Q&A w/ KB & Mane Rok
questions and answers with @kenanbell and @manerok
Q: Who is Mane Rok?
A: A Son. Brother. Uncle. Father. Lover. Fighter. EmCee. Business, Maaaaan! In all reality…Mane Rok is just like “you”…another soul trying to live.
Q: What’s a typical day like?
A: A Typical Day is filled with work. “9-5 is for insurance, not what we are worth” – ‘Mane’s World’ off the upcoming DeeJay Tense mixtape ‘I like to play.’ This song is about my day and life in fact. I wake up to a 10mth old son, take my 13 year old son to school. Head to the current day job…of which I have only to make sure they are covered with health insurance b/c lord knows, this country won’t. After work. Feed the fam and work some more…on music. Whether booking shows, writing songs or any other miscellaneous deeds that a DIY artist does.
Q: What’s the best part about living in Colorado?
A: Colorado is beautiful. As a native, I see why so many of us take it for granted. I love Cali in the meanest way, but Colorado. Nothing compares. Right when you get sick of the heat of summer, Autumn falls in your lap and so on. My dude G(Riot) of Chicago’s famed “Famiy Tree” collective opened my eyes to it, and ever since, when I travel I see it time and time again. There’s no pretentiousness here (for the most part.) It’s a really humble place, with a lot of reasons to not be…plus, all the fam that comes out from LA says “Denver is like a mini-LA.” I like to think of Denver as the “Cool cousin that LA never knew she had.”
Q: What is your definition of ‘Hip Hop”?
A: I went from being a teenage graff-writer coming up in the “true skool” era, thinking that Hip Hop was only that good ol’ Boom Bap, but like myself, she has evolved in to so many things because she is made up of so many things. Afrika Bambataa stated that Hip Hop wasn’t for any one race or people. That it was for all and our only scale of judgement was based on skills. Hip Hop is the great equalizer.
Q: What are your feelings regarding current affairs in America?
A: America the beautiful. The Mayan’s believed that at the end of this 5th world, a “great awakening” would commence by the people of the sun. Watching the Latino population explode and thus change the landscape back to what it originally looked like here, along with the Americanization of these very people, we are watching that change in fact happen. Evolution is happening and it scares a lot of people. The best thing about America is that her “principles” were created for the purpose to help the evolution occur. There will always be ugly issues and we should all be aware and continually attempt to right those wrongs. I’m just happy to be a part of it and to have a voice in it all.
Q: Explain how the nation’s economic woes have affected businesses in Colorado.
A: Colorado was in fact one of the least hit states by the economic downfall. During the 80’s, Colorado developed “Always Buy Colorado” and had a summer festival to support this and local businesses. It’s now called the “Taste of Colorado”, but like all things American, is super corporate. That said, the ideals behind it have had a lasting effect. It created this insular support system that helped keep the recession’s effects to a minimum. All the same though, being land locked in the belly of the beast helped perpetuate that as well.
Q: What’s the most challenging part about being a Latino man living in the South West?
A: Good question. I’d have to say it’s watching a world/country be blind to what a “Latino Man” really means is. The South West is the home of Mexican-American’s and we’re treated like “illegal immigrants.” The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo stated that all peoples native (ie. the Mexican’s on this side of the border) to this area would be allowed to maintain their culture and language when the area was ceded to the U.S. and yet, these days we have the blantantly racist laws that states like Arizona are trying to pass. They took away “Mexican-American” studies in a place that looks and feels just like Mexico, because that scares “them.” I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but this makes absolutely no sense.
Q: What’s your favorite word?
A: Family.
Q: What’s your favorite color?
A: Black…although righteously black isn’t a color.
Q: What’s the greatest compliment you’ve received from a fan? What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said?
