With a forthcoming album featuring production from Pete Rock, Marco Polo and guest artists, Masta Ace and Sadat, Verbal Kent's future is looking 1000 watt bright. Growing up in the famed, mythical 'golden era'- Verbal's keeping it real (whatever that means) holding down traditional rhymes and phat baselines. The essence, once again, lives through this Chi-Town battlecat. Blacksheepmag caught up with the unusual suspect, and this is what he had to say.
Obviously, you've taken your moniker from the character from "The Usual Suspects", but is there any story behind the name, other than it kinda sounds cool?
Well yes actually. The character in the film sort of has two personalities. One is an unsuspecting man with a limp, other a crime boss. In my case in my day to day life, being a very dangerous rapper is not the first thing someone would assume I am. But, my friend..I am. So you see. When people hear what I can do, they usually flip because they would not have guessed it. And yeah it sounds kinda cool.
Who are you biggest influences and more importantly, in the crowded and competitive world of rap music, what are you bringing to the party, which sets you apart from the others?
I have been heavily influenced by our early nineties heroes. EPMD, Redman, Keith Murray, WU, Boot Camp..That generation of rap. I feel a strong connection to hip hop, and I bring that to the table in every verse. I've learned the ropes and really figured out my process to a point of obsession. I feel like I bring Hip Hop to the party.
Being the only hip-hop head growing up in your group of peers, how has this shaped your outlook as person and the types of subjects you're covering in your rhymes?
I like to talk about smashing people in my raps. I like to describe how I will defeat my foes, for being ignorant asses. Really we live in a place and time where very few people are focused on being true to themselves. Those that are not, those that lie to themselves need to be smashed.
Growing up no one around me could relate to Rap music. That was fine, I picked it up and really admired and appreciated the craft. It set me apart from the pack. I'm glad in a way, it allowed to me my own person.
How has the terrible tragedy you suffered, being the victim of a vicious attempted murder, given you the self-determination and belief to continue your career?
It was a defining moment in my character.. in defining who I am in this world. I could have reacted in many ways. I chose to stay focused and do what was best for me and my life, rather than being reactionary. Shit happens. The amount and degree that you are shitted on in life will vary and some of us will be crippled by it. Others will rise up and be even stronger. I have chosen the last choice.
What are your thoughts on Blogspots and file share sites bootlegging music?
It's complicated. On one hand, it quickly spreads around the tunes. On the other, it limits sales and encourages music theft. Well, it is music theft. but in truth all I could ask for is an audience with open ears and mind. So be it. I will say that what would be incredible, is a way to track how many people have stolen and checked out your projects. That way labels would know where and who are checking for you. Dig?
Can we expect big things from Verbal Kent in the next few years?
Oh yeah, biggest things yet. Tours, albums, a new label, fresh content. Bigger, faster, stronger.
I plan on releasing at least three projects a year, every year. Plus collabo's with my crew, "Unhappyiest", my guy Rusty Chains, and Lance Ambu.
Do you feel a responsibility to be the best rapper you can possibly be, given the criticisms that hip-hop is on its knees, and the direction its been going in hasn't been progressive in terms of creativity?
I really don't feel added pressure form the tempo and climate of rap. I feel pressure from myself to constantly improve and destroy my old work, because that is what I wish to do. I have to always get better. Creativity is infinite..it's not going anywhere. The way I see it I will grow and continue to top my previous work because it's the coolest thing to do. In other words, I am my own competition.
Which live show back-in-the-day or experience as a fledgling rapper, shapes your influences to this day?
My first show was in '95, I believe, It was a huge tour with The Fugees, Cypress Hill, Busta Rhymes, Tribe and the like. I had like 4th row seats. Busta Rhymes was yelling at everyone to get their hands up...But I was sort of shell shocked, so i was just standing there like an ass. Bust basically stopped the music and told me that if I didn't put my hands up I would get what was coming to me...You better believe I did it!
