HODGE-  First things first, not one, but TWO GOTJ performances in 2012!  After many years of silent, to very quiet talks, you were invited to perform multiple sets at the music industry’s most notorious annual music festival.  After an 11 years absence from the GOTJ stage, how did your return come about?

MYZERY- Well, everything in my life just seemed to fall into place for the first time in a long time.  I had some good momentum going.  I just returned to the rap game.  I dropped my first music video ever.  The video was getting a lot of love.  Then we did the return interview.  Next thing I know I’m on the phone with JUMPSTEADY just talking and cutting it up like old times.  He was feeling the new music I slid him.  He let his bro hear my new shit, and he was also feeling where my mind was in the interview I guess.  It just kinda all came together.  The invite was an honor for me…like you don’t even know, just huge.  It’s been all love with Psychopathic ever since.

HODGE-  The GOTJ also seemed to be the rebirth of an old school bond between yourself and JUMPSTEADY.  Not only did you two appear together for an exclusive hatchetradio interview, he also joined you on stage for a surprise collaboration of his “my mans n them” song.  I’m just guessing, but it had to be pretty deep to share that moment with your brother-in-law, as your sister (in the audience) was able to watch the two of you rock the stage together.  Any thoughts on your set that night?

MYZERY-  The whole Gathering return was a huge adrenaline rush for me.  I ain’t been back on stage in a minute, and the second my music started playing…it was like this wave of focus took over me.  Sounds weird, but it couldn’t have felt more natural.  It was another great moment in my life.  I look back now and feel so lucky to have rocked the stage with my brother in law, my sis looking on, my cuz as a hypeman, my brother in the backdrop, and the fans on my side.  A total family reunion.  It was the shit!

HODGE-  Just prior to your 2^nd performance at the 2012 GOLTJ, you were spotted kickin it with the number one independent rapper in the world today- TECH N9NE.  Are you a fan of TECH’s music?

MYZERY- Yeah it was definitely cool to have that lil run-in with TECH N9NE.  I’m a big supporter of his music and the whole Strange movement.  That label was built by some real free spirits who don’t give a fuck about conforming to industry templates.  They don’t make rap albums, they erase musical boundaries.  I’m a fan of anybody waving middle fingers at standards, in an effort to make good music.

HODGE-  During SHAGGY 2 DOPE’s highly advertised “Beast of the East” super show at the 2012 GOTJ, you were announced as a last minute surprise act.  Your set was a highlight of the show.  It was fun seeing DJ CLAY, SHAGGY, and JUMPSTEADY all on stage during your set straight willin out the whole time.   What kind of pressure did you feel having to perform last after such famous rap acts as BIZ MARKIE and WU TANGS own RAEKWON The Chef?  I thought I even noticed a few other homies backstage afterwards to give you props?

MYZERY-  I don’t fear pressure, but I’ll always answer the call to bring my A-Game,  and this was definitely one of those “man-up” moments for me.  I gotta be honest, I felt some rust at first, but I shook it off and keep that crowd moving the best I could.  And yeah, VIOLENT J and even VAMPIRO showed up backstage to lend some support.  Much appreciated.   Also, and nobody really knows this, but I volunteered for another high pressure moment that weekend.  Friday had a big-name cancellation on the main stage, and I was more than ready to go out there and rock it.  Lo’s were pissed no doubt, and I’m sure a lot of aggression woulda rained down on me on stage, but I was all about keeping that show moving.  It didn’t pan out, but I was willing and ready.

HODGE-  In the fall of 2012 you were invited to join DJ CLAY on a few of his signature “Jumpoff” concerts.  How was the crowd’s reaction to your sets after so many years of being absent from the scene?  Were the new school Juggalos receptive to the rapper that their older brothers used to boast about?

MYZERY-  DJ CLAY is a cool dude no doubt.  I’d never been invited to any of those Jump-Off’s before, so I had no idea what to expect.  It felt good to see a few hundred come out each time, and they showed mad luv to your boy.  Me personally though, I don’t care if only 1 person woulda showed, Imma still rock that shit!

HODGE-  It was rumored that after your spot performances on the DJ CLAY concert series, you were invited to the underground’s most famous recording studio- The Lotus Pod.  Any truth to this?  If so, were these recordings solo offerings, or collaborative efforts?  Any insight as to when we could expect to hear these recordings, or what albums they’ll appear on?

MYZERY-  Yeah, I went to the Lotus Pod to record some tracks.  I think it was around late 2012 when we did those.  It’s been a long time since I recorded with the crew, but it was nothing but love there.  It felt real comfortable to work with everybody again.  I thought there would be some tension, but there wasn’t at all.  I recorded a solo joint for CLAY’s mixtape, and then we did another track that included the whole cliq.  I had a great time.  Definitely felt that magic again.

HODGE-  In your song “Psychopathic Orphan” you made mention of Violent J’s corvette.  I remember ESHAM used to make occasional comments about this Vette as well.  Was it really that sick?!?  You ever get the keys to this bad mofo?

