These are the transcripts of an interview with I-20. The interview was conducted on March 2nd, 2004 by Arthur Sapounas. I-20 is a member of the group "Disturbing Tha Peace" along with the likes of Chingy and Ludacris amongst others. He is currently best known for his verse on Ludacris' "Move Bitch" and his guest appearances on Ludacris' and Chingy's albums. He recently released his debut single "Fightin' In The Club" featuring DTP members Titty Boi and Lil' Fate and is set to release his debut album "Self Explanatory" on April 6th.

---

mvremix: urban 6th Sense (2007) 112 (2003) 880 South (2006) 24K (2003) 2 Smoov (2008) 7L (7L & Esoteric) (2004) 2XL (2007) A.D.O.R. (2005) Aesop Rock (2002) Aesop Rock (2006) Agnes Obel (2011) Airborne Toxic Event 2011 Akrobatik (1999) Al Green (2005) Alchemist (2006) Alias (2001) Amerie (2005) aMinus (2006) Amplafire (2005) Andre Emerson (2005) Annie (2006) Anthony Hamilton (2003) Anthony Hamilton (2005) Anti-Flag (2005) Apartment (2005) Apathy (2000) Apathy (2002) Apathy (2006) Apathy (2006) 2 Approach (2005) April Maiya (2007) Architecture Helsinki Asheru (2001) Asheru (2004) Asheru (2005) Astronautalis (2006) A-Trak (2006) A-Trak (2006) 2 Avant (2005) Awar (2005) The Away Team (2005) AZ (2004) AZ (2005) AZ (2006) Baatin (2003) Baby Blak (2003) DJ Babu (2006) Bat For Lashes (2008) Bathgate (2007) Beat Assailant (2004)(1) Beat Assailant (2004)(2) Beats Antique (2011) Da Beatminerz (2004) Beatmonstas (2005) Belief (2008) Benefit (2002) Beenda Weeda (2006) Beenie Man (2006) B.G. (2005) Big Boi (2005) Big Herk (2008) Big Noyd (2005) Big Noyd (2003) Big Pooh (2005) Big Shug (2007) Big Tigger (1999) Big Tone (2005) Big Tone (2005) Big Rich (2006) Billy Cook (2007) Binkis Recs (2004) Birdapres (2001) Bizzy Bone (2004) Bizzy Bone (2005) Black Milk (2007) Black Moon (2004) Blackalicious (2004) Black Rob (2000) Black Rob (2005) The Black Spoons (2005) Blueprint (1999) Blueprint (2003) Blueprint (2011) Blue Scholars (2007) Blue Sky Black Death (07) Bobbito (2000) Bobbito (2001) Bobby Frazitta (2004)(1) Bobby Frazitta (2004)(2) Bobby Frazitta (2006) Bone Crusher (2006) Boom Bap Project (2005) Boot Camp Clik (2006) Boots Riley (2007) Booty Brown (2005) Boss Playas (2006) Bow Wow (2006) Boxer Rebellion (2011) BP (2004) Braille (1999) Brand Nubian (2004) Brassmunk (2003) MC Breed (2007) Brooke Valentine (2005) Brooklyn (2002) Brother (2011) Brother Ali (2003) Brother J X-Clan (2006) Bubba Sparxxx (2005) Bubba Sparxxx (2006) Buck 65 (2003) Buck 65 (2004) Buck 65 (2005) Buckshot (BCC) (2005) Buckshot (BCC) (2009) Bumblebeez 81 (2004) Bumpy Knuckles (2003) Bun B (UGK) (2005) Bushwick Bill (2005) Cage (2000) Camille (2005) Cam'Ron (2000) Capital D (2000) Capone (CNN) (2005) Cap-One (2000) Cappadonna (2003) Caroline Weeks (2008) Cassie (2008) Cassidy (2004) Casual (Hiero) (2005) Casual (Hiero)2(2005) Caribou (2010) Cee-Lo (2005) Celph Titled (1999) Celph Titled (2002) Cesar Comanche (2005) Cesar Comanche (2005) Chali 2na (2004) Chali 2na (2006) Chamillionaire (2005) Chamillionaire (2005)2 Chante Moore (2006) The