Published: Friday - April 6, 2007
Words by Candace Simmons
Bronze Nazareth (Photo: n/a)
Persistence can often separate those who succeed and those who watch others pass them by. Bronze Nazareth chose the path of persistence, as he made four trips back and forth from his hometown of Michigan to New York. This led him to the chance meeting with Wu-Tang matriarch and beat provider, the RZA, where in less than twenty minutes RZA was so convinced of Bronze Nazareth's production talent, that he made him a part of the Wu Elements. Bronze went on to work with Tragedy Khadafi, Planet Asia, GZA, Rass Kass, Black Market Militia and many more. Just like the company he keeps (at least musically), his rhyming skills are not to be glazed over. He is truly a producer and an emcee. His debut solo album, The Great Migration, was well received by the streets last year and did commercially well for an underground artist.
Now Bronze is not only prepared to bless listeners with yet another album, he's going about it wisely with equally talented company. The Wisemen -- who were initially formed as a seven member group -- decided to strip down to the bare minimum, leaving the serious four (Kevlaar 7, Phillie, Salute, and Bronze) to really make it happen with their latest effort, The Wisemen Approaching.
Kevlaar 7 and Bronze are both rapper/producers, and Salute (the kid) and Phillie are MCs that all came together by chance in the streets of Detroit. They were brought together by similar mindsets, hard living, and are staying focused with their strong work ethic and mutual love for the music. On their album, The Wiseman Approaching, they got down with everyone from GZA, Killah Priest and Cannibal Ox to Prodigal Sun and others, while production was provided by Bronze Nazareth and Kevlaar 7.
Ballerstatus.com spoke with Bronze Nazareth, one-forth of the Wisemen, and the initial common tie within the group to discuss the new album, working with the RZA, and wearing more than one hat in the music industry.
Ballerstatus.com: So what bridged the connection between you Kevlaar7, Salute and Phille? How did the Wisemen come together?
Bronze Nazareth: Basically Kev, we grew up together. I met Phillie on the block at the weed spot, and Salute is from the East Side of Detroit.
Ballerstatus.com: So it was more about you all just getting along?
Ballerstatus.com: When you spoke to Ballerstatus.com last year you compared your last album to the actual Great Migration of millions of blacks in history from the South to the North to your personal journey. How would you describe this album?
Bronze Nazareth: It's some of the same things [from The Great Migration album], but we got a little more conceptual on this joint. My album was more poetic, straight lyrics. This album you get a lot of different feels.
Ballerstatus.com: Explain the name of the group and your name; there seem to be some Biblical implications there.
Bronze Nazareth: Well I got my name from the movie "The 18 Bronzemen" where the main character had to fight his way out the temple by fighting 18 Bronzemen. I took that and related it to my struggles and the Wisemen, we make wise decisions. I took the name from a line I spit on a song I did, "Poisonous Saliva," where I mentioned the 7 Wisemen.
Ballerstatus.com: These days producers are getting as much publicity as the artists. As both a rapper and a producer how do you feel about the transition and do you prefer being behind the scenes at times?
Bronze Nazareth: I started rhyming first. So I wanted something to rhyme to, so I started producing for myself. As far as being behind the scenes or in front, I'm somewhere in the middle. I don't mind being in front, but sometimes I like to sit back and watch my n----s do it too.
Ballerstatus.com: How does everyone come together for the creative process?
Bronze Nazareth: We just start running through beats. Everyone falls in line. We just pick a joint and go in on it. It's about whatever is going on that day.
Ballerstatus.com: What artists -- independent or otherwise -- would you like to work with?
Bronze Nazareth: Beanie Siegel. That's my n---- right there.
Ballerstatus.com: Yeah Beanie's tight. No one else?
Bronze Nazareth: Saigon, and probably Cam'ron when he was spittin' the down and out type lyrics. Not that goo goo gag a sh--.
Ballerstatus.com: [Laughs] Are there any females you would like to work with?
Bronze Nazareth: Remy Martin, but not no single type sh--... some more street type s--.
Ballerstatus.com: What is it like to work with RZA who most consider a genius when it comes to creating musical landscapes?
Bronze Nazareth: It's cool, he's real laid back. He took his time when we did the Birth of a Prince album. It was a real blessing.
Ballerstatus.com: Anything else you want to add?
Bronze Nazareth:The Wisemen Approaching, buy the shi--. Don't be downloading n----. We need to eat, and you gonna get your money's worth.
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