Myzery Interview (07/12/2015)

This is the exclusive Myzery interview, conducted by PME associate and FLH homie Hodge! In this interview, a wide array of topics are covered, including:

• The new Myzery album Demon/Angel is finished and will be available at the 2015 Gathering of the Juggalos!
• The confirmed tracklist for Demon/Angel, with a wide range of features including (but not limited to): Violent J, Madchild, Kuma, Molly Gruesome, Insane Poetry, Shaggy 2 Dope, Mastamind, Slaine, Bizarre, Freddie Foxx, members of the PME crew, and more!
• Myzery's current association with Psychopathic Records, and an explanation of his brief resigning!
• Myzery's response to Violent J's verse from the song "3:24" off of the ICP EP, House of Wax!
• Thoughts about this year's Gathering of the Juggalos!
• Daddy X's involvement with the Demon/Angel album!
• Talks about Gordo's debut solo album Da Vent, and how it's being recorded at the Lotus Pod in Detroit!
• Myzery's ranking of the top rap artists!
• Discussion about a collaboration track involving Myzery, Twiztid, Awesome Dre, and Insane Clown Posse!
• AND A LOT MORE!

In addition, attached to this interview is a 12 minute sampler for the Demon/Angel album: [playlist ids="110931"] Without further ado, here is the full Myzery interview, conducted by Hodge:   HODGE- Okay, right off the bat, where is the “Demon Angel” album?!? It’s been talked about since 2012, you dropped the first single “knockin on heaven’s door (feat. Violent J)”, and you’ve performed a handful of new tracks at shows…but where is it already? MYZERY- It’s funny cause I did a track for Fuego Flamez where I took a shot at myself for the long wait. I mean, Imma still claim responsibility for its push-backs, but it got complicated…and that’s after the production and my stuff was recorded. For the first time in my career I wanted to really link up with other artists. This business is very unforgiving, and turning a profit is tough now. So who knows when and if I’ll be able to drop another record after this. I wanted this album to be my real defining effort. So the crew went outta our way to land a diverse grip of talents. If you looked over my back catalog, I don’t have albums loaded up with many features…well, besides my inner circle. I can finally say this though, all the guest spots are finally finished. The album is being mixed down right now. The guest features that did come through, I feel they added a lot of depth to the album. But yeah, those that were on board, and then went M.I.A. at the 11th hour or gave nothing but false hope over and over, they held this up more than you could believe homie. HODGE- Can you elaborate on your finalized guest list? MYZERY- Yeah, I’d say it’s about time. I’m actually more appreciative with this finalized group than pretty much any list I would have aimed for in the beginning anyways-

• Madchild (Swollen Members)
• Opio (Souls of Mischief/Hieroglyphics/”93 til infinity”)
• ICP
• Freddie Foxx (“The Militia”)
• Twisted Insane (“Worldwide Choppers”)
• Slaine (La Coka Nostra)
• Scarub (Living Legends)
• Molly Gruesome
• Edo G (Special Teamz/Bulldogs)
• Ill E. Gal
• Bizarre (D12)
• Insane Poetry
• Mastamind (Natas)
• Danny Diablo (Crown of Thorns/Skarhead/DMS)
• Skitzo (Orthus)
• Daniel Jordan
• Kuma (production)
• Intrinzik (UGH)
• And of course the P.M.E. Crew

HODGE- That is definitely the most stacked Myzery guest list we’ve ever seen. Do you have a personal favorite guest feature from the list? MYZERY- Well, Violent J’s verse from “knockin on heaven’s door” is the best verse I’ve ever heard J come with. Very deep. That’s not the only ICP feature on here either, just saying, they hooked me up forreal. Twisted Insane went hard on “where my meds at”. A lot of these features are on the remix of “don’t make me angry”, which should turn some heads. That track covers a lot of talent. You got Slaine, Opio, Mastamind, Edo-G, and Scarub all straight killing it on the same joint. They each got a different sound, which adds depth to the track. Also, I got Madchild on the album. He really came through. That meant a lot cause his old partner Moka Only was one of those who went M.I.A. on us, and left us scrambling about his open spot. I mean, I think everybody’s skills enhanced the “Demon Angel”. Oh yeah, the girls (Molly Gruesome & ill E. Gal) made “time after time” a standout track to me. I’m sure I’m leaving some names out, but everybody really helped to shape this thing. HODGE- How would you rank this album compared to the rest of your back