Rhymefest: Brooklyn Loves the Rhyme

On June 24th, Hip-Hop and one of its most beloved boroughs combine for the second annual, Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. The lineup for the show includes, The Procussions, Lupe Fiasco, legendary MC -- Big Daddy Kane, and Mr. Blue Collar, himself -- Rhymefest.

The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is an all-day concert. The free (yes, free) outdoor event is led by festival chair, Wes Jackson and is a perfect place to showcase talent not only within the culture of Hip-Hop, but to all genres of soulful music.

The first annual BHHF lineup had Brand Nubian, Little Brother, the aforementioned Rhymefest, songstress Leela James, Medina Green, DJ Amir, Ge-ology, and others.

And as these artists gear themselves up for the show, HHDX.com sits down with the Chicago MC, Rhymefest as he discusses his love for the Brooklyn Hip-Hop fesitival, why Myspace is addicting, how he would redo a certain MCs critically slept-on album, and why Lupe Fiasco will be one of the greatest MCs ever.

HHDX: Mr. Chicago whats good with you, man?

Rhymefest: Im good, man. Im really good.

HHDX: Youre performing at the Second Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival on June 24th. You were there the first time around what made you come back?

Rhymefest: Well, the first time that I did the festival, you know, it was like family. It was definitely a family affair. It was a building amongst all people. There were whites, blacks, latinos, everyone actually came out. The festival was like the title of the album. It was blue collar, it was about the people. The time of that first festival, we gave one hell of a show. So, I figured that the show was so good that I would come back each and every year to be a part of the festival. I wanted to be a fan in the crowd as much as a performer on the stage.

HHDX: In the press release, it says that you got some surprises in store any hints as to what it could possibly be?

Rhymefest: I only said that when I do my show that people will enjoy it more than enjoy a regular rap show with a whole bunch of people all holding mics and running into each other. Were going to give them a show, a real show, which is a surprise in itself. My standards of performing are very high. I pride myself on giving the people the best show possible.

HHDX: The line-up for the festival is interesting. If you could do the bios for the artists featured, how would you describe your fellow performers?

Rhymefest: If I could do a bio for anyone thats involved in the festival, I would do one for Lupe Fiasco. Hes a very spiritual, intellectual, and down to earth emcee with the power to relate to many different people on very different levels. He not only has the technical skills in his craft, but he knows how to execute excellently. He knows the art on how to put words together, beautifully. Lupe Fiasco is easily going to be one of the greatest emcees that has ever touched the mic.

HHDX: You seem like an easy-going and carefree person in a business known for so much of the opposite. Is there any explanation that you can give, as to why rap violence has gotten to the point where it seems like it was the 80s and crack is running rampant on the streets?

Rhymefest: I think that that is a fair comparison. I think that the rappers are not holding up their end of the bargain. I think that were being judged by time and by fire. We as artists are leaders of the community. This is like the civil rights movement of the late sixties through to the seventies. The people hold that person in charge accountable for their actions. So you know, sometimes our leaders are found wanting. Sometimes theyre on point. I would like to feel as though I am a part of the select few leaders within the Hip-Hop community and abroad. I hope that the people judge me by fire accordingly.

HHDX: Well, I dont know if you had heard, but in recent news word came out that 50 Cent is trying to put out the next Tupac album via collaboration between Amaru and G-Unit. If you could redo or executive produce anyones album, who would it be and why?

Rhymefest: If I could redo or executive produce anyone elses album it would have to be Beanie Sigels album. It was called The B. Coming. I thought that album was dope. I think that that was one of the most slept on albums of the year. The only problem with it was that, in my opinion, was that it was too dark. The beats were very similar. The tempo of it all followed consistently with the album. I would have had added a few up-tempo beats. He had a song on the album with Redman that was dope. I would have placed a few more joints like that on the album. I think that Beanie Sigel is so dope.

HHDX: Whats the deal with the album?

Rhymefest: The album drops July 11th. I am going to need everyone to go out and cop it. Its a classic album it will make you remember the day and time of where you were at when you first heard it. Its kind of like the Bible every time you listen to it you get something new out of it [laughs].

HHDX: With the festival weeks away, is there anything that you do to get prepared?

Rhymefest: The only consistent habit that I do is prayer.

HHDX: A lot of celebrities are keeping in touch with their fans by being associated with MySpace do you have a page?

Rhymefest: I admit it I am a Myspace addict. Please [laughs], I need intervention and help.

HHDX: The buzz surrounding Lupe Fiasco and you makes for interesting chatter in the online message boards. Do you ever take a look at whats being said about you and your career?

Rhymefest: No, I dont. Not really, because I dont want to get caught up in responding to people and their little disses. MySpace is a very positive place and it is a really intimate forum to be a part of. People really talk to you on there and the messages that they send you are really interesting. On the message boards is where people do not have courage. I think they feel that theyre braver because people cant see their faces. I dont think that its fair to harshly criticize anyone in a message board. I think that thats cowardly.

HHDX: Last question, whats next for Rhymefest?

Rhymefest: Next up for me and my career is promoting the album, Blue Collar Poppin set for release on July 11th. But before that, on June 8th, Ill be doing a promotional tour at Central Park in New York City. The show will be myself, Lupe Fiasco, Common, and the legendary Rakim.

If youre interested in going to the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, go register at http://www.brooklynbodega.com.