Having already shared the stage with such top tier acts as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Foo Fighters, Tha Alkaholiks, Dilated Peoples, Ice-T, Kool Keith, Ras Kass, Xzibit and Non Phixion, to name some, rapper Black Silver [The Navigator] deserves to be a household name by now. However, if all goes as planned the tides will soon be changing.
In addition, the artist also known as Silver Synth moonlights as a member of The Analog Brothers, Black Ice [with Ice-T], as well as within the supergroup Concrete Babiez.
First things first, last year (August 11th 2023 to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
I’m a golden era baby. Born in the ‘70’s, so I literally grew up with Hip Hop. It’s awesome seeing our culture recognized globally for the special and universal vibes it brings to the world.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
Absolutely! Those of us who acknowledged Hip Hop as a way of life always knew it was here to stay. I remember the major outlets and publications saying it was a trend. But look at us now.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Hmm…has to be tour oriented. I’ve been blessed to have been on the road with several greats, and some of my fondest memories were definitely tour related. Whether it was just performing somewhere for the first time, or meeting fans in places I didn’t even know they knew about me, it was all very special.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
Just dropped the second single “Hood Narrators,” featuring Kool G Rap, from my next project Weaponized Alchemy, which drops in mid November. That’s with me and my bros Main Flow, and is fully produced by DJ Obi. That will probably be the last release for 2024, but I have 3 other projects in the makings almost ready for 2025.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I’ve done so much over the years, but I was always an understudy of the people I was around. I was always Kool Keith’s homie, or the dude that rocks with Ice-T. This time around I’m concentrating on the world recognizing Black Silver as his own entity.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Well since I’ve scratched some major ones off the list, I still need to do a record with Eminem. I consider him one of the best, and that’s who and what I want to be associated with.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
That’s easy. It would be The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington. We were the opening act for the North American leg of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ (The) Californication Tour, and we rocked that venue. Super memorable. Now I want to do it on my own steam.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Yup, my outlook is different than most. Yes, I’m a bit frustrated with the over-saturation of rappers, and the foreboding culture vulture rise. But I’m also sold on the fact that people have a choice, and they can find the authentic and real Hip Hop vibes they are looking for if they just keep their ears to the streets. Those people turn into dedicated fans quickly. The support lately has been nothing short of amazing!
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Staying true to the culture. I was a break-dancer, I was a DJ, I tried to beatbox, I was a graffiti writer, all before I picked up a mic. So I’m engulfed in the nature of Hip Hop. I represent what it is to be a true emcee.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I have a shoe line, I have a coffee line…I plan on doing a nature oriented cooking show, and I’m an avid fresh-water Bass Fisherman. Those things keep me plenty busy when I’m not rocking microphones.
What’s an average day like for you?
Being thankful for waking up, checking my list and going down the line of priorities. I’ve been an entrepreneur for over a decade, and that comes with a lot of discipline. I treat my days like I’m working for someone else. No time wasted.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Always grateful. If I have the time it’s theirs. Almost to a fault. I’m always so appreciative.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Up until late 2022, I hadn’t recorded anything new other than a few features here and there for almost six years. I was just burnt out on the politics, janky promoters and the over-saturation of rappers; especially those mumbling cats. I had to step back. Now I’m refreshed. I launched my own label, Sterling World Records. I have Empire distribution, and I built a home studio. Now I don’t have to deal with any of the politics, I can put out whatever music I want whenever I want. It’s like a whole new world. Now I can really allow my creativity to speak for itself and be allowed to blossom.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Do the music you love to do for yourself. Don’t go into it thinking you’re going to be like such and such. Build your fan-base one person at a time.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Well since I’ve all but said my age I’m not sure about ten years, but in the next 3 or 4 I should be that household name and my identity will be etched in the books.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Let’s leave a little mystery, and room for imagination. There’s a lot more in store.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
“Light A Match Up”…
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