I released my first record in 2000 on Soulspazm Records with a great friend, Jim Drew. It was a 12" called Blaxploitation. It featured a number of my friends. Until then, I was merely a graphic design/psychology student and studio engineer/aspiring producer/emcee. That was "making it" for me. I didn't even have the imagination to ask for more. Since then, I've released quite a bit. Most of the time, I've owned or co-owned the labels I've released my material on. The few times I've worked with majors have been fruitful and fun. Art is subjective. Music is essential. The one shanti may be different for everyone but in the end, it is what will define you. Ultimately it's about what brings you peace.
I continue to put out records with my friends. Friends who I look up to. When I grow up, I wanna be just like them...
Sometimes I wish I could be less one-dimensional. For me, music is the end - not the means for getting there. It is my culture. It is my vocabulary. I don't focus on what's hot. I don't focus on a bottom line. I don't have any sponsors. If I do, it's usually because I like their stuff and will help promote it for next to nothing. I won't talk about a brand that isn't in my real life. I just do me and keep it moving. You might get that from the recordings I release. That's why records I help craft and/or appear on feel different to you. Because I surrender myself to those moments, and live in them again when appropriate. I revisit those moments with fans around the world, and live in anticipation of the chance to do so. That's why I charge less than my peers for an appearance, and will always go out of my way to meet you after the show. My fans scream louder. My fans throw their hands up highest. We're all in this together.
After so many years, I still find it amazing that we can use something that has come out of me as a common thread between us. As a means to celebrate our lives together when in each other's company. Your job, to me, is just as important as mine. That's why so many of you end up written into my music. If you enjoy what I do, I consider myself successful. When you make my music part of the life you live, it makes my life one that's worth living.
"To the east my brother, to the east." Professor X, rest in peace.
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About the1shanti