Chapter (2005) Charles Sweeting (2008) The Charms (2006) Cherrywine (2003) Chief Kamachi (2005) Choklate (2008) Choppa (2006) Chopper (2005) DJ Chris Lawrence (2004) Chromeo (2007) Chromeo (2010) Chuck D (1998) DJ Chuckie (2012) Ciara (2004) Ciara (2006) Ciph Barker (2005) Cipha Sounds (2005) City Haze (2008) City and Colour (2012) Classified (1999) Classified (2003) Classified (2006) Classified (2008) The Clipse (2006) Clinton Sparks (2005) DJ Clue (2007) Cold Cut (2006) Common (2005) Common (2005) - 2 Common (2003) The Cornerstone (2007) Consequence (2004) Controller 7 (2001) Copperpot (2005) Copywrite (2000) Copywrite (2001) Cormega (2005) Cormega (2004) Cormega (2003) The Coup (2006) The Coup (2007) C-Rayz Walz (2003) C-Rayz Walz (2005) DJ Craze (2003) Crime Mob (2007) Cruna (2005) Crystal Method (2005) Crystal Method (2006) CunninLynguists (2004) Cymarshall Law (2007) D4L (2005) Dälek (2005) Danity Kane (2007) The Darcys (2012) Darien Brockington (2006) Dave Hollister (2006) Daz Dillinger (2003) Daz Dillinger (2005) Daz Dillinger (2006) Daz Dillinger (2006) 2 Dead Prez/Outlawz '06 Dead Prez/Outlawz 2 Deep Thinkers (2005) Deeskee (2001) Defari (2002) Defari (2005) Defari (2005) - (2) Defari (2006) Del (2003) Del (2006) Del (2006) 2 De La Soul (2004) DerrtyBoi Montana (08) Digiki (2007) Digitalism (2011) Diktator (2004) Dilated Peoples (2004) Dilated Peoples (2006) Diplo (2006) The Dirty Crew (2005) Dirty Needlez (2005) Distrakt (2007) D.K. (2006) DL Incognito (2003) DMC (2007) D. One (2005) D. One (2006) Do or Die (2005) Drag-On (2004) Dreddy Kruger (2005) Dropkick Murphys (2005) Dru Down (2007) Dru Hepkins (2007) D-Sisive (1999) Dudley Perkins (09) DutchMassive (2000) Dwele (2003) Dwele (2005) Ms. Dynamite (2003) East Side Boyz (2004) Eclipse 427 (2000) Ed Norwick (2011) Edan (2005) Edgar Allen Floe (2005) Edgar Allen Floe (2) (05) E.d.g.e. (2010) Edo G (2000) Edo G (2004) Edo G (2004) - (2) Edru (2006) El Da Sensei (2002) El-P (2007) Electric President (2006) Electric Six (2006) Elephant Man (2007) Elisabeth Withers (2007) Elzhi (2002) Elzhi (2004) Elzhi (2005) Elzhi (2005) 2 Emily Haines (Metric) '05 Emily King (2006) Encore (2001) Encore (2003) Epic (2001) EQuiKnockZ (2006) E-Sik (2006) Esoteric (1999) Evidence (2004) Eyedea (2003) Eyedea (2010) Fake Problems (2011) The Fat Boys (2008) Fenaxiz (2006) Fences (2011) Field Mob (2006) Field Mob (2005) Field Mob (2005) 2 Field Mob (2002) Five Deez (2003) FIX (2011) Floyd The Locsmif (2006) Foster The People (2011) Foreign Legion (2004) Foretaste (2006) Francis & The Lights (2010) Francois Mulder (2011) Freddie Foxxx (2006) Freekey Zekey (2006) Freelance Whales (2011) Freestyle (2000) Freestyle (2005) DJ Fresh (2007) Fresh Kils (2011) G-Unit (2008) Gabriel Teodoros (2006) Geniuser (2006) Georgia Anne Muldrow Ghostface Killah (2006) Ghostface Killah (2006) 2 Gift of Gab (2004) Ginuwine (2005) Girl Talk (2006) Glass Joe (2004) Goapele (2004) Goodie Mob (2004) Grace Potter (2011) Grafh (2004) Grafh (2005) Gramatik/Michael Menart Grand Agent (2003) Greenhouse Effect (2005) Mr. Greenweedz (2005) Mr. Greenweedz (2005) 2 Growing (2010) G.Riot (2005) Guerilla Black (2004) Gucci Mane (2005) Guru (Gangstarr) (2003) Guru (Gangstarr) (2005) GZA (2008) Hangar 18 (2006) Hawd (2001) Hasan Salaam (2005) Headkrak (1998) Heather Hunter (2005) Heirlooms (2011) Hell Razah (2005) Hell Razah (2007) Hezekiah (2006) High & Mighty (2005) Hi-Tek (2007) Horrorpops (2005) Hot Karl (2005) Hot Karl (2005) 2 Hot Rod (2006) Hot Rod (2006) 2 Howling Diablos (2005) HST (2009) hue (2011) Mr. Hyde (2008) I-20 (2004) Imani (2005) Immortal Technique (2011) Infamous Mobb (2004) Infinito (2004) Infinito (2005) Insight (2004) Inspectah Deck '04 Inspectah Deck '04 - 2 Iomos Marad (2003) J5 (2002) The Jacka (2005) Jae Millz (2005) Jahah (2004) Jahi (2008) Jair Dynast (2006) Jakki (2000) James Shaw (Metric) '05 Jasiri X (2011) Jaykin (2007) Jazze Pha (2005) DJ Jazzy Jeff (2007) Jaz-O (2002) Jedi Mind Tricks (2003) Jeff Spec (2002) Jen The Pen (2006) Jem (1) (2004) Jem (2) (2004) Jeru The Damaja (2004) J. Greede (2005) Jill Barber (2011) Jim Jones (2004) Jim Jones (2005) Jin (2004) Jin (2005) J.J. Brown (2000) J.J. Brown (2002) J-Live (2001) J-Live (2005) Joe Budden (2003) Joe Budden (2006) Joe Scudda (2006) Johnta Austin (2006) Jordan River Banks (2005) Josh Martinez (2005) Josh Martinez (2006) Journalist (2002) Jovonni (2008) Joy Formidable (2012) Mr. J. Medeiros (2007) J.R. (2005) J. Rawls (2003) J.R. Writer (2005) Juelz Santana (2005) Juggaknots (2006) Juicy J (2005) J.U.I.C.E. (2004) Jully Black (2007) Jupiter Rising (2008) J-Zone (2000) J-Zone (2002) J-Zone (2003) J-Zone (2004) J-Zone (2006) Kardinal Offishall (2000) Karl Wolf (2009) Katchphraze (2003) Kaze (2005) K-Black (2008) Keith Murray (2007) Kenny Lattimore (2006) Kev Brown (2006) Khia (2006) Khrysis (2006) Killah Priest (2003) - 1 Killah Priest (2003) - 2 Killah Priest (2005) Killer Mike (2005) King Khan (2010) Konkrete (2005) Kool G Rap (2003) Kool Keith (2000) Kool Keith (2004) K-Os (2005) K-Os (2007) K-Os (2008) Kraak & Smaak (2011) Krumbsnatcha (2002) DJ Krush (2004) - 1 DJ Krush (2004) - 2 Kutmasta Kurt (2004) Kutmasta Kurt (2005) Kyprios (2004) La Dispute (2011) Lady B (2006) LadybirRdS (2007) Lady Sovereign (2006) Lady Sovereign (2006) 2 Langdon Auger (2003) Language Arts Crew (06) Last Emperor (2002) Last Emperor (2003) - (1) Last Emperor (2003) - (2) Lavender Pill Mob (2006) Lawless Element (2005) Lawless Element - 2 (05) Layzie Bone (2005) Leela James (2005) L.E.G.A.C.Y. (2005) Lem (2005) Lenny Diko (2006) Mr. Lif (2000) Mr. Lif (2006) Mr. Lif (2008) Lil' Flip (2004) Lil' Flip (2005) Lil' Scrappy (2006) Little Brother (2003) Little Brother (2006) Littles (2005) Lix dot Kong (2008) Lloyd Banks (2006) Lloyd Banks (2008) L.M. (2008) DJ Logic (2006) The Longshots (2005) Louis Logic (2000) Louis Logic (2001) Louis Logic (2003) Louis Logic (2008) Love Inks (2011) Luckyiam.PSC (2003) Lullabye Arkestra (2010) Lupe Fiasco (2006) Lupe Fiasco (2006) 2 LV (2006) Lyfe (2004) Lyfe Jennings (2006) Lyrics Born (2003) Lyrics Born (2004) Mack 10 (2005) Mad Rad (2011) Majik Most (2005) Makeba