Lawless Element - conducted by Bill "Low Key" Heinzelman
Lawless Element
September 2005
MVRemix: Griot, how would you describe yourself as an emcee? What do you feel your strong points are?
Griot: I'm very versatile - I can rhyme on any kind of production, and make it hot
MVRemix: With your debut album Soundvision: In Stereo, what types of songs, topics and issues can fans expect to hear?
Magnif: You will hear the hunger and passion for success in this album. It’s like we were trying to prove a point with this album. And what we are trying to prove is that we are two very talented artist who can hold their own with anyone in the game - this is only the beginning.
Griot: Politics, problems of stardom, love, and envy.
MVRemix: You guys have been getting a lot of comparison to ATCQ and Slum Village, but is that something you embrace? Because a lot of groups get categorized and pigeonholed and then when they grow and mature in the future some fans have a tough time accepting the change.
Magnif: Its cool, I love Tribe and I have a lot of respect for SV also, but I think eventually everyone will see that L.E. is something new. Its kinda like how I explained about the production - how you hear influences at times but for the most part its new and very distinctive. I think the fans will understand and love our growth. It happens so quick, I think we grow with every track recorded.
Griot: Anytime we get compared to great groups, I'm all for it. However, I try to give you my heart and soul in the music so fans will get to know us and not just a certain sound, so they can not only accept but embrace our growth.
MVRemix: What is your relationship with J-Dilla like?
Magnif: It just started through music. We respect Dill's production a whole lot, so we wanted to work with him, he was down and it was all love from there.
Griot: It’s cool. It started through music. We had previously made buzz and when we reached out to him he accepted or request.
MVRemix: What did you see in Babygrande Records that made you believe in them and want to sign?
Magnif: I think Babygrande recognized our talent. Not that they were the only label that did, but they were the only label that understood our vision completely. I remember talking to them for the first time and they were telling me what they thought of the project and what they could do with it, and it was exactly what I had in mind. It was like we spoke before, or they knew what I was thinking already. It was a instant connection.
Griot: Babygrande seen our vision and where we wanted our project to go
MVRemix: What has been the biggest headache you have had to deal with in this Hip Hop game?
Magnif: Getting something new off the ground is the biggest headache I think, because cats let other people influence their opinion so much it doesn't make any sense at all - its crazy.
Griot: Envy. People hate to see you doing good.
MVRemix: Corporate America has basically taken over Hip Hop and brainwashed the public to think what you hear on the radio and TV is real Hip Hop. What do we have to do to change that, or can we change that? Because it seems as if there is no hope in the fight against the corporate manipulation of Hip Hop?
Magnif: It's gonna take one of these big labels to put big money into some real shit and someone really needs to get through to Clear Channel, get new management over there or something. It’s getting worse by the day. I also think someone like Jay-Z who is a great artist, who I think is one of the dopest emcee's ever, can change the game a lot if they put time into some real hip-hop shit. Just look at how he took 9th Wonder to the top. Most of these cats who listen to the radio have never been exposed to good music, hopefully that day will come soon.
Griot: We have to stop supporting artist that are not making real music.
MVRemix: To a certain extent, do you find it hard getting embraced by certain sections of the Hip Hop public, since you guys don't have a gimmick and haven't created an overblown character for yourself in order to move units like many emcees do?
Magnif: Yea it is kinda tough. It seems nowadays you have to have some crazy shit going on around you to make you hot, it’s crazy.
Griot: Yeah, at first. A lot of people haven't learned to think for themselves. They have to hear someone else say its hot before they give it a listen.
MVRemix: Tell us your overall vision for the future?
Magnif: I'm trying to make history, and I know I will. The fight inside me will not let me leave this game without leaving my mark.
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"I also think someone like Jay-Z who is a great artist, who I think is one of the dopest emcee's ever, can change the game a lot if they put time into some real hip-hop shit. Just look at how he took 9th Wonder to the top. Most of these cats who listen to the radio have never been exposed to good music, hopefully that day will come soon."
