We've been waiting for a long time for Raw Material to be released. How long did it take you to record the album and what was the main purpose in all of this?

We basically wrote a most of the songs over the course of '99 while we were touring. As far as recording, we cashed in a lot of favors and didn't really have the time we wanted to record, so total in the studio for probably 2 weeks, mix and everything. As far as the purpose? .. We just wanted, and still want, to make good music. We feel that if we can do that and show people who we are and what's important to us, it's all worth it.

I can tell that the album was produced with a lot of focus.

thank you

From your sound we can hear that you are both serious about Hip Hop. What do you make of the Hip Hop scene today with all this bling bling gangsta gangsta shoot em up artists?

Well, it's obviously not my thing, but i don't have anything against those artists myself. That is, i don't have anything against the cats who originally came out doing it, as for the copycats, it's just a little hard to take. But that's true in any genre of music. it's evident in pop music right now with the britney spears clones being "discovered" and turned out by every record company in america (that's all i really know) right now. It's even true to a point in the underground hip hop movement. "4 elements, rah rah rah." it's like cats are latching onto some formula on how to be 'real'. just be yourself and make good music. That's where we're at.

You have shown us creativity, for example the well written Love's Not. That track really made me think. What are your best tracks on the album?

We've gotten the most response from "Love's Not" and "Sphere", but i'd say the best song is whichever one is best to each individual. Music is funny like that.

In Europe it never really mattered if the rap group was white or not, but from what I've been told it's still an issue in America. It seems like the Americans are too scared to trust each other.  What are your opinions on white people living Hip Hop? Have you had any experiences?

Well, dust and I are white cats living hip-hop. and, yes, America is still segregated on many fronts and so it obviously transfers over to hip-hop. However, i've personally seen hip-hop break down a lot of those walls. So, to talk in a complete circle, yes it's an issue, but not one that can't be overcome. wow, i sound like a freaking public service announcement. I'm not only a member, i'm also the president.

I would have to say that you are one of the illest emcees I've heard in a while. It's one of the very few albums that I really listen to the lyrics with interest.

thank you.

We are totally hooked on Mars Ill now. When is the next album coming out?

We're working on it as we speak. early 2002 is when it's tentatively scheduled for. to hold you over, our collective (7 emcees, 4 producers) is called deepspace5 and that full length is dropping November 20th. Dust produced like 8 beats on there and i rhyme on almost every song. plus the rest of the crew is nasy. be on the look out for that to hold you over for more Mars ILL goodies.

Ever thought of touring Africa?

Dust has actually been over there twice, but i would love to go. You got
any contacts?

I will hook you up with some promoters.  Thank you very much for taking the time out to talk to us. We really  appreciate it. Any last words?

Without my wife and children, i wouldn't be able to do this. Peace and
Blessings to all who took the time to read this interview.

Ed's Note:  You find out more about this artist on their labels homepage.

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