A: Being asked if I’m from LA. Ha! Seriously though, it was like the barometer for how people viewed our music/performance. Opening for touring acts, no one would believe we were from Colorado because it’s a rarity to see solid Hip-Hop performances and music from here. Again, being land locked has people’s views skewed, because I’ve been to hella cities, including NY and LA, and there’s a lot of terribleness everywhere. I’m not religious, but love the mathematics of the 85 Percenters, probably because I’m a “facts/numbers kind of guy.” I figure those numbers can be applied to most things. NY has 8 million folks. Denver area 3 Million. Of those it’s a ratio. 85% of folks making music are wack. Straight up and down. 10% are wack, but in denial and work hella hard. 5% are dope. Apply the ratio to any city…from Cheyenne to LA. It works out the same.
Q: If you were elected President of the United States, what would be the first thing YOU would do?
A: Man-quite honestly I don’t even know where to begin. What a daunting task to be in “charge” of this country. I’d take the money out of politics (if it was possible that is.) I’d make all Fed Govt elected officials, including the office of the President have to be paid the median wage of the country. That seems fair and I think would remove so many “career politicians” from being just that. So many are millionaires anyway, that it wouldn’t really hurt them. It’d be like when you get selected for jury duty.
What’s the first word that comes to mind from reading these terms?
Love- Family
Happiness- Family
The Rockies- Home
Treasure- Family
California- Dreams
America- Complex
Money- Lies
Hip Hop- Life
A million thanks for considering me for this project. One of the main reasons I’m convinced any artist creates is to tell their story of which is but a chapter in the book of life. Appreciate you letting me tell mine.
KB: I have had the pleasure of performing with Mane on multiple occasions and each time, I’m in awe at how much passion and energy is conveyed in my brother’s performances. Very inspiring, both lyrically and in his business savvy, and I’m always thankful to soak up any knowledge I can whenever speaking with my dude. Every time I’ve toured through CO, whether with De La, P.U.T.S. or Gavin, Mane has come through in the clutch and reminded me why we’re even able to do what we do…because of folks like Sam Baron aka Mane Rok.
Note: Last year, after learning about Kool Herc’s dire medical condition and inability to afford hospital expenses because of lack of health insurance, Sam decided to donate the entire proceeds from our mini tour to the Kool Herc Foundation
Q & A with KB & Carl Roe
questions and answers with @kenanbell and @carl_roe
Q: Who is Carl Roe?
A: Carl Roe is just a man and nothing more. I am debating in my head whether or not I want to continue answering this while referring to myself in the third person…….Hell, why not. Carl Roe is a former soldier and a family member to many. He searches for himself daily and shows others what he wants them to see. The things he tries to hide do not stay hidden very well. He wears his opinions, feelings, and temper on his sleeve. He is a music artist and a music artist is vulnerable to the public. Carl Roe, the musician, is a dream that exists in my head, as well. Literally, though, Carl is my real first name and Roe is half of my middle name (Monroe).
Q: What’s a typical day like?
A: A typical day in my life is waking up, getting ready for work, going to work, leaving work……. and then starting my day. Honestly, my day doesn’t start until I am done doing what American culture expects a 28 year old man to do. Music is never a disposition, it is my choice. Living in a consumer economy…. I didn’t choose that. So, leaving work is me breaking those chains every day. Maybe I will write music, mix, make a beat, do a show or run a studio session for the homies. I enjoy the power that music has in bringing people together. What I’m trying to get across is this: I don’t want my days to be typical. Typical is boring. Typical is what a consumer economy wants me to be so I can keep the machine running (That’s my typical attempt at saying something politically meaningful)
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: “The Little Guy” … and there is a reason for this, too. The little guy can show you a lot of things. He can show you how vulnerable human beings are. Most importantly, he can also prove to you how anyone can do anything.
Q: What is your favorite word?
A: WOWWWWWWWWW!
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job is anything that helps me fulfill the expectations of my life as a husband, while at the same time persevering through the day without wanting to snuff myself. I still have yet to find this.
Q: Who is your dream girl?
A: Now, do I want to do the smart thing and say “I’m with her already”? Hmmm… Yeah, I think I will just do that.
