“Feelin’ like Amil-lion bucks”

Thousands of fans stood in the stance while chanting “Jigga what, Jigga who,” while hundreds tried to prepare for Jaz-O’s quick flow over the hypnotic beat provided by Timberland. Without a doubt the crowd loved Jay-Z’s 1999 smash hit, laced with the support of a distinct face with long jet-black hair and a voice that reminded us of a newborn baby. The crowd would sweat with excitement and adrenaline would keep the crowd moving, as the caramel colored femcee would keep the men watching and the girls wishing to ride the hook like she did.  She is Amil.

Roc-A-Fella records had the game sowed with the support of other Def Jam artists and 2000’s The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, put the stamp of approval on Roc-A-Fella as being one of the most dangerous teams in the Hip Hop world.

Years pasted and many started to wonder where the baby voice that laced so many unforgettable hooks went off to. After working with Ja Rule, Beyonce and other major acts, the Native American, part African American and Caucasian mixture, was dropped from the label and the rest is history.  

HipHopDX caught up with Amil, while at home in North Carolina and talked to her about her current pursuits and her unforgettable days at Roc-A-Fella.

This is for the fam-including Beans, Bleek and Jay.

HHDX:  How do you feel about your first project and how much of your last album is a reflection of who you are today?
AMIL: I feel I have accomplished a dream and a goal. I feel good about the album regardless of the record sales and stuff like that. It reflected what was going on at that time and this album is reflecting what is going on now.

HHDX: What’s good with the other two women from Major Coins?
AMIL: I don’t know. They aren’t part of Major Coins and I don’t speak to them.

HHDX:  All right, well I was listening to some of your music and it sounds as if you developed-lyrically.  What’s changed over the last couple of years?
AMIL: I guess it’s writing and recording. I think people get better over time and I just naturally finessed it. I don’t consider myself to be wack or anything like that. I still write all my stuff-just like I did back then. When I do personal songs, the songs are things that I’ve experienced or go through. Those songs always seem to come off strong.

HHDX: Roc-A-Fella was a prestigious label and Jay-Z is now an icon. Most people think that the opportunity to work with that team is ideal. Where do you see yourself going, after already working with some of best and then having it taken away?
AMIL: That’s people’s opinion. That’s not my opinion. You know what I mean? As far as working with the best- whatever. I’m me. You know what I’m sayin’? I’m not trying to be number one. I’m not trying to do that other stuff. I do my music and that’s that. They do them and I do me. I’m in a whole notha’ league. I’m not trying to be on the top 10 billboard and do things like that. Continued on page 2 »