By Odeisel

Musicians have historically been a reflection of whatever cultural condition is prevalent in their era. Perhaps it isn’t a surprise given today’s lack of culture and devaluing of intellect that we have an inordinate amount of soulless seemingly stupid musicians who serve as puppets for the furthering of commercial interests. Not a tirade or a soapbox speech, merely an observation. Planet Ill is here to show not what is always shown, but what is also present: rappers who aren’t brain dead.

When I first heard of Rhymefest, it was back when Kanye’s “Jesus Walks” was out, and his label/representation persisted on marketing him as the guy that wrote it. The way they projected him made me say, “So What!?” It almost robbed me of the chance to see what he was really about. Late last year Planet Ill went to catch a Rakim show, and Rhymefest was the opening act. He was strong on stage, very intimate with the crowd, and gone was that old angry shtick. What was present however was an edge; a chip on his shoulder that you could hear in his voice and see in his motion. He spoke of the industry, he spoke of a conflict with Wale over an allegedly stolen song (we don’t promote that stuff but you can find it if you search I suppose).

In any event, I had to get in front of him and see what this guy was about.  There are a lot of rappers that push messages like Luke pushes titties: because that’s what people can imagine them doing.  Sometimes you imagine Kweli talking about the hoes if in fact it was a believable projection, or 50 Cent with all that knowledge of the industry he certainly possesses, kicking some knowledge.

Sometimes our MCs are in a box they can’t escape. But with those that talk revolution, you want to see if they are really real. You want to see if they are about what they are selling. So I called him on it. To his credit, he did not flinch; he did not fold.  So here’s the interview. Excuse the clinking of plates, the pouring of ketchup, and the occasional chewing.  New York is busy we got a few things going on at once.  Enjoy the show. Rhymefest: Ready To Die.

What is your role in Chicago Hip-Hop?

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSA-4nEImQs[/pro-player]

What’s more important? Content or delivery?

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfW73gdBbYk[/pro-player]

How dangerous is the dumb rapper?

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WavoTEpAfT0[/pro-player]

What do you think about all the hoopla concerning Jay-Z and the Illuminati?

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir_XcZMUfEI[/pro-player]

You speak of revolution. Are you prepared to not see the fruits of your labor? Are you ready to die for it?

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od_mjgRyUBc[/pro-player]