Growing up in the rough and tumble ‘hoods of Watts and Compton; two cities within Southern Los Angeles, CA, Glasses Malone, née Charles Penniman, initially turned to music as a much healthier and more productive outlet away from the street life.
The one-time teenage Crip gang member’s latest magnum opus, Fucc Glasses Malone, contains 16 explosive tracks and hosts high profile appearances from Kurupt & Xzibit [“One of Those”], Terrace Martin [“Put On”], Cam’Ron & Lil Wayne [“Bring ‘Em Out”], Jay Rock & Ab-Soul [“Dollars Make $ense”] and more.
First things first, last year (August 11th to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
– 50 years ago, the Bronx showed every ghetto in America how to express their culture, artistically. It has saved thousands of poor black kids. It means the world to me, because I’m one of the poor black kids that benefited from it.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
– I was blessed to grow up in the greatest era of Hip Hop, where my favorite artists took our culture into mainstream homes worldwide. Imagination wasn’t ever needed. I do dream of more these days. While we’ve conquered liquor, clothing and fast food, I’m waiting on Curren$y’s Chevrolet dealership, Dr. Dre’s Hospital and KRS-One’s Private School. So much more for Hip Hop to colonize.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
– My fondest moments?? Watching The Game drop The Documentary. Being a part of Cash Money as Lil Wayne recorded and released (The) Carter III, and watching a kid I knew from Compton named Kendrick Lamar craft a future classic titled good kid, m.A.A.d city.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
– My current goals are to make sure my complete catalog is avail at my site, www.TheCripStore.com, and also available on all streaming apps for fans. Beyond is to make a song as great as Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” and an album as important, successful and classic as Ice Cube’s Death Certificate.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
– I want people to have a greater understanding and insight into Los Angeles’ street urban culture.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
– If I could collaborate with one artist, living or deceased, it would certainly be the Big Maestro, Barry White. Barry grew up on the East Side of Los Angeles just as I did. What he does musically would translate so well in Hip Hop.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
– If I could play one venue in the world, it would be The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Hip Hop is such a hometown thing, no venue means more in Los Angeles’ music scene to me than that outdoor coliseum.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
– I am pleased with today’s Hip Hop scene. It’s always great to learn about new street urban cultures around the world.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
– The key to my longevity in Hip Hop is a desire to keep unearthing cultural aspects of Los Angeles. That desire burns deep inside of me as of today. When that fire goes out, I’ll be done in Hip Hop.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
– Besides the continued effort of giving nuanced understanding to L.A.’s street urban culture, my aspirations outside of entertainment are to open the first Hip H-optometry store. Glaucoma is a real issue in the communities that breed Hip Hop’s culture.
What’s an average day like for you?
– An average day for me is studio, studio, studio. 🤣
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
– I always intend to have tru interactions with my supporters on social media. Doesn’t always work out that way.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
– My favorite part of my livelihood is surprising the audience with nuances they never understood about our culture. The worse part of my livelihood is having to debate culture that I have insight in with people completely ignorant; outside of learning a few songs.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
– My advice to someone wanting to be a Hip Hop artist is understand what Hip Hop is. Learn what records are. Learn about marketing. It will help you accomplish all your goals.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
– In 5 or 10 years, I see myself telling cultural stories thru whatever medium is available. Like what people do with cowboy stories thru old Western films.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
– Head over to www.TheCripStore.com, and purchase some art from a tru artist.
