Lil Wayne Interview

   Words by Andrew Bess

   Wednesday April 16^th, 2008

   Atlanta, Georgia

   Patchwerk Recording Studio

   1094 Hemphill Avenue

   Atlanta, Georgia 30318 

1. Last year you recorded a record amount of songs. It’s already April, any idea of how many songs you've recorded thus far?

   Umm, I don’t know. I have no idea. I wouldn’t even have an estimated guess because I record every single chance that I get. By what I mean by that is, if I’m not on the stage or traveling to a show I’m in the studio.  Where we go after here? [He sarcastically asks his manager] She replied, “We are going to the studio.” So yeah… I left the studio this morning about nine [a.m.] this morning. 

2. By now, everyone knows you are from Hollygrove in New Orleans and grew up on Apple and Eagle street since you rep it in so many of your songs. How did your upbringing in your hood impact the person you are today?

Umm, Shit, just me being from there, period. You can’t hide it. Whatever the air smelled like I smell like – I smelt that same air. What ever the feelings feel like, I feel like. I felt the same feelings. 

3. During your shows you always ask the crowd if they remember your old shit from “Tha Block is Hot,” your first album in 1999. I remember being in middle school when cash money started to really take off with the Hot Boys and “Get it How You Live.” What thoughts were going through your young mind at the time of signing with Cash Money and your initial release?

When I younger it was nothing to do with a dollar. Just some fans – that’s all I was in it for then. But of course I had a competitive drive about my craft so that kept me in it doing what I do. But other than that – when I was younger, shit… it was all about what should I say, what should I wear and who am I gonna fuck [laughs].  
 

4. Many critics have compared you to artists like Hendrix, BIG, Tupac, and other greats that are no longer with us.  How can you describe your current position as it would relate to those greats I just mentioned?

First of all I appreciate anybody who has ever said I’m close to anyone of these people. Hendrix, I guess people see that guitar, but I wasn’t born when he was doing his thing so I don’t know too much about him but I’m about to get into him and I know I should. Other than that, it might be our attitudes where people can make those comparisons.  

As far as the rest of them, they say that they are the fathers of what we do and led [hip hop] for a long time. So I guess you can always compare people to them, but to be mentioned in the likes of them is something I’m grateful for.  

5. Some say Lil Wayne has yet to have that crossover hit into mainstream? What can you say to those critics?

   Yeah I think [Lollipop] might have done that. But I aint trying to put no pressure on me. But I’m not going to sit here and say this album or this song will do that. Because then mothafucka’s can say, “I thought you said it would.” I don’t want to be that motherfucka [laughs].  

6. Many people know the artist Lil Wayne, but on a more personable level, who is Lil Wayne the man and father?

This is no difference.  It’s no different, it’s just my daughter’s father is Lil Wayne. And Lil Wayne Doesn’t change at all. If you are able to view something in the right way and see that I am passionate about things and motivated about things than you should almost be able to see how that would relate to fatherhood. I’m passionate about my daughter and concerned about her feelings. But how I go hard about music is how I go hard about anything else.    

7. At Eminem’s high point in his career he took a step back from it all for his daughter. How much more Lil Wayne will we see before you decide to disappear into normality?

I’m quite sure I won’t step back away from music. If I was to say how much longer I will be making music I would be a psychic - and that I am not.   

8. Some say your plethora of mixtapes has gained more acclaim than any of your albums. What steps has Lil Wayne taken to bring that same brutal approach to the Carter III?

   I’m not bringing that there for two reasons:  Nine times out of ten, the series of mixtapes that come out I had nothing to do with. I haven’t dropped a mixtape in three or four years so if you’ve bought one in three or four years that means you have been bamboozled and hoodwinked.  

   The second reason is a mixtape is just that. So I approach it like a mixtape. My albums haven’t been out in four years fools, so what are you comparing? Last time a Lil Wayne album dropped there wasn’t even such thing as a mixtape, assholes. Think about it? Now they think, “Oh wait, so this guy has been in our face for four years and really hasn’t dropped an album in four fucking years? Damn, he’s a motherfucka.” And now his album is about to come out and guess what you’re going to do? Get it. So who is the winner in that battle? Last album I dropped went double-platinum. Go DJ! [Laughs]. 

9. Do you feel you owe these mixtape DJs any credit for your success over the last four years as they continued to keep your music on rotation?

   I owe them? I don’t owe nobody a damn thing. I’ve been talking that since they pulled me out the pussy. I don’t owe nobody nothing, not even the doctors that brought me here.  

