Featured Artist: Interview with Skanks, The Rap Martyr

(SKANKS, THE RAP MARTYR)

Give us some background info as to who you are.

My name is Skanks The Rap Martyr, born in St. Croix and raised from the age of 1 in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, NY. I have been rhyming since the age of 11 and from then to now I have seen a lot in life as well as in the music industry. I have met and performed with many different artists both major and underground. I’ve put in a lot of work and put out some good, quality material over the years and I’m now ready to take my career to the next level.

What sets you apart from other rappers?

First off, I don’t consider myself to be a rapper. A rapper can just be made up to fit a particular image that might not be them at all just to help sell records. I am an MC, a Master of Ceremonies or Mic Controller. I would have to say that my versatility sets me apart from others because I feel there are no subject that I cannot rhyme about and no style that I can’t master.

What is the philosophy by which you live by?

I really do this music thing from the heart so if I feel strong about a situation or move that I feel can help me elevate to the next level without selling my soul, then I am going to do everything in my power to make that move a reality. I feel that a young artist coming up such as myself should not worry about getting paid right away but should focus on using this music business to make myself so hot and popular with the fans that I can make money outside of the music industry like TV, movies, endorsements, and more.

Which artists have inspired you?

When I was like 8 years old, Das Efx recorded their demo that got them signed right in my big brother Goldz’s room. I learned a lot about recording at that time. When I was 13, MC Lyte became my manager. She would take me all over the United States to open up shows for her so I would say that I learned how to rock a crowd from watching her. By the time I was 15, I was freestyling all over NYC with up and coming artists at the time, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, John Forte, Killah Priest, and more. One time, Mos Def, Kweli, my homegirl Makeeba, and myself were spitting so hard on the train that passengers on the train offered us money so I would say that they influenced my freestyle game. My all time favorites are KRS One, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Lord Finesse, LL Cool J (back in the days), Grand Puba, Biggie, 2Pac, Jay-Z, Big Pun, Andre 3000, and many more great lyricists. I got a long list.

Who does your production?

Right now, everything is in house. I got my brother Goldz Da Mayor, DJ Duddaman, Mitch Mo, Cash Bilz, who produced my single “She’s A Bird”, and Laz, but I accept beats from everyone. Lots of producers press me to put down some heat on one of their tracks.

What is your opinion of the current state of Hip Hop?

With music sale down, it’s not the greatest of times but I am not going to go as far as Nas and say Hip Hop is dead because Hip Hop has evolved into a world wide phenomenon. Some artists are so big overseas that they don’t even have to sell records in the states to be successful. Some artist’s followings are so big that they can just tour and sell their music online for the rest of their careers. I feel the diversity in the game right now because you need your Lil Waynes and Gucci Manes just as much as you need your Commons and Andre 3000s. I feel like there is room for every type of artist. They just gotta find their niche.

If you can change one thing about the music industry, what would it be and why?

Pretty much just how new talent gets discovered in the industry because an artist with talent and no financial backing, has a harder time getting a deal than an artist with lots of money behind him and no talent. Most deals nowadays are based on how much units you moved on your own or how much spins you get on the radio but most of these acts end up only lasting a year or so after that one good hit dies down and nothing else follows.

Any singers you would like to collaborate with in the future?

First and foremost, Mary J. Blige the queen, Alicia Keys, Rhianna, Beyonce, Jazmine Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson, The Dream, Neyo, Jamie Foxx, T-Pain, and Akon. I see classics with me and all the legendary singers in the game, but those are just some of my favorites.

What producer would you like to collaborate with in the future?

First and foremost, Kanye West. I think that his music really fits my sound. Timbaland, Dr. Dre, Swizz Beats, DJ Premiere…it’s too many to name. I need a hit from all of them.

What is your favorite movie and favorite book?

My favorite movie is The Godfather because I loved how it showed the father and son’s rise power at the same age but during different times and my favorite book is The Bible (basic instructions before leaving earth).

What are some major misconceptions that you think people have of you?

Some people think I’m just a gangsta rapper, some people think I’m two-faced when I say I’m a Gemini. Well, they are wrong. I am one of the most loyal people anyone could find, but there are two sides to my personality, the dark and the light. It’s up to you to get on the bad side but I greet everybody with the good.

What is your favorite part of your live show? How has it evolved?

I would have to say crowd participation. I love when I do a move and the crowd moves along with me or when I tell the crowd to say or do something like put their hands up and they do it. That’s a rush. Years ago, I would be shy on stage and even though my songs were good I wasn’t trying to connect with the crowd and it would take longer for them to feel my music.

What is your LP going to be like?

Classic material. I’m gonna take ya’ll back to the future on some real flowfessional shit. I promise you, the album I got in my head will be trendsetting and classic. It’s gonna be for everybody.

What is your website?

You can check me out on Myspace.com/AnarchyLCN or YouTube.com/SkanksVideos.

Any final words for the people.

Yeah, thanks for sharing my thoughts with the people and check for my new single, “She’s A Bird” featuring Cash Bilz.