M-Eighty: That would be the genius that is M-Eighty. All jokes aside, I was in the studio with Priest and Son One on my birthday last year and had told Priest about my idea for a group that was yet to be titled. Priest and Son were definitely feeling the idea and were shocked when I was telling them who all I wanted as group members of the soon titled “Almighty” and who I would line up as features. Almost 7 months later, Almighty as a group was able to concoct a legendary album and everyone associated with the project left feeling as if the Almighty was that first step in this full circle movement back to the true essence of hip hop.
Flatline: Was it difficult coordinating everyone's schedules to get the album recorded, and on another level, the skills and personality that each member brought to the table?
M-Eighty: Surprisingly it was not difficult to coordinate all the personalities and schedules of everyone. It was a timely process and it did involve a lot of traveling back and forth between LA, Michigan, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, Virginia, etc but I think all the traveling and hard work is what made the name Almighty resonate with truth.
Flatline: The album, "Original S.I.N." dropped at the end of July. How has the response been, in terms of sales and the live shows that you guys have been doing?
C-Rayz Walz: This is a classic album that will just get better with time. It roped out of literally nowhere. It's way too good to be something that just passed by. It wasn't promoted or supported at all by the label. Babygrande should re-release it with a full fledge tour with all member and guest artists and I guarantee the planet will shake from the force of the Almighty. The best emcee's in the world are on that LP. It is the best group record this year. If you find a better record you can punch me in the mouth. Almighty is the mayweather of hip-hop music. Period.
Flatline: You got some real nice guest spots from Planet Asia, Canibus and Keith Murray. DJ JS-1 from the Rocksteady Crew is also featured. What was it like getting down with these individuals in the studio?
M-Eighty: Due to the extensive amount of traveling I was already doing to coordinate efforts amongst the group members, I was not able to sit in on all the sessions for the features. JS-1 was referred to me by C-Rayz Walz and we would just go back and forth via email and text until he understood exactly what I was looking for on a track and was able to deliver. JS is a sharp dude and I was definitely satisfied with his work at the end of the day. The same goes for Bis and Keith. Canibus, Keith, and I had discussed the concept and the theme behind the Almighty and “Handle the Heights” on several occasions before they each recorded their joints and both of them came off exactly how I had hoped. Had it not been for that constant communication between everyone than I don’t think the track or the album for that matter would have been nearly as cohesive.
Flatline: Bronze Nazareth, after years of putting in work on various projects, you've really come into your own as a dope producer. Besides maybe an obvious influence from early RZA beats, who else inspires you?
Bronze Nazareth: I’m inspired by the greats, Primo, Pete Rock, Prince Paul, etc but I also have a good respect for producers who aren't even in my same style. I really just respect banging music. I love Polow Da Don's "Hero" that he did for Nas, I listen and respect old and new. My inspiration just comes from dope hip hop and skillful music. I can take it from the Bomb Squad, to BCC, to Polow, I just respect good music.
Flatline: To me, Son One really comes through as the underdog who shines brightest on this album. Does the lyrical company you keep help push you to write the best stuff you can?
Son One: Well, being amongst the elite emcee's in this industry you are forced to step your game up. Being a new comer to the game first impression is everything, if you don't come correct on your first showing; many times you're not given a second chance. Plus growing up listening to these artists that have influenced me, it's almost like I want to make them proud.
Flatline: As a group, did you come up with the idea for the album cover? Design-wise, it's sure to be one of the best of the year.
M-Eighty: Appreciate it very much. I was introduced to a designer in Indianapolis named Aaron Scamihorn and I told him the dynamic of the Almighty and what my intentions were for the groups effect upon hip hop in 2008 in the cover art is what he was able to come up with based off the profound way I spoke about how intense and powerful this album would be at this point in time for the hip hop community.
Flatline: What has the response been from females who have heard or seen you perform "Soul Position"? It's very much in the same vein as "Ice Cream" or "Killa Lipstick".
5-Star: Females love the song! Every good group drops a hot joint for the ladies. Tribe has “Electric Relaxation,” The Roots have “Silent Treatment,” EPMD has “Jane,” the list goes on and on. So when Eighty came at me with the title “Soul Position” and told about C-Rayz on the hook I knew it would be classic and the response from the Ladies is incredible!! They really feeling it.
Flatline: Anyone wanna speak on the upcoming election, any thoughts on the candidates?
Son One: Wow! Even though I am not very political and don't follow politics much, I know that this country needs change. Obama stands for change and if this country is to progress and get better as a nation then changes must be made. Though I can't speak much about McCain I know he shares a lot of the same interests and ideas of the current administration. This country is in no condition to deal with another four years of Bush. What other way to start change then to put the first black president in office. GO VOTE SON!
Bronze Nazareth: Obama '08 obviously! McCain is another puppet, and I don't even know where to start with Palin....
Flatline: M-Eighty, do you want to let our readers in on what you have planned for 2009?
M-Eighty: So much work in 2009 that I have moved my office into my apartment. I will be handling A&R administration for both Bronze Nazareth’s “School for the Blindman” and The Wisemen “Wisemen Arrived” albums via Babygrande Records, executive producing Almighty’s follow-up to “Original S.I.N” via Babygrande Records and A&R’ing several releases for Ken Stumbo’s and Noah Hartkoph’s new hip hop label Criminal Records Music Group based out of Washington including Sunz of Man member 60 Second Assassin, a collaborative effort between Keith Murray and Canibus, C-Rayz Walz, Son One, Kevlaar 7, and more. After all the albums are made and the tours are wrapped up then hip hop heads will be able to rejoice in what I believe to be one of the most innovative inventions of our time, “SPITBOXX”, but that is for another interview at another time.
Flatline: As I listen to the Almighty album, Wu-Tang could break up tomorrow and never make another album, but the statement holds true - "Wu-Tang Forever". I think, as a group, you guys really put in some good work on this joint that will help keep the legacy alive. What's next?
Killah Priest: No doubt. I just wrapped up “Beautiful Minds” with Chief Kamachi and am working on “Behind the Stained Glass Part 2” amongst many other things. Big up to all my G-ciples and everyone who showed me love on the road with GZA. M-Eighty is definitely a solid dude and he knows I’m gonna rep whatever project he believes in because I know he’s always believed in me.
Bronze Nazareth: Just making sure we’re working up to our potential and exceeding all expectations to make sure that mouths get fed and heads stay open.
M-Eighty: Keeping it 100, knocking negative out the box, and thanking adonai everyday for keeping me blessed. Almighty for now and forever, Peace.
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