10. What are the most important objects that you need with you at all time when you are in the studio?

   My guitar - the Sidekick, I’d throw that away. I don’t need that at all at that point.  

11. How is the Carter III going to be different from the Carter II?

   My last album was called the Carter II; this one is called the Carter III.  

12. Talk about school. Are you still working on a degree and what enticed you, being successful already, to go back and get some type of degree?

   Yeah, I’m still in psychology and seeing a smile on my mama’s face. 

13. Much of your music reflects your swag and style. What brands do you currently wear and what brands do you see stealing the show in the year to come?

   I’m not really into doing what people have never heard of, I just do me. I just let them watch and let them follow. A lot of people put in time to see what I’m gonna do that they don’t do. I just do me.  

   But this here is a [Ralph Lauren] Polo tee shirt, these are some Levi’s [denim jeans], I don’t even have on a belt, I’m rockin’ a Louie [Louis Vutton] handkerchief and some Adidas [shoes]. This is how I rock. I guess I have the ultimate swag and all that, but this is how I rock.  

14. You have many tattoos. How many do you have and which ones mean the most to you and why?

   I got so many I don’t think none of them mean the most.  

15. In the past few years the road has been your second home with all the touring. What is the typical day like on the tour bus?

   ESPN all day and night, we don’t watch DVDs, and play the [video] game[s] occasionally. When we watch ESPN too much and some sport gets you amped we like, “Eh, let’s play some basketball!” But that’s about it. Remember that Back Stage documentary when they showed Dame Dash’s bus and the Ruff Ryder’s bus poppin’ off? Then they showed that other bus [starts whistling innocently], that’s my bus [laughs].  

16. You speak about the subject of death on the Carter III track, “Shoot me down” which deals with suicidal thoughts. Have you ever coped with that personally?

   I don’t know. You got to listen to the song.  

17. So a lot of the media has jumped on you and your syrup drinking. I see you with your cup. Are you trying to cut back at all?

   Uhmm mmm, [As he takes a prolonged sip from his Styrofoam cup and nods his head in agreeance]. Are you cutting back? [Laughs]. I drink Hawaiian Punch all day. So I don’t understand what’s the problem?  I drink Hawaiian Punch all day; I don’t think it’s a problem. I don’t walk around with bottles and pimp cups. I drink a white cup with ice and some Hawaiian Punch all day. Go get you some. Amazing melon mix, tell the kids to go get that. I promote Hawaiian Punch. Man, I don’t get it.   
 

18. Tupac had tons of records that some say he saved incase of an untimely death.  Any correlation?

   Naw, that aint why I do it, I do it because I can’t stop and I don’t think I’m good at anything else. 
 

19. What’s the difference of being known as significant now and the continued relevance of those artists that have passed in their prime?

   Being alive, nigga. Those niggas dead - fuck all that. I’m here so I don’t want to think of all that in retrospect to my life. With death you can’t make it mean nothing else, because as soon as it means something else than it means too much. You bring yourself closer to death with that.

20. How is the Carter III going to be different from the Carter II?

   My last album was called the Carter II; this one is called the Carter III.  

    MILLIONHEIR MINUTE                                                                     

Story by VBLAZIN writer Millionheir

Cut from the roughest Hyde of South Central & dried under the warmest
California Sun of LA, Wallet has
already proven to be an asset by performing with such artist as
Twista, Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Too
Short, Keyshia Cole, Kam, KoKane & Jayo Felony. Unfold Wallet's unique
and smooth exterior to take a
look inside and you'll find that Wallet's lyrical stash is firmly
stacked straight with mixtapes like "In My
Grind Time: Volume 1" hosted by DJ Warrior of The Cali Untouchable
DJ's. Miami's own DJ Papa
Smirf is hosting "In My Grind Time: Volume 2 Still Grinding" making
this Wallet too tough to fold and
just stick in your back pocket."At the end of the day, I look good
doing this and I appreciate the
opportunity to do so", "Cali needs this face in the Game", says West
Coast's Wallet.

His face is quickly recognized as one of the most promising artists
out of the West.
Wallet has given interviews to many hip hop/ rap internet news media
websites and has been a featured
artist in T.R.U.E Magazine, www.ballerstatus.com, and www.yoraps.com.
He has also appeared The World
Famous Wake Up Show, which is hosted by Sway & Tech (www.mtv.com).
Wallet continues to express his
ability with the release of "Sittin' High" produced by Dem Jointz. The
two of them brings their overwhelming
style as they collaborated on an electric track that will leave you
wanting more. "Bring Wallet any beat and
it's a wrap", says Sommer, Executive Producer of the 2005 Justo Mixtape Awards.

