HHDX: Over the course of the show, you got a chance to talk about your believes. AR-15 are your principles, but do you think that you’d be able to entertain people and not compromise yourself?
JR: Yeah, I think so… my tour schedule is proof. I have been touring since 2003 and have been rhyming since 1998. My crew, AR-15 even has a lecturing circuit. We’ve just hired 70 street team members from all over the country. So, they’re getting paid while helping to push forward the revolution. I’m talking to you right now from a college event in Nashville, Tennessee. We’re one of the top draws within college campuses. We’re educating people. I think there is a time for partying and dancing, but it can tie along with the conception of activism. Community work can be celebrated. We can make parties that are enjoyable, but they also should put us ahead in life.

HHDX: You’re a very smart dude, but could your actions be misconstrued as trying to make advantages for yourself through a Black and Brown artform?
JR: Oh, yeah, most assuredly. The thing about being White in hip-hop is that I have to prove that I'm giving more than I am taking. That is what I asked myself initially when I started to rap. But I believe that I speak truth and put it to power. There weren’t that many White emcees whom was leaders within the culture. We can support the blacks. When we’re not needed, there’s work within the White culture that we can help there to. It’s just about ending supremacy and ignorance. So, the message can be misconstrued. But that’s the danger when using media of any kind. I was willing to run the risk of just that by being on the show. I respect Ego Trip. I knew their background. But I wanted them to be clear on their intentions with me being on the show. They found my submission tape on YouTube… I had missed the deadline. Someone said that they had got over 7000 applications and I was one of the few who were talking about politics in the right way. Long story short, I just want to play my position in the game and to Ego Trip, props to them for letting me take the risk.

HHDX: There have been a lot of political groups within hip-hop. KRS-One, dead prez, Immortal Technique, just to name a few; how does your principles affect and help the oppressed within the urban communities of America?
JR: I’ll answer the question in two parts. It’s there to support the oppressed groups within America. My view on White Supremacy… because that’s what racism is… just like sexism is MS Supremacy… is that White Supremacy limits White people, just as much as it does Black and Brown folks. Number five on the list… following leadership of color directly supports my principles. But I think that that principle is important. In terms of racism, Black people do not need to be taught about what racism is, but Whites can help promote the idea broadly to others who may not be able or be receptive to what the Blacks and Browns are saying. We should acknowledge their leadership. Continued on page 3 »