Marlon Craft On The Internet Killed The Neighborhood, OTR Cypher, Havoc, Method Man, Live Residency

Marlon Craft joins Gabe P on The Frequency for a deep conversation surrounding his latest album, The Internet Killed The Neighborhood. The New York rapper breaks down the themes behind the project, reflects on his journey from the On The Radar Cypher to becoming one of the most respected independent voices in hip-hop, and shares stories from working alongside legends like Havoc and Method Man. Marlon also discusses the importance of building real world community through his live residency shows and how he's navigating today's music industry while staying true to his artistry. A thoughtful conversation on culture, creativity, and longevity in hip-hop.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Yes, sir, baby. Welcome back to the Frequency app on the radar. Uh in our new pod space. Uh I got my brother in the building, Marlon Kraft. Yes, sir. You know that do like long intros, but I feel like this doesn't need to be said. This is like your millionth, not your millionth time on the show. Like fourth time on the show. Third interview, though.

unknown 0:15

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 0:16

Third interview, man.

SPEAKER_02 0:17

Cause we got one of the first ones. Like I remember in the iHeart building, like coming up in the early days. Oh yeah. I was watching that back today, actually. I gotta watch that.

SPEAKER_00 0:24

And there's like a certain I'm but I want to talk about the neurotic thing that we were just talking about first before I I because like I literally just like I was on the video in on YouTube Studio, and what I did was I just like clicked a random point. I'm like, let's just see the random thing that we're talking about. First of all, you sound exactly the same. Like your voice has not changed. My voice sounds like I'm like, oh my god, like I had to go through a puberty again. Like I sound completely different. But the context of that interview was just so funny because we were both young and just talking about like really stupid shit. But before I get to that, the neuroticness of it, we you before the cameras were rolling, we're talking about Dante said I was neurotic. Why'd you say I was neurotic?

unknown 1:00

Because you think about everything before you ask any questions.

SPEAKER_00 1:02

Oh, yeah. Well, I have to think about things before I ask questions, or like I I pre-plan all these videos to drop, but then we're like, oh, we have to be neurotic because of what we do, and then then you were gonna kind of get into that a little bit.

SPEAKER_02 1:12

Yeah, I was talking about some other shit, but like I was just talking about these interviews, honestly, where like the way they get clipped out and like just being conscious of what I'm saying, because I'm a pretty free-flowing guy, especially with people that I'm comfortable with. Yeah. And I'll just like, you know, I grew up like just talking shit on the block and like just communicating really freely. And we don't really live in a time where you know everything can be clipped and taken out of context. Even just the speed and the pacing of a clip can change the intention of how it felt in the room or what you were saying, where people are not even trying to get you caught up, but like they're just trying to make a better clip. But then you might be like, damn, that's not what I meant to say. So it's made me really neurotic with uh the interviews and being like, yo, let me look at this and let me like really consider what I say and how I say it, whatever, which is kind of like not who I am. Really, like I kind of just let it fly, especially when you're my man's, you know what I mean?

SPEAKER_00 2:03

So or but you know what it is too, like I that's just like clip clipping culture now. It's not even always like with like these interviews, like on Twitter it's like a very popular thing to like take clips of like streamers, and the the the caption or the or the or the tweet will be like some other context. So like it could be like a video of Kai just doing something, and they'll be like Kai Sonat crashes out on his man's for da-da-da-da-da-da. But that's not what even the clip is about. But like, since there's like a little piece of the clip that kind of like can lean into like that context being like what's happening, yeah, they'll tweet about it to generate clips. Like, there'll be so many times that like Toby on my team will send me like a clip, she'll be like, Gabe, is this really happening? And it'll be like of one of the boys, and I'll be like, bro, no, this is like a clearly a fake one of those fake Twitter pages that well, not even a fake Twitter page, but a Twitter page that is literally there to generate like false uh narratives.

SPEAKER_02 2:51

But that's the thing, whole narratives get spun out of these things, and then it's a balance, like everyone's just trying to get people to engage and grab your attention. And I think there are people that are just even trying to do good work that are like, yeah, but I gotta grab people so that they can see the music I want to expose people to or the cool shit that I'm trying to put on for. But I think sometimes if you're not careful, then like the caption or the meme or whatever becomes like the next like you're getting more eyeballs, but they're interpreting it a different way. So it's it's uh I don't know, that shit stresses me out. Like I've been doing interviews now back for promoting the album. Yeah, I haven't done them in a long time. And it like yeah, it's been taking something out of me. Like, I'll be going home and I'm just like I don't know. Like it I it's making me like hyper conscious of like how I come off. And um I never really been that type of uh cat when it comes to talking. Like I've definitely obviously been self-conscious of about how I come off in many ways throughout my life and in the rap game, but when it comes to like speaking, that's what something I'm very confident at, like communicating my messaging and standing behind what I say. But the clip culture thing got me like fucked up because I'm like, damn, like now they can do it however they want. And I can't imagine, you know, to be like famous, famous on some next level shit where anything you do is gonna get a bunch generate a bunch of clicks. So it's almost like you're fucking like like that fucking scene from uh Oceans 12 where the dude like goes through all the red like lasers and shit. And he like dances.

SPEAKER_00 4:25

Wait, the the Asian, the Asian guy?

SPEAKER_02 4:26

The Italian guy or French, French. He goes through like all the lasers in the museum to get to this shit. He's like boom, he's like weaving all this shit. It's like that's probably how these celebrities that are like really famous feel like in interview. Like, I can't imagine, you know what I mean? It's like everything I say, I can't say this, and they're gonna clip it like this, but I don't know. It's it's uh it is what it is.

SPEAKER_00 4:46

But you can still get caught. I ain't gonna lie, you can still get caught up. Like, I feel like you know, I think you and I had this conversation a couple weeks ago. Like, we could just be like there have been times where we've been like talking about stuff on like interviews or podcasts or whatever, and like they'll just take that one part and you'll be like, wait, half the context was like 10 seconds before this. Yes, you know what I'm saying? So it's like you just you you you want to be like, I think like I you're the same way now too. Like, I think you just like being conscious of like the things you say to making sure that like everything's kind of in like that one sentence that way you don't that way you don't get caught up again.

SPEAKER_02 5:14

Yeah, and we just be clipping shit up too. Like, you know, so it's like we'll do the interview and then cool, like cool. Let's create the like let's control how the the parts that we want to share, which I see the utility of more now. I'm not I'm learning how to like share parts of me speaking. I really didn't want to overshadow the music too much. Yeah, I don't want to be a guy that's like known for talking and personality, but also that's a gateway to the music. That was a gateway to a lot of artist music for me. Like there's certain artists that maybe their first three albums I didn't even really connect with that hard, but I just kept tuning in because I connected with their interviews so much, like and how like the way they were thinking. So I was like, I'm gonna always give the shot. And then around album three, four, whatever, I'm like, that's the one that I really connect with. So I'm trying to, I'm trying to like, you know, be more loose, let people see me and hear me and like see who I am and fuck with me. But um, I don't know. I always feel different feelings about it, you know.

SPEAKER_00 6:10

Yeah, I feel you, I feel you. Well, like going back to like our first interview, it was so funny because like back then, like your hair's a lot longer now. Yeah, you got the full-grown beard. Back then, you're super clean shaven. I was wearing like a construction worker's like quarter zip hoodie. It's clearly before I met Dante because now he styles me. Like, and it's just like I was like, I was like, damn, we were so young, but it was so funny because when I clicked on this random part of the video, we were talking, we were like just bullshitting. And we're talking about how much we hate bike lanes in New York. And it's like, and I remember like I mean, I I I should have saved the clip, but like I remember my my ex at the time had just got hit by one of the bikers, and like you were just talking about how much you disliked them and da-da-da-da-da. This isn't that. And it's so funny that now that I'm thinking about this, is because like one of our closest friends, Kenny, who may or may not be on the way here, he's like that he's that's him now.

SPEAKER_02 6:59

Bro, I biked here. You biked here? Yeah, that's crazy. No way. I biked here on a city bike from fucking Manhattan. No, get the get the photo. Yeah, so it shit times have changed. That's crazy. I mean, I always fucked with the bikes and the bike path.

SPEAKER_00 7:12

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 7:12

Um, and my pops always be biking where and I, but that's crazy. Yeah, like. Okay, so that's what still pisses me off because motherfuckers be on the like really expensive bikes acting like it's like, yo, you live in New York, fam. Like, you don't live in like, you know, somewhere where and they go mad fast and they're in the whole spandex fit and they're going like, hey, ah, and then they say some shit, hey, fuck you, or like some shit that it's like you would never stop and say to me, like, you gotta be accountable. If you if you're gonna give somebody a fuck you, you you gotta do it. Like, you gotta stop the bike and see if I wanna fight. Right. And then then I'll respect it. Then I gotta decide. Yeah. But okay, I respect it.

SPEAKER_00 7:55

No, no, go ahead.

SPEAKER_02 7:56

No, no, no, that's it, really. That I stand by. That I stand by. That makes more sense.

SPEAKER_00 8:00

Nah, because I see like people with like the new thing is like they have the electronic bikes um that have like have like a like like a little not an iPad, but like a little screen, like on the I don't even know what you would call it, but like right there. And I keep seeing them. I think what my boy Arshan, who runs Kids Takeover, I think he I saw that they gifted him one, but like I started seeing those more and I'm I'm always finding it interesting. But also, like, I don't know, I'm I I'm still a driver to this day. So like I'll be in the city and like I just hate when like the the the bikers are like trying to risk their lives and just sinking with a you know what I'm saying?

SPEAKER_02 8:31

Yeah, you yeah, we yeah. I'll be I'll be on the shit and I'm like, yeah, I know the drivers hate me. You know, yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 8:37

Okay, cool. As long as you as long as you know, because like it's just like I'm like, why like why are you swerving in front of my car knowing damn well I'm going at a certain speed and I gotta break now? You're you're brake checking me.

SPEAKER_02 8:48

Yeah, no, it's a fact. It's a fact.

SPEAKER_00 8:49

You bike you from you from the upper west side?

SPEAKER_02 8:52

Yeah, on the city bike. Because it's like rush hour-ish, and I'm gonna see you know what I mean. It's nice outside. I'm like, yo, I'd rather just be outside than like in the train from that. Yeah, super-ish. But yeah, nah, I'd be I'd be I'd be on the bikes. In the pandemic, I was on the bike heavy and I just kind of like carried it over, you know.