"THIS STACK IS TOO FAT TO BE IN YOUR BACK POCKET"

For more information on Wallet about bookings, drops, mixtapes,
charitable collaborations & community
projects - please visit www.myspace.com/walletmusic


PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: For those who don't know you, state your name
Gangsta, and tell us about yourself?

WALLET: Wallet is my stage name, I created it because I was all about
success. I needed something that reflected getting' this money but in
a catchy way. So that's how you guys got Wallet. I'm a West Coast
Artist born in South Central, Los Angeles making my mark in Hip Hop
History.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: I like that confidence you got there young
fella, I have a lot of love for the emerging West Coast artists. As
far as the current state of Hip Hop music right now, what do you feel
you can contribute to our people?
WALLET: Right now, I feel as if Hip Hop has lost it's flavor. We need
to take music back to the roots. Back in the 90's Rap/Hip-hop music
was more diversified and artists were more creative. I feel as if
music, especially "ringtone" music has the same sound and we should
expand our horizon.
PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: I feel you on that bro, how do you feel about
the "new media" taking over the market?
WALLET: The internet is a good marketing tool, however, heavy
promotion and steady fan base is needed to make a successful music
career. For an artists perspective the internet can really hurt one's
career because nobody is jumping for records anymore, no matter how
hot you are; people can still go to those FREE internet sites and
download your music. Music is leaked, and is spreading…
PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: …Damn, like the AIDs epidemic…you can go to
numerous sites and download music which I bet is very hard. So tell me
how you keep yourself busy and motivated to stay in "this game."
WALLET: Basically, you have to get in where you fit in. Some people
just don't fit.
PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: I take it you're one that fits.
WALLET: I wear it well…
PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: That's why you named your first single;
"Sittin' High" isn't it? You're on you're a game, on the top of the
throne I guess?
WALLET: Haha…you're real smooth lady… "Sittin' High" was created to be
a way of life, its more then a song...anything you do, shoot to be on
an executive level...very presidential like...feel me? I'm upstairs,
top floor, sittin high & the view is wonderful. So yes, it feels like
the throne, you're a MillionHEIR you get the picture…
PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: Oh yes indeed….yes, I understand. It is a very
catchy song, I like the beat it makes me wanna dance. Let's let these
fans feel it too. Where can we hear this song Wallet?
WALLET: Myspace.com/walletmusic and I'm in ther process of finishing
my own personal website as well, so stay tuned.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: Awesome dude, do you check your own myspace page?
WALLET: Yes, I check my own page ...once again its
myspace.com/walletmusic make sure ya'll ladies check it out and tell a
friend.
PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: I see you through in ladies the second time, I
caught that…haha I know you're a ladies man, what is it about a woman
that turns you on if I might ask?

WALLET: What turns me on in a woman is being genuine and naturally
sweet. I love a sweetheart. She doesn't have to be perfect just well
rounded. Someone who knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to get it.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: I heard that! Now tell me since we are on the
admiration subject, are there any historical or contemporary artists
that you specifically admire? If so, why?

WALLET: Oh yes so many...Prince-for his creativity and gifted mind,
Mike (Jackson) for his ability to entertain, Kells for his
songwriting, 2 Pac the passion he delivered, and of course Barry Gordy
for what he did for black musicians...I love it.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: Which historical hip hop movements have you been
influenced by?

WALLET: I've been influenced by Puffy's vote or die, I love getting
the youth involved in getting their voice heard. The whole self
destruction or same gang songs coming from south central and seeing a
lot of fallen soilders go out, for what? Its important to remind us we
need to unite as a society first we need to preserve the
community...the whole hurricane katrina fund, big up to all the
rappers and entertainers that lended a hand...much love to all yall. I
also just recently spit a few bars on the Self Construction 2008
extended version...along with KRS One, Nelly, The Game, Neyo, Style P,
Talib Kweli, and whole lot more...its produced by Duane "Da Rock"

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: You have great taste, let's talk about how long
you've been in "The Music Business" and who and/or what inspired you?

WALLET: I know good music, I understand and can relate to "real"
artists you feel?

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: Man, do I? LOL.