MYZERY-  Yeah, I had the keys.  Around this time I was staying up at Violent J’s house working on the “Para La Isla” album.  He used to use his truck a lot and would leave the vette with me.  Haha, I remember speeding through highways and getting lost all the time.  I was new to the D and had no liscense…good times.

HODGE-  It seems like there’s always been this great divide or ignorant approach by critics to dismiss Underground artists, most often ICP, as being nothing more than- garbage, noise, or a shameful byproduct of punk rock.   Being a self proclaimed musicologist, I find these same critics opinions to be quite slanted and fueled by a fear of the unorthodox. This was never more apparent than the backlash after The GETTO BOYS appearance at the 2012 GOTJ.  After the rap legends performed in full face paint, they were instantly slammed as sellouts and jokes by hip hop historians, despite their iconic reunion performance.  Do you ever feel that this ignorance by critics will hurt your potential to be heard by a larger scale hip hop audience, even though your music has a much different sound?

MYZERY-  Well, when I make my music I don’t conform to no trendy garbage.  I just do me.  I write and record my life and I’m not influenced by anyone.  That’s the only way to keep my music real.  I’ll throw steady F-bombs to the haters and critics.  My destiny is not in their hands.  I’m versatile beyond belief and have no shame in my past or being associated with the clowns.  I’d love nothing more than for my sound to bring some street cred to my homies.  They’ve earned that shit.  Could you imagine the outcome if those hip hop heads heard my shit, and dropped their guards to peep my family ties.  I think some of those narrow minded types would grow a new appreciation.  I’d never hide my association or pride from any of those critics out there always throwing jabs at my boys.

HODGE-  It wasn’t that long ago that I had the pleasure of recapping your ecstatic Riddlebox Show experience.  What was your reaction when you saw the flattering remarks by Psychopathic, followed by the announcement that the PPV event (to include your entire stage set) would be featured on the upcoming dvd release?

MYZERY-  The DVD news was a big deal to me.  I had no idea that if it was ever released…that my set would be included on it.  Just doing that  PPV show was like a landmark moment in my career.  My niece Samantha was way too young when I first hit the road touring with ICP.  She finally got to see her uncle do what he does best.  Afterwards she mentioned that my mic seemed low, but not to worry cause I still kept the crowd hyped.  Lesson learned= always do a soundcheck before hitting the stage.  No big thing though, I’m proud of my performance that night.  So yeah, I’m honored to have been a part of that show and hope I can do it again soon.  I can’t wait for that DVD to drop.

HODGE-  I was recently talking to your partner Ponch, who mentioned that you might be recording a track with LAYZIE BONE, from the legendary rap group BONE THUGS IN HARMONY.  Is this still in the works?  How did this come about?

MYZERY-  I was gonna do that track.  I don’t know what happened to the dude who was hooking that up, but I was all for it.  Hopefully I can still get that popping and get LAYZIE BONE on the album.  I think our styles would mesh well on a track.

HODGE-  The response to your mixtape “Heaven or Hell” has been overwhelmingly receptive.  However, the anticipation for your long awaited “Demon Angel” album is stronger/more impatient than ever.  Was the album scrapped or is it still in production?  Are there any more mixtapes going to be released while awaiting D/A?

MYZERY-  Yeah, “Heaven & Hell” had a better response than I expected.  I’m talking over 10,000 downloads right away.  Much love to Faygoluvers for helping to get the word out.  Scottie’s always got our back.  “Demon Angel” is done, but the Team thought we needed some big features.  So we’re back on our grind just trying to put the finishing touches and link up the collabs to this masterpiece.  Well, at least that’s my opinion, but I’m hoping to get that same response that “Heaven & Hell” had.  I’m multitasking though.  I have another mixtape called “Half Breed” in the works, plus I’m helping some new artists to find their voice in the studio as well.

HODGE-  Your musical influences have never been more apparent than in the song “Biggie, Pac, and Pun” off of your “Heaven or Hell” mixtape.  That being said, what were your thoughts on the much talked about SNOOP DOGG concert that featured a surprise duet with a 3 dimensional TUPAC hologram?

MYZERY-  I loved that shit!  It was genius and nobody could’ve did that better than big SNOOP.  If I died and was ever famous like that, I love the idea of somebody arranging that in my honor.

HODGE-  If you had the chance to construct a Mount Rushmore of hip hop figures, which 4 would you choose?

MYZERY-  My list would be- TUPAC, BIGGIE, BIG PUN…and a toss-up between- NAS, EMINEM, or JAY-Z.  It’s just too hard to narrow down a 4^th member though.

HODGE-  Every so often you read about a musician and discover that their musical taste isn’t always what you’d expect.  Here are some examples that come to mind- Lil Wayne is a huge Nirvana fan, Tech N9ne loves The Doors, MURS (of the LIVING LEGENDS and FELT) is always spotted at ICP shows and gives props during radio interviews, and it was even stated by one of TUPAC’s former bodyguards that his favorite piece of music was the theme to Les Miserables.  If somebody was to scroll through the music on your I-Phone, what might they be surprised to discover?

