Author: James Johnson
Published: December 31, 1969
Tool: [ email ]
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Wu Tang’s Killa Army! After having dealings with quite a few artists in the industry, I immediately thought that they would be rude and arrogant, as if their current success had gone to their head. I was totally blown away once the interview had actually taken place. These are guys, who after having 2 previously successful albums, were completely humble. They are aware that they have garnered quite a bit of success and have made quite a name for themselves, yet, they are also aware that this could all be taken away from at any time, so they are thankful for where they have come. No, they did not say all of this straight forward, but it’s just the type of vibe you get from them.
The primary topic for this interview was their third studio release, “Fear, Love & War”, which is due in stores Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Featuring the gritty single, “Street Monopoly”, the album is produced entirely by member & in-house producer 4th Disciple. Guests on the new album include U-God of Wu-Tang Clan, and The Gravediggaz. When asked to describe the concept of “Street Monopoly” the first thing to come out was “Street”. “It’s about knocking down the competition”, claims Pachino. “If you out on the streets after 12, whatever you got, we taking”.
Their music is definitely street oriented. I think that’s what keeps their career afloat. All of their music seems to have that certain street appeal. What makes them different though is that fact that they truly live what they speak, unlike other artists who simply say some things to gain a particular fan-base. It’s more of a culture for Killa Army.
After talking to them, it was evident that they have a thorough knowledge of the game of music, and everything that lies within. After all, this is their third album, not to mention RA’s 36 Records being their second label to record for. When asked the difference between the two labels, their response was quite a surprise to me. “There really wasn’t much of a difference. The major difference between the two is the marketing and promotions departments. We get more publicity here”. This was a surprise to me because it’s not as if they were with a label that was small and unknown. They did their first two albums with Priority Records. I expected more from a label of their stature. Either way, they have found a great deal of happiness with RZA & 36 Records.
Now, they’re just searching for their way to gaining the proper level of commercial success. As my final question, I asked them all what kind of advice they had for those aspiring rappers that were looking for a way to jump into the rap game. Their advice was to “Industrialize” yourselves. Just watch for the fakers, because there are many of them. They play like they’re on your team, and in the end, you get screwed.
Good things are going to come for these guys, as far as their career goes. They are already making plans for more albums as a group, as well as solo albums, which they plan to start pumping out within the next eight months. According to Pachino, they will also soon be heard doing collaborations with a few other artists. When asked what other artists they were feeling, they were all quick to mention Jay-Z & M.O.P., as well as old schooler Biz Markie, and Jennifer Lopez.
Overall, I was highly pleased with the level of professionalism exhibited by Killa Army. As I stated before, they didn’t come at me like they were on top of the world, and I was the gum on the bottom of their shoes. Their highly appreciative of where they have come as a group and the fact that fans are sticking by their sides. I see already that their going to be one of the groups that last forever.
