What's up PVT Militant, how are things going?

Things are fine. How are you?

Cool man, can you start off by telling us how you got involved with the Hip Hop culture and what was it that influenced you?

I’ve been impacted by the culture since around 1979 when Rapper’s Delight dropped and I have literally done every aspect of Hip-Hop. What’s ironic is rapping is like the last element I’ve done.

Where are you located, Flint Michigan?

Yes, indeed (Hardrock) Flint, Michigan. I call it Hardrock because, it’s hard as a rock to find a means of sustenance here, yet if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. At least that’s what I believe!

You recently released the album One Man Against Many, how is the Album doing sales wise?

Slow, because this is a self-financed independent release, but my way of thinking is, I concentrate on moving one CD at a time and build on that.

When I listen to the track War Tyme I cannot help but notice that there is a heavy Public Enemy influence on there (the beats, subject matter). Is that where you draw most of your inspiration from?

Actually, I was listening to a lecture at the local library I work at by Ward Churchill (an Indian Professor at Sangaman State University) and wrote the lyrics in around 45 min to a beat I got from a dude named Mike R from the Public Enemy website. Most of my inspiration comes from my soul and the things I’ve been exposed to. By the way, I’m definitely influenced by Public Enemy.

Is One Man Against Many your first album?

Yes, I pursued a four year degree and made my presence felt in my daughter’s life first, instead of pursuing a career in the muse sick business.

"Put The Gunz Down" is a another one that stands out for me. How have the media responded to this album and have they picked out any tracks which they were feeling?

The media is pretty much asleep. Since I’m not financed by these big corporations, they pretty much are ignoring my plea. On another note, the fan base that I do have appreciates my War Cry to end the violence, so at the end of the day that’s all that matters. Fuck the media!

When you did this album what was the underlying cause for you? What was the ultimate aim? The ultimate message you wanted to convey?

The aim was to complete an album at damn near a zero budget that provided balance within an industry that’s unbalanced. I believe I accomplished that.

I noticed you got Chemiztry from Memphis TN to do a beat on the album (we actually interviewed him a while back). How did you hook that up and what can you tell me about the other producers on the album? What was the criteria you were looking for when choosing beats?

I hooked up with Chemiztry over the internet and ordered a couple of CD’s with instrumentals on them and listened to several tracks and got inspired to write two songs using his beats. Tha Commandant is an older local cat who was vital in arranging I believe 12 of the 15 tracks on the album. Tom D of Pluside (Hungary) also provided a beat for Battle of the Soul. I had to put that track on the album because it’s blazing and to show the world it’s not about the east and west, the world is much vaster than that. C Doc is the leader of the Impossebulls, so I’ve worked with him for quite some time now, being that I am also a member of the group. When choosing beats it has to hit me in the heart and inspire me to write without thinking, because to me if you think too long it comes out sounding fake and forced. Know what I mean? Whatever I write is really me...

What's your relationship like with that cats from Hungary "PluSide"? Have you ever met them?

He’s a fellow MC. We’re both actually on the Slamjamz Label, so you can call us label mates. No, I’ve never met him, but I would definitely like to. 

What other albums have you featured on?

The Impossebulls self-titled album and Slave Education. The Windy City Mix Vol 1 by the Nvisible Man, CoDilla’s Prezent 2 the Phuture, Pluside’s album, a Brazilian compilation and countless other MC’s tracks.

Which artists would you like to work with?

I’d like to work with anyone that’s genuine and has a love for good music. The genre doesn’t matter.

How would you describe your style?

My style is very unorthodox, yet very straight forward. It’s more like poetry to me.

What can you tell us about Warlord Records?

Warlord Records is my label. I’m using it as an impetus to become an independent powerhouse. 

As far as live performances go do you have any plans for this year?

I’d like to, but I’m currently in grad school. I spoke to Chuck D while having a bite to eat with him and Hypstyle at Fish Bones in Detroit and he mentioned a summer tour, so we’ll see.

