Genesis Elijah has been rapping and writing rhymes since the age of 11 and has been heavily involved in the U.K. Hip-Hop scene since 15 years of age. He has performed alongside the likes of Blak Twang, Big Ted & Shortee Blitz, Jehst, Phi-Life Cypher, Semtex, Rodney P, Task Force, Tommy Evans and many others.He has also collaborated with the likes of Terra Firma (Klashnekoff, Kyza & Skriblah), Wordsmith, Skinnyman, Tommy Evans, AC & Terra, DVS and many others.
1. Whats happening Genesis....What have you been up to lately?
Hustling! I’ve been out on road almost everyday since July (2006) pushing The Industrial Revolution mixtape. The new mixtape “The Hustler’s Prayer” is almost finished I’m ready to attack the game now.
2. What are we going to expect from your new project "The Hustler's Prayer Mixtape"?
Sick beats and even sicker lyrics. The mixtape theme is obviously hustling and being on the grind so that’s what I’m bringing to the table. I’m trying show people what we do and how we do it. I ain’t giving away too many secrets but I’m letting heads peek at the blue print. To be honest if you’re a true hustler you already know what it’s about.
3. What was it like working with artists such as Tom Gist of Dipset, Wordsmith and Sway?
I didn’t work with Tom Gist cos we did our recording separately but we talk now and then and we’re gonna be doing a few projects in the future. As for Wordz and Sway it’s always good working with people you look up to because they we’ll always force you to step your game up. I learnt a lot from them and I’ve learnt a lot from all the other rappers I’ve worked with in the past.
4. Whats the reaction on the streets been like for you?
It’s quite amazing to be honest. Everywhere I go people show love for what I do and the kind of things I talk about. I don’t see myself as one of the big names in the scene so it’s always a shock when I touch down in a town I’ve never been before and there’s a group of guys or girls telling me I’m there favorite rapper. It’s mad!
5. With the Glastonbury festival being one of the most memorable performances, What other venues are we going to be seeing you perform?
Wembley Stadium!! Nah not just yet but God willing one day. I’ll do show’s every where and any where as long as the vibe is right I’m good. If I’m in a city shotting mixtapes and someone tells me there’s a good night jumping of then I might just turn up and get on stage. You might see me performing in your neighbors front room. Who knows?
6. Now that the UK music scene is at its growth stage, Do you think this finally a chance for countries like America to take our artists more seriously?
I don’t really care what America think of our artist. I’m not saying that to be rude or to sound arrogant but I think this whole thing of trying to “break America” is pitiful. It’s quite sad and embarrassing really. It’s almost like we’re a little kid who’s trying his best to get
in to a gang that doesn’t really want him. Here’s this kid changing the way he sounds and looks to fit in and the gang are looking at this kid like he’s crazy.
If you look at our (Britain) most successful films and comedies to cross the waters it’s the ones that keep their British identities. Look at films like Notting Hill or show’s like The Office. These were huge successes in the states not because they tried to cater to American taste but because they represented aspects of British life and were true to their selves.
Until we stop trying to sell them a product (Hip Hop) that they already produce it’s never going to go the way we want it to. The artist that do get over there and make some noise (The Streets, Dizzee, Lady Sovereign, Kano & Sway) are the ones who stay true to themselves but unfortunately they are too few and far between.
7. How would you describe the type of music you make?
I try to make intelligent music for intelligent people. It don’t matter if you’re a big time shotter or a doctor if you got sense then I’m making music for you. If you one of these dick heads who wants to talk about “reppin' your endz” or how you gonna shoot up this bre (without a good reason. There are times for extreme measures but that’s a whole other interview) or any other such foolishness then please feel free to listen to the hordes of other like minded idiots you see and hear on Channel U or on radio show’s around the country. My music is not for the masses. In the words of the great poet Rodney Hindes “I make music for the mindful deep thinking types”.
8. What has been the biggest highlight since you have been on the scene?
For me it was getting album of the month in Undercover Magazine for my album/compilation “Deh Pon Road”. That was a big thing for me. The biggest highlight for the scene for my was hearing Sway tear it up on DJ Kay Slay’s HOT 97 show with Papoose, Saigon, Styles P. & Lupe Fiasco. I felt proud.
9. What advice would you give other artists trying to make it?
Make sure that you work harder then all the artist you know. There is no substitute for excellence. If you want something go get it.