SPEAKER_00 9:08

That's I mean, it's healthy. But look, man, I'm happy to have you here because like I feel like a lot of people like who are like kind of either new to like the on-the-radar world or like new to like you or like or new to like everything that we've done these last couple months together, would be the cypher or um the experience that should be out by the time this is out. I think the time this or the experience comes out, and this comes out on the weekend. Um, so go check that out if you haven't seen it. Um but people don't know that we really like started together, like like seven, eight, no, seven years ago now, about seven, eight years ago now. Marlon was like one of the first people to like ever really believe in OTR. And honestly, like a lot of this shit wouldn't technically exist because Marlon was like the first domino piece that kind of led to a lot of other things happening, including John. Like, I met John because John, John, who runs my label, I met him at your show. I think it was for Funhouse. Was it for Funhouse? Yeah, yeah. It was for Fun House mirrors at the time, and like Kenny and like all the things that have happened with Kenny, like you were like the first domino piece for that. And I feel like that goes to say, like, that's just kind of who you are as a person, too. Like, you're always like the person who kind of like starts a lot of things. And I think we were talking about it a lot, like around the cipher. And I think there was a there was a line in the cipher too about how you're talking about how like there are rappers who c who like study you and copy your flow and things like that. And I'm like, and I'm thinking back, and as I was preparing for this interview and as I was reflecting on like our history together, that I'm like, damn, like people don't really know that Marlon started a lot of things that others won't acknowledge, you know what I'm saying? So I just want to acknowledge that and say and say thank you. Thank you, Gabe.

SPEAKER_02 10:40

This is the greatest day of my life. Nah, I really appreciate that. Nah, for real. That actually makes me smile a lot hearing somebody say that to my face and on a podcast. I mean, uh, and in an interview, bro, like, yeah, I mean, nah, I I think uh yeah, I just appreciate it. I mean, like, I'm so honored to be a part of the story of on the radar and what you've done, bro. And it's just been so amazing to see like from when we did that first interview, and I'm just I'm honored to be part of the story, having some of those shows, some of those introductions just bridge some of the gap. And when I think about legacy and impact, that's the stuff that I think about, whether people see it or not, whether people walk around thinking about Marlon Kraft as you know having influence like culturally, I know that I do, and I think people are learning that and seeing that. And um, but it it's so I'm trying to work on letting it be enough for me that that I know it because it's important to me and I see what's going on and know that I played a hand in the way certain things move, and that's really special. But it definitely it definitely uh helps to hear it, man. So I appreciate that shit.

SPEAKER_00 11:44

For sure, Maji, for sure. But like if it's cool with you, like this is like an interview, this is our first interview in like three, four years, right? Um, and like we're both obviously in very different places in our lives now, but like I kind of wanted to take it back because you know you were signed over at Same Plate for a while at Sony, right? And then you have been doing it independently for about five, six years now.

SPEAKER_02 12:06

Yeah, back I was there for like a year and a half from like until 2020. So since 2020, I've been back fully independent.

SPEAKER_00 12:13

So it was a pretty it was it was it was a semi-short stint, yeah, right? And I don't think we ever fully got to like talk about it, right? What was that transition like for you? Because that's like, you know, when people I feel like when people sign a label, they sign the distro deals, like that's like a solid, like two, three year minimum commitment, you know what I'm saying? It's not like a year and a half, right? Yeah, so for you, right? Because you you went from independent, the same place, and RCA and Sony with the machine, to then you know, going back to doing it on your own and grinding and grinding on your own. What was that like time period like for you in the decision making to go like, you know, join the label, but then also like, you know, be done with it a year and a half later, too, if that makes sense?

SPEAKER_02 12:52

For sure, man. I mean, I was at the point, you know, I had done some special things independently uh and had this real like ground swell momentum, but I just realized, man, like there's resources I don't have, there's art that I want to make. I want to get in the studio with the musicians. I've been recording everything in my bedrooms, like I want to get in and see this musical vision through. Like I just knew I needed some type of budget and some type of push and that I had to bust a certain move. So I did the deal with Sainplate, which was like a JV with Sony. And kind of the pitch to me, the pitch to me was like uh, which a lot of people were trying to do at that time, was like indie label deal structure, but major label resources, because we're at Sony or whatever. But to be honest, it really was more like indie money, major label headaches. Like that's kind of how it ended up being like all the red tape I got to see firsthand when you're in a building like that. Just how much red tape there is, how much bureaucracy, like just trying to get things out and get things done. I also just learned a lot about the game and about money that I thought was like money but wasn't money, and how much money actually goes into stuff. And um, I'm really grateful for that time because I made so many incredible and important connections and relationships during that time. And I just it was like a crash course, crash course on the music industry. Right. You know what I mean? Like I learned so much in that year and a half, and I made some really great art, like certain like videos and um and songs and and getting in with the musicians in a way that would lead to what I'm doing now. I couldn't have started to do that then without those resources. So, like, you know, I'm grateful for that time. But I think what happened was I just realized I started seeing how I needed to move. I was like, I need to be consistent, I need to feed this fan base, I need to grow it, I need to like be abundant at that point in my career. And the labels just moved too slow for me, man. Like it was just was like everything has to be approved and has to be this. And so, like basically I was just I just got up out of there. Like, I kind of was, you know, yeah, like there's more details to it, obviously, but I I I kind of like forced my way out a little bit. Um, and that's when I went back independent and and shortly after that, after being consistent for like year two, is when shit really changed in my life and everything. So yeah, that's kind of the long short.

SPEAKER_00 15:06

Yeah, because I'm even like I'm thinking about how like you know, something wrong in heaven, world champ, cocky, like your biggest records on Spotify and in your catalog were after you left. Yeah. Like when when you put out that project and these records started to like have that trajectory, what did you think? What what did you notice was like the difference between like that time at the label and them trying to put money behind you to to move the music versus then like now it's like oh shit, like some of my biggest records, my biggest records now and in my career are like independent records that I put out on my own. Like, what was kind of like the difference there for you?

SPEAKER_02 15:40

It gave me a lot of belief to just trust in the quality of the music because first of all, it's like I think a lot of those JVs at that time ended up like folding because it it it was an era where people were trying it out, but it's kind of like the thing in music where it's like yo, you should spend a thousand dollars or you should spend a hundred thousand dollars. Like, no, you you know what I'm saying? Otherwise, you shouldn't spend more than a thousand. Like, you shouldn't, it's very hard to be frugal. Like, I didn't really have the machine, it wasn't like a major label machine, it was that building, and I had to go through the same bureaucracy, but I didn't have those budgets and that push. And um I just realized that all my biggest moments that were happening anyway were like or pretty organic, you know, for the most part. And it was just really about real human beings that connected with the music. So, you know, I I and I realized that the momentum was the most important thing. That's what they were kind of slowing up. So just being consistent when I got back, you know, independent and and really having a plan and just going for it, man. That was it. And I take a lot of pride in that. I mean, that's a lot of things. We talk about people, people. I mean, while we're here, you know, my last album before the internet killed the neighborhood, which is out now, um, did over a hundred million streams, man, independently. I put that out through DistroKid. People are just not out here doing that withy-nilly. And I'm not the type to like get out and like wave the flag, you know what I mean, and be like, like, I don't like the entrepreneurialism to overshadow the art. Um, but yeah, nah, like it was it was a special, special time, and I was able to accomplish some some special things, you know.

SPEAKER_00 17:10

How did you push that? Like, what do you feel like for those records? What was kind of like obviously the quality of it is is incredible. What what do you feel like was really able to move the need on on the records on that project that was different from before? Like, do you think it was just organic or yeah, it was it was organic.

SPEAKER_02 17:25

It was also like a big part of it was uh was Discovery Mode on Spotify, to be honest. That shit got cracking off. And what was cool about that was that the the the obstacle and the hurdle that sometimes I always had to overcome in those early years, especially was like how I look. And it was like something people had to like get past first to get to the music sometimes. And with the Discovery Mode thing, where people were being like fed my my songs on on Spotify, it was coming on in their playlist and they're just hearing the music and they're not like seeing my face or it was just about the music. Like do like this, like the test of like what is that shit? That shit fire, like you know what I'm saying? Oh, save, you know what I mean? And um that was cool because that was a big part is like for me, it was like affirming like, oh, if it's about the music, I have music that resonates with people and that connects. But I also think like I've always just had a really strong core fan base that really supports what I do, that gets behind what I do, that like starts things off with a bang and really spreads that word of mouth, bro. I think with all the digital shit we got going on, word of mouth is still the strongest, you know, way to spread things. Obviously, a lot of that word of mouth does become like digital and shit. Of course. But when something gets moving, like you know, I'm sure you've seen this with OTR. It's like when something gets moving, the people are gonna decide what moves it. Like you could, you can, you can, even at the highest level with all this bot shit and all that other shit, you could get some shit going for like a little bit, but like you're not gonna get it like eventually it's gonna stall out if people aren't really loving it. You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 19:02

I agree, and I think like yo, who's making a ruckus?

SPEAKER_02 19:05

Yeah, it's a whole ruckus, bro. Y'all good? That was okay.

unknown 19:10

It was the drunk.

SPEAKER_00 19:11

Oh, it was a drunk. Oh yeah, this motherfucker was wasted, bro. There's someone from what the band?

unknown 19:17

No, he's from the DJ.

SPEAKER_00 19:19

Oh, he's with the DJ. What the why is that?

SPEAKER_02 19:21

Bro, he came in stumbling. First of all, he walked up the stairs, he looked like JJ Reddick. Like super, like I was like, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 19:27

I don't know if he's gonna see that. I don't care if he sees his eye.

SPEAKER_02 19:29

And honestly, the he looked like JJ Reddick, and I almost just made the joke right off the bat. I'm glad you didn't. But the way he was stumbling, he had one of those faces like, I'm drunk, and I've been allowed bar fights in my life. So I was like, let me chill out. But yeah, he was he was he was stumbling and bumbling, man.