Q: What are your feelings towards the military-inspired video games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield?
A: Man, I love the video juegos, bro. 10th Prestiged Call of Duty: World at War. I played that one the most just because it was mostly realistic to how I know the Army to be. I think it’s cool that people (of appropriate age) get to experience teamwork and team strategy to overcome an opposing force. It is highly entertaining. However, the real thing is not that glamorous. In a game, you can run around an entire terrain with your weapons. But, let me tell you, running 4 miles with a rifle in your hands sucks. That’s the stuff I think about when I play those games. They should make a Call of Duty game about guard duty. People would be pissed.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
A: I have been contemplating living somewhere else other than this continent. Yeah, I fought for it and I am proud. America all day. I just want to keep experiencing new places and learn new languages. Paris sounds nice. Italy sounds wonderful. Maybe I should live on a cruise ship and just live everywhere. I don’t really know what home is anymore, but that’s a whole different story.
Q: Most important element of Hip Hop: Breakdancing, MCing, DJing, Grafitti, or Beatboxing?
A: Hmmmm, we are including beatboxing? Is that a documented, official element? Interesting, and no disrespect to the homie Rahzel. It really is a talent. I suppose it really is an element. Very highly overlooked. As per the question, it really depends because we have to consider exactly WHAT element pushed Hip Hop forward inevitably. DJing brought forth the MC and the MC pretty much allowed Hip Hop to be packaged and pushed to the masses. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing depends on the scholar you speak to. Personally, I am going to stress the importance of the element I mostly take part in: MCing. Let me briefly explain. The MC is responsible…… He/she is an ambassador for something great. Everything we say stems from what we represent. This vulnerability of being completely public with our thoughts puts us in a very crucial role.
Q: Most important part of the recording process: writing, recording, mixing, or mastering?
A: Writing is most important. You need to be on your game and have your thoughts mapped out before you even attempt a recording. Everything else is important, but writing is most, by far.
Q: How do you feel about the recent success of Caucasian rappers?
A: I think it’s cool. If they are good there shouldn’t be a problem. I know a couple magenta-colored dudes that try to rap and they suck, real bad. I hate sucky rappers no matter what they look like. I stomach the comparisons to other white dudes doing this music all the time. It’s funny how people compare me to the biggest ones doing it right now, and their names never came up until their recent “blow-up” experience. It’s whatever, though. Compare me to some of those guys, because I don’t mind. A lot of them are dope. Hell, it’s gonna happen anyways. I’m glad people have just about finally moved on from the obvious one, though. “Hmmm, wait… no he doesn’t sound like him to me now… he sounds like (insert whitey’s name here).”
What’s the first word that comes to mind from reading these terms?
President Obama – “George Bush Jr.”
George Bush Jr. – “Son-of-a-Bush”
Soulja Boy – “A**hole”
State of Hip Hop – “Washington”
State of the economy – “Washington”
Tupac or Biggie – “Greatness”
East or West – “Compass”
Red or Blue – “Halo”
Black or White – “Michael Jackson”
Day or Night – “Vampires”
S/O’s:
Yes, my favorite part. I want to give a shout out to my buddy DJ GEO for his favor last night. This guy took a phone call from me about 3 hours before my set went live at the Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle. He dropped what he was doing, grabbed his gear and came to my aid. He DJ’ed my set, plus he stayed to do six other sets. He saved the entire night and for this he gets my only shout out. NOT A SINGLE PERSON has shown me that they are willing to go that far for me in this game yet. DJ GEO is a stand up guy, and hopefully he does more shows with me exclusively, soon. What he did was selfless, honorable, and characteristic of a born leader.
KB: I was introduced to Carl while working on the We’re On Everything mixtape presented by Blood Is One, and we’ve been working on music together ever since. Carl handled mixing and engineering duties on both Summer Solstice Volume 2 and Volume 3, and I couldn’t be more excited to feature him alongside my dude @Ayomari on the remix to “Book Of The Month”
thank YOU!
http://kenanbell.com
