| The most aloof and perhaps the most intriguing, member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Masta Killa has no need for the extra lime light that many rappers crave. During interviews he is more likely to spit the dopest verses of his peers, rather than quote himself. Despite Wu-Tangs widespread success, Killas biggest publicity stunt, outside of his ultra-smooth lyrics, was joining a PETA ad-campaign promoting vegetarianism. But just because he does not speak up often, does not mean he has nothing to say.
On the contrary, if given the opportunity Killa can wax poetic on more than just his new album, Back to Brooklyn (August 8), and the universal appeal of that he and his Wu brothers continue to demonstrate. Im just thankful that someone is willing to listen, says Killa, displaying a dose of humility that is so rare in Hip Hop today.
On his sophomore solo effort, Killa also displays his down to earth appeal by hosting a variety of local MCs and producers throughout his tracks. In fact, he directly steered away from having a Wu-Tang produce album so he could give other artists the same leg up that was extended to him when he made the jump from BK to Shaolin more than ten years ago.
MVRemix: Whats your writing style like?
Masta Killa: It comes together in a series of ways. I can hear a beat. Sometimes it just flows. Catch some good shit from that. I really need silence. Thoughts are already dancing in my head, know what Im saying?
MVRemix: Do you prefer working with other members of the clan or on your own?
Masta Killa: I never sat down with anyone. Anything Ive written, its been by myself. I write from my heart. Thats what comes. We never really sat down and made songs together. We come to the studio together, but each one of us is in his own corner. I know hes coming out with his best shit, so I gotta come with mine.
MVRemix: So was it a competitive atmosphere?
Masta Killa: Well yeah. You know, Hip Hop is a competitive sport. Thats Hip Hop to me. I want to win and I want to shine, just like you. You sayin' slick witty shit. We on the same team and were out for the same thing. You wouldnt ever have to try and push yourself, because if your shit wasnt right, it wont make the track. The first album was like up against eight individuals. It was crazy. You see mutha fuckas coming like that, and you cant come back with some cat in the hat bullshit. Get on with some bullshit? I dont think so; you better come with your best shit. When you really listen and you hear the time a brotha took to build something that nourishing, its like goddamn how can I not get on with something as equally potent?
MVRemix: When did you first start spitting rhymes for an audience?
Masta Killa: I never performed until we launched Wu Tang. That was my first time as an MC. I have history since elementary school doing talent shows. Breaking and shit like that. I was that kind of dude. I loved to pop. That was me. Always doing shit around music. As far as with a mic in my hand, Wu-Tang was the first time.
MVRemix: What inspired you to take it to that next level?
Masta Killa: There never was next level for me. It was Wu Tang and that was it. I never tried to get on. Never looked for any of this because it was never my vision. Im kinda like hanging out with Gza and just stumbled across some shit, oh word? And I was like, maybe I can do this. When I was young going to clubs, I was just hanging out. I never went in there like I was trying to be an MC. I never tried to get a record deal or pass out tapes. Its just been Wu-Tang and Im here.
MVRemix: Who in the group helped influence your style the most?
Masta Killa: My style comes from all of the eight. All of that is what makes me. Thats why Im the ninth. It takes nine to be complete. The number system goes from zero to nine then repeats itself. Im like the glue. Its everything within one. I took all of my brothers as a lesson. It was fortunate that I was able to sit in the cut and study, both talent and business wise. Then I came out to express myself.
MVRemix: Were you guys aware that you were starting something legendary in Hip Hop?
Masta Killa: For me, you know, it was more of an observation lesson. I never intended on being in a legendary group. I decided to take it all serious when I saw what my brothers were involved in. If it was a meal, it tasted good to people. People accepted it and loved it. I said Im going to make the best of this situation. Those things never dawn on me, even to this day. Meth might be a house hold signature name, and Ol Dirty, rest in peace, you think about certain names it just hits you. But me, I never thought about the game like that. My ID is still being shown and Im proving it. Theres still a lot of development left when it comes to the Masta Killa. I havent given everything yet. Im still growing.
MVRemix: How would you characterize the new album?
Masta Killa: Its Hip hop. Its beautiful music you know what Im saying. I kept the same basic chemistry and kept support of my family. You can expect consistency and the sound of all my brothers supporting me. Good music and ill lyrics. Its got a real raw sound. A soulful sound. Thats the Brooklyn sound for me. The history of it, from block parties and jams you know. The real Hip Hop scene. From mom having a house party. The sound is love, and it brings people together. People who listen to my album will be able to say its banging. Its hard to find an album thats good from beginning to end. You wont have to fast-forward through any tracks, though you maybell want to rewind. And before you know it, its gone. Its been a long time since Ive heard some good fucking music. Thats why he find ourselves buying the old shit over and over again.
MVRemix: What were some of your influences?
Masta Killa: My influences are internally built in. Theyre from being a fan of music since birth. Im already inspired by many different artists, styles, and life. Opportunity to pour these things back into the world. Part of everything Ive experience in my short life.
I still like listening to all of the old stuff. I can listen to Gladys Knight all day. The Isley Brothers, the Delfonics, New Birth, Patty Labelle. So much man, I dont want to leave anyone out.
MVRemix: Why did you want to bring this album back to Brooklyn?
Masta Killa: Because theres a lot of hood talent, but not too many outlets for it. Shit. Its more people than jobs. Baby thats the way I look at it and shit. Talent doesnt just cover entertainment either. What ever you have a knack for, theres just not enough opportunity to shine. Me, Im not anyone special. Just blessed with a golden opportunity to have a job that I love to do, and thats making music.
MVRemix: Who is on the album with you?
Masta Killa: Well for MCs, we got Victorious, Phoenix Flames, Sweet Murda, and Killa Sin. And producers, we go Wise, PF Cuttin, my man Saw. Theres not even a Rza beat on the album. But I know how I want the album to sound. I know how the Wu-Tang sound is supposed to be. I can get sound Im looking for. Go back to neighborhood and work with people Ive wanted to for a long time. When you hear the music you will think one of those original brothers did the beats, but its not. 75% of this album was recorded in Brooklyn. But Im not looking to taking nothing over. Im not the king of shit. Its just what Im doing now. Theres not a whole bunch of beefing and quarrelling. Thats just a whole bunch of bullshit that doesnt really have anything to do with music.
MVRemix: How come Wu-Tang never got pulled into any beefs?
Masta Killa: You know I really cant say. I dont know. If you look for things I think youll find them. Know what Im saying? What ever persona you put out it comes back. If its negative, then negative things will follow. Theres no room for positive and negative in the same space. When day comes night must leave. No room for the bullshit.
MVRemix: Do you see anybody stepping up like Wu-Tang did to make that next evolution?
Masta Killa: I think anybody who is serious about their craft is definitely going to take it to the next level. Its inevitable. In the NBA Lebron has done. Just like Kobe did, and Dr. Jay. New players of the day keep it evolving. I cant say who, but someone will come in and take it to a new level. Theres tons of talent out there. The whole thing, I think, is being able to stand test of time. Continuously do what you do. Without withering away.
Its so strange in hip hop right now. There is a whole different feeling. The music that is being produced is I dont know. The person who says fuck it and comes with the raw shit, and doesnt worry about the radio and what people are used to hearing, that person will be most successful.
MVRemix: What can fans expect about with Wu-Tangs upcoming ODB Tribute Tour?
Masta Killa: Expect to see all eight of us rocking them famous hits. A lot of fans havent seen us together for years on one stage, its a blessing itself.
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