First things first, this year (August 11th) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you? 

It means a lot to me as Hip Hop gave me a lifelong job that I simply love. A career that I’ve been doing for 40 years in 2024. This life in Hip Hop is a dream come true.

 

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 never thought it could go this far and split into more genres. I absolutely love what everyone is doing. The Old School and the new artist. Hip Hop has reached the level of Pop Music, and I am happy to be part of the beginnings.

 

What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories from your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?

I think traveling around the world is my favorite thing, and my stand-out moment is when I headlined a huge show at the Sydney Opera House. When I was walking up to the venue I got chills.

 

That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2023, going right into ‘24? 

2024 is my 40th Anniversary, and I plan on releasing a new album entitled 1987, and many singles on vinyl. I have a lot in the works that is going to amaze my fans.

 

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

I want people to feel it and let their body move. I make dance music, old school Hip Hop, electro, whatever you want to call it. Just listen, feel it, and dance!

 

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

I’m always happy. They are doing their thing just as I did my thing in the ‘80’s.

I hope they continue, and I hope even more new styles come from it.

 

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

I think just being myself has kept me out there all these years. I don’t follow trends, I am the trend. When my fans see me play they know why my songs were so popular in the ‘80’s. My show speaks for itself, as I still play the same vinyl records I played back in the ‘80’s.

When you see my show, it’s what I did back in the day to show you how I did it when I first started. It’s like the evolution of The Egyptian Lover. Then I play my 808 Live, and that always gets the crowd going.

 

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

I have been working on a number of screenplays and several ideas for movies. It’s a long process and most of my time I’m working on music and traveling, but I’m working on it all the same.

 

What’s an average day like for you?

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I am my own manager and I book all my own shows, so I am very busy all all all all all the time. Studio work, writing songs, performing and running my record label.

 

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans… 

I try to respond as much as I can with the time I put aside for just that. I love my fans, and I am still making new albums on vinyl because of them.

 

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

My favorite is performing. When I see the party people enjoying themselves as I perform, it hypes me up to do even more.

Least favorite is there’s not enough weekends in the year to play all the shows that want me to play. I wish I could play them all.

 

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

Work hard, and never give up!

Don’t forget to enjoy what you are doing. Be yourself.

 

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

Making movies.

 

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

I’d like to give a shout-out to Brian Ellis, who plays keyboards for me. He has made recording in the studio much more easier, and a lot of fun. If you need a keyboard player to play on one of your tracks, you must hire him. He can play every instrument. Guitar, piano, keyboards, drums and he has studio knowledge, and is probably the most talented guy I ever met. We have been working together for over 15 years, and I’m glad we have.

 

Any “parting” words for our readers?

“Enjoy your Life!”