when I got the money I went to the store and bought it.
Nowadays with social media everything is about views. You have to do something ignorant just to get attention for your music and I’m not about that. I can’t be something I’m not just to get negative attention.
With that being said nowadays I don’t even like going out in public that much because I don’t like the attention. When I am out I just try to be like everybody else because I am like everybody else. I don’t have any desire to get on stage to perform. Although I might because people tell me that’s what I’m supposed to do but it’s not what I want to do LOL.
What advice do you have for the younger generation trying to make a name for themselves? This could be a career in music (or really any other field) and facing tough competition and criticism and maybe wanting to give up?
All I know is no matter what you have to believe in yourself. You have to be your biggest fan and you must believe in you. I would also tell them never join a group because once something happens with your partner or a group member you can never predict how things are going to work out. However if you do don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
My dad told me I better not ever give up and if I did he will be mad till infinity. Even though he passed away I still remember him telling me to never give up and I promised I wouldn’t I’m going to always do what I love. The biggest problem nowadays is…everybody wants a handout, nobody wants to work for anything.
Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety or stage fright? How can someone overcome it?
I can’t recall stage fright but one time. My very first major performance with Champtown in front of Tupac and Eazy-E and everyone said I froze but I didn’t think so. I thought I did my part respectively however looking back I realize they were watching us perform I was busy looking to see who was in the audience LOL. I don’t groupie anybody now a days but I think of that particular time I was looking at all the biggest celebrities in the audience I lost focus on what I was doing.
Out of all the shows I’ve done opening for huge names the one time [I worried] what if nobody liked what I was about to do? So I didn’t show up to the show. It was weird because I never done that before and that particular day I remember going to the beach cutting off my phone and just sitting there all day.
Mind you I had opened for Busta Rhymes, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, Montell Jordan, Usher, Rza, Half Pint, Naughty by Nature to name a few. The only thing I can say about any type of stage fright is to do shows often and practice often. It’s always best to head open mics often as possible to practice and stay Sharp.
What is your favorite part about working in music? Your least favorite? Why?
My favorite part is creating new songs. I love making music I love creating something new and I’m blessed to have a bunch of friends that are producers that sending music often. Kyronic, Mad Chemist, Dane Riazer, 3MD, Noire and a few others.
What is next for Uncle Ill and Ill Muzik?
I have my brand new single Superstar that I’m currently promoting and won’t stop until I’m number one on Billboard. It’s a great up-tempo Club song that I think everyone will love.
I’m also working on my album Unbreakable and getting that together. I also have partners for upcoming music app called tagged along that will be out very soon. It will be on iPhone first then Android second.
With tag-A-long you will be able to make music with your cell phone without going to the studio. You will be able to tag anyone in the network and if they accept they can take a verse. It’s something new and something big that will be out very soon. Shout out to the CEO Christopher Jerdine.
Currently I push a ton of merchandise and I’m very grateful for everyone’s support. Nowadays music is free so the only thing you can do to make a living with music is get a gazillion views or push March. I am always pushing ILL GEAR and ILL MUZIK no matter what.
Any final thoughts you would like the readers to know?
Everybody go to your favorite social media site and check out my new single Superstar if you go to YouTube leave a comment I will greatly appreciate it. Give me a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. I really appreciate you taking time out to give me this interview. Thank you very much.
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