10. Finally, Anyone you would like to shout out?
My manager Nina Carmela. My agent Naomi Palmer. The whole of Escape Route Music (Staff/Artist) and every one of my supporters. I do this for you. Holla at me at www.myspace.com/genesiselijah
Interview by: The Exec
Hustling! I’ve been out on road almost everyday since July (2006) pushing The Industrial Revolution mixtape. The new mixtape “The Hustler’s Prayer” is almost finished I’m ready to attack the game now.
2. What are we going to expect from your new project "The Hustler's Prayer Mixtape"?
Sick beats and even sicker lyrics. The mixtape theme is obviously hustling and being on the grind so that’s what I’m bringing to the table. I’m trying show people what we do and how we do it. I ain’t giving away too many secrets but I’m letting heads peek at the blue print. To be honest if you’re a true hustler you already know what it’s about.
3. What was it like working with artists such as Tom Gist of Dipset, Wordsmith and Sway?
I didn’t work with Tom Gist cos we did our recording separately but we talk now and then and we’re gonna be doing a few projects in the future. As for Wordz and Sway it’s always good working with people you look up to because they we’ll always force you to step your game up. I learnt a lot from them and I’ve learnt a lot from all the other rappers I’ve worked with in the past.
4. Whats the reaction on the streets been like for you?
It’s quite amazing to be honest. Everywhere I go people show love for what I do and the kind of things I talk about. I don’t see myself as one of the big names in the scene so it’s always a shock when I touch down in a town I’ve never been before and there’s a group of guys or girls telling me I’m there favorite rapper. It’s mad!
5. With the Glastonbury festival being one of the most memorable performances, What other venues are we going to be seeing you perform?
Wembley Stadium!! Nah not just yet but God willing one day. I’ll do show’s every where and any where as long as the vibe is right I’m good. If I’m in a city shotting mixtapes and someone tells me there’s a good night jumping of then I might just turn up and get on stage. You might see me performing in your neighbors front room. Who knows?
6. Now that the UK music scene is at its growth stage, Do you think this finally a chance for countries like America to take our artists more seriously?
I don’t really care what America think of our artist. I’m not saying that to be rude or to sound arrogant but I think this whole thing of trying to “break America” is pitiful. It’s quite sad and embarrassing really. It’s almost like we’re a little kid who’s trying his best to get
in to a gang that doesn’t really want him. Here’s this kid changing the way he sounds and looks to fit in and the gang are looking at this kid like he’s crazy.
If you look at our (Britain) most successful films and comedies to cross the waters it’s the ones that keep their British identities. Look at films like Notting Hill or show’s like The Office. These were huge successes in the states not because they tried to cater to American taste but because they represented aspects of British life and were true to their selves.
Until we stop trying to sell them a product (Hip Hop) that they already produce it’s never going to go the way we want it to. The artist that do get over there and make some noise (The Streets, Dizzee, Lady Sovereign, Kano & Sway) are the ones who stay true to themselves but unfortunately they are too few and far between.
7. How would you describe the type of music you make?
I try to make intelligent music for intelligent people. It don’t matter if you’re a big time shotter or a doctor if you got sense then I’m making music for you. If you one of these dick heads who wants to talk about “reppin' your endz” or how you gonna shoot up this bre (without a good reason. There are times for extreme measures but that’s a whole other interview) or any other such foolishness then please feel free to listen to the hordes of other like minded idiots you see and hear on Channel U or on radio show’s around the country. My music is not for the masses. In the words of the great poet Rodney Hindes “I make music for the mindful deep thinking types”.
8. What has been the biggest highlight since you have been on the scene?
For me it was getting album of the month in Undercover Magazine for my album/compilation “Deh Pon Road”. That was a big thing for me. The biggest highlight for the scene for my was hearing Sway tear it up on DJ Kay Slay’s HOT 97 show with Papoose, Saigon, Styles P. & Lupe Fiasco. I felt proud.
9. What advice would you give other artists trying to make it?
Make sure that you work harder then all the artist you know. There is no substitute for excellence. If you want something go get it.
10. Finally, Anyone you would like to shout out?
My manager Nina Carmela. My agent Naomi Palmer. The whole of Escape Route Music (Staff/Artist) and every one of my supporters. I do this for you. Holla at me at www.myspace.com/genesiselijah
Interview by: The Exec
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