I've been rhyming for over 20 years and appreciate any hip hop fan who respects lyrics. I already know my songs are not for everyone. They're not for the radio, the club or the masses. My music is for those who miss early '90s hip hop when pain and struggle were the dominant themes. From my days with Natural Elements, then Nightbreed, I've always tried to remain true to what I believe is the real spirit of hip hop. If you're going to rhyme, you should have something relevant and unique to say. I decided a long time ago that I would make music for the love of it. If you can make money from art, that's a beautiful thing. But money shouldn't be the reason you make art. You make art because you can't help it. I can honestly say there's not a day that goes by that lines don't come to me. My words are an extension of who I am and I was never willing to compromise that for anyone. Guess it's just that stubborn Brownsville knucklehead in me that could never let some A&R cat tell me how to rhyme! Lucky for me, the advancement of technology made it possible to create an album exactly how I wanted. No pressure to create a radio single. No one telling me how to flow. No instructions from people who know nothing about the creative process. After years of dreaming about making an album, I finally released one in 2008 and called it Iron Works. I use the word release loosely because my only intention was to give it to family and friends. One of those friends put it in GZA's hands and I got word that he liked it and that he'd even do a song with me. I was honored to hear that, but never really thought it would ever happen. Months later I get a phone call that he's in the studio and next thing you know I'm recording "Firehouse" for GZA's Pro Tools album. Since I don't depend on my music to eat, it's given me the freedom to have fun and not expect anything from it. I'm always surprised when people catch things I say in my songs. Almost everything I say has a double meaning and it's why more than likely you won't understand everything with just one listen. I craft my songs so that you pick up something new each time you hear it. My weapon is sharp now and I got books and books of ammo ready to let off. My Iron Works!