catalog? MYZERY- Hands down the best Myzery album I ever dropped. It took the longest too, lol. Honestly, I know not many people remember me from back in the day, and those that do, they mostly just remember “Para La Isla”. I’ve dropped a bunch of albums since then. But none with any kind of visibility or label push. But with this one, I think the caliber of songs will get me some good buzz going again. I’m just ready to finally drop “Demon Angel”. This is the album I feel defines me as an emcee. HODGE- In ICP’s recent EP “The House of Wax”, Violent J dropped an 8bar verse about his time tested bond with you in the song “3:24”. The song seems to be mostly composed of lyrics about betrayal and ingrate’s. However, J’s verse about you seems to be about the complete opposite-

“I ride with Myzery From the Bronx back to the murder mitten All the way out to L.A. and back And never bull shittin When it’s time to get forbidden Whatever we commit’n From a distance or up n personal Like a throat slittin”

HODGE- It just seems like others who were once signed have had slim to no positive interactions with the label, but you’ve been back in the fold for some time now. Even if you never have that official homecoming that many have been anticipating, is it safe to assume that you’ll always be willing to record or just be down with Psychopathic? MYZERY- My tune has never changed about this. ICP has always been good to me. At times have I felt impatient or overlooked? Yeah, I guess. I mean, I was young and stubborn at first, and have always wanted to prove what I could really do now that I’ve got a lot more focus and gratitude. That’s not my call though. But above anything else, I have more respect for Violent J than I could put into words. That may have been a factor for the half-steppin with re-signing me all these years. I’m actually a bit of an introvert, which Ponch tells me makes people think I’m uninterested or unappreciative. That’s just how I appear, but is far from truth. J’s mind for music and marketing…genius. So, if he had reasons to bring me on board, much respect…if he has reasons not to, I can respect that to. It’s like this, no matter what the occasion, idea or project, if I’m needed…I’m wit it. HODGE- You made a surprise appearance during last year’s AZ stop of the Drive-By tour. I hear you decided to debut a handful of new “Demon Angel” tracks during your set. What was the crowd’s response to not only a rare performance from a member of Psychopathic Records alumni, but also the new material? MYZERY- It’s always good when you see people chant along and never heard the song before. I thought I would just pop up at that Drive-By show and rock it since I was in the area. It was a great feeling and I got a good response from the crowd. Since I don’t tour as much as I did way back when, you always wonder if people will even care anymore. It’s always huge for me to feel them so charged up for my set. HODGE- A few years back it was reported that you had commissioned NY rap pioneer Freddie Foxx (“the militia”) to produce and appear on a throwback track called “gone crazy”. Will this track be featured on your upcoming “Demon Angel” album? Wasn’t this track tentatively considered to appear on the soundtrack of a major motion picture as well? MYZERY- Yeah we did. Freddie Foxx is kinda like a boss around my way, so working with him was a big deal for me. We was trying to get it on the last Transformers movie cause we got a hook up, but somehow missed the deadline and that was that. The track will be on the Demon/Angel album though. I love that track. It’s got a real old school flavor and hope fans will feel it. HODGE- Anybody that’s a true fan of hip hop, and especially it’s decorated past, is well aware of the accolades of the tandem of Eric B. & Rakim (“don’t sweat the technique”, “juice”, “paid in full“). I understand that Eric B. actually took notice of you and provided some pointers from his veteran perspective. How did this mentorship come about? MYZERY- That was all Freddie Foxx’s doing. Foxx recommended that Eric B hear a few tracks. Eric B gave a strong seal of approval, mixed with advice and criticism of course. I got mad love and respect for the pioneers like Eric B and Freddie Foxx. They paved the way for this shit right here. HODGE- A while back you were spotted kickin it at an AZ car show with R&B superstar Mya (“Ghetto Superstar feat ODB”, “Best of me feat Jay-Z”). Also, and much more recently, you were given a pretty strong endorsement (via twitter) by Baltimore’s own