SPEAKER_00 19:46

Oh my god. Let me tell let me tell the boys to make sure nobody comes in this room again. Yeah. Oh, you had the chat already? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Hold on. Yeah. Keep that, keep that drunk guy out. Anyway, my bad. Nah, you good. Um, that was so funny. Uh, we were talking about the project, right? We're talking about we're talking about while while while we're here. Um damn, I I was gonna go somewhere with that. He just fucked up my train of thought. That's fucked, man. I I do love how like how that was kind of like a great moment for you too, because then, you know, it kind of gave you like the confidence to kind of keep on this independent track, which I know could be like when when you and I hung out back in January, we were talking about like how how hard it could be sometimes. But I felt like even after that came out, I think I went to your show down at Bowery Electric, too. Was it Bowery Electric?

SPEAKER_02 20:31

Oh, Bower Ballroom, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 20:32

Bower Ballroom, Bowery Ballroom. And that that show was just so incredible, too. Cause I think it was around the time that Mom's Whiskey also came out. So it was like all this like excitement. You had all like the label people there still who still rock with you. Like that was like a really that was like one of the shows that I've been to of yours. I was like felt really special.

SPEAKER_03 20:49

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 20:49

And it was cool because I was like, I was like, wow, man, it's it's so cool seeing like an independent artist from New York be able to do venues like this and sell it out and like have that cult fan base that like always rocks with them. You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_02 21:00

Yeah, bro. And that's what it's like all that stuff laid the groundwork, obviously, for now. The new album, The Internet Killed the Neighborhood, and the residency, like that we've been doing, you know, like all those shows, and that's part of the thing about the journey is it's taken me a long time to get to where I'm at, and I'm still just moving along, moving along. But when you take the slower route, you really get to learn through these experiences of like doing different types of shows, doing the show with the full band and doing it with like a DJ, and then trying to do it with like in between band and being like, eh, nah, maybe that ain't it, like whatever, whatever. So, like, you know, figuring out like what the show looks like to the point now where, you know, yeah, we got the full live band. We did we did 10 shows in the last 14 months. Like, I know exactly what I'm trying to do now. You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_00 21:44

So we'll talk, let's talk about the res residencies. So, like when you announced it last year, I was like, Oh wow, like this is very interesting, like what he's doing. New blue is uh obviously such a a dope venue in the city that uh that I feel like has only gotten more popular as the residencies have gone on. Cause I've been there for like other parties. With Kenny, of course. And but when you had come up with this concept, I remember like I think I went to like one of the first ones last February. Yeah. Because you did them all in like a month, right?

SPEAKER_02 22:08

Yeah, you can't take the second one ever. Yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 22:10

And first of all, it was freezing outside, but then you get inside and immediately like sweating bullets. Right. It is so hot in there. And I was like, and I was looking around, I'm like, damn, this is like new blue is a decent sized venue, of course, but it was so tight in there that like me and Kenny were like fighting for space. And I was like, wow, like it again, kind of like the Bowery show. I'm like, wow, this is so dope that like even all these years later, Marlon is doing something like this and continuing to evolve, right? And for the residency, obviously, you know, we'll get into how you know it it applies to like the project too. But what was kind of like the beginning thought processes of like you figuring out you wanted to do this residency, and then of course bringing the band together because they're all so fucking incredible. Like I like they're they're insane.

SPEAKER_02 22:55

Man, so I like I always, you know, my earliest shows in New York, I always just wanted to do shit with a band. My pops is a drummer. Yep, like I grew up around a lot of musicians and seeing my favorite rappers when I was younger. Like I saw a chance to rapper with a band, like in college. I saw J. Cole with a band at one point. I was just like, man, this shit electrifies me, you know what I mean? And um, so I always tried to do it. Some in my early days, I would just bring the drummer on the road, you know, just trying to add that live element. And then, you know, we were starting to do these shows where it would be like in the big cities, we would do, you know, the band. We did a show in London like that, other stuff. But we always had to put a band together for like a particular show. And there's a lot of learning involved. And I was like, man, if this is like where I'm having the most fun, where I'm feeling like this is the most special, most explosive thing, where it's like you could come in the room and be like, damn, this is something. We feel it, it's alive. Why are we only doing this like once a year or once every 18 months? Like, what why are we doing that? Like, let's try to create a community and a scene, you know what I'm saying? In the city where I'm from, contribute something back to like the space and create like this unit in this space in the city where I can actually work and get better with like a band. Like, you know, like I I can like be doing shows more often so that I can actually get reps in and get better and try different things. So we just yeah, we started with three shows and we're just like, let's see how it goes. Will people come out? You know, will different musicians come hop up? Will we have some unscripted moments, whatever? And then here we are, like 10 shows later, man, and it's like they be selling out, and it's like a whole community. We've had everyone from Method Man to like young MCs like Ruben and you know Soul Child. Yeah, Soul Child. Did Tom do one? Yeah, Tom, Sko, um uh everybody, man. Julius Rodriguez been there, uh Cisco, Cisco Swain, Cisco, yep, Cisco, yeah. Like we uh Raina Simone, Nick Grant, Oswald Benjamin. I mean, like the amount of talent that's been on that stage is just crazy. And um, it's just like so special. And like the most important thing about it is like, yo, it's fun, bro. It's mad fun. Yeah, it's mad fun in there. It's mad fun. Like when you could like people becoming, it's inviting to people that aren't everyone's not a hip hop head, or every show there's people that actually never heard of me, but they got brought by somebody because they're like, yo, you gotta come peep this, and then they leave a fan. So it's been it's been really special, man. We definitely gonna keep it going.

SPEAKER_00 25:18

There was one show I went to. I'm like, yo, he's drunk. Like I like I am I don't because I don't know. Have I been to two or just one? Maybe it's just the one that I went to last year, because I know I've been moving around a lot this year, but the one I went to last year, I'm like, you were lit, my boy.

SPEAKER_02 25:32

I'll be having fun up there. I'll be having fun. No, no, you were late, you were lit.

SPEAKER_00 25:35

But you know, that's I looked at Kenny, I looked at Kenny looked at me, K started laughing at one point.

SPEAKER_02 25:39

I'm like, but he sloshed. That's the but the fun part about it is like because now the band unit gets so tight, we know all these songs like the back of our hand, we do different jams. Now you can get a little saucy. You can see where it goes. You could really get in your bag and get comfortable. Whereas like when you do that one show and you have like two rehearsals to everybody's gotta learn everything, and then it's like you're up there and you just kind of like trying to get through it, like make sure it's it's good, you know. Um, so yeah, I'd be comfortable. You know, I'd be comfortable.

SPEAKER_00 26:07

Now you'd be having fun, and like I like have they have they all been sold out?

SPEAKER_02 26:11

Nah, not all of them.

SPEAKER_00 26:11

Not them. Uh but they're always packed.

SPEAKER_02 26:13

Yeah, I think like six out of ten are sold out, but they're always a full room, and that's what's cool too. Like, even the smaller ones, sometimes it takes on it's like a different energy. Sometimes it's even a little welcome because it's not so packed. It's like a you know, people catch a different vibe. So, you know, it's always cool, man.

SPEAKER_00 26:28

Do you do you feel like you still surprise yourself in these res in the in these residencies?

SPEAKER_02 26:32

Yeah, yeah. Well, I I'm just gotten so much nicer, like by doing them. Because I just by working with the band, my musical knowledge, they put me on to so much shit, so much music, my musical sensibility, my understanding of like pocket, because playing with a live drummer and like really like locking in in a way that still is alive and shit. Like, I feel it when I go into the booth now. Like, I went into the booth recently, and I was just like, oh man, like I'm better at this. Yeah. So it's like that's part of the thing, it's working out. We make mistakes, we try shit out in there. And it's like that's important because that's the only way that you could really grow and get and get better, you know.

SPEAKER_00 27:09

Yeah, yeah. And I go a lot, like my literally my favorite moment is like was like obviously the Met the Man one, and obviously you and Meth have been friends for a while, y'all got records, but like I felt like that was such a cool one because obviously, you know, that's like when that hits like online, and when people see that, that like you know, kind of it it stamps you in a certain way, you know? Like it kind of hits like the other ones are amazing because obviously you're showing love to like the younger MCs and like the newer people who are out here doing it too. But then you know, you like Meth coming out at something like that, like you know, like those guys, they don't really pop out of things unless they really want to be there, yeah you know, and that's why I feel like it was special.

SPEAKER_02 27:41

It was so special, bro. That that night really meant a lot to me. He came through, you know, and like it was the first show too, so he set the tone for some shit that was. Oh, that was the first one too. Wow, some shit that I was like, so it really helped kick it off. And um, yeah, he came fresh off the plane from somewhere, man. He was like in a different country earlier that day, but he like, you know, really wanted to hold me down and like pop out, and so um it just meant a lot. And I didn't know he was gonna like get up and like cosign me so hard and like stamp me, you know, but it's just like and i he's one of the rare people that um all my interactions with him have been selfless on his part. Like he really fucks with me, thinks I deserve like like respect and and help, and so he's just giving it to me, like out of the fact that he cares about the game, the culture, the what I'm doing, and supporting it, and it's like no weird ego attachment or nothing to it, or what like you know, whatever. And that shit is really rare. So it inspires me to be that way with people coming behind me, you know.

SPEAKER_00 28:45

I mean, and yeah, I've known each other for a while. What was like the first like moment that you guys had met or that you guys had connected? We met through my barber, Chaz. Chaz, yo. Chaz, I actually met at the Bowery show. That's how I first met Chaz too funny.

SPEAKER_02 28:57

Shout out to Chaz. Chaz was cutting him on power, and um okay and he had he was playing some of my songs, and I think Meth had was already like familiar. He was like, Oh yeah, I know Marlon Kraft, like he's nice, I'd love to work with him. Like, da da da. And I was in a meeting actually, and uh Chaz started texting me, like, yo, would you ever do a song with Meth the man? And I was like, Yes. Like, and he was like sending me calls, he's like, Yo, Meth said you make him proud to be from New York and like some shit. And then like I was in the meeting, I was like, yo, I gotta, I gotta, I gotta step outside for a second. Like, I was like, yo, and Chaz called me and he was like, Yeah, I'm gonna connect you guys, and we got connected. So um, yeah, man. It's just just special, man.

SPEAKER_00 29:37

Shout out Chaz, man.

SPEAKER_02 29:38

Chaz is the connector, man.

SPEAKER_00 29:39

I ain't see Chaz in a long time.

