We recently featured Miggs newest video for “Knowhateyemean?” off his upcoming album – Son Of A Gun – due May 19th. I had the opportunity to grab a brief interview so you can learn more about this ill emcee.
Let’s break the ice and get this out of the way. Who are you? Where did you come from? What style(s) of music do you create?
I’m Miggs Son Daddy from Tarrytown, New York. I make hip-hop music in my ideal image. As a kid, I was in love with the intricate lyricism of Big Pun, the story telling of Biggie, the knowledge of self promoted by Wu Tang and Black Star. I just take all that, mix in my own perspectives and abilites and use the tools at hand to produce something I feel is the dopest creation possible.
You’re more than just a music artist. What else do you create? You have your hands in community work as well…am I getting that right?
Yeah, I came to Savannah, Georgia to attend art school and learn about the illustration world. While music was sneaking it’s way into my scopes, I’ve done murals, I branded a new bar downtown, I helped design in-stadium player displays for the Miami Marlins and illustrated a children’s book. I definitely like to involve myself in the community designing and performing at local events like Earth Day, Urban Arts Festival, March Against Monsanto, Record Store Day, etc.
I learned about you when I was trying to book kidDEAD in Manchester, TN in 2013. Unfortunately we lost our venue, but how did you two connect? Can kidDEAD fans expect any collaborations or other joint work soon?
Word, I met kidDEAD when he came through Savannah with L.O.T.H and The ContraVerse. After that show, then another with The ContraVerse later that year, we formulated a Summer tour. KidDEAD inspires me. He’s a hard workin’ dude. I’m sure we’ll be workin’ together again in the future.
Having roots in NYC and being involved in the Georgia scene (as well as being a touring musician)… what can you say about the state of Hip Hop music and culture in the U.S.?
Hip-Hop in the US is in an identity crisis. Hip-Hop heads don’t fuck with the mainstream, but they want the same ultimate goal. Big crowds and big bucks. So they feel like they need to follow in the footsteps that they hated on to begin with. That’s the recipe for shitty music. Jay Z said he used to rhyme like Common Sense, then he made 5 mil and ain’t rhymed like Common since. What kind of message is that? Sorry, I’m part of the “keep your 5 mil, I’m gonna rhyme exactly how I’m gonna rhyme and I’ll be straight” club. I’m not tryin’ to make millions, I’m trying to feed my soul and create something authentic.
Son Of A Gun drops May 19th on Dope Sandwich… what can we expect?
Dope. A pure, unfiltered, mind-altering substance. The beats are all diverse with a mix of samples and live instrumentation. The conversations are introspective, humerous, confident, and honest. My mother always tole me to remember who I am. This is me.
Your {emcee} style reminds me of Wu-Tang, Jedi Mind Tricks, and R.A. the Rugged Man; who or what influences your music and creative styles?
Maaaan, oh man. The 90’s. All of it. Gang Starr, Naughty By Nature, Tribe Called Quest, Beatnuts, DITC, Pharcyde, Jeru The Damaja, The Fugees, and so on. But that’s just music. I’m influenced by video games, cartoons, sports, film, science, psycology, gastronomy, different cultures and beliefs around the world and the mysteries of the universe.
What was the last song you listened to?
“The Creep Hour” by my brother Freak Tha Monsta. My team is crazy…
Where can we connect with you online? Where can we check the upcoming tour dates?
Upcoming dates will be thoroughly promoted through Dope Sandwich: www.facebook.com/dopesandwich. And I’ll be promoting through www.facebook.com/miggstheartist and www.miggstheartist.tumblr.com. I’ve also got my music available at www.miggs.bandcamp.com and holla at me @miggstheartist on Twitter.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs?
Shout out to EVERYONE who helped me with ‘Son Of A Gun’! The fact that I was able to successfully include a bunch of my friends in the creation of this project is priceless.