unofficial ambassador of R&B and former member of the multiplatinum group Dru Hill (“somebody’s sleeping in my bed”, “never make a promise”), Scola. Could these sightings hint to more collaborative exchanges with R&B artists in the future? MYZERY- Yeah I met Mya at a big car show in AZ where she was performing at. I met Dionne Warwick and a few NFL greats that same night. My homie Carl B of Poor Manz Entertainment hooked that up. Yeah, Scola from Dru Hill heard some tracks and showed mad love on Twitter, which was kinda outta the blue. He seemed interested in a collab, and even to hook me up with some big name homies of his like Jadakiss and Project Pat. Just a few months back he was wanting to get me in this big collab song/vid to help raise spirits in Bmore. The timing didn’t work out on that one. Rap is my first love, but I’m all for getting R&B artists on the hook if it fits. HODGE- I understand that your PME label mate Gordo has done some recording at the Lotus Pod Studio in Detroit. Gordo’s not the only artist out of PME to be spotted at the Lotus Pod. Can you fill us in about your Lotus Pod sessions with Kuma last year? MYZERY- I had a few good sessions with Kuma. Good dude. Excellent Producer/Engineer as well. Would love to work with him some more. I took Gordo out there when I was working on a deal with Psychopathic Records. When that fell through, I returned to New York and Gordo decided to stay out there. Jumpsteady started giving him studio time at the lotus pod to work on PME music and also his solo project "Da Vent". Not sure when it’s due out, but Gordo is very calculated with his writing style and doesn’t rush anything. HODGE- I’ve heard rumors that both Otis aka Young Wicked and Big Hoodoo has expressed an interest in working with you at one point or another. Anything ever materialize following those talks? MYZERY- I was supposed to do a feature on the last AMB album, but I never came through with the verse. I just had a lot going on at the moment. But I did write and record it, just never sent it in…and that’s my bad on that. I reached back out to Bonez Dubb about working together, and did hear back a few months later. He heard the track and was all about getting on it with his bro. Some weeks went by and he mentioned having his shit done and just was waiting on Otis. That was the last anybody heard from them. Again, that had me scrambling for a plan B, but it all worked out. I kicked it with Hoodoo for a minute after my Hallowicked spot. I thought Big Hoodoo was interested in working together, but I haven’t heard back. I’m sure I’ll see him at the Gathering. If the opportunity ever comes around I’d still be game to work together. HODGE- Literally weeks before the announcement of Twiztid’s departure from Psychopathic Records, yourself, ICP, Awesome Dre, and Twiztid all linked up in the Lotus Pod to churn out a big collab. This would have been the first time people have heard Myzery and Twiztid on a track together since 1998. Have you ever heard a final version of this track? Do you think it will ever see the light of day? MYZERY- I can’t really comment on that rumored song, but it would’ve been wassup. The beat may or may not have been a well known beat that people woulda flipped to hear us all on. I got opinions of why this unconfirmed track may have been yanked, but I’m not about the drama talk anymore. HODGE- Now for a while there seemed as if the momentum was building for your return to Psychopathic Records. This wasn’t announced anywhere or anything, but speculation amongst the online community was growing, especially following your performances during the 2012/2013 GOTJ, The Riddlebox Weekend, Dj Clay album feature/tour appearances, Hallowicked 2013 cameo, Lotus Pod sessions, and the Drive-By tour appearance. Then to most people’s surprise, you weren’t included in the 2014 GOTJ line-up, and the affiliation seemed less close than the previous few years. Was there ever any truth to the speculations of a true label return, or was it just wishful thinking? MYZERY- Yeah I was supposedly signed and then dropped due to that last Lotus album and Da Mafia 6 /ICP project. Again, no love lost. I respect the business decision, that’s just industry blues right there. HODGE- So I’ve gotta ask Myz, what was your reaction to Twiztid’s brief, yet unexpected shout-out in response to a question about you during their seminar at the 2012 GOTJ? Would you consider that as the most tangible proof of a long squashed beef? MYZERY- People keep beefs alive cause that’s what the