|
by: Richard Sankar
It was a very hot, Thursday in May when I was trying to rush to my office to conduct my interview with the infamous rapper named Juvenile. He called me a little early that day due to scheduling conflicts and I had to pull over by a gas station that looked like broken down, barn yard. Sweating, but cool, from my cold, Red Bull, I anxiously found my recorder and got ready to hear what this legendary rapper had to say about his new album “Beast Mode” including life after Cash Money.
CRUNK: What’s good Juvenile? How are things going?
Juvenile: Good. I’ve been blessed. So I am good and about to get this album going called “Beast Mode.”
CRUNK: Cool. Thanks for the interview. I’m glad you called early as well. How is the new single coming along?
Juvenile: The single called “Drop That Azz” has been going good. The radio and the clubs love it. I had to do something for the ladies. I am bringing my album called “Beast Mode” out this summer. I am making this a summer album and my fans will love this one.
CRUNK: For sure you always drop something hot for the ladies like “Rodeo.” I always felt like you made Cash Money Records. How is your relationship with Cash Money?
Juvenile: It’s good. I have no bad feelings for them. Baby and I are cool. I talked to him the other week and all. Mannie Fresh is another person that I am cool with as well. We all came up from something and right now we all doing our thing so I am not bitter. I am blessed so it’s cool and all. Thanks for the compliment by the way.
CRUNK: So a lot of people, including me, would like to know if there will ever be a Hot Boyz album.
Juvenile: I am ready when ever they are. I am here doing me and right now that’s good. Wayne is in jail and so is Turk. I talk to B.G. a lot and he is out doing his own thing too. Maybe one day but right now I am out trying to get this album out sometime this summer. I got to do me for now and when they are ready then it will happen.
CRUNK: So do you have any known artists on the CD and what about touring?
Juvenile: This album I am doing local artists and producers on this CD. I wanted to keep this album with a more New Orleans feel and I even have my son back on my CD. I am always touring and you can drop an independent album to make money, but the real money always come from touring. That’s why I have always been blessed because I can sell well independently and make good on touring too.
CRUNK: The last album you did went the independent route with E1 Records. Is it because of the economy that made you go that way?
Juvenile: For sure. People aren’t buying albums like they used to. Too many people nowadays want to hate because they see you doing things and they are too lazy to go out and do something positive. A lot of people think you owe them or someone owes them because of the tragedy we had in New Orleans years ago as an example. I came from the hood. I came from nothing. The economy is bad but you got to still keep going and try not to depend on anyone. Even if my albums don’t sell I can always get up and do shows. The independent route is good and it gives the artist more freedom to make better music decisions.
CRUNK: I know you been through a lot especially the loss of your daughter and what happened to New Orleans. What keeps you going?
Juvenile: Just putting God first. Pray and keep doing what I am doing. My fans have been good to me. I always drop the hot anthems for them so that’s what keeps me going. I always have to put God first for sure.
CRUNK: Any outside projects?
Juvenile: I got many outside projects that I would like to keep as a secret for now. I don’t want to release those things yet. But yeah I will be out touring everywhere around the U.S. and beyond so look out for me.
CRUNK: Any last words?
Juvenile: I appreciate the interview and look out for my new summer CD called “Beast Mode”. I am dropping those hot summer anthems this year so buy the album. Check out my websites and put God first.
|