In your opinion which songs from the album get the better crowd participation?

I haven’t had a chance to do a live show yet, but my picks would be War Tyme and U Get Me Hot. People seem to be more enthused with fast tempo songs.

What is a typical day like for you?

I usually wake up, drink some tea and chill out, meditate for a while and picture how my day is going to go, then go to work. I normally read during my lunch period or just jot down different thoughts for songs or goals I plan to achieve. After the work day is over I may talk to several friends/fam or stop and grab a couple of beers, read, watch some TV, then catch me some sleep and see what the next day has in store for me.

People this side of the world can't understand how Bush could've been re-elected. What is the sentiment in your area about that?

I understand that no matter who is in office, the plight of the have-nots have pretty much remained the same. The sentiment here in the States is 50/50. It’s like a mental Civil War is going on between the pro Kerry’s and the pro Bush people. My solution to the problem is to deal with self first, and try to do unto people what you would like done unto you, only then will the world as a whole become better place to live in. 

Tell me, it appears from our side like Americans are living in a country where there is no freedom at all. But we've always been taught that the USA is the land of the free. But it just doesn't appear so. What is your experience in that?

You are only as free as you believe you are. Free your mind and become an independent thinker! Yes, there are constraints, but where else in the world can you openly criticize the president, his administration and go from nothing to something. Literally!

Have you ever thought about coming to South Africa?

No doubt! I often wonder why it is so damn expensive to visit home (Africa), but you can get a roundtrip ticket to Europe for a little over $300.00 American dollars. 

What comes to mind when somebody talks about South Africa?

Apartheid and how the FUCK could Blacks be the majority in South Africa, yet still lack power. Colonialism is a dirty motherfucker!

Have you heard any African hip hop albums?

No, I’d like to!

As far as the other elements of hip hop go is emceeing the only thing you practice?

I’ve DJ’d, done Graffiti, Break Danced, have knowledge and MC’d, so as KRS-ONE has stated “I am HIP-HOP”! By the way, Knowledge is the 5th Element of Hip-Hop…

When you writing your verses, getting your beats, what is going through your mind, what at the end of the day would you like to achieve as an artist?

I just listen to a beat to get a feel for the track, then proceed to write without pausing, then write a hook after I finish writing 3 or 4 verses. I usually just have the topic in my head and focus on writing the best verses I possibly can. No edits, if I do it’s usually 1-3 minor changes. I would like to leave something that people can utilize to make them think about their current situation/situations (romance, anger, happiness etc. ) or the state of the world, so they can come to the conclusion that we all have issues that we have to deal with, but at the same time count your blessings and live for the moment.

What is your favorite foods and drinks?

I know this sounds stereotypical, but Chicken, Butter Pecan Ice Cream most vegetables, Little Debbies Pecan Pies, fish, salads and I love water. I drink a gallon a day. Oh yeah, Miller High Life Light!

What do you like to do for fun?

Hang with family and friends, read, watch a moderate amount of T.V., listen to music and LAUGH!

What plans do you have for this year?

Spend time with family and friends, achieve my goals and stay focused.

 What is a PVT Militant stage show like?

I haven’t done one yet, but when I’m with the Impossebulls it is very energetic. I try to leave an impression, but remain humble, because at the end of the day I’m just like anybody else a human being.

What pisses you off?

LIARS! Also betrayal and all the isms…

What makes you happy?

Being around people I like and communicating with them and laughing. I really enjoy laughing and of course sex with someone I enjoy being with. 

If people want to hook up with you what can they do?

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Where can people get the album?

Go to my website ( http://www.pvtmilitant.com) and go to the browsing page and click on one of the retail outlets that are carrying my CD and buy it there or snail mail me at Warlord Records P.O. Box 4177 Flint, Mi 48504. I only accept American currency if it’s snail mail.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, any last words/shout outs?

No problem. Remember it’s not all about self, but humanity as a whole, we are all going through it, just on different levels. WE ARE ONE!

Peace

Pvt Militant

Warlord Eternal…

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