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Shabazz The Disciple – Exclusive Interview

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29 January 2003 No Comment

The first artist to have any material released on Wu-Tang Records and also a member of the Sunz Of Man. Shabazz The Disciple talks to us about his upcoming projects and hip hop. He also talks about his intention of coming to South Africa soon and lots of other good ish!


First I want to thank you for speaking to us peoples down here in the land of Africa! How you doing?

This is a pleasure to speak to AFRICA!!!! I’m Doing Good! 

You’ve been part of GraveDiggaz and Sunz Of Man and you were the first to release shit on Wu Tang Records. How is your current relationship with the Wu Tang crew? 

We still family forever……Even though we don’t see each other as much! 

Are you back with Sunz Of Man now?

Yea…For Sure! 

What kind of person are you on a personal level? If somebody is gonna meet you what are they gonna see?

Down to earth, no super star business. Anyone who has met me knows that already. You can approach me and build with me about anything…I’m never too busy! 

You are working on 4 projects at the same time at the moment. Can you tell us a bit about that?

I have 7 LP’s myself, then me and Freestyle (ex Arsonist) have an LP, then I have a family LP thru my production company (Block Exchange), and me and Hellraza are gonna do a project together! 

As an emcee, what is your aim, what are you bringing to the listeners out there?

My Story! Melodic wordplay, vivid images, high energy and a powerful message! 

Do you see people downloading your mp3’s as an indirect way to receive free publicity or do you see it as somebody stealing money out your pocket?

Yea it is kinda bootleggin, taking food off the artists table. Remember we do this for a living…it is our job…..imagine working for a company and your check going to someone who didn’t work for it! As far as free promotion, it’s all good! 

Who in your opinions are the dopest emcees out there right now and why?

Eminem because he goes against the grain of pop rap and still sells more than pop rappers without the same subject matter. And his songs have needed messages sometimes! 

If you were gonna do a song with guests who would you have up on there?

Eminem, Nas, Rakim and Lauryn Hill! 

What’s your best track for performing live?

All Of Them are powerful Live!!! 

Ever had battles on stage? If so what’s the most memorable one?

Never had one on stage on tour! 

Have you ever heard hip hop coming out of Africa? What’s your thoughts on coming to tour in Africa?

Never heard any hip hop artists from Africa, would love to though! Touring in Africa would be a dream come true for me for sure, a blessing from the father! The one place I always wanted to tour!!! 

So when did you get involved with hip hop?

When I was 8 years old, my mother introduced me to it, then my uncle (Young Anutt) was the Red Hook DJ and one day he handed me the mic and the rest is history!!! 

What are your thoughts on Bush wanting to destroy Iraq?

Not feeling it at all!!!!! I don’t agree with it! It’s like The Crusades!!!! Islam is very vital for our condition! Bush wants that oil! 

So what producers are working with at the moment?

Myself, Carlos Bess, 4th Disciple, Ringz and Partners, Lord Jamar and some up and coming producers.

Can you explain to us what your writing style is?

Street and Spiritual, Very Very Visual.

With this oversaturated hip hop market, do you ever get frustrated when you see weak ass rappers with million dollar music videos getting “respect” from the youth?

Not frustrated because they kindle the fire of “My Purpose” which is to balance the youth’s perception of real life and provide survival instructions for them! It makes me hit harder! 

If you didn’t have the ability to rhyme what is it that you’d be doing now?

Managing and developing acts. Business! 

So what does Shabazz do when he’s relaxing?

Staying close to my family and staying creative! 

What’s your favourite all time hip hop albums?

Paid In Full, Follow The Leader and Great Adventures Of Slick Rick.

If people want to learn more about Shabazz and keep up to date with what’s happening where should they go?

WUTANGDYNASTY.COM has the most recent info. 

Thanks man, so much for talking to us, we really appreciate it. Any last words for us down here?

Stay True to yaself and ya family! And I Really Wanna Come To Africa, For The experience of a lifetime. And to do my part in contributing inspiration to the hip hop culture! PEACE!

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