SPEAKER_02 29:40

He's real, he's out here doing incredible things. He's just cutting all the biggest stars, doing all the biggest things, man. That's my guy.

SPEAKER_00 29:46

Some like some light work, you know what I'm saying?

SPEAKER_02 29:48

Bro, he's really working. He's that guy.

SPEAKER_00 29:50

So kind of going back to the uh going back to like the residency, how did the because when we had spoken last year, you and I had already kind of been conceptualizing the idea of like doing this uh the experience with the band at OTR and whatnot, and you're like, yo, I'm working on this album, it's almost done. Took a year after that for it to actually get done, but like you know, that's how this goes. How how much like did the residency shape the album? Because obviously most of the album is live instrumentation, but like what came first, and then like how did it like change throughout the course of like you learning with the band? As you said, like you guys got better as you went along. So, how did it change through the residency as well?

SPEAKER_02 30:26

Yeah, I mean the album, like the songs the last year of the album was just finishing the songs that were already in existence, so it didn't really like I already knew that that was the music that was coming, but that was all the more reason to want to get the band thing type because I'm like, man, this is the direction that I'm going, and I also want to introduce people to that, like because you know, like you know, in this game there's the people that really know you, and then sometimes there's like the top line perception. And I feel like top line perception about me a lot of times is like New York spitter, dude be spitting, he got some viral freestyles, like I seen, you know, like he could really rap, yeah, which is cool, and that's me. But like, you know, the musicality like that's there, and that especially in the new album, um, you know, I really want people to to see me in that way as like a songwriter and a and a and hopefully as a you know being worthy of the title of musician one day. So so it was that was kind of the thinking too, was like, and that was why I was so excited when people were so receptive to it, because I'm like, oh, they're gonna love the album.

SPEAKER_01 31:25

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 31:25

Because we just doing the the the old songs, you know what I'm saying? And we just but it's like this is actually how the new album feels. Yeah. So I I just started getting hype.

SPEAKER_00 31:33

Yeah. I I really I really love like I told you, I I mean, you know how much I love the album. Like, what I was very appreciative of of you was that um in January I had came over, yeah, and it was you, me and Kenny, and you played me the album for the first time. Uh, and we drank mom's whiskey. Yeah, right, which is my first time drinking mom's whiskey. Which I do Dante, come on, man. And I but I I do have a question about mom's whiskey, but I want to talk about the project first. Um, but it was so cool because like shoulders had come out at that time, right? And I told you how much I like shoulders because I felt like, you know, even the lines about, you know, it's hard just getting older, and like it I it I felt like 2026, the year that I haven't turned 30 yet, but the year that I'm turning 30, like that song coming out the top of the year really resonated with me. Yeah. Because, you know, like it's about like the weight on your shoulders, getting older, your family, all that. And like I was like, damn, man, like this is actually how I'm feeling right now. Which is that's the one thing I always appreciate about your music, is that it's very real, very relatable, and I think that's why your fans love it. And um, and so when we were listening to this project, I was like, I was uh you told me it was gonna have this full band, right? But like I didn't expect to be I I knew I was gonna be impressed, but I didn't expect to be like that the the level of impressed that I was at the end of it, you know what I'm saying? And that was like one thing I really and also I think the whiskey definitely helped too. I'm not gonna lie.

SPEAKER_02 32:52

And mom's whiskey's strong.

SPEAKER_00 32:53

The mom's whiskey will I you're like, yo, bro, you told my view was like, yeah, we just go have a little drink, and then by the end of the night, you're like, oh shit, bottle's gone. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 33:02

The next day hurt. I remember that.

SPEAKER_00 33:03

Yeah, you said the next, and then all the snow was on the ground. Me and Kenny are like trying to get to the car in the in the uh in the in the blizzard. But regardless, like it was it was such a cool experience because like I felt like that was such a great way to listen to the album, um, especially just because of the friendship between you, me and Kenny. And and I just remember like the album just flowed so effortlessly into each other. Because I kept like watching it because I you were playing it on FL. What were you playing it on?

SPEAKER_02 33:28

Logic.

SPEAKER_00 33:29

On Logic. Yeah, yeah. Because it was already all sequence on Logic. Yeah, yeah. So I kept having to like look up sometimes to see like if it was a new song. If it was a new song, like where we were in the album, like how many songs were left. Like, I kept looking up to try to like gauge time and like figure out where we were in the project. And I thought that that was pretty cool that I kept doing that because I'm like, damn, like that shows like some of these songs how well the songs kind of go into each other, too, you know.

SPEAKER_02 33:51

I love that. I love that that was the experience. That's what I really wanted more than anything. I I I wanted it to be one of those albums that the whole album is almost like one great ass song. Like you can just play it from front to back and let it play, and you actually just want to let it run because you want to like go through it in that way. And so a lot of attention was given to the sequencing and to making it feel complete. And I also really appreciate I appreciate that you came through like to the crib because I was trying to get people to like yo pull up on me, like and hear this shit, because I knew listening it to that way in that way would be special. But like you said, we're like, damn, I didn't expect it to be this good and to be this elevated, and that was part of it too, because I've been around for so long and I've done a lot of projects. So there was this like process of me trying to hit people, like to go to people, you know, that and be like, yo, yo, yo, yo, like this is like the the album, like you know what I'm saying? Like this is like the album. And it's like, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Cool, we're gonna check it out. And I'm like, nah, nah, nah, nah. Like, you gotta understand, like, this is the album, like, this is the one I've been working on this for set five, six years. If you're gonna support me, like, now is the time. Like, we really hear, I really need people to hear this. The internet killed the neighborhood. Um, so yeah, and I mean, like, obviously, you you always support, so it wasn't like it was difficult, but that it's funny that you say that because I feel like that I knew that's how it was with everybody. Everyone was kind of like, Yeah, yeah, yeah, cool. Another album is gonna be dope. But I was trying to be like, no, no, no, like you gotta hear this shit, you know what I mean? So and it seems like that's been the reception from people so far, which is really cool to see, even from my fans that have been rocking with me for years, are like, Whoa, this is on a different, different level, you know.

SPEAKER_00 35:26

Yeah, and I and like I said, like even then from the name, because you're like, I'm gonna tell you the name, but like you can't tell nobody. And I'm like, I ain't gonna I'm like I ain't gonna tell nobody. Yeah, but like kind of get into like even the demon of the the name, like how does the I wanted to kind of hear your thoughts on like how the name and the cover art like kind of intertwine and like what was like the intentionality there because the cover art is dope. I really like the cover art, and I just kind of wanted to understand a little bit more like about your thought process and like kind of like where you were coming from when it came to putting that together too from like an artistic perspective.

SPEAKER_02 35:59

Yeah, man. So I mean the internet killed the neighborhood. I mean, I think it I think it means a lot, and I think it's it's it's really smart to when analyzing it, tie it into the cover because I think the cover globalizes it in a certain way and like universalizes it in a certain way. Whereas like obviously the internet killed the neighborhood. Um there's a lot in there about me being a New York kid, coming of age, figuring out myself as a man. At the same time, I'm looking out the window in the place that I've known. Uh these tenets of community mentorship, uh, you know, uh sort of like a village mentality on support that we see in a neighborhood have been kind of replaced by these like little algorithmic pockets that we all are living in all the time that are really just you know catered to make us consume more. And so, you know, then there's obviously like the gentrification piece of just you know, people being priced out of New York, priced out of all major cities, a lot of the culture being sort of like evaporated um for the sake of capitalism, all that stuff. But I also think, you know, there's something in there about just what we see going on with the youth, what we see going on across the world, like the violence being perpetrated against young people on all these different fronts. And when I I got linked up with Tay Gates, who is uh down in DC, who's the artist that did the cover, which was such a huge blessing. Um, shout out to my man Curtis, um, who's got a gallery up in Harlem, who put together some different uh artists for me to look at that he was like, I could connect you. And I just was floored by some of Tay's work, it just kind of spoke to me. So I went down to DC and I played Tay the album. I told him all about it, and we just like clicked. I don't I have had very few artistic connections with people that where we've just kind of understood each other, been speaking the same language as much as him. Um so yeah, we worked on it together. Like we had so many conversations on the phone just about like he's like, I'm listening to this song, and like this is what I hear, and this is what it means to me. And sometimes he's using like a little more like visual language, and I'm using a little more like lyrical language, but then we're both doing both of those, and so it was just a lot of conversations. And yeah, he gave me a draft, I got to be hands-on with it, like and be like, I think we need to push it a little further. So in the end, like that's his son, actually, in the cover. Yeah, that's his son, and that because we had hit this point where I was I was trying to get him to push it a little further. We realized we need to push a little further, and he was like, Yeah, I was thinking about putting my son in it, but I and I was like, do that shit, because I think I think he I don't speak for him, but I think he needed to like personalize it for him, you know what I'm saying, to eat to reach that next level. And damn, did he reach it, bro? That shit is like just striking and special, yeah. So um, yeah, yeah, that's kind of the long and short of it, but special, special. And I'm I'm I'm very honored that that of the work and the dedication that that Tay gave to that cover.

SPEAKER_00 38:52

Facts. Nah, I'd like all like even with the bombs, and it also has like a nostalgic feeling in a way. You know what I'm saying? Like it just kind of feels like a like uh like it kind of reminds me somewhere of like a rock album cover or to like a or like an early 90s like hip hop album cover. Like a lot of intentionality behind it. Yeah, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, like I'm like I don't know why like it kind of reminds like you know how like Led Zeppelin had like the one with the Zeppelin balloon on it.

SPEAKER_02 39:14

Oh, I gotta I gotta go back.

SPEAKER_00 39:16

I'm sorry, I don't know what album that is. Or like you know, BC Boys had like the one with the with the plane on it too. Like that's what it like when I first looked at it, it reminded me of that because it has the bombs, it has the plane in the back. Like that's kind of what it reminded me of, but like now understanding like the deeper meaning and kind of like how you took it and you were like, oh well, it's also like talking about like how the youth is being targeted like around the world, and then you know, everything going on right now overseas and the bombs on the in the in the picture, like it kind of brings it all together a little bit more.

