Author: Jake Paine
Published: December 31, 1969
Tool: [ email ]
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It’s quite refreshing to talk with an intelligent MC these days. The underground is clustered with arrogant, and over-confident types that truly cloud the flavor. Sitting down with Nova C.A.I.N. is a pleasure. Partly because his debut single is so tight, and secondly, because he truly has a balanced sense of purpose. Nova isn’t some new jack. This man is calm, relaxed, and bears a strategem that will boost his status into a force to be reckoned with. Enjoy the wise words of a true talent.
Q: As an MC, what do you hope to accomplish?
A: My whole angle is to convey messages. However, I keep my messages toned down. Growing up, my role models in the game were Public Enemy, X-Clan, and groups like that. My goal is to broaden this here, and in hopes that I can do so with my album. My first album, though very laid back, focuses heavily on relaxation. I hope to build. For instance, my next album, I’d like to be focusing on morality.
Q: Are you a Chicago native?
A: Yeah, I was born around the city. I’ve lived here all my life, with the exception of my tenure at Syracuse University.
Q: What was your major?
A: I was into Broadcast Journalism.
Q: What is it like coming out of a Midwestern city like Chicago? Do you think it’s harder, or easier?
A: It’s real hard. I sort of view Chicago as having a "glass ceiling". It’s like...there’s two cultures. You got your gangstas, and your underground backpacker types. With JUICE and Rubberoom, there’s not a lot of room left for local love. The audience is tough too. They’re real "click-ish". They either love you, or hate you...and there’s strict competition.
Q: You mentioned a few of your influences, what are some others, in and out of music?
A. Well yeah...Public Enemy, X-Clan, KRS, Tribe. But yeah, I also like Martin Luther King Jr. He’s a hero.
Q: That’s interesting. The trend of politically influenced MC’s in Hip Hop has been to side with Malcolm’s view of "By Any Means Necessary", and here, you cite King. As a minority, what is your view on this controversial debate?
A. For me, I’m peaceful. But I can also agree with using brut force if it comes to that.
Q: Where do you see yourself in three years?
A: Complete. I feel that I am complete personally. However, as an artist...I’m still growing. I mean, yeah- I’m good. But in three years, I hope to be at another level in rhyme scheme and whatnot.
Q: Your album’s credibility and flavor goes in part to your producer, Diamond Kut. What is your relationship? Are you on the GURU and Premo tip, or are you simply a chemistry-strong duo?
A: We hang out a lot. He has parties at his house, and we’ll do ‘em up together. But nahhh, we aren’t really partners. He lives like forty minutes away from me. However, I do feel that there is a strong vibe when we work together. Musically, we see eye to eye. We both met through our label.
Q: Yeah, on the matter of your label...you came up on Wayne Live’s successful EP last year. Truly, I think that if it weren’t for a growing label, you two might not work together. You have contrasting styles, and different vibes. Care to comment?
A: Yeah, we different. But you know, we worked well together. I was on two tracks on that EP. I think that there was good chemistry. I only met Wayne a few times, he’s cool though.
Q: Speaking of featured artists, who can we expect on your LP?
A: I got my peeps on there...Teshelia, and a couple cats from my group, Infinite Inc., Prodeous, and Echelon.
Q: What sets you apart from the rest?
A: I’m not afraid to take chances. To me, this ain’t the end of the world. So, I can play around a bit. I can use messages, but I don’t have to be all preachy. I truly think that I’m clever.
Q: Do you ever battle?
A: I have, and sometimes I think about it, but not really. That’s not my scene.
Q: Anything else forthcoming for you?
A: Yeah, the album, coming real soon. The single’s out now, go get it. Check out HipHopSite.com for that joint. Also, we’re putting together a tour with former cats of Binary Star, and the Athletic Mic League. So...if all goes well, I’ll be rolling through.
Thank you Nova C.A.I.N., we at Manhunt wish you the best, and appreciate your time. Peace.Respect.One!~
