Weird MC at ICA, London, UK

Weird MC
  - Not just another Blingbling ting!

Griots.net: The advent of hip hop significantly changed the way pop music is produced, perhaps more profound a change than has occurred in many years. What do you think of the state of hip hop today?

Weird MC: I honestly think that hip hop has lost it's way. The practitioners of hip hop are to blame. It's now about how many units you can shift. It's now a big business. The whole essence of hip hop music is lost it's gone real stagnant, these days it's not about skills it's about marketing, packaging. It's about whips..chains...bentleys..the whole blingbling thing. It really amazes me, it's not even funny anymore. The rawness is gone, your shit has to be radio friendly. Companies want immediate returns. As an artiste, if you don't deliver you get dropped. It's as simple as that. Acts like Mos Def...Talib Kweli ...Nas -- still try to "bring it" but lets face it, hip hop is lost. It's sell..sell..sell, get loaded, do a movie, do a commercial. In a sense, I don't blame the artistes. Let's face it. They have to feed their families. For every hip hop artiste who refuses to conform to the norm, there are ten around the way willing to do so. Sometimes when I turn on the radio I do wonder. You hear the same beats. A lot of the hip hop acts are using the same producers. The record companies want to play safe. They'd rather stick to the tried and tested. No one wants to take risks anymore. As if that isn't bad enough, artistes beef all the time. Hip Hop acts from other countries are bringing something new to the table though, there's something fresh about trans global hip hop Let's hope things get better

Griots.net: Today more women are writing and producing their own work and that of other artists. And what do you think about the way the role of women in hip hop has evolved?

Weird MC: I think it's a beautiful thing female hip hop acts like Missy, Eve, Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah are actively involved in shaping, producing and writing their music. Hip hop is so male dominated it's hard to get a look in as a rapper talk less as a producer There's still room for improvement though. Attitudes still need to change. As a female hip hop artiste I write and produce my stuff as well. It's hard. No one wants to take us seriously. It's a gradual thing. It's bound to change. So far, it looks good. It can only get better.

Griots.net: Today musicians are more knowledgeable about the business of the music industry and many try to retain control of their publishing rights and masters. In the past many musicians had trouble keeping creative and economic control of their music. What kind of changes have you observed as a musician in this area?

Weird MC: Artistes have come to the realisation that this is a business. They consult with lawyers. They attend seminars and more than ever they are aware of their rights. In the past, artistes just signed contracts without seeking legal advice. They put out albums, make little or no money. As an artiste I'm aware of the importance to take care of my business. You need to know what's coming to you points ... publishing ... merchandising rights ...producer cuts, etc. I take care of the "show" as well as the "business". One has to be careful. This game is full of sharks.

Griots.net: How has the Internet affected your life as a music maker, if any?

Weird MC: The internet has introduced Weird MC to a wide audience. I get e-mails from different parts of the world. It blows my mind that all it takes is just for someone to log on to a site or a web page, and bam, they can listen to samples of your music. The internet has broken down a lot of barriers. I even get e-mails from deejays who love my music and want to know more about me. It's had a positive effect on my life and career. Artistes send me music samples for collaboration opportunities. It's amazing.

Griots.net: Today there has been a noticeable lack of conscious lyrics in the mainstream music industry. Are there any other artists who you see really breaking from the current mainstream mold?

Weird MC: To be honest I don't see anyone breaking from the mainstream mold cuz once you get out there as an artiste you become identified with a certain sound and look. The only artiste who did it is Lauryn Hill. Her debut album got critical and commercial acclaim. Then she switched and came with a conscious album. Nobody wanted to know. They wanted her to keep the same formula. Artistes who have always kept it conscious are cats like Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, The Roots, and say, Me’shell Ndegeocello. I love Floetry and Jill Scott, though.

Griots.net: Often artists tend to be stereotyped and so their creative growth is limited by the demands of labels and of the marketing-determined buying public. How have you been able to transcend this type of stereotyping? What is the major influence on you and your music today, if any?

Weird MC: It's hard. My music does not really fit into the norm so I guess it'd be hard to get picked up by a major. Like I indicated earlier, companies stick with tried and tested music. So as an artiste, you have to make up your mind if you want to go with the flow or do something really different, take a risk and see if it would pay off. I'm under a lot of pressure to play safe get paid and get out. But at the end of the day I love what I do and if I don't find fulfillment in my music, I'm fucked. The major influence in my music today is fusion. I listen to everything. i'm an open minded music creator. The whole essence of what I do is deeply embedded in hip hop, but you can hear sprinkles of Afrobeat, r&b, ,jazz, classical, rock, gospel vibes. My flava is wide and varied.

Griots.net: Around the world, black music and various other forms of
‘youth culture music’ have historically been seen as the source of
society's problems, particularly regarding young people. In the UK for
instance, there are concerns that ‘black music’ is being used as a
scapegoat for the rising violence within society. What are your opinions
on this trend?

Weird MC: Black music or should I say Hip Hop music has always been blamed for societal problems. I think it's pathetic. At the end of the day, these artistes are telling real stories. Stories that people can relate to. U. K. garage [especially the So Solid Crew] took some serious criticism for inciting violence at concerts and all. There is of course a hidden agenda in the midst of all this we know what that is, I've been to rock concerts and I've seen serious violence. The rock artistes never got their tours cancelled. People need to be educated and stop the ignorance. The ills of any society should not be blamed on black music. Black music is real...soulful..deep..

Griots.net: As a lyricist, what themes are most important to you?

Weird MC: As a Lyricist themes that are important to me are positivity, peace, fun, spirituality.

Griots.net: What does the future hold for you? What do you feel are your strengths as an artist?

Weird MC: I always leave future things in God's hands. He directs me. My strength's Live Performances. Put me on stage. I just go wild. I love performing. It's like heaven for me ...Writing...Acting......

photos and article © 2003 marva jackson lord