SPEAKER_02 39:43

Yeah, bro. It's like I don't want to I you know I I don't like to give too much away because I want people to listen to the album and you know conclude for themselves and stuff, but I just think that the the theme of the neighborhood as a concept is is ultimately about humanity and like what we see is just a real dearth of humanity like across the world. Like it's just a lot of violence, a lot of um in the pursuit usually of just power and profit. And you know, the internet um in the way that it's being co-opted and utilized right now is just uh tech a lot in general, it's about power and profit. And so I think you know, sometimes you gotta go you go super small to get very wide. So I went very deep into like my experience um because sometimes the most universal truths are like deepest inside of ourselves, you know, because we're all connected, we're all ultimately living the same human experience. So by going really deeper into myself, my experience, and pulling out from it the universality, like I hope that I hit on on some themes that kind of represent this time in the world and not just my block, you know what I mean?

SPEAKER_00 40:54

Yeah, nah, I think that's real, and then also you like not a feature, like because it's all you, but damn, it's porn outside, huh? Yeah, are we back to like our little summer storms, right?

SPEAKER_02 41:03

Yeah, that's cool. I like it. I feel cozy all of a sudden, right?

SPEAKER_00 41:07

Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, I I go out the one thing a little sm little tangent. My favorite part about New York in the summertime is like when it rains. Yeah, right? Because like as soon as it as soon as it's done raining in New York in the summer, just like the day's just ten times better. Yeah, like I don't know how to explain it. Like, it's maybe it's a sight thing.

SPEAKER_02 41:24

The tension, it's the tension, uh, because it's literally like the the the density of the air, like this filling up with all this precipitate, and then it's like it's like a release, it's a release, and you can feel that like you walk out, and it's like and outside just feels so much better.

SPEAKER_00 41:38

Yeah, you know what I'm saying? It makes you want to go outside, makes you want to go do things. I can't explain it. I just remember like, especially like in my early 20s, like it would rain, and then it would stop raining, and I would go outside. I'd be like, yo, I'm going to Brooklyn tonight. Yeah, like I'm just going outside.

SPEAKER_02 41:52

I fuck with like when you're eating somewhere or you're outside somewhere chilling, but you're under like uh some shit. Yeah. And then it starts raining. So you can get to be outside in the rain, but you're not getting wet. Getting wet, and you're just experiencing like the sounds. And like I feel like as long as there's no crazy wind, like in the summer, that shit is mad peaceful.

SPEAKER_00 42:12

Yeah, I fuck with that too. Yeah. See, look, we you hear it? We got on a tangent. Anyway, going back, but not a feature on the album, but Havoc is on the project.

SPEAKER_01 42:20

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 42:20

Um, not your first time working with Havoc, but like it was funny because I was watching the Rob Markman uh interview or some pieces of it. And I'm I didn't I didn't really realize that. So the connection with you and Havoc came about because you freestyled on a mob deep beat.

SPEAKER_02 42:34

Is that well, well, there's a lot of hit the me and Havoc specifically was just honestly just Instagram. Like he started following me and he was like liking my shit and replying to some stuff, and I was just like, I was like, it would be an honor to work, like you know, and he was just like, I'm gonna send you a beat. And that's how Han Zimmer like came about.

SPEAKER_01 42:53

Right.

SPEAKER_02 42:53

Um, but uh the first you know, first joint me and him did together. Um, but there's just such a history there because my career kind of got launched rapping on the survival of the fittest beat, went super viral. I had opened for them one time in DC, like really early in my career. When Prodigy was still around. When Prodigy was still around. So like it was just super full circle and shit. But um, yeah, I've only actually met Havoc in person one time because it was like during the pandemic that we were working that we like connected.

SPEAKER_00 43:21

So how old is is is this song with him?

SPEAKER_02 43:24

Uh this song actually he sent me that beat when um when I because I hit him about me and meth wanting to do something. So then he sent me that beat thinking like like for meth, and then uh ultimately he was like, I think you should keep it. So uh that was like three years ago, maybe? Like I I I yeah, I think at least two, two and a half. Oh wow. Wow, so that song's been in the work for a long time.

SPEAKER_00 43:48

So analog's been done has it been done for th for three years?

SPEAKER_02 43:51

Nah, because I just kept building on it. Like all the instrumentation, I kept adding the different instrumentalists on it and like building out the stuff, but like the basic format of the song. Uh has been yeah, like I wrote that verse like uh like a couple of years ago. What's crazy, yeah. Like some of the lines in there, like even the the line about like Elon Musk and shit like that, it was like I was watching the world, I was just like, damn, this shit's becoming more relevant. Like I wrote it, like uh I think Biden was in office when I wrote that shit.

SPEAKER_00 44:19

Oh my god.

SPEAKER_02 44:19

Yeah, that's it. But then all this shit started jumping off, you know what I mean? And then I was like, wow. So crazy.

SPEAKER_00 44:26

What's the top five on that one I'm playing? Um, but in all fairness, like what is like is there a record on this album that you're like the most proudest of?

SPEAKER_02 44:34

Honestly, and I know this is like a bullshit answer. Yeah. It's really, it's just the album as a whole because that was such my agenda. I and I because I've had big records, like we talk about World Champ and Song Heaven, where it's like, you know, these really standout records that but I feel like I just haven't I hadn't gone deep enough yet on that piece, that body of work that was like, wow, this just rises above from top from like start to finish. And so I'm that's what I'm like super proud about. My favorite songs change all the time because I've just lived with them all through so much shit. Um, but analog man definitely is one of those ones where I've just had moments with where I sit and listen to it and be like, damn man, we did that shit. Yeah, for sure. You know what I mean? And um, but uh right now I'm really proud about Together Sad. Nice. Um like there's just yeah I feel that one.

SPEAKER_00 45:25

I feel that one, yep.

SPEAKER_02 45:26

Yeah, all all of them, man. I I really do, I really do love uh love all of them, which feels really good because usually like with the albums, there's a point where like I do love it, but there's like little things I want to change, or like little things this is that. And it's like this one, I'm like, nah, man, I stand by I took long enough to know that like I really stand by the sequencing, everything on there, I think it's gonna last.

SPEAKER_00 45:48

Well, the goal is like, you know, like I said, like I had to keep looking to see like where we were in the project. You feel me? So like it's it's that's not a bad answer. Yeah, it's a good answer, honestly, truly. Um, I was damn, I had a whole other thought that I was that I was gonna go with, but I for but I forgot. But I I I do like how like I like I like how it ties so much into the residency now. And we are getting the vinyls finally.

SPEAKER_02 46:09

Yes, yes. I mean, when this comes out, they'll hopefully be sold out and we on to another batch. Right. Hopefully. Uh, but yeah, definitely we about to drop the vinyl, man, and they look fire.

SPEAKER_00 46:19

Yeah, I'm excited. It where do you go from here? Like, are you just gonna let this breathe? Because I know you and I were talking about like content and everything. Like, how do you how how much do you want to let this breathe before you kind of go back into you know something else?

SPEAKER_02 46:31

Man, I'm sitting in this one for at least the rest of the hour. I just want really to keep spreading. I feel like we're just getting going. Like, we ain't even dropped uh the OTR experience yet. You know what I'm saying? So we gotta hit them in the head top with that. I'm about to go to LA and do some some freestyle, some different things. Like, we got different shit dropping. So my plan is just to extend this rollout and really like let the people that were on the music early grow with it and hopefully love it more and more. Let them keep putting on other people. We're gonna do keep the residency going in the summer. We're gonna do some spot dates with the band, you know what I mean, and get out and start bringing the full band to some different cities and stuff like that. But I'm definitely like, I'm re I'm anxious to get back working because I'm very inspired, you know what I mean. So I want to start working on whatever's next. But this is the first time in my career that I haven't had. I used to always tell, especially independent artists, like, you should know what the next thing is when you put out whatever the current thing is, you know, to stay at that pace that you need to stay at. But with this, it was just like it I reached a point where it needed to just be about the quality, giving my all to something. And so, yeah, I don't have I have I have some shit. I always got some shit that I'm working on, but of course I I don't I don't know what the next thing is, which feels really good to say as an artist, as like my manager. It's like it's it's like scary.

SPEAKER_00 47:47

So you you had also we talked about your your trip to Mexico City, right? Yeah, some of this project was made in Mexico City or was it just the performances? I don't remember I'm trying to recall.

SPEAKER_02 47:56

The strings. We went down there to do the strings. Okay, yeah, yeah. Uh my my man Sly Fifth Ave was living down there, who he did all the horns on the project, incredible horn player. Bro, he's like he's like the man. And um he had heard the string stuff we'd laid. He came up to the city to do horn stuff. He heard the string stuff. Uh, it was just like violins that we stacked, and he was like, Man, if you come down to Mexico, I could put a quartet together. We could probably afford it if we do it down there. So we went down there, and it was such a special week. Like we we did all the strings and we did like some sessions, some more horn sessions with him and stuff.

SPEAKER_00 48:29

So and that and a bunch of the performances are are that you've been putting out for the project are from Mexico.

SPEAKER_02 48:34

One, we did one, we did Analog Man, and then we got another one. We actually have one, I don't know if it'll be out, uh, but we got one of World Champ that's like super fire with the strings.

SPEAKER_00 48:43

Yeah, I just remember me and Kenny were like, yo, who's the girl on the I don't remember what she was playing.

SPEAKER_02 48:47

Yeah, both of the both of the women in the in the the quartet were very, very beautiful, uh, as much as they were were skilled.

SPEAKER_01 48:56

Yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 48:56

But they were just awesome people, like they were so cool to work with. Funny story about that is like they came to the Airbnb to do a rehearsal, and they're all speaking in Spanish, and Sly Spanish is good enough that he was like, you know, leading them all in Spanish. And so I'm just kind of standing in the cut and whatever, da-da-da. And for like an hour of rehearsal, I'm just like sitting there, I'm kind of like only talking to Sly to like tell him what to tell them if I have notes or whatever. And then at some point, like, whatever I'm talking, and one of the dudes is like, you know, like we could speak English, like we could understand, you know. And I was like, Oh man, y'all must think I'm so Hollywood, like that I'm only like speaking, like they didn't speak uh, it wasn't like fluent, you know what I mean? But it was like, Oh, okay, cool, like they could speak, they could speak enough English that I could, and I felt so bad because I was like, damn, I'm acting like the artist, like I'm just over here, like, like you tell them what I have to say, whatever. So but um, they were incredible people, it was such a great vibe that we caught, and I just had so much fun that week, man.

