Location
New Orleans, LA
Website
www.truthuniversal.com
Truth Universal: A desire to preserve the artform, and at the same time innovate, is why my sound and format are what they are. I write the way I write because my work represents struggle and the desire to be liberated from all oppressive forces that hinder people of color worldwide.
Tell us about this hip hop spot in New Orleans, "GRASSROOTS!" How are you invovled?
Truth Universal: "GRASSROOTS!" Hip Hop Movement is a monthly showcase series we hold @ a spot called The Neighborhood Gallery. We host national/international acts as well as showcase local independent/underground talent. The aim of "GRASSROOTS!" is to be a significant component in an underground touring circuit. You just get there and we give you lodging and a venue. It's an all ages event held every first Saturday. Those interested can contact me and send a press kit. And yeah, I am the initiator and coordinator.
In five words, describe Truth Universal and live performances.
Truth Universal: Turntables, Energy, Essence, Interaction, Revolution.
How have the folks been responding to some of your latest work including the "Four Track Mind"/"New Orleans Finest" 12-inch?
Truth Universal: The main response is "That's from New Orleans??" Some DJ's don't open packages I send them thinking that they have just received music that's in the vein of what's become known as the "New Orleans" sound, eg. No Limit & Cash Money. I mean once we get passed that it's usually positive feedback. The single charted nationally on college charts (rapattacklives.com, Record Breakers -- http://newrealm.com/charts, & Insomniac -- http://insomniac.com) for over a month and peaked at about 7.
On your website bio, the discography notes "A Black Day on Earth Compilation". Tell us about this album and your involvement in the project.
Truth Universal: That was a project fully produced by my man DJ What? in Memphis. A cat I went to school with had relocated up there and got with those cats up there. Anyhow, they formed a collective of like 10 Brothers called the Illdividuals. It was like two groups and some solo cats. They put me down. So, I went up there one weekend and recorded a few verses for some songs. The product was dope. There was nothing like that in the South like that. That was about '99. We were supposed to do so much with that. It kinda sat there. Only a couple hundred ever got circulated. I'm going to make it available from my website soon. It's too dope for no one to hear. DJ What? was sick with the MPC2000!
Do you think Hip Hop has changed from its early 80's to now? If you do, how so?
Truth Universal: Yes, it's changed. Mainly the change has been technological. It's good or bad, depending on how you look at it. It's to a point now where you don't need a bunch of expensive equipment to put out a project. At the same token, since everybody can do it, and garbage is acceptable, a lot of trash is circulated. A lot of these young cats are so eager to do things b4 they study the art. And with the corporate control, Hip Hop's direction is garbage. And some of the least talented folk don't have to pay any dues. It's cool though, because this could be the beginning of the music empire's fall. They have already dropped the suggested retail price on CD's.
If you were in full control of MTV, BET or any other national or global television network that label themselves as a Hip Hop music program, what would people see when they turn to your channel?
Truth Universal: Less asses and more substance. The news wouldn't be some industry bullshit or some petty negro bourgeoisie show that lacked critical analysis of real situations plaguing Black people and the world period! It would be more alternative news. It would be "non-Media Machine" news like Awol Magazine, Frontline Magazine or what Stress Magazine used to be. There would also be a lot of dope Hip Hop. A lot of that bs they show all day wouldn't be shown.
What can people expect from Truth Universal this fall & winter? What's in store for Truth Universal in 2004?
Truth Universal: You can expect me on a 12" or two. The album entitled "Decolonization", should be droppin' in early 2004. Also expect maaad shows all over the place!
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