world loves and wants to see, but that issue has been buried and dead years ago. Shit don’t even register till people bring it up. Our beef wasn’t even our beef, they respect me I suppose, and I respect them. That’s that. HODGE- So your boy Ponch was telling me once that you actually socialized a bit with Eminem during some sort of star-studded musical showcase held during an urban fashion show out in Vegas. Now, according to Ponch, this encounter was way back in the day, right as Eminem was on the verge of becoming a breakout sensation. Can you elaborate on your run-in with Eminem? Didn’t some sort of fight also occur during the Mob Deep set? MYZERY- Yeah when I met Eminem we just clicked right off the bat. We talked about a collab. I never did hit him back though. I was fucking wit Psychopathic at the time and they were feuding at the time, so my loyalty was with the clowns. Some of my boys have tried to guilt me through the years about keeping loyal versus working with Eminem, but allegiance is big to me, so I’m cool with it. Big Pun, Fat Joe, Cypress Hill, Psycho Realm, and Mobb Deep were also there. Great time, til Mobb Deep started dissing DJ FM (Psycho Realm) and mad fights broke out. Ha, just thinking about the moment cracks me up. Those Psycho Realm boys don’t play. They straight rushed the stage the instant when their boy got dissed. No hesitation at all with them, just like the notorious Waffle House fight. HODGE- While on the topic Eminem, what was it like to land his D12 band mate Bizarre on the album? Have you always been a fan D12, I know it wasn’t always in fashion to bump them during the oldschool ICP/Eminem beef. MYZERY- D12 owned hip hop for a while. I was always into their shit. My boys old beefs with them didn’t mean I couldn’t appreciate their work. That lil drama ended years ago, so none of that matters now anyways. It was kinda complicated getting him on the album, and with Bizarre… his name don’t lie. His lyrics don’t come from the same place as most, but I’m feelin his verse. It grows on you. But yeah, I’ve been into D12 since way back and that new “Bane” track on the Shady Anniversary album seemed to stir up some noise of a real D12 reprisal. Let’s hope so anyways. HODGE- Okay, so I'm almost positive that nobody's top 25 Rappers (or rap groups) list would sync up entirely. However, I'm curious how a journeyman emcee would rank the greats? I’m thinking that the criteria should be- how they peaked your interest, how the music stands the test of time, and replay value (did you play the album til the tape popped or the paint flaked off the disc type stuff). So, what does your list look like Myz- MYZERY-

1. Tupac
2. Big Pun
3. Biggie
4. Eminem
5. Nas
6. Busta Rhymes
7. KRS1
8. Rakim
9. Kool G Rap
10. Andre 3000
11. DMX
12. Scarface
13. Ice Cube
14. LL Cool J
15. 50 Cent
16. Jadakiss
17. Wu Tang
18. Snoop
19. Redman
20. Bone Thugz
21. Public Enemy
22. Tribe Called Quest
23. Camron
24. Slick Rick
25. NWA

HODGE- In my opinion, it seems as if rap is lacking much of the substance that really embodied the lyrics of yesteryear. Can you recall any specific verses that really moved you? For example, Joe Budden’s verse on Ice T’s “The Art of Rap”, Wrekonize’s verse on “The Noose”, or Remedy’s “never again” was as deep as any novel or tell-all that one could imagine. That’s a fine art right there. Any fine-tuned verses that have had that same lasting impression with you? MYZERY- Yeah Tupac’s “only fear of death”, Big Puns “punish me”, Biggies “your nobody till somebody kills you”, Eminems “i am”, and Nas when he sang that song in reverse. Yeah lyrics and true emotion is lacking in today’s music. It seems fabricated now, like whatever’s hot or the new fad. HODGE- I’ve always been a big fan of songs where ICP is accompanied by an artist with a contrasting style. For instance, when rappers like Mack 10, Paris, or Danny Brown appeared on tracks with your boys, it just really caught my attention. Sometimes I’ll listen to a new ICP track like “confederate flag” and think, damn, if only a third talent would come in and balance out their signature sound with some type of lyrical street-sweeper verse. Just like Paris did on “surviving the game”, or Mack 10 on “nobody move”. I mean, there’s always that naïve hip hop head in the car who maintains his cold-front as soon as he hears an abstract verse that dares to add horror or humor, but then they lighten up when a commanding presence like Breed (R.I.P.) comes in on a song like “let me go (feat. Violent J & ABK)”. That’s