SPEAKER_00 49:54

That's fire, man. I like how I like how that was like a cool story behind the project, too, because like it's something different that people who listen to the project the first time probably wouldn't even like really think about.

SPEAKER_02 50:03

I hope people understand that if they do like the album and they feel like it's of a superior, like like just an elevated quality, yeah. You know, that's for a reason. It's like we really got on a plane and went to Mexico like and for a week just to replay string parts that were already written with a proper quartet, and do but like such special things happen when you give yourself to the work in that way and you commit, you know, um, and you don't just go like the shortest way. It's like those little ink like differences of like, man, nah, the strings are proper, you know, like those are the little things. It still sounded good how we had it before. Yeah, but but the difference between good and great, I find, is is sometimes like small. It's really small, but it's a lot of work, you know.

SPEAKER_00 50:50

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Speaking of a lot of work, let me tell you how much work it took me to get Marlon to do the the the new class Cypher Man. Nah, it took like one phone call. I'm playing. Nah, but it's it's funny because like whenever I ask Marlon to do something, right? It's like 80% of the time, it's like, nah, it's not the right time, which I respect. I'm I'm not the type of guy where I where I catch feelings about it, but like I forgot what have I ever said no to? I don't think I ever said no. I think I asked you to I asked you to do the Christmas cipher one year. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 51:18

The Christmas cipher, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 51:19

Um, there's something else. But this this cipher, I forgot how the idea came about. I think me and Kenny were just like on the phone talking about dumb shit as we are, as we do. And I'm like, like, yo, I really need somebody from like New York on this like new class cipher. And I was like, I just there's people who I thought of, I'm like, nah, maybe the next one for them. I'm like, I need someone who's like who embodies New York. Because it's like, you know, I had like all I had like Chris who's like Jersey, I had like, and then all the the ATL kids, and then Nassan, who's like very Detroit, you know, and and uh Larisi who's so Louisiana. I'm like, I'm like, I can't do this without having like someone who's like so New York and like who embodies New York, kind of like what Met said, right? And then I'm like, yo, Kenny, you think Marlon will do it? And he's like, yo, pitch it to him. I'm like, he's gonna say no. Like I'm like, I'm gonna have to spend a lot of time convincing Marlon to do it. And then my phone call with you was like 25 minutes long of me pitching Marlon the cipher, yeah, if I recall that correctly. Yeah, and Marlon's like, I'm like 90% in. I'm like, bro, think about an album's coming out. This is gonna come out at the end of February, you know. It's like it could it could work.

SPEAKER_02 52:25

That's why you the man with the vision. Can you imagine how fucking dumb I would have been to not do that shit? But you know, I just needed to hear what it was. Like it within the first five, ten minutes of you explain it to me, I was like, oh, like I'm in. And like I said, I was like, yo, I'm 90%, because I just wanted to be intentional and think about it. I didn't I was like, damn, he's really like making so much sense. And of course I have to be a part of this, but let me like reflect on it and make sure because I don't want never want to pump fake you at all. But like I was I was I was like, oh, okay, I gotta be a part of this. Um yeah, I was honored that you thought about about me and and the way you like broke it down was just perfect. And also, man, what a blessing, bro. Like that shit just landed smack in the middle of my rollout for my album. Yeah, and so much exposure and so much love, and like uh, that's why you the man with the vision, bro.

SPEAKER_00 53:13

Thank you, bro. I try, I try, thank you, man.

SPEAKER_02 53:15

Real talk, that was an excellently curated situation, bro.

SPEAKER_00 53:18

Thank you, man. Thank you. It was funny after the cipher, because it was just me and me, Ray Vaughn, for some reason just hung out the whole time while we were packing up. And Ray, and Ray and I were talking about you, and he's like, Yo, I like that, Marlon. I guess y'all spoke, obviously, y'all spoke at the cypher. He's like, nah, I'm gonna really tune into his music because like he he could really rap for real for real, da da da da. And he's like, I think he said something along the lines of like, yo, I hope he didn't take the the white boy at the barbecue line as like a jab to him, because he's clearly not who I'm talking about with that line. I'm like, nah, I'm like, I don't think Marlon took. I'm like, I'm and if if I recall the conversation correctly, and Ray, if he if he sees this, he could correct me by any means. But like, I was like, nah, I don't think Marlon's not that type of guy. Like, if like your bars, like, he he knows who he is, like who he is, and his love for for hip hop and rap culture, and like he knows his place in the game. And like I that that that that little part of Ray's verse was not for you, you know what I'm saying?

SPEAKER_02 54:12

Nah, 100%. Like, I that's motherfucker wasn't talking about me. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, that's how I felt. I was like, I was like, and to be honest, if people know my track record of things I've spoken on, I've pretty much said on in rhymes almost everything he said. Like it like at one point or another, I've echoed those sentiments, I should say. Like, you know what I'm saying? Um, of calling out like my own privilege and the privilege of other people, you know, trying to take advantage of the game uh uh of white people in hip-hop and shit. So I I was like, oh good. I'm glad someone's getting into this bag. Like I didn't, I just I never thought he was talking about me because it it don't apply. Like, if it don't apply, let it fly. You know what I'm saying? Like you only feel you only take that shit personal if you thought that it was I really didn't feel that way at all. Like, so uh yeah, nah, definitely. But I'm glad I you said it really well. I couldn't put it any any better than that. I appreciate the way you put it, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 55:06

Yeah, no, because like I you know, even like when um I wrote down his ad name because I I couldn't I don't know if I say this right, but like FD signifier. Yeah, he's the one who did like the you know, it also just so happens that in the middle of your rollout, the Jack Harlow stuff comes out, and you know, people react to that, how they react to it, right? And then, you know, he does this whole um like uh what would you call? Like a video essay, I guess. Yeah. About like you and then like your authentic authentic authenticity to hip hop and like you know who you are, and then his opinion on Jack and what he feels like, you know, that is. And it was just I was just like, wow, like you couldn't tell this. But also, I like you know what I'm saying? Like, no, for me it's like no side against Jack, but like what I really liked is that like people noticing what you've done and like like being like, hey man, like again, no, I got no issues with Jack, but like seeing what how how people like talk about you in the way that they've been supposed to talk about you, yeah. You know what I'm trying to say?

SPEAKER_02 56:01

A million percent. And it that's why that shit really meant a lot to me, honestly, and I really appreciate it because to be honest, that's not really stuff that I super feel it's my place to say about myself. Right. I just gotta do good work, you know what I'm saying? Like, I just gotta be out here doing good work and and and and doing it, not like being my own PR team of like oh look, I'm doing things the right way. Like, do things the right way and then tell you that I'm doing them. So it but it means a lot to be seen in that regard. And I also think it's like motherfuckers spend a lot of time talking about shit that they don't like how it's being done, yeah, but uh not always uplifting something that they do appreciate how it's being done, which is often more powerful. It's like turning it from instead of just let's like hate on some shit that we don't feel is being done in a respectful way, let's uplift the examples where we do feel it's authentic. And so I just fuck with that approach, you know what I mean? But that shit that shit meant a lot to me because, like you said, it it and it could also have gone that's where I'm so grateful for my tenure in the game and how long it's taken me in my career, too, because my resume's there, the work is there. Um, because it could go the other way, you know, where it's like, and that's what he was kind of saying in that video too. He was like, I heard the album, the album is really musical and really special. I would hate if what's going on right now over here with this shit tainted people's ability to hear how dope Marlon's album is. Right. And I don't think it did because I think people know me, you know what I'm saying? Like, people know, or they don't, they could go dig for a second and see the foundation of what's there.

SPEAKER_01 57:36

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 57:37

I will say I definitely feel like I had some interviews canceled around that time because of that Jack Harlow shit. Like a hundred percent because crazy because motherfuckers like What did you like?

SPEAKER_00 57:46

But there's no correlation between you and Jack. I get I get why people are saying that, but like it's just like it's dumb.

SPEAKER_02 57:52

Well, we're inextricably linked, though, and that's the only thing. That's why I appreciate like on the one hand, it's like, well, why does he have to talk about this to talk about you? And it's like, but yeah, but everyone's doing that to me anyway, behind closed doors. And they're and everyone's using that as an example of why, or using that as something to take refuge behind why, you know, they don't want to fuck with me. Because I definitely had a few things like where I'm like, yeah, this got to somebody's boss that doesn't know the work I've put in and just looked at a picture and was like, yeah, we're not doing this. You know, and look, I understand, like, I I understand when I started this and I understand it now, uh, and it is the way it should be that like, you know, I'm cool, man. Like, I just want to do great work and and contribute something, you know, to this game, to this culture. Um, so I know, like, I know like it's like, yeah, like I gotta put in put in extra work, and there's always gonna be people that I'm constantly gonna be making believers out of people, you know. I'm doing it in year 10 and I'm gonna be doing it in year 15, you know what I mean? But um, but yeah, like I I'm I'm wanna focus more on the voices that are emerging now that are really with a with a sophisticated and uh and an astute like framework and analysis, like being like, hey, shine some light on Marlin. Like, look how he's doing it, and these are the ways we appreciate it. So I'm choosing to really focus on that. And I and I but when it happens, like make no mistake, I really appreciate it, you know, because I feel I feel seen, you know.

SPEAKER_00 59:15

Yeah, yeah. No, I agree. I agree. And shout out uh FS FD Signifier FD Signifier. Shout out to F Signifier. Great, great video. I watched the whole thing. Yeah, did a great job with that.

SPEAKER_02 59:24

Now he's I got put on to him because like a year and a half ago, he did this whole video essays like two hours long about white rappers, and he starts it with like me as the case study. Like where he's like case study as well. Yeah, like he starts well I don't know if I I wasn't the case study, but he like contextualized the video with me uh because my song came on and he was like, Who is this person? and like this is this is so dope, and then saw me and like whatever, and then he kind of it's a really dope video, and I think people should watch it. But a lot of people got uh put on to me through that video and have come to me through him, and it also taught me a little bit more about media because like hip hop media, you know, like we give so much power and uh perception, especially me. Like, I'm 10, 15 years, there's certain people, certain voices, certain platforms that you feel like are really important. But then there's these other voices that really uh control like these large fan bases of listeners. Like a lot of people listen to that guy and found me because of him. And he's doing things in a really intelligent, thoughtful way. So that inspires me too to feel like man, you don't gotta chase these like five platforms that we thought we want to be like I want to be on this list at the end of the year or something like that. Like, there are large communities of people that are like off of the center that are looking for stuff that's a little bit deeper, you know. So I'm continually just trying to find those people in those communities, you know.

