Nappy Roots Interview
Words by Crunk Atlanta
OTR: Where did the groupsname come about? The name originated back in our days at western kentucky university. Well, how the story goes...I (Ron Clutch) was one of the campus barbers keeping Skinny Deville and erbody trimmed up . And one day my clippers broke so we had to rock the "nappy" look with just a tight shapeup. So, that paired with how we was living, day to day, staying within our means, keeping it real to where we came from "our roots" it eventualy work its way into our everyday slang and into lyrcs, henceforth "Nappy Roots".
OTR: Each member has a unique name . How did each member get their name? Well Ron Clutch is my birthname. The name "Clutch" came from this real popular cartoon character way back in the day that biological father was into. He liked it so much he "middle"named me that.
OTR: I am currently in Detroit. I am wondering when will Nappy come through tha"D" ? Right name we're on "the pursuit of nappyness" tour and as we speak our calender is taking dates. So hopefully sooner than later. And You can check out our tour schedule at www.nappyroots.com and www.myspace.com/nappyroots
OTR: Who / what group would you say is close to what Nappy bring to the radio? Honestly I like to think we have a unique sound unlike any other. But in the past we've been compared to "outkast" and "goodie mob" and that's definetly some good company!
OTR: If you could forcast whats coming for you guys next year in music . What would it be? You can expect a flood of new music from the Nappy Roots Entertainment Group. We have a new album schedule for the fall of this year entitled "the pursuit of nappyness" and for the top of 2010 we have "the forty akers" project due to drop. Which is a duo project consisting of Fishscales and Skinny Deville. And to follow, solo projects from Big "V" , B. Stille and Ron Clutch as well.
OTR: Will you do any special appearances on TV anytime soon? We definetly have some TV appearances in the works. But u know the internet is the new television now. So you can watch Nappy Roots all day at youtube.com/nappyrootstv
OTR: As for movies, Do you have any vision on being in any? We are definetly setting our sites for the big screen. And actually we have a film due to release soon, directed by atlanta's own Drae Jackson, entitled "Unsigned hyped" starring Fishscales.
OTR: How do you feel about Mixtapes? I think mixtapes are a great way to keep your name and your buzz out there in the streets. Hip hop is a very competitive artform and you have to stay ahead of the curve.
OTR: Working with other artist, What is the standard for you to consider working with outside artists. How do someone approach you to collab on a track? I would say there has to be a level of respect in order to collaborate with another artist. But on the otherhand if the $$$ is right that's very negotiable. As far as Nappy Roots we're very approachable, just hollar at us.
OTR: Are there any beefs that surround The Nappy Roots? The only beef I would say would be with the government but hopefully that will all change with Obama in office.
OTR: Among yourselves, What was the worst momment you went through and now realize that you guys are truly down for each other? Well speaking for myself I've had quite a few and I'm sure brothers would agree. But none I can speak on due to legality reasons...you know how it goes!
OTR: I've chatted with Fishscales to do a track for a mixtape via email once before. Are you all that approachable to the public? Fa sho!!! Just Hit us..nappyroots.com.....myspace.com/nappyrootsmusic and twitter.com/nappyroots
OTR: What motivate / inspire your lyrics and music? Simply put I would have to say life itself. It's filled with so much material to inspire. And you know what they say, "art imitates life imitates art"...something like that.
OTR: How do you feel about hip hop today comparing to 5 years ago? I think hip hop is wide open right now with all the social networking sites going on making artist widely acessible . You just got to go in and get it!
