Location
New Orleans, LA
Website
www.truthuniversal.com
Truth Universal: Well, first I want to say that "Statistically Speaking" is not that much different from a Juvenile (name some other rapper)'s sentiment. It's all struggle music. The main differences are the format, and I feel that what I do is attack the situation from a different angle (perspective). Most young Black men I know, regardless of their upbringing, have been incarcerated for something or the other. It's not just by coincidence; its planned! I wanted to do more than scratch the surface. This is a real life experience that helped me to understand the situation of the Black male here in Amerikkka. At that point in my life, I was 17. That brief incarceration was one of the biggest adversities up until then. I was like, "why me?" You are conditioned, by media and elders who don't know better, to believe that people who commit crimes are incarcerated. You never hear that it's because you are Black and/or poor. The vast majority of US prison inmates are not rich, and they are not white. They are free or cheap government labor; slaves if you will. Private industry now uses prison labor. IBM, Intel, and countless others have manufacturing contracts with prisons. Plenty cats are non-violent offenders who either have life sentences or damn near. I could go on and on about this. The incident in "Statistically Speaking" was the beginning of my putting all of this into perspective.
Are you involved in any other projects (ex: compilations, film, community programs)?
Truth Universal: Right now I'm mostly focused on doing shows in other cities, recording this album and seeking the best avenue for release. I'm always involved in the community movements. Usually I contribute with performance for benefits and what not. I do work with the Comitte to Free The Angola 3. The are/were 3 prisoners in Angola State Penintentiary --Albert Woodfox, Herman Wallace, and Robert "King" Wilkerson. Robert Wilkerson was released about 3 years ago. Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace are still being held captive. Whenever I can I'll shoot some material to someone putting together a compilation.
Other than your own sounds, what else is currently rotating in Truth Universal's walkman, stereo, etc.?
Truth Universal: Right now I'm bumping Gang Starr's "The Ownerz" and "The Moment of Truth", this cat from Michigan --S.U.N., The Micranots old joint, Rasco's new one, some beats from Natural Born, some dancehall and calypso, and Immortal Technique. That's just right now!
If everyone in the world was obligated to listen at the same time, and you were given the opportunity to play one of your tracks for them all, which one would that be? Why?
Truth Universal: I would have to say "Kamau". That is just the song that best sums up Truth Universal. It touches on a great deal of my beliefs and things I strive for.
How about literature? Are there any books or authors that you have been reading lately?
Truth Universal: Frantz Fanon's A Dying Colonialism is what I'm reading right now. Next I'm going to get into some Orisha study. I have a book by Tobe Melora Correal called, Find Soul on the Path of Orisha, I plan to read next. I also have a couple of Capoeira books I'm going to be reading soon.
Will you vote in the 2004 presidential election? What is your opinion on the conflicts that continue to build in our own communities and the countries around us?
Truth Universal: Nah, I definitely don't deal with the electoral politics. Thats some BS set up for the aristocracy --ruling class --Bush and his controllers in this case, to make decisions. The popular vote counts for nothing really. That was proven in the last election. Bush lost that shit. However, by virtue of them being able to say that Bush beat Gore due to electoral votes, it's accepted. Yeah OK..I don't have time to waste on that. All of the conflicts that continue to build in our communities and abroad are the result of US's greed and meglomanical nature. The "wars" are orchestrated so that when the smoke clears the countries are weakened, they can go and set up a shadow government, and steal the country's resources. I can't recall them "helping" any governments fight others that didn't have some natural resource to "offer". Do you? For instance, with Afghanistan it's oil and poppy, and with Iraq it's oil also.
Any shout outs?
Truth Universal: My Mama, my Wife, my Brothers, my family in Trini, Natural Born for steppin' up and providing exceptional production, Pantha, DJ Maximillion, my comrades in the struggle, and all DJ's spinnin' me. Fiyah Burn every bitch ass label and distribution company who refused my product because I don't kiss your ass or shoot basketball with your employees, all DJ's who have my wax in their crate and never play it, every venue talent coordinator who gives me the run around, every promoter and management company/tour manager who prevented me from opening for their artists. You bastards only make me stronger. I don't need you to make it. See you on the way down. A big shout goes to you Lee for what you're doing and give thanx for the interview.
What else would you like the folks in New Mexico to know about Truth Universal?
Truth Universal: I need your Support! I wanna rock New Mexico. Check me out: http://truthuniversal.com
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