Ignoring trends, rising above labels, and blooming beyond "mainstream" or "underground" classifications, Black ELement has created his own brand of noise that is ready to be embedded into the souls of hip hop lovers everywhere.
Goldenways: What was the first most influential verse you heard?
Black Element: I dunno about most influential, but I can remember the exact verse that made me want to get into music and it was Andre 3000 on "Synthesizer". That verse was absolutely bananas to me, I think it was somewhere in the middle of that verse that I knew I wanted to get into music, how he spit about how technology is used as a crutch and how addicted we are to our current way of life.
Goldenways: Why did it hit you so hard?
Black Element: It just hit me so hard at the time, I just remember riding in the car with my CD player looking up and feeling like god was telling me something. It was truly one of those "Disney" moments you have in your life, everyone gets one. lol
Goldenways: I've read that you were a successful poet, do you feel like merging your poetic verses with hip hop sound was the next natural progression for you?
Black Element: At first it was challenging because I was a little too artsy for the normal person, and the last five years I have been perfecting the art of being clever without going over peoples heads, so I can go either way. Although sometimes I like to go over peoples heads, and making people think because there isn't enough of that in music right now. Thought provoking music is something that is so nonexistent right now its not even funny, there are still people out there who are making it but it seems as if most people enjoy being spoon fed. Yea I'll spoon feed you a little bit, but you got to start using your damn fork with 95% of my material.
Goldenways: Your working on your debut album, "A Major Minority". What can you tell us about the album?
Black Element: The album is a concept, basically touches on a lot of the problems Black America faces while relating it to everyone. Whether rich or poor we all have problems, and success in one way or another. I chose the title "A Major Minority" due to the fact that this country is heavily influenced by African Americans in popular culture, but we get little credit for it. Our culture has influence in a lot of the most non-black areas in the U.S and as Paul Mooney said, "Everyone wanna be a nigga, but no one wanna be a nigger." I personally grew up around people of all races, creeds and religions and I believe they can all relate to A Major Minority, I have tracks that will make you cry, reflect, laugh, and get you to really think about your life.
Goldenways: Is there a message you want your music to carry?
Black Element: My message is simple, "anything is possible, and there are no boundaries". I want a message of connection between all races, ethnicities and religions, not on some cumbaya shit but I feel as humans we all go through the same struggles and a lot of the same things make us laugh. I just want to get across to as many people as i can.
Goldenways: It's not hard to feel the creative energy you put into your music, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Black Element: Everywhere, music is life for me. Whether I'm walking around the city, waking up, or taking a shit at anyone of those moments I could have a great idea for a track. I don't want to force creative thinking, because that defloures the whole purpose of creative thinking, I let it come to me naturally.
Goldenways: How would you describe your sound?
Black Element: Unpredictable.
Goldenways: What is your view on Hip Hop today?
Black Element: Hip Hop today is suffering and thriving at the same time. Commercially its suffering (from a quality and sales sound point), but on the independent tip we have blogs which act as the new age mixtape DJs and keep every demographic informed on the lastest mp3s or albums/mixtapes. I think the independent route right now is beginning to thrive because to make it in that market you got to have some talent, people will leave a comment or two about you say what they really think. Shows are great too because you can get a bunch of your talented friends have a show, and you guys get to keep all the money for your damn self with no shady promoters. Hip Hop is getting back to what it used to be if you ask me, we're not there yet but people are starting to actually look for there music instead of being spoonfed whats on the radio and MTV.
Goldenways: What are your goals for yourself and your music?
Black Element: Get as big as possible as fast as possible. ha Nah seriously my goal is simple, I want to make memorable non- disposable music for people and have them bumping my tracks 20 years from now.I Really don't want to be "here today gone tomorrow" I always have and will continue to strive for longevity.
Goldenways: Ok, I'm cheating with this one. What is one question you wish an interviewer would ask you?
Black Element: Whats your exit strategy for the current situation in Iraq or whats your favorite position in the karma sutra and why?
Goldenways: What does Hip Hop's Deepest Days mean to you?
Black Element: Hmmmm... I dunno probably that we are deep in this game 30+ years and now we are one of the most if not THE most influential sub culture in America.
Get to know Black Element better@
myspace.com/blackelement
AMajorMinority.com
Much love and thanks goes out to Black Element for his great music and a great interview!
Look for "A Major Minority" to be released soon.
Black Element truly is an artist full of talent, wit, and inspiration ( Exactly what our ears need).
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