Published: Thursday - October 11, 2007
Words by Todd Davis
Bathgate (Photo: Capital Gang Records)
Billy Bathgate's first foray into music began in the late 90s when the young talented rapper created a name for himself in local circles for his strong battling technique and lyrical wordplay. A Harlem, New York native, Bathgate -- who later dropped the Billy from his name -- immediately started wowing his peers and friends, whilst garnering a slew of high profile mixtape appearances for DJs such as Kay Slay, Clue, Whoo Kid and Clinton Sparks to name a few. Because of the huge buzz that circulated around the, then, industry newcomer, major record companies almost immediately began vying for the kid's John Hancock.
A bidding war quickly ensued, and the Uptown MC, whose moniker derives from the graphic novel and film of the same name -- that tells the story of a teenage boy who becomes the surrogate son of doomed mobster Dutch Schultz -- opted to ink with Virgin Records. He released his first single "F--- That," or its less vulgar radio version title, "Bump That," and instantly began reaping the benefits of its success.
Sadly enough, and due in large part to the internal problems with his recording home, Bathgate's long awaited debut, Dear Rich America, My Story To You, was put on hold indefinitely. By 2003, the album still hadn't been given a date, so Bathgate up and left Virgin. As fate would have it, the once promising rap artist, became one of its many, Back-of-the-Milk-Carton/Where Are They Now tragedy stories... We tracked him down in Harlem to see what's been up.
BallerStatus.com: It has been awhile since the masses last heard from you. What exactly have you been up to during this lengthy musical hiatus?
Bathgate: Working on finding me, [and] at the same time creating a new me.
BallerStatus.com: What made you decide to stay gone for so long?
Bathgate: Sometimes you have to go backwards [in order] to go forwards. I had to understand who's with me and who's not. Plus, I had to grow into who I [really] am.
BallerStatus.com: Well the good news is that you are back, and FINALLY getting ready to release your years-in-the-making solo debut. What can you tell me about the project so far?
Bathgate: I've been working hard on a new face of music. It's edgy, it's hard, it's soft, it's b-Boy, [and] it's hip-hop.
BallerStatus.com: Is it still being titled Dear Rich America, My Story To You?
Bathgate: No, it is called Hard Candy now. It represents doing what you feel. It's like a drug. It's addictive. It's really like a drug. Music is a drug, and we need a new brand, a new drug.
BallerStatus.com: For someone, like myself, who has yet to hear it, what would you tell that person can be expected? Any highlights; i.e., cameo appearances, favorite tracks, producers, etcetera to look out for?
Bathgate: I have some dope producers to look out for. My album is bringing worlds together, and creating a new space of music... the sound is new.
BallerStatus.com: How do you feel that this new project measures up to that of your previous unreleased solo record?
Bathgate: My unreleased album was soulful. I mean, I worked with Just Blaze before he did Jay-Z's The Dynasty album, and Kanye [West] before The Blueprint. I was ahead of my time. The music was raw. It's before I really knew how to do this.
BallerStatus.com: When did hip-hop first enter into your life?
Bathgate: I've been in love with hip-hop since "Beat Street" the movie came out in 1984... ever since The Fearless Four made "Problems of the World (Today)." When Rakim shot "I Ain't Ao Joke" (video) in front of Gems on 125th Street, I was there.
BallerStatus.com: You mention both Rakim Allah as well as the Fearless Four, but was there anyone else that influenced your overall sound and style?
Bathgate: From Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, to Mase, Cam'ron, and Nas. When I was in high school, you couldn't tell me I wasn't Nas.
BallerStatus.com: When did you decide that music was your calling?
Bathgate: When basketball didn't work out (He chuckles). Nah, I just felt like I wanted to get out there -- that stage is a rush.
BallerStatus.com: What particular string of events led to your initial inking with Virgin Records?
Bathgate: It was crazy. I finished high school, was in the streets battling, destroying n----s, then Gee introduced me to Puff. I wrote for Diddy, then the bidding war began, and I was signed with Virgin.
BallerStatus.com: You were doing it real big with your hit underground single, "F--- That," and your album was finished and ready for release, so why didn't anything ever materialize in terms of the full-length LP?
Bathgate: A lot of things happened. Mariah Carey signed the unprecedented Kevin Garnett deal, and then did a Dave Chappelle bug out thing. Next, Virgin fired 90 people. Aaliyah passed. Kelis left. There was no urban department, and the boat is sinking. Somebody said I gotta leave, I left. Wow, that person also said Koch was a graveyard for rappers. I guess I just listened to the wrong advice at the time (laughs). But, I'm cool, ya dig?
BallerStatus.com: Will you eventually drop some of your unreleased tracks?
Bathgate: I might, but like I said, that sound might clash with this sound, and it would be all over the place.
BallerStatus.com: What type of music do you create and perform?
Bathgate: My style is hustler meets b-boy, 80s meets 90s, or gangster/Kanye West.
BallerStatus.com: When you pen your rhymes, what motivates you?
Bathgate: Just whatever vibe I'm in -- mostly good music. I am motivated just by good music -- that raw, you know, that sh--.
BallerStatus.com: What has been the ultimate key to you success?
Bathgate: For me, I just gotta do what I want, and what I love. The passion you put in is what keeps you loved.
BallerStatus.com: Outside of music, is there anything else you'd like to branch out and do?
Bathgate: I just love TV. I just want to act, or be like the next big host of the illest hip-hop show.
BallerStatus.com: Are you currently happy with the state of hip-hop?
Bathgate: Sometimes I'm disgusted with it, and other times I'm happy. I'm happy when the music is dope. I'm not when its garbage.
BallerStatus.com: Everyone knows, or will become familiar with, Bathgate, the MC, but what would you want those same people to know about you that they won't get from listening to your records?
Bathgate: I'm real. I'm down to Earth. I'm cool. I can be touched. I'm not afraid of the people.
BallerStatus.com: What would those same folks find you doing in your off-time completely away from music?
Bathgate: Chilling. I'm a big Xbox 360 fan. I'm dumb nice at "NBA 2K7," ya dig? Or, I'm with a fox.
BallerStatus.com: Career highlight?
Bathgate: Funk Flex tour. I performed in front of 19,000 people. It was stupid.
BallerStatus.com: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in five, or even ten, years down the road?
Bathgate: With a few kids. A couple sons, a couple daughters, and a fox for a wife. Also, making more money -- getting my Russell Simmons on.
BallerStatus.com: What's next for Bathgate?
Bathgate: The single for (the title track) "Hard Candy." The videos, the album, and my chance to rock 19K again.
BallerStatus.com: Any plans to take the Bathgate show out on the road?
Bathgate: Not right now, we just working this record, and getting people ready. Understand, I'm like an alien. I'm dumb with this pen. I'm in another space in my life.
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