Mick Boogie
www.mickboogie.com
How did you come across Mekka?
We have known each other on a friend level for a few years, and did some business in other areas. So when it came time for him to make this transition, it was a logical fit.
What was it like working with the artist?
Mekka is the consumate professional. It was easy.
You have worked with some excellent rappers, most recently with
Talib Kweli, what do you see in Meka as a artist?
A new voice, a refreshing perspective. Truly something different in the game.
What joints should we look out for from this mixtape?
Hit em Up 08 and You Know The MekkaDon are my two personal faves.
Mekka Don
Why the career change from Lawyer to Hip-Hop?
I have always been interested in Hip Hop. I’ve been rapping since 1999 and always thought music was a powerful way to affect people’s emotions and decisions. The state of Hip Hop as we speak is troublesome considering that most of today’s rappers are not positive role models for the kids. Many promote things that we wouldn’t want our kids doing - and the kids listen. I feel I am a positive influence on the youth as a person and as an artist.
What do you say to the critics who say you are simply looking for fame?
They’re crazy. I was a football player at the biggest school in the country (The Ohio State University), I have been on billboards across the country, and in national ad campaigns for major corporations - I have had my share of “fame”. BUT I would use notoriety to my advantage (i.e. for fundraising, public speaking, creating new business opportunities for minorties etc.). I believe that I have the ability to make a huge impact with fame. I do want to say though that I appreciate criticism. Sometimes it is unwarranted and comes from hate but to become a better artist and person you must at least take the time to listen to what they have to say. I have learned a lot as an artist and as a person through criticism.
What is Hip-Hop lacking that you need to change your career?
Hip Hop and pop culture in general are lacking influences of positive, young minorities who are still cool - that is me. And there are many others out there like me, but the media doesn’t promote us. I call us Legal Hustlers.
What can we expect from the mixtape?
Realness. I only talk about what I know. You will hear about Corporate America, politics, legal hustling, the state of hip hop, my background and why I’m in this, and my grand plan to take over! I also want to make it clear that I also am a fun loving person and I believe that side is just as important in my music. A person can be “conscious” and “commercial” and still be cool. The kids need to see that for them to really be impacted by it.