WALLET: I decided I wanted to get in the game when I was
younger...like elementary school. I was fascinated by the culture and
I know what I could bring to the game. A unique, cool, popular sound
that comes straight from the heart; straight from the grind. My
inspiration would have to be Jay Z because of his business mind, as
well as his artistry. The combination of both equals success. I've
been in the game on a more professional top for like 5 years now

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: It is a challenge getting to the top and staying
there happily and successfully "Sittin' High," now tell me who are
your biggest fans?

WALLET: My biggest fans are street critics, people who appreciate
skill. I represent the struggle so I'm their voice they depend on me
and I got 'em. Right now I'm finishing up the album and it's coming
along great. Just Closing it out trying to make sure that it does what
it suppose to do, and give the right outlook on what I'm about & who
Wallet really is. My fans won't be disappointed.

PRINCESSMILLIONHEIR: Most definitely, are there any artists you'd
like to work with in the future?

WALLET: There are many artists that I'd like to work with such as,
Keisha Cole because she's a strong singer, she's from the hood, and
she's definitely the next Mary. Jay Z, Maroon 5, Eminem, Dr. Dre,
there are so many talented people I want to work with that range from
producers, singers, and so forth.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: What can we expect to see and hear from Wallet in 2008?

WALLET: Show June 6th- 8th Nevada I'll be performing live, you guys
can purchase tickets on www.thetakeover2008.com.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: Oh snaps, last year that was poppin' I'm sure
that will be a good look! I'll see you there dude. I don't want to
takeovertoomuchofyourtime.com but I'd like to know if you think that
Gangster Rap has a place in the future?
WALLET: That's a real good question Miss MillionHEIR, Gangsta Rap it's
not gonna come back because it never left. Gangsta Rap has evolved
into other flavors. "Gangsterism," is like a genre of rap...It's like
a speed bump in the street…I think the West introduced this art of
rapping, and basically we opened the door for other talent. A lot of
artists are taking control of the wheel, and we are hearing a lot of
the same thing ya know? But my style is very different, and the West
Coast is coming back in ya ear so get ready!

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: We are ready pa, I now you're going to have a
casting call for that music video you have coming up too! Put us in
the mix!

WALLET: You can expect a lot of me...Until I'm where I wanna be I
won't stop grindin'. Expect more hits, a dope follow up to "Sittin
High" & and Video...we doing a pre casting now you can submit your
pics, name, contact info to millticketcasting@gmail.com.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: Is there anything you'd like to tell your
supporters, haters, fans?

WALLET: I love all my supporters & fans...thank you...and God Bless
you all..I couldn't be where I am today without you. And for the
Haters I love yall too. If I hated the haters I'd be just like them,
sorry ya boy Wallet just won't do it.

PRINCESS MILLIONHEIR: Thanks for your time; we look forward to hearing
from you soon! Our doors are always open to hear your latest and
greatest news!

Home at center of 50 Cent lawsuit destroyed by fire

By FRANK ELTMAN
The Associated Press

  New Music: Usher, Al Green, Cyndi Lauper             

Usher follows up his Grammy-winning chart topper with 'Here I Stand.' Also out this week are Al Green with 'Lay It Down,' and Cyndi Lauper's 'Bring Ya to the Brink.'

   VBLAZIN DJ Battle Ground!                                                       

In our on going effort to bring the DJ back to the forefront. We looked for the HOTTEST DJ videos, and brought them to you to see whose the best on the wheels of steal!

First we got scratchin' with a twist! Hip Hop Violin - Paul Dateh and inka one

Hip-Hop Underground Rap DJ Mix For Tenminmix Comp.

  Coroner: Levert, 39, Died Of Natural Causes            

Performer Died In March At 39

CLEVELAND -- A coroner has ruled that R&B singer Sean Levert died of natural causes following a jail medical emergency in Cleveland.

The 39-year-old Levert died March 31 at a hospital after he was taken from the Cuyahoga County jail. He was serving one year and 10 months for failure to pay $89,025 in child support.

County Coroner Frank Miller said that Levert died from complications of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease. Miller ruled out foul play or trauma.

Attorneys for Levert's widow said sheriff's department records they reviewed show he wasn't given his anti-anxiety medication while in jail or seen by a doctor, which might have prevented his death.

Attorney David Malik said Levert took Xanax with him to the jail and asked for it, but officials did not give it to him.

Levert and his brother Gerald formed LeVert in the 1980s with childhood friend Marc Gordon. Their hits included "Baby I'm Ready," "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Casanova."

Gerald Levert died in 2006 at age 40 of an accidental mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.