Mooncycle '99 Marcos Hernandez (2005) Mass MC (2000) Masta Killa (2003) Masta Killa (2006) Masterminds (2000) Mateo Amarei (2008) DJ Mathematics (2003) DJ Mathematics ('03)(2) DJ Mathematics (2007) Matthew & Atlas (2011) Mayer Hawthorne (2010) Maylay Sparks (2004) Mcenroe (2001) Mcenroe (2003) M. Beat Manifesto (2005) The Memorials (2011) Memphis Bleek (2005) The Metermaids (2008) MF Doom (2002) Michael Franti (2005) Michele - Destiny's Child Mickey Avalon (2011) Microbunny (2010) Middle Men (2005) Midi Mafia (2006) Midwest City (2006) Miike Snow (2010) Mila J (2006) Mixmaster Mike (1998) Mobb Deep (2001) Mobb Deep (2004) Mobb Deep (2006) Mod - Black Marvel '05 Mohammad Dangerfield Mojoe (2006) Moka Only (2000) Moka Only (2003) Motion Man (2006) Mountain Brothers '99 Move.meant (2005) Murs (2003) Myron Mayhem (2005) Mystik Journeymen '03 Na'Sha (2005) Naledge (2006) Nas (2005) Nathan Watson (2008) Natalia Kills (2011) Necro (2005) Necro (2008) Needlz (2005) Network Reps (2000) Ne-Yo (2005) Ne-Yo (2005) 2 Nicolay (2006) Nottz (2005) Northstar (2004) Numskull (Luniz) (2007) O (2007) Oberhofer (2012) Obie Trice (2005) Obie Trice (2006) O.C. (2005) O.C. (2006) O.C. (2006) 2 The O'Jays (2004) Oktober (2004) Omarion (2005) Omarion (2007) One Be Lo (2005) One Be Lo (2005) (2) One Chance (2006) Opio (2005) Other Lives (2011) O.U.O. (2005) Outerspace (2004) OUTTHERE (2005) The Pack (2007) PackFM (2001) PackFM (2005) PackFM (2006) Paper Diamond (2012) Paradigm (2002) Patrick Wolf (2007) MC Paul Barman (2000) MC Paul Barman (2005) Paul Wall (2006) P.B.M. (2005) P. Butter Wolf (1999) Pedestrian (2001) Phantogram (2011) The Pharcyde (2005) The Pharcyde (2005)2 The Pharcyde (2006) Phife Dawg (2000) Phoebe One (2005) Phonte - L. Brother (2005) Pigeon John (2005) Pigeon John (2006) Pigeon John (2006) 2 DJ Piklz (2005) Pip Skid (2001) Planet Asia (2000) Planet Asia (2006) Planet Parade (2011) Play N Skillz (2005) PMD (2003) P.O.S. (2006) Potluck (2004) DJ Premier (2005) The Presets (2008) Pretty Good Dance Moves Prevail (2006) Prime (2002) Prince Paul (2005) Prince Paul (2006) Prince Po (2005) Prinz Pistoleer (2008) Prodigal Sunn (2005) Prodigy (Mobb Deep) '06 Proe (2005) Professor Ecks (2005) Professor Ecks (2006) Project Pat (2006) Propaganda (2005) Psapp (2006) Pumpkinhead (2003) P.U.T.S. (2002) P.U.T.S. (2006) Rack Lo (2002) Ray Goss (2008) Raydar Ellis (2006) Raekwon (2006) Raheem DeVaughn ('05) Raheem DeVaughn '05-2 Raheem DeVaughn '05-3 Raheem DeVaughn '06 Raheem DeVaughn '10 Raphael Saadiq (2002) R.A. Rugged Man (2004) R.A. Rugged Man (2005) Reef Lost Cauze (2005) Reel Big Fish (2011) REL!G!ON (2010) Restiform Bodies (2002) Rhymefest (2005) Rhymefest (2006) Rhymefest (2006) 2 Rhymefest (2006) 3 Rhymefest (2006) 4 Rick Ross (2006) Rick Whispers (2005) Rick Whispers (2008) Rico Paysos (2008) Mr. Rictor (2002) Rin (2006) Rip (2005) Rise Against (2005) Rival Schools (2011) Riviera Regime (2008) Rodan (2002) Ron Contour (2010) Royce (2006) Royce 5'9 (2001) Royce 5'9 (2002) Royce 5'9 (2004) - (1) Royce 5'9 (2004) - (2) Royce 5'9 (2004) - (3) Royksopp (2003) Russell Simmons (2005) Ryan Toby (2006) S1 & Illmind (2005) Sabac Red (2008) Sadat X (2007) Sage Francis (2002) Saigon (2006) SAMIX (2005) SANG (2005) S.A. Smash (2004) Saturday Looks (2006) Saul Williams (2004) Sayre (2007) Scar (2005) Science Fiction (2003) Science Fiction (2004) Scram Jones (2004) Scores (2010) Searius Add (2008) Sebastien Schuller (2007) Serengeti (2005) Serj Tankian (2007) Session (2005) Seth Dubin (2005) Severed Heads (2006) Sev Statik (2005) Shareefa (2006) Shareefa (2006) 2 Sharissa (2002) Sharissa (2005) Shawnna (2006) Sheek Louch (2005) Sheek Louch (2005) 2 Sheist Bub (2005) Sherlocks Daughter (2011) Shonie (2008) Sin (2008) Single Minded Pros '04 Sixtoo (1999) Sketch (2004) Sketch Bros (2005) Skip Martin (2006) Skyzoo (2006) Sleepy Brown (2006) Slim Thug (2004) Slim Thug (2005) Slim Thug (2005)2 Solomon Caine (08) Slug (2002) Slug (2005) Slum Village (2004) Smif N Wessun (2007) Sneakersuite (2006) Sol Uprising (2004) Sophia Santulli (2011) Soopafly (2002) Soso (2002) Soulive (2007) Soulstice (2004) Soulstice (2005) Soul Plasma (2005) Soul Supreme (2005) Sound Providers (2004) The Sounds Speech (2005) Spencer Davis (2006) Splash (2005) Spooks (2004) Steel Chump (2003) Steele (2007) Steele (2009) Steve Blast (2008) Sticky Fingaz (2003) Storm (S.K.K.) (1998) Strange Fruit Project 06 Styles P (LOX) (2005) Subtitle (2005) Supernatural (2003) Supernatural (2006) Swazy Baby (2010) Sweatshop Union (2003) Swollen Members (2006) Swollen Members (2009) Talib Kweli (2002) Talib Kweli (2004) Talib Kweli (2006) Talib Kweli (2006) 2 Tame One (2003) Teargas + Plateglass '04 Tech N9ne (2011) DJ Tee Reckz (2005) Teflon (2008) Tekitha (2008) Termanology (2006) Terra Morta (2011) Test Shot Starfish (2005) Thicke (2003) Think In Gangsta (2005) Three 6 Mafia (2005) Three 6 Mafia (2006) Thun (2005) T.I. (2004) Timbo King (2000) Time (2005) Tonedeff (2002) Tonedeff (2005) Tony Hussle (2005) Tony Touch (2005) Tony Yayo (2005) Tony Yayo (2008) Topp Boom (2006) Toshi (2004) To Paint The Sky (2011) T-Pain (2005) T-Pain (2005) 2 Trae (A.B.N.)(2006) Trai'D (2008) Tragedy Khadafi (2003) Tentemøller (2011) Trife Diesel (2009) Trillville (2005) Triple Seis (2004) Tumi & Volume (2006) Twista (2007) Ty Fyffe (2005) Tyrone (2005) U-God (1999) Ugly Duckling (2003) Usual Suspecs (2003) Vanessa Diaz (2006) Van Hunt (2004) Vast Aire (2004) Verbal Kent (2004) VG Skillz (2004) Vinnie Paz (2006) Vinnie Paz (2008) Visual (2006) Visual (2008) Voxhaul Broadcast (2011) The Watson Twins (2006) W. Ellington Felton (2006) Wee Bee Foolish (2001) Wendy Day (2006) Why? (2005) White Fence (2012) Willie D (2005) Wil May (2009) Winter Gloves (2009) Woo (2005) Wordsworth (2004) Wordsworth (2004)(2) Wyclef Jean (2004) Xxxchange (2006) Yara (2005) Ying Yang Twins (2005) Youngbloodz (2003) Young Buck (2006) Young Dre The Truth (08) Young Gunz (2005) Young Jeezy (2005) Young RJ (2005) YSP!WSD! (2010) Yukmouth (2004) Yuksek (2012) Zaakir (Jurassic 5)(2006) Zhaoski (2008) Zion I (2003) Zion I (2005) DJ Z-Trip (2005) Zuluboy (2006) Archived Interviews

