Published: Monday - August 21, 2006
Words by Joseph "JayRich" Robinson
Mr. Lif (Photo: Def Jux)
With a strong fanbase and longevity already accomplished, Mr. Lif still plots his next move with precise thought. Working on bringing music back to the "raw," Lif has the focused mindset and the opinion of a revolutionary. That within itself is a recipe for destruction. He plans destruction for the mainstream industry, who is currently selling nothing more than sex, materialism, and more sexism. Lif has washed his hands with trying to appeal to radio and has committed to making strong, powerful, and conscious hip-hop. The hip-hop veteran wants to address the social ills in the communities boasting people of color.
Whenever that is a man's focus, something has to eventually give. If you listen to his music, it will be clear to see what that will be. Politically alert, Lif has intentions on making a difference through music. In addition to his political statements, Lif is going to show off his visible passion for life. All the critics have noticed Mr. Lif's gift and how he gives himself to his music. It's about time you paid attention.
BallerStatus.com: What was your mindset going into the Mo Mega LP?
Mr. Lif: I just wanted to bring [music] back to the raw, bombing on the social-political tip. Bush's ratings are in the f---ing sewer. The media is hitting us over the head. I wanted express some things and up the ante.
BallerStatus.com: What's the message you want to get out?
Mr. Lif: The black family structure isn't thriving by any means; I want to talk about how people of color are being treated. All my records express my concern for the black community. Raising the statistics about education, I speak on that and other things on a song like "Brothers." The thing that reoccurs on this album is the chaotic situations dealing with black people. I speak on the lack of opportunity in New Orleans, South America, Africa, etc.
BallerStatus.com: Name some inspirations for you.
Mr. Lif: Everything inspires me; be it good or bad, I draw inspiration from everything. I just keep my senses open. A song like "Collapse," I open Mo Mega talking about a hectic touring schedule and being on the verge of breaking down. Then, I end the record with "For You," talking to the children that I may or may not have because I am working so hard. Society and my life inspires me.
BallerStatus.com: If a label had to be put on you what would it say?
Mr. Lif: Political if anything; and that's by my own doing.
BallerStatus.com: You do a lot of touring, what's the grind like?
Mr. Lif: It all depends if you're on tour with your friends or people you don't like. I try to surround myself with my friends, because touring can be hell. Its fun on stage, people cheering for you and hands in the air, but the rest is spent on the bus, waiting for the planes. You have to stay professional. The travel can really dull down the fun, because you're just looking at the highway day after day. You're cooped up in a van eating food that wouldn't be of the normal choice. Its tough, touring is a test of wills and how long can you do this before you snap? Can you get enough rest and cope with the hours; that what it boils down to.
BallerStatus.com: How do you interact with your fans?
Mr. Lif: I try to open myself up to the fans after shows. I soak up knowledge from being around other people. It's all about the people you meet and their lives as much it is mine.
BallerStatus.com: What's your strategy to radio spins with your subject matter?
Mr. Lif: I don't know if I got what it takes to get into the game right now, I been accustomed to getting spins from DJ'S. There are so many things that go into it. I hear kids now who have wack voices and that drives me nuts. You have to be honest with yourself and not surround yourself with people who are going to tell you that everything you do is hot. Listen to the elites and see why they're so great and then listen to yourself. That's what I do.
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