Formerly of supergroup The Weathermen, Copywrite, née Peter Nelson, is a veteran underground emcee who hails from Columbus, Ohio. In addition, Copy is also a member of MHz Legacy.
Fun fact: Nelson is the grandson of the late singer Skip Nelson, who sang, played piano and guitar for the Glenn Miller Band in the 1940’s.
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?
It means the 5 elements have long surpassed any doubts or preconceived notions that this thing of ours that started in the Bronx was just a fad. It means that even though most people don’t know this culture like that, gravitated and took to it and not, it’s the biggest money maker on earth.
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?
And, what are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Playing the same festival as James Brown overseas is probably my fave. Headlining a festival also in South Africa, and having my skateboard stolen by a fan while I performed only to run into the fans at the mall later and them to offer to buy me a skateboard.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
I spent most of this year locked up, but as soon as I got out on Halloween, me and the incomparable J. Rawls jumped right into an album that we’re now halfway done with.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want them to feel like they’re not alone in this shit show called life, and that someone else has felt the same pain or joy as them and has found a way to put it into words for us to enjoy.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Madison Square Garden! Because it’s so historical, and I’ve played just about every venue in the world there is to play, lol.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
No, but I’ve never been happy with any state of Hip Hop. It’s never gonna be where I want it to be because I have such high hopes and love for it.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Having amazing lyrics, and putting my all into it. Being so passionate about it is what separates me from others, along with my ability to write anything and write it well.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Nope! It’s all entertainment. I want to do stand up, more acting and make cartoons.
What’s an average day like for you?
Wake up at 6am, and start writing rhymes or drawing pictures. I do this all day.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I treat them all like family because there were times when I got arrested, and they were the only ones who wrote me. My family is mostly deceased.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Seeing or hearing the fans react.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Make sure you love this and are willing to do this, even when things aren’t going great for you because most of the time it won’t be going your way.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Top paid actor in the world with 6 Grammys off of music.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Nope!
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