SPEAKER_00 1:00:51

That's real, man. That's real. My my question, because I never I don't know if I ever got to ask you, like, because I know there's like a really cool story about mom's whiskey, right? What's the story behind it? I don't know if I ever got to ask you about that interview.

SPEAKER_02 1:01:02

Man, just uh well, I was at home just going through it young in my twenties, you know. I'm saying living at living at home with my parents. I came home one night, I didn't have no money to buy any sauce. I was trying to get in my feelings and write something. Yeah. And I just was like digging around the stash, and my mom used to like hide shit. Like she used to like hide her little bottles sometimes. That was just like her stash, you know? Which makes her sound like way more of a drinker than she is, but it was just something that she did. And um yeah, like I just found I just found that shit, and I found that beat on YouTube. It was like scissor type beat. And then and it just spoke to my soul, and I just started, I've been drinking all my mom's whiskey. That was that was it really. How'd you how'd you make the whiskey? Like, how'd you get like the mom's whiskey made? Man, New York Distilling Co. We partnered with them. My man Dylan, who has always like just been a sounding board for me and like you know, helped me with with all my shit. He just was like, yo, he had the idea and he was like, Can I reach out to some distilleries and see if they'd want to do it? And they wanted to collab. And it was such a cool thing to do. It's just so expensive like to make. You can't really make no money. Yeah, you can't really make no money, and then you're like asking people to pay so much, you have to pay it's like you have to charge some exorbitant amount to make it worth it. But then for the money I'm asking my fans to pay, I'm not even making that much money. So it just was like tough to do, like to continue. But I think we might bring out like a batch or some shit like that. So like there's some left. Yeah. Well, one last bottle now. Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 1:02:35

Uh how much were you charging for it?

SPEAKER_02 1:02:37

They're like 150 a bottle. It was like the super exclusive limited run and whatever. And we sold it out like crazy when we put the first batch out. I think it was like 125 bottles or something. Oh, nice. Wow. But again, right, it's like I'm I'm seeing so little bread. I don't want my like my my people that are trying to support me, they're trying to support me. So it's like I don't want you to be spending that much money and then it's not even supporting you. You know what I mean? Like, so um, so yeah. Well, Knicks are up by six, by the way, with two minutes left. I was about to ask you though for the fucking update, but I didn't want to be disrespectful.

SPEAKER_00 1:03:12

You know, before we start the interview, well, because when people see this, like either we're doing great when people see this or we're not doing great. You know what I'm saying? History's shown, we might not be doing great, but we're hopefully.

SPEAKER_02 1:03:23

Nah, we here, man.

SPEAKER_00 1:03:24

Now we're here now, but uh right now they're playing the Sixers. Uh it's game what game, what game two? It's game two, and we're up 105 to 99. I got you. I was gonna have somebody like mid-interview. My thought process was like, yo, somebody in the middle of the interview is gonna tell us that they won. And if nobody says anything, it means they lost. Like, I should have done that. That would have been that would have been.

SPEAKER_02 1:03:43

I was I was just sitting over here, like, what's the update? What's the update? But I'm glad you told me. All right, we here.

SPEAKER_00 1:03:48

But like, this that's a good transition because it was funny because I was so yesterday was the Met Gala, right? And there was this whole thing online about uh Timothy Chalamet going to the Knicks game instead of going to the Met Gala, right? Um But uh what I feel like a lot of people don't know is is that there is like some type of a relationship with like you and and and Timothy. So like what is because y'all grew up in the same building, like what's the history there? Because there have been multiple occasions where he's shouted you out for different tapes over the last like four or five years now, too. He's kind of been like, I'll say probably like one of the like biggest people that like we've seen support you.

SPEAKER_02 1:04:20

Yeah, I mean we grew up together, you know. We're from Mahattan Plaza, we're from the same building, the same block uh in House Kitchen. Um he was always like outside kicking his soccer ball around. We used to call him soccer Timmy or French Timmy. Um because there was mad Timmy's uh on the block. Uh there's at least three. But yeah, he uh yeah, we always we always would see him. I would always see him around the block. We weren't like super tight growing up, but that's the homie man. Like I'll run into him like just around the way when he's going to see his mom, or I'm on the block, and he'll be like, he would always just be like, yo, I'm riding around LA, I'm listening to your shit, bro. Like shit is fire, like whatever. So, or he would like run up on my pops and be like, yo, tell Marlon I'm listening to the shit. Like, you know, so he's always just showed a lot of love, man. It's fire, bro. And it's been awesome to watch him do what he's doing because you know, he's from our block. You know, we all grew up together. Um, we take a lot of pride in where we're from and the legacy of of where we're from. And with him, it's been easy to root for because he's just an incredible actor. Yeah. So like his craft, I mean, he's just incredible at what he does. So um, yeah, that's the homie, man.

SPEAKER_00 1:05:24

Yeah, man. Now I I love when I went when he they did the Nardoir interview and um and he and he which which tape was it? It was uh Home Court Vahum. Home court, yeah. It was home court, right? And like he showed up, I'm like, oh that's that's fire, man. Like I'm happy, like, because I feel like with you, like your accolades or like what people like do come up and like co-sign you, it's always at very like random times, but like kind of like your music is at very meaningful times, too. You know what I'm saying?

SPEAKER_02 1:05:45

Yeah, absolutely. Like, um, yeah, nah, that was special. I mean, look, especially like being independent like me, you know, it's like he he has a uh yeah, I mean, he's just like a a big guy. I mean, he's timid, like you know what I'm saying. It's it's bugged out for me because it's Just like I just know him from the block, and then he'd be on like the cover of GQ and shit. And it's like, I'm just like, it's fucking Timmy from the block. Soccer Timmy. Yeah, it's Timmy. You know what I'm saying? So um, but really happy for him, man, and like definitely jealous of all his courtside situations at the Knicks games, man. But he's a real fan, he always was a fan for sure.

SPEAKER_00 1:06:18

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Nah, I I like I ain't gonna lie, it was so funny because like on Twitter yesterday, they're like, Oh, he he skipped, you know, the Met Galls to go to the Knicks playoffs for the second year in the row. And like the quote to he was like, never been more of a fan. Like, like this is like this little tweet made me more of a fan of him. You know what I'm saying? I think I think I think that's cool that like for like New York, like that's real, man. Cause like the Met Galls, the Met Galls amaz amazing, but it's like if you're really from New York, you gotta, you gotta, you know what I'm saying?

SPEAKER_02 1:06:44

Yeah, bro. I don't think because that's the thing, like, you know, he's just he's just a New York kid. Like, I didn't even think for one minute, people I saw that it was kind of a viral thing, like, where is he gonna go? I mean, like, I'm like, he's gonna go to the next game.

SPEAKER_00 1:06:53

He's gonna go next game.

SPEAKER_02 1:06:54

Yeah, I mean, because it's you know, you you grow up, like, I'm sure there's a lot of shit that comes with you know being as famous as he is, that's like really difficult. So, but you also gotta, you know, if you have the access like that, that's incredible, man. Because we all just grew up fans of the Knicks, and to be able to be a part of it in that way, you know, it's like it's really special.

SPEAKER_00 1:07:15

So shit, man. I mean, whenever the Knicks don't make the playoffs, you could go. He'll be aye. He'll be aye. But um, so also I was funny because I was watching uh, I actually really fucked with the guy's content, the 60 second interview guy. Cause I've seen a couple of his interviews that I've actually used like you know, as like sidebar. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think he did one with my boy Fetty P. Franklin, and like he asked him about like his biggest mistake, and it was like buying a uh SRT Hellcat. I'm like, expand like expand on that idea. And he told me this whole crazy story, but it was funny because like your interview with him, you kind of like crashed out a little bit. Because you were like, you you like tell these these industry motherfuckers they got me fucked up, like I won't punch them in the face, da-da-da-da-da. Um, right? Was that where I was with him when I saw you?

SPEAKER_02 1:07:56

Well, he he asked me, he was like, What's one thing? Uh what's the biggest misconception? He was like rapid fire, it's the biggest misconception about Marlon Kraft, and I was just having a day, man. I was just a little cranky, and I'd just been going through some bullshit with some stuff. And I was just saying that, like, I think what I was trying to try to say is like, bro, I'm like a real person, like I'm like a real guy. Yeah, and I think people be having me a little fucked up in music. It's like I was never tough, you know what I'm saying? I was never a tough guy. And I know that because I knew real tough guys.

SPEAKER_00 1:08:26

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 1:08:26

And like, you know, but I was never, I was never a punk. And like, especially now, I'm 33 years old, you know what I'm saying? And sometimes I think, I don't know, uh like I'm 33 years old, I'm 10 years into this industry. I think, you know, I just sometimes the way I get treated behind the scenes in certain situations, I'm just like, you can think whatever you want about me because the way I look or whatever it is, but like I don't know, like you can't disrespect me as a man. Like, I just wouldn't, I wouldn't tolerate this just in any other like so. I don't know, that's kind of all I was saying. I was in that bag that day. I'm not trying to pop no shit on nobody. I'm not gonna knock nobody like that. You know, everybody knows I'm I'm like, I'm like a I'm a nice guy, man. I try to just move with a lot of respect and integrity. But sometimes, you know, motherfuckers I that was all I was saying. Like he said misconception, and I was like, I really do think they have me fucked up because sometimes I'll be looking at shit that's like, what about me makes you think that you can like treat me this way? Like, you know, you wouldn't talk like this to so-and-so, or you wouldn't like be like this to so-and-so. And like I never was I never was a punk, so I don't I don't be understanding that shit. But you know, like that was let's just be clear. It's peace and it's love, and that's what I'm on, man. Stop playing with him too. Stop playing with him. Nah, nah, it's peace and it's love, and that's what I'm on.

SPEAKER_00 1:09:38

Nah, I feel you. I feel you. Should we talk about sneakers?

SPEAKER_02 1:09:41

Yeah. Wait, let's do a quick next check, though.