MYZERY-  Well, it shouldn’t really be a surprise to anybody, but I bump a lot of Spanish music of course.  My musical taste is really broad though.  My mom likes classics like Elvis.   My sis likes Barry Manilow and Prince.  My pops likes salsa.  Being exposed to all these styles, I’ve grown an appreciation for all types of music really.  I guess I’m just a music lover period.  If an artist put his soul into it, it’s got my attention.

HODGE-  Over the last year or so, 2 previous employees (a DJ and  Hype-Man) have spoken out very critically at your former label, and more specifically about Violent J.  If you had to assess J’s true value to the label, and to the sub-genre in general, what perspective could you share with us?

MYZERY-  People will always hate…but most especially they hate on the most successful figures in their profession.  VIOLENT J is a genius.  Think of it like this.  Sub Genre’s are spawned out of a strong consumer interest.  When you think of the Grunge music of the 90’s you think of Nirvana and probably Kurt Cobain in particular.  Other big acts came from that genre, but Nirvana set it off.  Yeah, the wicked shit or horrorcore isn’t as widespread, but it birthed a ton of acts.  People are living out their dreams to entertain…because this wicked outlet exists.  Well, ICP is the Nirvana of the Wicked Shit and Violent J is the Kurt Cobain.  So yeah, when you’re on top, you’re the most visible.  In fact, they are arguably the only wicked rappers ever to gain constant mainstream attention.  This visibility, whether loved or hated, is just that- visibility, which is a success by definition.  Those boys built this shit out of nothing and never quit.  ICP is on top of what they do, and those looking up, well they tend to hate.  It’s just the fucked up reality of it all.

HODGE-  Last question and definitely the most relevant one to your diehard fanbase…what about your unfinished business with Psychopathic Records?  With your first E.P., your potential seemed imminent.  However, your follow-up offerenings, once departed from the Label, would never be received in quite the same manner by your audience.  Mostly because your audience was clueless as to how to obtain your music for over 10 years now, and the ones that did discover your catalog couldn’t help but notice that the formula was never quite matched with any follow-up effort.  So Myz, it’s late in the game now, what do you say to those that feel that you are long overdue to make that last inning effort and unleash your talents once again…and where the underground masses can discover it- Psychopathic Records.  Would you be open to another business endeavor with them?  Would they?  If so, what would your expectations of them be?  You had a reputation of not quite playing by the rules before.  If you released just one more album there, could you then look back on your career as having fulfilled what you always hoped to revisit?  And lastly, and because things can get tricky with family, would the fear of a business fallout be too risky to ever embark on another partnership with them?

MYZERY-  I’ve gotta be honest with you, I would love to get things back to how it was.  I see a lot of bandwagon people making music out there.  They seem in it for a buck and not outta the love for music.  I wouldn’t mind signing back with Psychopathic.  I mean we talked about it a little bit, but unfortunately it was more of just a passing notion, than any serious discussions.  With family though, it’s touchy.  I’m always optimistic, but won’t press the issue.  I’m still grateful to be sharing these moments with the crew here and there.  Do I think I could add to the labels talent roster, hell yeah.  I know I’m a true spitta, and that I’ve got a strong stage presence.  My mind has grown over the years, and I feel like I can handle situations better.  Also, the first time I was there I felt a pressure to have a more unified sound.  I’ve watched the label evolve and the artists seem encouraged to find their own independent style now.  That’s where I’d shine the hardest for them.  I make that undeniable hip hop music.  Lo’s, Lette’s, back-packers, purists, they can all get down with my style.  I can deliver.  I feel like I’d be good bragging rights when outsiders would challenge the labels true rap spittaz.  Not that everybody else isn’t doing their own thing, I just know that any Juggalo can stack me up against their friends favorite rappers… and I’d hold my own every time.  We’ll see what happens in the future, but I’m always game to help them, from either side of the tracks.

*Bonus Round-  Word Association PT.2 (for you old school hip hop heads)

1. GETO BOYS-  Ground breaking
2. KID FROST- forever 4 La Rasa
3. CYPRESS HILL- How I could just kill a man
4. RAAKIM- Legend.  Bow Down
5. KOOL G RAP- One of my old school favs.
6. BIG DADDY KANE- first to spit fast and put words and metaphors together crazy
7. AWESOME DRE- Timeless first single
8. TRIBE CALLED QUEST- I left my wallet in El Segundo
9. DE LA SOUL- Me Myself & I
10. ICE CUBE- no vaseline
11. HOUSE OF PAIN- Bold group.  Origin of a musical superstar
12. The Golden Goldies (Psychopathic Rydas prequel)-  lol. On tour recording on the bus.
13. Boogie Down Productions-  KRS1,   Legend!   My fist inspiration.  “…I lied.  I’m number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5”
14. PUBLIC ENEMY- Chuck D & Flava Flav.  Dared to challenge the establishment.  Guts!
15. ABOVE THE LAW-  Sick 1st album.

Xanarki said:

Awesome interview but for some reason it didn't show up on the front page of FLH. Duh fuck? Give Myz some exposure!

most interviews dont they put them in the interview section