Red Café & DJ Envy: The MC & DJ Co-Op

It's movin'! Those familiar with the clever word play of Red Café know that he's no stranger to the game. The Flatbush, Brooklyn native, who emerged on the mixtape scene in the mid-90s, has endured one tumultuous journey in signing with major labels. From failed deals with Loud Records to Arista to Capitol -- where he was set to release his debut LP, I Got A Story To Tell -- no one can say this man hasn't put his time in.

Proving patience is certainly a virtue, Red Café is now cozily situated on Akon's Konvict label and basking in the warmth of two big releases. In addition to solo effort, The Shake Down, due to drop April of 2008, the 29-year-old lyricist is currently promoting his highly anticipated collaboration with Hot 97 host and mixtape connoisseur DJ Envy. Ballerstatus got on the horn with the hyped up duo to talk about balling, brawling with Fab and why Kanye is so appealing to the gays.

BallerStatus.com: It looks like you've had a bit of bad luck trying to get down with a proper label. How does it feel to finally get a record out after so many glitches?

Red Café: Well, I still have all of those albums that were recorded with the other companies, but it's definitely a relief. My attorneys were always there to get me out of a situation if it was no good. But I just feel good about getting together with DJ Envy -- with this project right here. It's something that hasn't been done in a long time -- DJ and MC getting together and making a record.

BallerStatus.com: How did you and Envy hook up?

Red Café: Just from Envy being out, doing what he does, playing in the clubs five nights a week. Also through the radio and mixtapes he saw me doing what I do -- constantly putting out records, which he'd play and support. He said we should get together and take it to the next level, and the streets loved it. It was so hot we thought "Aww we should make it official and put something out," and so we did.

BallerStatus.com: What can we look forward to with The Co-Op?

Red Café: You're just gonna get straight hip-hop. You gonna get hits. We'll take you from one extreme to the next. You're gonna get street with "Things You Do"; you're gonna get sexy, and you're gonna get club with "Dolla Billz." You gonna get everthing you need on this album. It's a one stop shop.

BallerStatus.com: Do you think you've made the right choice with Konvict? Or have you been cursed?

Red Café: [Laughing] I think it was a great decision. Akon has dealt with similar situations where he was on different labels and things didn't work out for him, so he knows what it takes to work hard. He knows what it's like for artists like myself. Working with 'Kon is a beautiful thing. He doesn't put me in shackles. He lets me do whatever I want to do. He supports it and helps me make it better.

BallerStatus.com: Do you have plans to work with any of your label mates?

Red Café: Yeah I've worked with Kardinal (Offishal) already and (T)-Pain is on my album.

BallerStatus.com: You have a picture of Mya next to a song called "Backshot Queen" on your MySpace. Is that song about her? Rumour has it she's a bit of a freak in the bedroom...

Red Café: Yeah right! Mya!? Mya's alright! Shout out to Mya!

DJ Envy: Mya's not my backshot queen...

BallerStatus.com: What did you guys make of the results of the 50/Kanye face off? Surprised?

DJ Envy: I was kinda surprised, although Kanye is a worldwide artist, he doesn't only appeal to the urban/crossover community, he also appeals to the gay community, the females and he's heavy overseas. 50 has had his core for a long time and it's like Kanye is just expanding. [Kanye's] records are out of the ordinary and I think people like that.

BallerStatus.com: How does Kanye appeal to the gays?

DJ Envy: Because of the clothes that he wears, his style could work for a straight or gay person and I think that he has a lot of gay friends. Nothing wrong with that...

BallerStatus.com: Envy, you have shows on Hot 97 and Sirius satellite radio. How do these media differ?

DJ Envy: Hot 97 is more now, I could say "F--- this person" and that person will call me immediately. But with Sirius, the reaction could come in two days or in a week. It's not right then and there. I love both for different reasons: Hot 97 is pure New York, and Sirius all country.

BallerStatus.com: You guys worked with a lot of people on this album, including Fabolous and Remy Ma, were there any near disasters? Anyone show up mad late?

DJ Envy: Everybody came on time. Everything worked out pretty well actually. There were no problems, no derailments and the album came out amazingly. You'd think that recording artists would be late, but everyone was really professional.

BallerStatus.com: What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you on stage?

DJ Envy: I was DJing for Fab (Fabolous), and I accidentally put on another artist's record.

BallerStatus.com: You did what!? What did he do?

DJ Envy: I don't know if I can say on this... are you taping? Nahh, he tried to fight me backstage afterwards!

Red Café: I came out on Gwen Stefani's tour with Akon and when we stepped onto the stage, panties came flying at me... undergarments came flying at me. Akon had to jump outta the way.

BallerStatus.com: Are you sure they weren't for Akon?

Red Café: They weren't there till I came out there... so, I'll let you be the judge.

BallerStatus.com: What's the buzz in NYC right now?

Both laughing: Red Café and DJ Envy. You thought Kanye and 50 were cool? This sh-- is gonna blow up.

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