where you could come in man, like the in-house spitta that’s capable of cracking even the most standoffish of hip hop fans. Plus, it seemed like J really upped his game on “knockin on heaven’s door”. No offense, but I think he outshined you on that one. Do you think you could put a bug in J’s ear to keep more of these ICP/Myzery collabs coming? MYZERY- I’d be all over that. I think we’ve always been a dope odd-couple mix. Well, not so different on the on the violent raps. The humor and abstract stuff is their department. The wordplay is my forte. Anytime they wanna get together and mix it up, I’m down no doubt. But your right though, having an emcee like Danny Brown makes a song like “when I’m clownin” really pop in my opinion. J is a driven dude. He always seems to turn up when he gets with a certified spitta. HODGE- Besides the collaborations we’ve already discussed, it might interest your audience to know that you’ve been branching out farther lately. Although the timing, budgeting, and no-shows didn’t allow for it, you’ve actually been in discussions with- Pharcyde, Kool Keith (Dr. Octagon), Kyprios (Sweatshop Union), Cognito (Strange Music alumni), Daddy-X (KMK), Whitney Peyton, Killah Priest (WU Fam), and Money-B (Digital Underground). Have you ever found that your ties with ICP has caused hesitation for artists to consider working with you? MYZERY- I dont know and I dont really care if people wanna skip on me cause of a bias about the clowns. That’s straight narrow mindedness right there. I got no patience for that shit either. I mean, Opio was kinda hesitant at first, but he heard the track did some homework and was all for it. I love having him on the album, “93 til Infinity” is an alltime classic and getting him on board was just whoa. I got mad respect for the whole Hiero crew over there. I love music, whoever wanna rock lets rock. Some of the people we were dealing with just kinda went and disappeared, which is a sore spot for me, cause these same people were all about it from the jump. That waiting game slows down production in a big way. And then to never hear ANYTHING back…so much time wasted when we coulda been putting energy into artists that really wanna rock wit me. I couple of those names you mentioned straight did that to me. HODGE- One feature I’m especially curious to hear is from Insane Poetry. I know that lately it seems like he’s securing a lot of guest spots from all these artists coming up in the underground. He’s far from a newcomer though. He’s been on my radar since like 92 (“How you gonna reason with a Psycho”), when he’s was a forefather of the wicked shit movement. I can even remember the multi platinum group Digital Undergound (who never dabbled in wicked shit) felt compelled to show love to Insane Poetry in their 93 album shout-outs. Anyways, how did this collab come about? MYZERY- This whole connect kinda happened at the 2012 Gathering. We were kickin it for a minute with Tech N9ne by the Underground stage, and this familiar looking cat walks past us. You could tell he had his focus on full blast, so I didn’t really wanna distract him. Then he hits the stage and straight murdered it! It was Insane Poetry. I knew of him, well it used to be “them”, for mad years. If you remember the old “Record Time” chain of stores, you would always find the clowns albums book-ended by Indigo Girls and Insane Poetry. First time I heard homies voice I knew he was built for hip hop. Anyways, it was good to see him still doing his thing at the GOTJ. Earlier this year I was putting together a features wishlist, and when we reached out to him, he was down for the cause. To me he’s like a cross between Xzibit and Tech N9ne. I can’t wait for people to hear him on the “Possessed” joint with me and Bizarre. HODGE- One name that I’m really surprised to see missing from your guest list is Brad Daddy X from the Kottonmouth Kings. I know at one point he was a lock, cause you gave me the nod to report about it via Faygoluvers. Care to elaborate on what happened? MYZERY- He’s one that everybody in the Camp had expected for years. To us, their set stole the show at the 2012 GOTJ. We’ve stayed in contact often. He was mad generous to. He was gonna drop a 16 and lace the hook on “don’t make me angry”. Of course I’m a hip hop head through and through. But my earlier days of touring turned me onto that whole punk rock culture. I don’t do it, and I can’t be it, but that raw energy is infectious and I love it. So yeah, X said it was a done deal and a few “you’ll have it