Cap.One

MVRemix: How did you get involved with the Diary of A New Jack section in the Source magazine?

Cap.One: They came to me by me being the first rapper on Motown. I guess the world was like "Who is this CAP.One. Who is this guy that Motown picked up that they're going to have represent them as the first rapper." It's kind of like I was chosen. They came to me and we put it down from there.

Have you encountered any obstacles by being on Motown since they are not known for rap?

Cap.One: People wouldn't give us enough credit until they saw our show or heard our music. A lot of people might look at me and think "He looks more R&B than rap." It's all good though. Everybody is going to look with a funny eye until they know exactly what we got. Life is an obstacle, so everyday it's going to be something. I just take it in stride.

Do you think that you're going to be the one to put Motown on the map as far as hip-hop is concerned?

Cap.One: I know I'm going to be the one. I'm the next nigga that's going to take rap to the next stage. I just got mad songs and styles. It's not just one flow. I got different flows. I got something for everybody. Every hood, every block, every ghetto. We can do it however they want to do it.

Chicago has a lot of major players in the rap game such as Common, Da Brat, Do or Die, yet they still don't get the respect they deserve. Why do you think that is?

Cap.One: That's true. We haven't got our recognition yet, and I plan to be that cat [that brings the recognition]. When you think Chicago, you're going to think Cap.One, the same way when you think New York you may think Jay-Z or Biggie. [Chicago] doesn't have a lot of strong outlets and places where you can get on from Chicago. It's majorly the west coast or the east. But we still do our thing. Chicago has a lot of talent.

Can you shed some light on this new album? What should we check for and what are some of your favorite cuts?

Cap.One: The first single is with me and Nokio (Dru Hill), "They Luv Dat." We got a lot of good things. I got Twista on my album, Tiny from Xscape, Nokio, Jagged Edge, Profyle. We got a lot of heavyweights, so the album is definitely something for everybody. You're going to get your money's worth.

What makes you different from the rest of these MCs out here?

Cap.One: Because I'm The Don. I finesse whatever I do. I'm going to finesse it and give it my all. And like I said, I have more than one style. You're not just stuck to one flow. You never know what you're going to get. I keep them guessing.

What is it that you hope to bring to this rap game that no one else has done?

Cap.One: Versatility. Just good music. I can't say that I will bring something that no one else has brought, because it's a lot of talented artists out there that I enjoy listening to their music. I'm just trying to make good music and take it to the next level.

Since you're blowing up now, have things changed around your old neigborhood? Do people think that you have a big head now?

Cap.One: You're going to get that regardless. I've been getting that before the music. Throughout high school I've been getting the whole "pretty boy" thing. But for the most part, it's been a lot of new people trying to come in my circle. But I got my family, and I stick with my circle that was there from day one.

Are you more cautious now since you have your name out there and anyone can come up trying to be your friend?

Cap.One: Exactly. Anybody can come with a smile. My father used to say "Everybody that smiles at you is not laughing with you." I just got to stay focused and let God handle everything. All I can worry about is making good music.

What are your feelings on the current state of hip-hop? Is it good, bad, or does it need to change?

Cap.One: It's a lot of different ways hip-hop can go. As long as it's good music and everybody can vibe to it, and you're making music that people can relate to, then I feel it. Hip-hop will take its toll by itself. You can't change the game. The game stays the same, only the players change. It's already written for how it's going to go down. You just got to get in where you fit in.

Who are some MCs that you're feeling right now, and who were your influences while coming up?

Cap.One: Coming up, I've got to give utmost to Slick Rick. That was my nigga from day one. That nigga has always been on some Don shit. He's always geared up. Always fly. I grew up listening to a lot of Run-DMC, LL Cool J. Nowadays I listen to more of myself because I feel I'm the hottest nigga in the game. So I blast me all the time. It's a lot of cats out there that I listen to, but I can't throw the names out there. Cats get the big heads.

Do you have any advice for people trying to get involved in this game?

Cap.One: No doubt. Whatever you want in life, it's there. You just have to go and claim it. It's already there for the taking, you've just got to claim it. Stay focused.

How did you get your name?

Cap.One: The name Cap.One comes from Capone. You know, me growing up in Chicago, the street mentality. For years it was always Capone. It was a name that always stuck with me coming up in high school. Politically I couldn't do the name because of Capone-N-Noreaga, so I just figured a way to flip the name but still keep the same meaning. But all my real niggas know it's still Capone.

You got any plans for this game besides just rhyming? Do you plan on putting any other artists on from your hometown?

Cap.One: Yeah, no doubt. I got a group coming out, The Comitty. I'm trying to do some of everything. We got S.I. clothing line. You gotta make sure you blow that up. I'm gonna do some of everything. Modeling, acting, whatever comes I'm with it.