MVRemix: Tell us about MCEO Records.
Edgar Allen Floe: MCEO is actually my own label. I've been sending demos to all kinds of labels, trying to get my material out to them. But no one really wanted to listen, so I didn't want to just wait until someone recognized me, so I decided to put out my own material. MCEO Records
simply means the MC (emcee) is running things, being the CEO. MCEO. If you're an emcee and trying to get heard, don't be afraid to do it yourself. Be the CEO with a microphone in your hand!”
MVRemix: What advice would you give to an underground or independent emcee coming up in the music industry?
Edgar Allen Floe: Believe in yourself, period. Go to the bookstore or library and study the game. Watch the industry and know what's going on. A
merger or acquisition of a record label may not mean much to you, but it'll affect you one way or another. Most of all though, make sure you have some dope music! Just because you can make a song in the privacy of your bedroom, it doesn't mean you'll get signed. There are a billion rappers nowadays. What makes you stand out? Be original and creative, but be appealing at the same time. Just because you think you are cutting edge, it doesn't mean it's hot.
MVRemix: How do you feel that the Internet has affected hip-hop?
Edgar Allen Floe: It's basically a double-edged sword. It definitely gives you access to more potential fans. You basically have access to the world now with the click of a mouse. I really value talking to fans online. It's amazing how you can connect with people on the other side of the world. The flip side of the Internet is like what I said earlier. Everybody thinks they can rap and put out a record just because they can record a song on their computer and put it out for sale online. There's a lot more garbage out there that the fans have to get through to find the talented artists. Also, everybody is a critic on the internet. Everybody thinks they know hip-hop just because they have downloaded the newest album before it hit the shelves. So, the quick access to virtually anything has made the music more disposable. Once the music is downloaded, people listen to it for a few days. Then, they go right back online and look for some newer music to download. They listen to it for a few days and repeat the cycle.
MVRemix: What was it like growing up in North Carolina?
Edgar Allen Floe: As far as locally, everybody knows everybody in North Carolina. I think it relates to Southern folk in general. With kids growing up, the neighborhood would take care of a child. Even if a neighbor wasn't related, they would still look out for their neighbor's child as if it was their own. NC has a strong sense of community in a lot of ways.
MVRemix: What are the 3 best things about North Carolina?
Edgar Allen Floe: College life, sports, and music. North Carolina has some of the best in all three areas.
MVRemix: The 3 worst things about North Carolina?
Edgar Allen Floe: The growth can be seen as a bad thing. It seems there are so many apartments that are being built in the triangle that is Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area. Constant construction is on the highways to relieve some of the traffic congestion. Also, I notice that with so much money put into expansion, it seems there's very little money being put into areas where there are predominantly black people, especially the historically Black colleges out here. I wouldn't say this is one of the worst things, but a lot of the colleges don't know how to put money into dope hip-hop events. Everybody will do a little freestyle battle, but no one wants to put money behind a big Hip Hop event, when it could really happen.
MVRemix: What kind of kid were you?
Edgar Allen Floe: A smart kid, bright. I knew who I was and I knew my surroundings. I was the type who could ride a city bus at 7 years old, go all over the city by myself, and know how to get back home. I jumped around from school to school a lot, so I didn't really have a lot of long term friends until the 5th grade. I think that's probably why I kept to myself and was a quiet kid.
MVRemix: What was the lowest thing you ever did for money?
Edgar Allen Floe: Oh wow! I'll be real with you. I used to always steal sh*t all the time when I was 6 or 7 years old. I used to steal money from everybody. Mom, family. Wherever I could get it, I would take it. Me and my friends used to sneak in houses and steal stuff. I would get caught most of the time and get my ass whooped! (laughs.) But I kept doing the shit, hard headed.
MVRemix: If you were not an emcee, what would you be doing?
Edgar Allen Floe: I might be still playing basketball right now. I really loved basketball and thought about trying to make it to the pros. Or, I would be doing something with computers probably. When I first got to college, my major was Computer Engineering. I changed and graduated with a Business Management degree, since I wanted to handle the business side of music.
MVRemix: You are a lover of hip-hop culture. In your opinion, what are some essential films and albums?
Edgar Allen Floe: Nearly all films made in the 80s. ‘Beat Street’, ‘Krush Groove’, ‘Wild Style’ are the essentials. As far as albums, there are too many to name, but definitely you would need something from LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Ice-T, MC Eiht, Ice Cube. Study your history!
MVRemix: Can you expand the song 'Faith In Love'?
