What’s up, Afu? How’s a brotha?
I’m good…doing good, you know.
‘Life Force Radio‘, your second album will be released on May 21. We all know that your first album, ‘Body Of The Life Force‘ was produced by some of hip-hop’s most respected board-wizards, like Trumaster (of Wu-Tang), DJ Muggs, DJ Premiere (who was one of the executive producers), and the Beatminerz. You also had M.O.P., and the Cocoa Brovaz helping in the wings also. How do you top a freshman start like that?
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“I really wasn’t trying to top my first album. It’s like cooking from a recipe….you have something that you like…but, you alter the flavor to increase the taste. I believe I’ve done that on this album. You know DJ Premier did the main production work on this album..as he contributed to ‘Body Of The Life Force‘, and he knows me and he help reflect what I wanted on the album. My first album was considered “underground” because of the stabbin’ lyrics and the messages that each song conveyed. Now, with ‘Life Force Radio‘, I’m eclectic, concentrating on the lyrics, music and the actual creation process of the song. I want to reflect my growth as an artist with this album…not necessarily top my last.”
‘Life Force Radio‘ features production by DJ Premier and tracks by Easy Mo Bee, RZA as Bobby Digital and Trumaster, as well as appearances by M.O.P., Guru, Big Daddy Kane, and Teena Marie. You’ve diversified this album….with a touch of everything…..was that your intent?
I mean, that’s what it’s about in the end..friends doing what they love and producing a work that hopefully will be appreciated and loved by the world. As a kid I listened to everyone…I was proud that I could roll KRS 1 and others off the head…I loved and still love Kane…he is the “smooth operator”. I was in awe when we were in the studio…he was the consummate professional…I mean he treated “Stick Up” like it was his own. There was not the slightest hint of attitude or all that “I’m a star” junk. I was very impressed. It was the same with Teena. I mean I jammed to her songs as a kid and here I am with an album doing a collab with her. I remember I heard the track and automatically Teena Marie came to mind….when we finally met up…I actually sang the song for her (laughs)….she showed a brother much love.
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The songs on this album seem to express varied versions of your personality also…. spiritual, hardcore….which one (if any) displays the “true” Afu Ra?
“Readjusted Means“…that’s it….that’s me and my thoughts…that’s the closest. I mean I want the whole album to reflect my versatility and maturity. I’m married and I have children now…so, hopefully the entire album will reflect those changes and growth in me and my art. But, to get a glimpse into my head “Readjusted Means” is the cut.
You like many other notable artists in Hip Hop have chosen to stay away from songs based on the cars, money and ho’s philosophy…because of this you have been branded as an underground artist…is that a fair assessment of you?
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I am underground….because the definition of underground Hip Hop is the message. I have always tried to convey a message in my music. An underground artist is somebody whose record company doesn’t have the finances or resources to put them into a commercial light. I believe that ALL of the undiscovered MCs and DJs are “underground”. Because in my definition you remain underground until you are recognized by the industry…those who have the paper to take a so-called underground artist and transform him or her through money into a quote “star”.
Father, rapper, writer, Tae Kwon Do practitioner, student of Egyptology and a Rastafarian…..how does your current frame of “being” effect your relation to Hip Hop and it’s future?
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I have always been aware of hard work, education, pride in your people and uplifting of others…I hope to continue to grow. I know that I have to have half my brain thinking about the content of my music and half working within the industry to ensure the best possible business result…not only for myself…but, for others that come after me.
Here it is 10 years after the LA riots…….do you think that anything has changed in America regarding race….are we any better off in 2002, than we were in ’92, ’82, ’72 or 1872 for that matter?
No…nothing has changed…like I said about my development and maturity…America must do the same…instead of sticking to the same old norms and stereotypes….America needs to mature and accept it’s beautiful variety of people, lifestyles and cultures for what they are….a reflection of our world…diverse and different.
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‘Life Force Radio‘ is scheduled for US release on May 21. Afu Ra is also a featured performer on the upcoming High Times tour that kicks off on April 30th in NYC. He is also featured on High Times Records (a VERY marijuana-friendly enterprise) first album, THC (The Hip-Hop Collection) Vol. 1 it features song from Cypress Hill’s B-Real, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, Pharcyde and more.