MVRemix: Your debut album is called "Self-Explanatory", why the title?

I-20: I called it Self-explanatory a) cause I feel it speaks for itself, but most of all cause I feel like it's an explanation of myself. I feel like on previous [Ludacris & DTP] albums I got an opportunity to do minor things so people got a chance to hear me. They may have been more interested. So for my first full length release, my first full length album ,I want you to be able to get a better idea of who I am. My perception of hip-hop and my role in it.

MVRemix: You've been a vital part of Ludacris success appearing all over his albums.... why did it take you until 2004 to release your debut?

I-20: A lot of things that had to do with Ludacris being signed to Def Jam South and we had a label deal with Def Jam South that still is in the works, but has never quite came about. Not to mention we were on planning on releasing Shawna's album so a lot of things were goin' on. Then Chingy came along and he had the right song at the right time so they decided to come out with it, which was the right move. Plus I wasn't in any rush. I've been blessed enough that people have been interested in me after everything that I've done and I wanted to make an album that complimented all the interest and curiosity. I'm satisfied with the product that I came [with].

MVRemix: So being from the South, how do you feel about everyone jumping on the Southern "crunk" bandwagon?

I-20: I love it! I can't lie and say I hate it... I love it because I think we've been making quality music for a long time and I remember the days when people weren't trying to hear anything from us, so to hear it coming out now and see how successful it is, even hearing people from other cities, states and coasts imitating it, I love it man. I just wanna have a role in it and have a part.

MVRemix: If you could work with anyone dead or alive who would that be?

I-20: Sade. I would love to do a track with Sade. She's my all-time favorite artist, her voice is hypnotic. The Roots produce the beat and the Roots produce the track.

MVRemix: What producers did you enlist for your album?

I-20: I got Salaam Remi who's Nas' exclusive producer, who also did a lot of work with the Fugees. I got with Heatmakerz, I got the Trak Starz who are Chingy's producers and some up and coming producers. I also got David Banner to do a couple of tracks. So it wasn't a situation where I sat down and said I'm gonna spend four or five hundred thousand dollars for beats, and throw together the best possible album with recycled singles. I wanted to work with people who wanted to work with me and make the best possible product.

MVRemix: At a recent show I attended most of DTP were wearing "Meet the Dealer" t-shirts, is that self-explanatory?

I-20: That's me! I am the dealer cause I feel like whatever product or form of hip-hop you want, I got it, I can supply it. So the dealer is just kinda my nickname. One of my a.k.a.'s and the slogan we're tellin' everybody is "Meet the dealer." Get to know me, see what I'm about and what it is I'm tryin to do.

MVRemix: What do you think of the decriminalization of marijuana here in Canada, but an increased 'war on drugs' in the U.S.?

I-20: Great question...I think it is the government just being people themselves. I think we prioritize things due to how we feel they are important. The thing about America is, we got real control issues. We're a state full of control freaks. The reality is, it's like the bully on the block that's like, "If I can't get my hands on it then you can't have it." I think Canada is one of those places with a lot more freedom, a lot more liberties. More about helping its people than the United States, but everywhere there is different advantages and disadvantages. I'm not gonna bad-mouth my own country, but again I think it goes back to people prioritizing what they think is important. Which issues they should tackle and which issues they shouldn't. You gotta understand that the U.S. has much higher of a crime rate than Canada, so our "War on drugs" is attempting to have a ripple effect on crime. 'Cause if your harder on drugs then maybe we'll see less crime here in the United States.

MVRemix: Do you support anyone or if not who do you want to win the 2004 U.S. election? Why?

I-20: I'm not particularly into any party but with my parents being African-American, you know, they with the Democrats. Most of the time I'm not following a particular candidate. Personally I'm not leaning towards any candidate. I think that the United States has a lot of issues they need to tackle and I haven't heard anyone in particular addressing the things I feel important and if I did I don't feel convinced they'd actually accomplish those tasks. I guess I have the unfortunate persona of that 'I don't really vote', I pay attention to politics, but maybe I'm not involved as I should be.