Edgar Allen Floe: I noticed a lot of division when it comes to many fans and critics nowadays. People love to say something negative before they say something positive. Critics want to overanalyze the music and not give credit where it's due. So 'Faith In Love' just says to just enjoy the music. When you buy a new album, take time to sit down and get away from everything for an hour and listen to the album like it's an 8-Track. No skipping songs, no repeating. Just listen to the entire joint, from beginning to end. Instead of focusing on what you think is so wrong with hip-hop, do something about it. Enjoy the music.
MVRemix: Word association. I'm going to say a name and you say the first word that pops into your head.
Edgar Allen Floe: Aiight.
MVRemix: 9th Wonder.
Edgar Allen Floe: Humble.
MVRemix: Jay-Z.
Edgar Allen Floe: Hustler.
MVRemix: Eminem.
Edgar Allen Floe: Privileged.
MVRemix: Hot Karl.
Edgar Allen Floe: Brave.
MVRemix: Necro.
Edgar Allen Floe: Beats.
MVRemix: Buckshot.
Edgar Allen Floe: Pioneer.
MVRemix: Hieroglyphics.
Edgar Allen Floe: Bobdobilina.
MVRemix: Wu-Tang Clan.
Edgar Allen Floe: Wisdom.
MVRemix: Phife Dawg.
Edgar Allen Floe: Underdog.
MVRemix: Brand Nubian.
Edgar Allen Floe: Knowledge.
MVRemix: Jamiroquai.
Edgar Allen Floe: Other.
MVRemix: Common.
Edgar Allen Floe: Hungry.
MVRemix: Slum Village.
Edgar Allen Floe: Disappointed.
MVRemix: Curtis Mayfield.
Edgar Allen Floe: Visionary.
MVRemix: Smokey Robinson.
Edgar Allen Floe: Motown.
MVRemix: George Bush.
Edgar Allen Floe: War.
MVRemix: Little Brother and Justus League are from the South but they do not have the stereotypical Southern hip-hop sound. How do you think Justus League compares or contrasts to other Southern hip-hop?
Edgar Allen Floe: I think we represent what Southerners already know. The South has a variety of sounds out here. We are much more than the stereotypical ‘crunk’. I remember when I went to Atlanta in '98. The word ‘crunk’ was just starting out there. Everybody was saying it at the time, but I had no idea it would be so widespread. That is just one form of music that's in the South. I think that's what made people cling on to what the Justus League does. We are just some regular cats. A lot of people in the South are just regular. I think people recognize that when it comes to our music, many people can easily relate to it.
MVRemix: Did you know about the 9th Wonder collaboration with Hot Karl called ‘I’ve Heard’? I heard 9th Wonder produced the song but did not like Hot Karl as an emcee. Do you know anything about that?
Edgar Allen Floe: I don't know anything about that. I didn't know it existed. I would like to check that out. Sounds interesting.
MVRemix: What do you think hip-hop is lacking?
Edgar Allen Floe: Hip-hop is lacking the motivation to be next-level and innovative. Cats like Pete Rock and RZA were ahead of their time when they first started out. Rakim was ahead of his time when he came on the scene. Nowadays, we need to have those new cats to take it to another level, be ahead of their time, and not be afraid to be innovative. You can't emulate the past and expect this hip-hop thing to move forward. I also think the hip-hop community, as far as the artists, need to start thinking about being leaders. Whether it's owning your masters, calling the shots at the negotiation table, whatever. We, as hip-hop cats, put in the most work for the least return. It's not all about money, but why can't you be comfortable doing what you love to do? Why can't the average emcee be financially stable? I just don't understand why we can't take control of our own sh*t and enjoy the benefits.
MVRemix: Can you tell us about the song 'The Great Adventure'?
Edgar Allen Floe: That joint is basically about the grind of this music game. The work that is needed to make something happen is so great. You have to have a strong work ethic and focus to keep the music thing going, because the stress and frustration can be so great. This is what the average, determined emcee goes through. It's a great adventure.
MVRemix: What can fans expect from Edgar Allen Floe in the future?
Edgar Allen Floe: You can expect to hear a lot more material from me on the mic and also on the beats. I plan to drop new music from different perspectives. Of course, you can expect to hear top notch lyrics from me. I'm an emcee first, so I'll make sure I come correct when it comes to the lyrics.
MVRemix: Any final words?
Edgar Allen Floe: I first want to say thanks to you, Todd for the interview. I appreciate the opportunity. Peace to my fellow comrades as we continue to make these moves. My Justus League fam, Mal Demolish of The Undefined, Battlesquad, Cazmere, all my peoples. If you haven't already, check out my ‘True Links’ CD. Be on the lookout for my full length coming soon! As always, thanks to all of the fans who appreciate my work. You all definitely keep me motivated. Peace!
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