tomorrow’s” later…nothing. Not sure what made him bail, but it woulda been dope to work together. I still got mad respect for X, just wish it worked out. I got another rap/rocker named Danny Diablo though. His NY Hardcore bands (Crown of Thorns and Skarhead) are legends in that shit. I didn’t get him on any type of rap/rock track, but he tore it up on “where my meds” no doubt. HODGE- Lemme ask you a more random type question. If one was to examine your Netflix queue, what movies/shows is Myzery watching on his down time? MYZERY- Actually a lot of stuff has peaked my interest lately- Gotham, Sons of Anarchy, How to Get Away With Murder, Law n Order, Cold Case, The Walking Dead, and some Spanish Gangsta novela like La Vuida Negra. HODGE- So I know that right before the 2013 GOTJ you let everybody know that you were making a special effort to be on hand in full support of Psycho Realm’s set and even urged everybody else in attendance to come be exposed to their greatness as well. Unfortunately, they pulled out at the last minute. Is there any act in particular that you’re gonna go outta your way to see at this years Gathering? MYZERY- Yeah, Madchild for sure. His feature is bragging rights in any hip hop circle. Dude’s been handling his business like a straight up boss for something like 20 years now. How’s a Caucasian rookie enter the game in the era of all gun talk and hood life, and attempt talk about some ancient concepts n shit. That was really it back then, all street anthems nothing else. No real sub genre’s spawning off yet. I mean, the Clowns ushered that in with legit numbers, but it was a few years later. They brought in their own movement over time. Anybody that’s ever followed Mad knows that at the height of his platinum status, dude got snatched by some substance struggles. He straight gathered his composure and braved impossible odds all over again. The landscape had already changed at this point, but my manz never sacrificed his craft to ride no trendy wave. Now look at him, respected fuckin globally again. You don’t just hear his struggles when he spits, anybody that’s been through some shit, you fuckin feel his struggles…and I can relate to that hard times talk. Something else you should know about Madchild. Dude had just got back from touring overseas, he was ill with a million degree temp or whatever. He was scheduled to record his verse for Demon Angel, but he was too sick. He was gonna put it off til he got better. His manager even apologized and said he’d spit as soon as he wasn’t so sick. Mad took one listen to the joint and instantly knocked it out with no hesitation. I think he heard bout some of our drama with rappers goin awol, and one of them was his boy. He stepped up and really hooked me up and I’ll always appreciate that right there. Definitely in attendance for his set. Oh yeah, Molly Gruesome as well. You put me onto her through some youtube stuff where she entered a Funk Volume contest or some shit. I had a track that required two female emcees and one had just flaked on us. From the jump I liked what I heard from Molly. Both her and ill E. Gal were on point. I’m gonna make sure I stop by her set no doubt. Of course a Gathering isn’t a Gathering without taking in a wicked clowns set. They are the kings of underground entertainment and they never disappoint at the GOTJ. If you can’t tell, I’m getting mad amped up for this shit. Couldn’t be happier to be back in the mix this year. HODGE- Will Demon Angel finally be available at this year’s GOTJ? MYZERY- Pressed up and ready for sure. I can’t wait to get this out to everybody that’s been asking about it all these years. In fact, I want you to drop the sampler along with this interview. To anybody reading this, I hope to see you at the Gathering in a few weeks, and I hope you really feel the album. I put everything I had into this one. Much Love!   Finally, with the links below, you can purchase the full song "Knocking on Heaven's Door" featuring Violent J from either Amazon or iTunes. It's the first single from the album, and was released months ago. The other link provided is the interview I did with Myzery and the Poor Manz Entertainment crew back in late 2014, and also gives insight on a large array of topics, in case you missed it! Be on the lookout for Myzery's performance at the 2015 Gathering of the Juggalos, and be sure to snatch that new Demon/Angel album!

• Purchase "Knocking on Heaven's Door" @ iTunes
• Purchase "Knocking on Heaven's Door" @ Amazon
• Myzery & Poor Manz Entertainment Interview