MVRemix: What do you eat on tour?

I-20: Man, anything I can get my hands on, that's the problem. When I come off tour, I'm gettin' fat cause all you can get is fast food. Truck stops, bus stops, McDonalds, KFC, it's about grabbing and going. Potato chips, man whatever you can get on your fork. It's usually a pretty bad diet.

MVRemix: What attracted you to rap? The money, the fame, the girls or the art form?

I-20: It's definitely none of those things - the art form for sure. I mean I've been emceeing since I was eleven years old. I tried it and every since the first time I heard it, I loved it. I actually went away to college on a football scholarship. I just woke up one day and quit school cause I asked myself "What's the one thing that if I couldn't do it, I'd rather be dead?" And that's rap, the only thing that satisfied me. I had decided even if I didn't make one dollar, I'd rather die trying to do hip-hop than live doing anything else.

MVRemix: So then, who inspired you to rap?

I-20: EPMD period. Point blank. It was the first group I fell in love with. Me and my cousin wanted to imitate, doing everything they did. Wearing Kangols, dress alike all of that. We even started calling ourselves "Cash Money" cause they were Erick and Parrish Making Dollars. They definitely were the biggest influence. Once I started going solo, it was Nas and Kool G Rap. They're my two favorite lyricists. These are the people who motivated me, inspired me to step it up or they taught me to catch a beat, ride a beat. Very influential, teaching me to put something into your lyrics to motivate people.

MVRemix: How about we play some word association where I say something like "Cracker" and you'd say the first thing to come into your head, for example "Ja Rule"...

I-20: Yeah, OK...

MVRemix: Classic?

I-20: "Paid In Full."

MVRemix: Canada?

I-20: Haha... I'm not allowed in. Not allowed into Canada

MVRemix: Chingy?

I-20: A good friend.

MVRemix: Cadillac?

I-20: Classic!

MVRemix: Iraq?

I-20: War

MVRemix: Do you classify yourself as a "gangsta" rapper?

I-20: No way! I don't even know what "Gangsta rap' is. I consider myself just "rap." I don't like the titles "rap positive," "rap non-positive," "political rap," "gangsta rap," "commercial rap". It's all rap! Categorizing comes from the media. It's the media that feel like it's gotta be in a box so they can interpret what it actually is. I just rap, I'm an emcee, that's what I do!

MVRemix: Your first single is "Figtin in the Club", so a la "Fight Club", if you could fight any celebrity who would it be?

I-20: [Emphatic laughter] Man that's the best question I think I've ever been asked in my whole life. For real! If I could fight any celebrity who would it be. [I-20 ponders] I'd fight George Bush, that's who I'd fight. I don't agree with anything he's done since coming into presidency so that's who I'd give a good old fashioned down south ass kickin'.

MVRemix: What's your opinion on 50 Cent boycotting the Grammy's because he didn't win?

I-20: I think 50's a good dude, I don't really know a lot about this to be speakin' on it. He definitely made a lot of quality music this [past] year, but I don't really know the logistics of what happened, I have respect for him and I don't really feel I'm qualified to comment on that.

MVRemix: Do you have any guest appearances or collaborations that are coming out soon that are yet to be heard?

I-20: Well I'm on the Neptunes album "Clones". Me and 'cris did something on that, I'm on DTP and this is my debut album which I'm hoping a lot of other opportunities springboard from that.

MVRemix: Any last words to fans or potential fans out there?

I-20: I just want to tell 'em that I appreciate anybody who is my fan, and if your considering being my fan. If your not a fan, I hope you give me the opportunity to change your mind.

---

L’Orange and Stik Figa – The City Under The City album review Earl Sweatshirt – Doris album review Deltron 3030 Announces Fall Tour Dates ethemadassasin – Soul on Fire album review Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines album review Ghostface Killah & Apollo Brown – 12 Reasons to Die: The Brown Tape album review Rich Gang – Rich Gang album review Kelly Rowland – Talk A Good Game album review U-God – The Keynote Speaker album review Kevin Gates – Stranger Than Fiction album review

- About Us - Site Map - Privacy Policy - Contact Us -    © 2001-2022 MVRemix Media MVRemix Urban | Online Hip Hop Magazine | US and Canadian Underground Hip Hop - exclusive interviews, reviews, articles