West Coast Styles

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Initially consisting of Tony “Bazerk” Allen, Daddy Rawe, the late Almighty Jahwell, Sandman and Cassandra a.k.a. MC Halfpint, Son of Bazerk (featuring No Self Control and The Band) released their brilliant, not to mention criminally slept-on, debut LP, Bazerk Bazerk Bazerk [S.O.U.L./MCA], entirely produced by The Bomb Squad, in May 1991. Originally known as Townhouse 3, the Long Island, New York, based Funk-Soul / Hip Hop collective finally returned nearly two decades later with their DJ Johnny Juice laced sophomore body of work, Well Thawed Out, courtesy of Chuck D’s Slam Jamz imprint.

 

 

First things first, let’s hop right into this collaborative effort, 2 Queens and a Mic — Although self explanatory, still tell me, conceptually, what this title represents both to and for you?

2 Queens and a Mic represents sistahood, solidarity, respect and integrity in Hip Hop. As female emcees in the game 30 plus, we have seen the evolution of the female artist and respect the foundation the pioneers have laid down and honor them as we were working on this project, as well as celebrating the rise of females in Hip Hop as it continues to grow globally.

Aside from the obvious, how then does 2 Queens and a Mic either differ and / or compare to previous entries?

I think it is an extension of females in Hip Hop, as we bridge the gap between classic Hip Hop music and its female pioneers…to the new female artists who are creating lanes for themselves as they leap off the shoulders of the artists before them.

When you sit down to pen your rhymes, where do you draw the inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from my own life, my students and what is happening in society. As an educator, I believe it is important to empower but also have fun, engage the listeners and remember the purpose and foundational ideology of Hip Hop, while always respecting the culture.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for MC Halfpint?

I was always Hip Hop. It is ingrained in everything I do…my walk, talk, dress, attitude etcetera. I always loved words and stories weaved into music. I am a music lover. I used to write rhymes while in class instead of doing classwork. My friends and I used to be on the back of the school bus rhyming, beat-boxing, etcetera. Everybody had a crew. I used to be in band and chorus, church choir, etcetera. I made my first recording in 5th grade while in all county chorus at school. I always wanted to be a recording artist. During the summer going into my sophomore year of college, my friends and I were at Centennial Park, Roosevelt, LI; Terrordome…I was talking trash while playing and snapping on the guys we were playing, and this guy walks over to me and says, “You sound like you should be making records!” I was like, “Yeah, okay.” He kept talking, and was like, “I produce Public Enemy.” I was like, “Okay.” Long story short, the guy was Hank Shocklee and he came to my house to get permission from my grandparents because I was underage. Next day, I’m in the studio with these guys that used to alway be at my house when I was younger and lived with my mother. I knew Bazerk, Jahwell, Daddy Rawe and Flavor since I was a baby. They are family. Everything just fit. Hank’s vision worked, and the rest is history…

Now you’re from Long Island, New York, correct? So growing up in the “Little Caribbean,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Long Island is the most segregated place in the U.S. However, living and growing up in Freeport, hanging out in Roosevelt, Hempstead and surrounding areas, for me was like being raised by a village. Everyone had a part in my evolution, but my grandfather introduced me to the love of music. All music from ABBA to ZZ Top and in between…I grew up listening to Motown, Philadelphia sound, Memphis Blues, Big Band Swing, etcetera; from Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Dolly Parton to Glady Knight, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston. I used to carry a record player that folded like a suitcase and carry it around, but I would only play Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 on it.

That said, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Eclectic. R’n’B, Rap, Blues, Rock…it may even be unclassifiable since we were able to combine so much into one sound.

What particular string of events actually led to your initial linking up with Son of Bazerk, Almighty Jahwell [RIP] & Daddy Rawe, and the eventual formation of the group?

The guys were known in the area as the Townhouse 3 prior to me joining. Once Hank heard me in the park, he found that missing link to what became Son of Bazerk featuring No Self Control, and I had a platform to live out my dream of being a Hip Hop recording artist.

When and how exactly did Hank Shocklee [Bomb Squad] enter into the picture?

Hank was the mastermind behind the image and adding me to the group. It was his label, and THE BOMB SQUAD laced us with some prime beats as only they can. They all became my brothers, and made sure I was good.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to listen, enjoy, have fun and become empowered in a positive way.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I love musicianship; I already worked with one of the best to do it, but I would love to work with anyone who loves music. If I could, I would like to work with Bruno Mars, Pete Rock, Anderson .Paak, DJ Premier, Timbaland, Kwamé…from the producer side because of their ear for music. From artist standpoint, Sha-Rock, Lisa Lee, Lyte, Monie Love, Queen Latifah, Lady of Rage, Yo-Yo, Tierra Whack, Little Simz, Rapsody, Roxanne Shanté…because I love their tone and lyrical prowess.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Madison Square Garden because I want New York; it started here, and I want them to know I am here and I love NY and Hip Hop, and I have something to say!

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

I think there are talented artists out there, unfortunately not all of them will get the type of media attention others may get. I believe there is an audience for everyone. As an artist you have to be true to yourself, or your time in the industry could be short lived if you are not honest with yourself as an artist.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Love, integrity and respect for the culture, the history and good music.

What’s an average day like for you?

This is my 27th year in education. I am currently an assistant principal at Roosevelt High School in Roosevelt, LI – Terrordome as per P.E. – during the day time, and in the evening I am the principal of the alternative school there. I get home about 7:30pm, so after my 12 hour shift I go to the studio to work on music -S.O.B. project or solo project – or I am working on my podcast, Century of the Sista; season 2 coming soon!

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I am humbled by fans; sometimes I am in awe of them when they know my work. They ROCK!!! I love them, and salute them.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

I love performing…I hate the business side, but you have to know it or you will put yourself in a position where others will benefit from your hard work.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

This business is not for the faint of heart; it may look easy, but it aint for everybody. Be true to yourself, authentic and courageously you. Nobody can be you but you, so embrace that and be ready to put the work in 25 hours, 8 days a week, learn and nurture your craft, and continue to build on it.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Performing and recording more new music, teaching a course I created call the History of Hip Hop; from a sociology perspective at a college. Maybe some cameos in movies.

Lastly, what’s up with Son of Bazerk / No Self Control?

We are currently working on a new project with the talented Johnny ‘Juice’ Rosado. He is one of the dopest in the game. He produced our last project, Well Thawed Out.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

I think the only thing left to say is…don’t sleep on 1/2pint cuz I dont 1/2 step! I did a collabo with Project Blackbird called “115th Street.” I have other collabos that have been released in 2020.Check out Man Plans God Laughs from P.E., “Blood and Concrete” with True Groove All-Stars, “Truth Comes Down” with Marla Mase…my solo 2020 song on True Groove Records called “Real Hip Hop.” Thank you for all your support…please reach out anytime. I will keep you posted on the release of my solo project, and the S.O.B. project. SALUTE! — 1/2pint, of Son of Bazerk / No Self Control, the one and only female hype / rap sista in the game since ’91!!

 

 

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MC Halfpint [Son Of Bazerk]: EST. 1991 #HH50

MC Halfpint [Son Of Bazerk]: EST. 1991 #HH50

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