In preparation of the release of his new album "The PastPort," we caught up with Bronx rapper ENOT to speak about the release and being and independant artist.
JD: What's happening ENOT?
ENOT: Everything is peace right about now, I got “THE PASTPORT” album out and it’s a great feeling. You know.
JD: Can you give us a quick run down of your past and how you got into the game?
ENOT: I was born in Manhattan to Dominican parents, they decided me growing up in New York at the time wasn’t a sound choice, so we moved to the Dominican Republic, fast forward some years to 1994 they move back to the U.S in a little borough called The Bronx, were I am exposed to the art form and growing way of life that is Hip Hop. At first, I was just a fan of the music but slowly but surely, I got involved more and more. Eventually I started molding my own raps and it never stopped. Years later I drop my debut album, It was destined I guess.
JD: How does growing up in the Dominican Republic compare to the Bronx?
ENOT: Both places share a rich cultural background but at the same time, it’s a completely different way of life. I lived in a real rural area in the Dominican Republic; you had to travel to see people. While in the Bronx, it’s the definition of urban life.
JD: You call yourself "Boogie Down's Boldest." What does that mean to you and is a reference to KRS-One?
ENOT: I call myself “Boogie Down’s Boldest” because I am proud to represent and come from The Birth Place of Hip Hop. I feel like I can and will be the voice of sanity in this crazy world of music, that’s where the bold comes from. I have things to say that may not be well accepted in what’s considered to be the “norm” and at the same time the name pays tribute to Boogie Down Productions and KRS-One who laid much of the foundation for us emcees of today and still represents the culture to the fullest. Big Ups to all the founding Fathers of Hip Hop and all the pioneers who made it possible for us the younger generation of emcees to rock.
JD: So "The Passport" is out on September 5, what can we expect from it?
ENOT: The album is “THE PASTPORT” and it drops Sept 5th so by the time you read this it should be out. I spell it the PASTPORT because it represents my past and where I have been, and it always represents a time in 90’s when the music was raw. As far as the whole concept of the PASTPORT, it’s something you need to travel. My music is an escape from the musical landscape of today. It’s fun; it’s a throwback but still FRESH. It’s Hip Hop and Honest, you know. People can expect to press play on track 1 and travel to 15 different moods and places and never have to leave their house. Only time will tell, but it definitely has a timeless feel.
JD: We recently did an interview with The Longshots and Crayon [of The Longshots] is on the album isn't he? How long have you guys been down?
ENOT: King Crayon of The Longshots that’s my brother from another mother, you know. I am very lucky to have people like him in my circle. People who are genuine and talented. Crayon helped me to mold the vision of my album very early on. We met in college and have been rocking ever since. LSC is the Click!
JD: Who would you say influenced/influences your music?
ENOT: I am a student and fan of Hip Hop so I have many influences, but I also draw mostly from life experiences. My parents, The Bronx, Life in general influenced me.
JD: What's on your mind when you write/record your music?
ENOT: Writing and Recording is a very special process to me. It’s very personal and it takes shape depending on the mood that I am in and what the track tells me to write. I base it all on the vibe of the instrumental and my current state of mind.
JD: I read one of your previous interviews where you said that growing up you listened to "The Chronic" and other west coast rap artists. That's something most NY MCs don't seem to openly admit to. Do you think New York lyricists tend to hide the fact they listened to rap outside of NY?
ENOT: I’m glad you brought that up, honestly, yes. I think that’s something some of my fellow New Yorkers wouldn’t embrace saying, But at the same time, Dr.Dre is one of the greatest Hip Hop producers of all time. “The Chronic” That’s my definition of timeless. I put that record up there with “Illmatic”, “Ready to Die”, “Enter The 36 Chambers”, “The Whut Album” and the list goes on. You also have to understand I arrived in New York at a time when West Coast Hip Hop was on top of the charts. New York radio was embracing those artist at that time, just like their embracing a lot of Southern artists now. So you tend to soak it all up as a youth. Bottom line though, I’m as much influenced by Dr.Dre and Ice Cube as I am by Wu-Tang and Big Pun. Any emcee who doesn’t see how West Coast Hip Hop and these artists helped our evolution in the game doesn’t know his or her Hip Hop history.
JD: A lot of big name hip-hop artists have been talking about or have taken to the independent route. How are you finding being an independent artist?
ENOT: I remember sometime in the 90’s hearing Ice T talking about what a pivotal role the internet and small independent labels would play in the future of rap. Looking back, he had it all right. Independent is the way to go in order to get a fair shake in the business. If you’re determined to work hard and develop your brand then independent is the way to go. Now if you’re just an artist and only want to concern yourself with recording and performing and not the business, you shouldn’t be doing this period. In 2006 going on 2007, being an artist and being a businessman go hand in hand. Before you decide you want to rap, go pick up a book and learn the business because rhyming is the least of your problems at the end of the day.
JD: Would you be interested if a major made an offer?
ENOT: I like how you flipped the question. LOL. The key word in that question is offer. The question should be: What can a major offer you to sign with them? The answer: A lot of money and creative control. All I would need from a major is the marketing and promotion money and their distribution. I deliver a finished project and they cut the check.
JD: As well as rapping you are also a member of The Blazermen, can you tell us about that?
ENOT: The Blazermen is company I started with my two partners JR Perez and ATEK. The company is a multi-media entity whose sole purpose is to develop and assist in bringing our dreams and that of our fellow artist to life. We are a support group for writers, directors, actors, musicians, dancers, etc…. Check us out at www.TheBlazermen.com
JD: I checked out "life of a dreamer episode 1" that you are in on www.TheBlazermen.com, what’s the story behind that?
ENOT: “Life of A Dreamer” is a web-episode based sitcom. The first of its kind with an all minority cast. It’s the brain child of my partner director JR PEREZ and it’s funny as hell and available to view free at www.TheBlazermen.com
JD: What artists/albums are you listening to at the moment?
ENOT: Ummmm. Let me see. Honestly I’m in the middle of my project right now so nothing really. I don’t want to be influenced by any outside source that’s out at the moment. So I tend to block out what’s out until I’m done with my project and then I take a look around to see what’s good.
JD: So what's next for ENOT?
ENOT: After I am done finishing promotion on “The PASTPORT” which won’t be for a while now. It took me about three years to complete this project from start to finish. So I intend to spend at least half that time promoting it properly. So people can have an opportunity to decide for themselves to like it or not. Being independent is different from a major in this case, in the sense that, I have the time and opportunity to expose people to more then one or two singles.
JD: Have you got any last words, shout outs or comments?
ENOT: First, I would like to thank Y’all for granting me this interview. Next I want everyone to know that my album “THE PASTPORT” is now available and they can buy it at www.myspace.com/ENOT or www.anonymouscorp.com. It’s not just music it’s an experience within an experience. Also check for it at a store near you.
Big Ups to my family: The Blazermen, Anonymous Music Group, Power of Circle, Guanita, and all MY FANS! Stay Up and Keep Blazin. ENOT