SPEAKER_00 1:09:44

Uh don't 105 to 100. Yeah. 105, 100. How much time?

unknown 1:09:48

Minute 17.

SPEAKER_00 1:09:49

Yeah, minute 17. Don't worry, I got you. I got the ball. I got the questions and I got the. Let's go. Cool next. Let's do it. Um, sneakers, man.

SPEAKER_02 1:09:56

So what are we wearing today? Uh these are just the sixes, the chrome. These are my rain shoes. Okay. The chrome sixes. It was raining. I just really like these. I love sixes, they're mat, comfy. And um, these ones, like, even when they're cooked, you know, they're black, so they kind of just whatever.

SPEAKER_00 1:10:13

So these are I got black hat sixes. They're the same thing for me. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 1:10:16

These are my rainy day shoes, so yeah.

SPEAKER_00 1:10:18

Do you feel uh how do you feel about like this? Like, were you uh were you ever really into sneakers like that? Yeah, right? Or no?

SPEAKER_02 1:10:23

I was like, but I never could really afford to be into it like that. So when I when I first got some little rapper money, like I kind of went a little ham, like on Jordans and shit. So I have a bunch of Jordans. Um, but I never was like ahead, like buying and selling. I have friends that were like, you know, into the SBs and all that shit, like and like doing meetups in Times Square in front of the champs, you know what I mean? Like meet me in front of the champs, you know what I'm saying? We do this meetup, you know what I'm saying? You gotta bring one friend with you so you don't get robbed, you know. Yeah. But I never really cared that much that much.

SPEAKER_00 1:10:54

I was about to say, like, yeah, so you don't have any opinions on like the sneaker culture now or like sneaker game now?

SPEAKER_02 1:10:58

Nah, I wouldn't know enough about the culture. I just like what I like. My sneaker game is like heavily uptown influenced because I spent a lot of time Harlem Bronx as a kid, and that's how like a lot of the style came from. So um just like Jordans from that era, you know what I mean?

SPEAKER_00 1:11:11

107. What's that? 107 100. Let's go. Let's go. But yeah, no, I feel like I feel like I feel like now, like with the sneaker game, like now, I don't know, I'll just be comfortable. You saw that they said online that uh there's this whole post online that they said uh forces are uptowns are like like Gen Z's calling them unk shoes. Yo, you call them unk shoes, Cam? Alright, cool, just making sure. They're the ones that ruined them.

SPEAKER_02 1:11:34

They're the ones that ruined them. They can't unkify them when they're the ones, it's all the Gen Z white girl transplants that was wearing them shits. Like, they were like having a cook competition to see who's gonna be. I've seen that shit.

SPEAKER_00 1:11:42

Yes, they were having a cook company.

SPEAKER_02 1:11:44

Like, bro, like how how cooked can we make? I I've said this before. I feel like the the Uptown is actually like the perfect embodiment and metaphor for gentrification because they took a thing that they didn't understand. They're like, just did, oh, this is the cool shoe, and then without regard for the actual way that it was put into practice culturally here, which is that we keep them fresh, you know what I'm saying? We don't choke them, they keep them fresh, you keep them, try to keep them on crease, all that. They just did what they wanted to do and like completely co-opted it and made it so then that now it was uncool and we don't even want to wear them. And so that type of like, oh, we're gonna like take your culture, but then just do whatever we feel like doing with it without regard for how it affects the culture at large. Like, all of gentrification culturally is embodied in a cooked uptown.

SPEAKER_00 1:12:35

And this is why if I was an asshole, I just cut that small. No, we're gonna that clip is gonna have the whole the whole thing. That's a that's a good clip. That's a great no that's a good thing. I don't give a fuck. I gotta remember I stand on that. I gonna lie, that bro, that's the headlight. You said what it could be a you said you say gentrification can be embodied by a cooked uptown.

SPEAKER_02 1:12:56

I said, yeah, that's crazy. Yeah, all of gentrification, especially culturally speaking, yeah, can be embodied, is embodied in a cooked uptown. A cooked uptown is like the perfect physical symbol, metaphor, embodiment of gentrification.

SPEAKER_00 1:13:11

Now that's that's bro. I remember when they were doing that online, they're like, everybody, show your cooked forces. I'm like, what? Bro, come on, man.

SPEAKER_02 1:13:18

We don't come on, we don't do that, man. The other thing is when I made the unapologetic record, where it's like, this shit feel like Tim's in the summertime on a project. I'm thinking about Jadakiss and DMX and that energy, and that's what I meant. You know what I mean? And then I made it in 2021, and then I was finishing the album last couple summers, and all the young Gen Z kids are wearing like jean shorts with like cooked Tim's, yeah, like that's their look in the summer, and I'm like, damn, bro, like it like it's got a different meaning now. Like they kind of they kind of but you know, look, things change and like it's all love and it's cool, but nah, y'all gotta leave the uptowns alone, man.

SPEAKER_00 1:13:51

I got cooked tins in the summertime being back. I don't have a problem with that.

SPEAKER_02 1:13:56

I actually do you remember I used to put on my stories every time I would see cooked uptowns out in the wild, bro, I would like zoom in on them and I would put like really dramatic operatic like music and I would write a little like obituary for the for the uptowns, like you know, like lay these to rest, like you know, all this shit. Like, because yo, it'd be it would be something like when the shits would be so cooked that you can't even see the check. You gotta look to see if it really even is still ups down, yeah. Like it, yeah, bro.

SPEAKER_00 1:14:24

Bro, I I've I haven't bought like I would buy in both. I bought like six pairs at a time. I haven't done that in a while. I remember when I forgot, I forgot who said I think they said that Dirk would like buy ups, but like he would only wear it one time then throw them out. Yeah, I believe it, bro. I'm like, that's crazy.

SPEAKER_02 1:14:39

That's like the cribs, the legendary uh back MTV Cribs was the thing, and Dave Dash had the white T's. Maybe he would wear it once and throw it out. Yeah, same thing, same contact. Which is kind of wild because I feel like most of them white T's, like, they got a little weird smell to them the first time and they're kind of wrinkled. Like you kind of got an iron in it. Like, I don't even know if that that sounds like more like it would be more difficult.

SPEAKER_00 1:14:59

Fashion diva, do you agree?

unknown 1:15:01

For the white T's?

SPEAKER_00 1:15:02

Yeah, for the white T's. Nah, okay, okay.

SPEAKER_02 1:15:05

He doesn't agree. One time and throw them out?

unknown 1:15:07

They haynes and something.

SPEAKER_02 1:15:08

Oh, yeah, yeah, they haynes, yeah. They haynes situation.

SPEAKER_00 1:15:11

Wear one time and throw it out, but like, nah. That's I don't know. We've got so we thought we've got to go off the next.

SPEAKER_02 1:15:19

What's the score of the next game?

SPEAKER_00 1:15:20

108. Yeah, there you go. Okay. 22 seconds left. Uh I don't know. It doesn't say that. It doesn't say. Yeah, it doesn't say.

SPEAKER_02 1:15:27

Come on, man.

SPEAKER_00 1:15:27

They gotta fix that on Google, bro. They gotta like put like, they gotta get like a little ball to go on top, like when they do in baseball.

unknown 1:15:32

They have a football.

SPEAKER_00 1:15:33

They have it, yeah, they have a football, right? They got the little ball on them. Man, look. Um, so what's next for you, Maji? We got we got more uh Residency July, another one in July.

SPEAKER_02 1:15:41

Yeah, July and August. We're gonna announce the residency dates in New York soon. We're gonna do some spot dates, you know, with the band start taking it on the road. Yeah, um, we're gonna keep out being out here talking about uh the internet killed the neighborhood, the album. We're going to bring some live experiences like the on the radar one. Yeah. We're gonna be doing some some freestyles, everything just very intentional. And uh, and we got the Patreon should be rocking by the time that this is out, you know. Like I've had my subscription service called The Center. They won. Um fucking go. Yeah, they won. They won. Fucking go. Uh yeah, I've had a subscription service called the Center where people can subscribe to me directly, you know, and support me. And I really just want to be tapped in with my community of people. I want to be able to rely on my people to do the work that I want to do. So I think we're going to be, you know, moving uh the center over to the to Patreon and be and be starting there. And I hope people will consider fucking with me there, man, because I really just don't want to be subject to funding from any type of corporation and nothing. I I'm trying to achieve like some peace in my life. I got, you know, I've worked really hard to create a career. People that care about what I do. I'm developing as an artist and as a musician. I'm making the music that I want to make. I'm living, you know, I got a beautiful partner, you know, of seven years. Like, I got like I I'm trying to be happy, you know what I'm saying? But running my own shit and like, you know, the the anxiety of like not knowing, you know, having that stability and that framework for actual stability is just like havoc on my nervous system. And so, you know, by people supporting me directly and becoming part of these communities I'm trying to build, whether it's Patreon or the center, whatever, um, you know, they could really, it's like really could change my life and make it so that I could have a more stable framework to be able to create these bodies of work. So I hope people will will fuck with me in that regard.

SPEAKER_00 1:17:33

I love that, man. I think that's a great place to end it. Uh, I'm gonna try something new with you after once we wrap this interview. Um, but man, look, I appreciate you as always, man. The internet killed the neighborhood out now. Uh on the radar uh experience with Marlon, out now. Um on the radar cipher, new rap class cipher out now in his first freestyle and his old interview is all up, so you could check that out. Uh Patreon. Yep, what's the link for the Patreon?

SPEAKER_02 1:17:57

Dude, we literally making it right now. Okay, okay, okay. It's gonna be patreon.com slash Marlon Kraft. And if it ain't, you know, just Google me. You know, like we could we'll find it. But we we really we and right, you know, we still have the center.marlincraft.com um where the center is that we're gonna be funneling, you know, to Patreon as well. So yeah, we out here.

SPEAKER_00 1:18:16

My G. Well, I appreciate you as always for coming through. Uh get your vinyls. Uh, check out that video out now. Um, people can follow you at Marlon Kraft on everything.

SPEAKER_02 1:18:24

Marlon Kraft on everything, Gay P, my brother. I really appreciate you, man. For real.

SPEAKER_00 1:18:28

My G, love your soul. Thank you again, as always. Uh, go check out the new project. Uh, go show my brother some love. Go watch that experience. Love is free, sports free. Y'all already knew that. Gay P the frequency at OTR. Yao, ow.