Interview with STATS
From: Mebane, NC
Nubian Message: What inspired you to get into the game?
STATS: Competition: I am a very competitive person. Sometimes I feel like there is a void in the business. I want to be able to deliver a message that others can’t give or are afraid to give regarding issues that are going on in the world.
Nubian Message: How did you get started?
STATS: I first started in a grouped, but things didn’t work out with that. However, I never stopped writing and I kept the pen moving. People kept pushing me to follow my dreams and I am here today.
NUBIAN MESSAGE: What artists inspire you?
STATS: Canibus, Jadakiss, LL Cool J, Lloyd Banks, TI, Jay Z, and 50 Cent.
NUBIAN MESSAGE: Out of these artists which would you say is your favorite and why?
STATS: I would say TI. He’s says whatever is on his mind at the moment and I feel that he is a true lyricist. Many people don’t feel that there are many lyricists in the South, but I feel that TI is a definite exception. I also like how he is doing big things behind the camera with movies and inspiring the youth in the community. Even though he has been in trouble a couple of times in the past, I think that he’s a good guy.
NUBIAN MESSAGE: If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
STATS: I would probably focus more on my clothing line. It’s called 5th element and we mostly sell Graphic T-Shirts.
NUBIAN MESSAGE: How long have you been an artist?
STATS: I’ve been doing this seriously for four years.
NUBIAN MESSAGE: What do you think of the state of Hip Hop today?
STATS: I think that there is more variety today than it has been in the past. You have guys like Drake and J Cole who are bringing a different element to the table. I also think that it is much easier for independent artists to get their names out. The internet has partly been responsible for that. One downfall of this is that major companies have began signing artists who can get 1 million views on youtube rather than artists who can actually sell a million CDs. However, I think companies are starting to look at valuable artists more so now than just dollar signs. A good artist simply has more longevity and will get exposure sooner or later.
NUBIAN MESSAGE: What stations have you been featured on in the past?
STATS: WKNC 88.1 at NC State, 88.9 at Shaw University, Power 98 in Charlotte, 102 Jams, and Coast 97.3 in Wilmington.
What other things do you have coming soon?
STATS: I have an album coming out on November 15th, which is entitled In My Own World. I also have a music video coming out in a couple of weeks which will be called “If I had You.” My fans can follow my music at statsmusik.com. I also have real footage documentary which I am currently filming which gives my fans an inside look at what it takes for an artist to break into the music business.
“Stats latest CD In My Own World invites listeners to hear his thoughts on the miseducation of blacks, medias influence on the youth, and the lack of hope in the inner cities. Stats doesn’t shy away from speaking on topics that other emcees fail or don’t bother to discuss. Along with tackling social issues he still knows how to throw a party. With tracks like “We in Here” and “I Got What You Want” Stats will keep party goers stampeding the dance floor. ” I always try to keep a balance of songs because I’m not feeling mellow all the time neither do I feel like waking up with a hoarse voice. So the music mirrors my personality and whats going on in my world.” – www.statsmuzik.com
