Get To Know "Articulate"

Articulate is the first rapper that I've never met but have done an interview with. He is my very first over the phone interview. There's a first time for everything and he's my first for that. Articulate was mad cool and even shouted out the website via Youtube.com. So let's get to know who Articulate is.

NYC: Can you break down the reason why you choose to call yourself Articulate?
ART: I chose that name because I'm nice with the words.

NYC: Breakdown "Slave For This Dollar".
ART: The EP is available for download. Right now there is too much value on money and not the real things in life. I feel that a lot of the artists that are out are doing the typical things. No one is doing it for the love any more.

NYC: With the message that you're delivering...."What do you feel Hip Hop is missing?" or "Where do you feel Hip Hop is going?"
ART: A lot of these artists are slaving for the dollars. Nowadays, you have to portray a certain type of image. Music is so powerful and it influences people. I want my music to have a message with it.

NYC: Now I noticed on the website you did a photoshoot in blackface. What does the blackface represent for you?
ART: History repeats itself and we are not learning from our past. We started Hip Hop. This is our entertainment and somehow we are given stereotypical roles. People have forgotten this and are doing the same things over and over. Minstrelsy was supposed to be done a long time ago but its still here in a different form, a lot of people just don't see it.


NYC: What made you want to come forth with this type of message?
ART: This is how I feel looking around. My message is to come out with powerful music and images.

NYC: Are you signed to anybody yet?
ART: No, I am not signed but me and my people from Baltimore put out music independently through Mad Thinkah Productions and I am also working with former Atlantic A&R Sickamore's Famous Firm.

NYC: Do you think the message you're putting out will have an affect on people wanting to deal with you?
ART: It may. If it does then it doesn't concern me.

NYC: What type of music and artists are you listening to right now?
ART: I listen to old stuff like Nas, Wu Tang, Big Pun and Monet. I listen to a wide array of music. The Roots right now are my favorite for the 08.

NYC: Do you have any beef with any other artists who are not feeling your message or don't agree with what you have to say?
ART: Nah! Music should have a balance. Always!

NYC: Now with every interview I try to let the readers know you on a more personal level. So with that being said, if you had your chance to smash anyone in the industry who would it be?
ART: I would have to say Alicia Keys. She's doing her thang right now. (Laughs)

NYC: If you had a chance to battle any MC who would it be?
ART: My music is great so I could go up against anybody. Who's your favorite rapper?
NYC: Hmm........I would have to say Jay-Z.
ART: Alright. Then put me up against Jay-Z or Lil Wayne. Whoever.

NYC: What's next for Articulate?
ART: I'm always working on new music. I'm constantly at work in the studio.

NYC: If people wanted to reach out to you, how would they go about doing so?
ART: They can email me at itsartic@gmail.com. You can also send a request on myspace at www.myspace.com/itsartic or check out my website www.slaveforthisdollar.com.

NYC: Is there anything else you would like to say?
ART: Yes if you are a producer you can send your beats to itsartic@gmail.com. Shout out to Mad Thinkah Productions, Phella, Sickamore and the whole Famous Firm, and D-Tox, Rickie Jacobs, Sakwe, and J.R. Rah for hooking me up with hot beats.

NYC: Thank you for taking the time out to do this interview.
ART: No problem.
NYC: I appreciate you!

Check out Articulate's shout below: