MVRemix: In the sleeve for 48 Months, there is this logo or symbol and everyone has a tattoo of it. What is it and what is the meaning behind it?
Asheru: Thats the symbol of the Unspoken Heard. It symbolizes Unspoken Heard. Notice that it has 2 ears but no mouth. It symbolizes the concept of The Unspoken Heard. Just because you hear it, that does not mean that it was said. We can go to Europe, Slovakia or wherever and rhyme straight English. Some cats understand English and some dont understand it. Still, they get the meaning or the feeling. Thats the Unspoken Heard.
MVRemix: You recorded a track with non-English speaking artists?
Asheru: Yes. I just recorded a song with these German guys. They sent me the track and they are rhyming in straight German. I cannot understand one word that they are saying but there is a spot for me. I spit my 16. I talked to the guy over the phone and we talked about the concept. I got the idea. They are talking about hip-hop in relationship to a girl and how they feel about it but I still dont know what they are saying. Participating in that was something I wanted to do. When we go out to Germany, we can sit down and break it down line for line. I just wanted to make it with artistic equality.
MVRemix: What was the last incident of racism you experienced?
Asheru: Racism? I dont know. It happens everyday. Sometimes, it could be the way someone is speaking to me in a condescending tone where I can feel their presumptions of me. To me, thats racism in itself. Im not going to snap. I went to a predominately white university and I had a room with 3 white guys. One of them was a real frat boy.
MVRemix: What do you think about that racism controversy with Eminem?
Asheru: I just heard about that thing with Eminem saying N*gga like 10 years ago. That is racism too. That happens everyday. A lot of people say that it happened a long time ago so Who cares? but thats not the point. Thats a whole other argument.
MVRemix: Death Penalty For or against?
Asheru: Im against it.
T.JONES "Where were you on Sept. 11th (The World Trade Center Terrorist Attack)? How did you deal with it? How do you think it has affected music?"
Asheru: I was here. I just got back from a European tour about a week before it happened. I was watching TV and was just in shock. How it affected hip-hop? I dont know. At the time, I thought hip-hop was going to make a turn but it seems the same. These days, people are struggling to get a job. Theyre hungry. Its the same old song. Murder and kill sh*t. Theres also the dance and party sh*t. Its is pretty much the same. Then, there are cats like me, the somewhat underground cats. I think it brought about more hustle. It is pretty much the same but it has intensified in some areas.
MVRemix: On 48 Months, there are a couple of songs that are also on Soon Come. Why did this happen?
Asheru: That was Wes Jacksons call. Smiley and Jamboree are like our famous songs along with Trackrunners. Its cross promotion.
MVRemix: Word association time. Im going to say a name of a group/emcee and you say the first word that pops in your head. So, if I say Chuck D, you may say Revolution. Okay?
Asheru: Alright.
MVRemix: Grand Agent.
Asheru: Dont know much about him.
MVRemix: Eminem.
Asheru: No.
MVRemix: Nas.
Asheru: I like Nas. Hes my man right there.
MVRemix: 50 Cent.
Asheru: Hustler.
MVRemix: Lone Catalysts.
Asheru: Dope.
>> continued...
Related content:
Asheru 2001 Interview by Hugo Lunny
Asheru 2004 Interview by Todd E. Jones
Asheru 2005 Interview by Bill "Low Key" Heinzelman
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