Muzik Clazz Interview of Suspekt

Tell me something about yourself.
The basic stuff. I'm an entrepreneur. I have a mind-set of a genius when it comes to business. I'm an artist, producer, graphics designer, web-designer, and run sites as well.

An entrepreneur involved in the business and an artist, where did you get the name Suspekt? Suspekt; That name came from my homie Fokuhs, over in Florence, SC. Before I ever really had a 'done-deal' name, I was goin' by my initials. Then me and Fokuhs got to talkin' about me needin' a real stage-name. So with my past and history, with being locked up, and what-not, he came up with "Suspekt". It fits me perfect. I was locked up 2 times in my life, without actually committing the crime they committed me for. Together, I served a 1 1/2 years off those two crimes. I feel i'm actually still a suspect.

Damn… If fits then. So how long have you been into hip hop, as far as a career?
I've been doing music for around 12 years. As far as a career, or having my name out there and buzzin'... Probably a solid 8 years out of the 12.

What would you say got you into hip hop in the first place?
Where I lived, & who I was around and grew up with. It was all that was played. I grew up around rap music. What got ME into music, was my family roots. I already had a love for music anyway. So things just clicked from the beginning.

So, what's your favorite thing about hip hop nowadays?
My favorite thing about hip hop... well, considering the fact that people are more open to being who they are, and the people are open to accept who the artist is. It was really hard back in the 90's and the beginning, if you weren't really gangsta rap, you wasn't really being looked at, just looked over. But now days, everyone is examining everyone. Example: Soulja Boy

Some people still aint changed over to accept that, but what would you change about hip hop? Well, i'm not exactly sure if I would change anything, but i'm sure I will break a few barriers and make people a lil more open minded to a "white rapper". I'm not one who can be compared to any other white artist who has been in the industry thus far. I'm bold. I dont wanna give out too much, gotta keep 'em wonderin. Feel me?

I feel you... So no comparison to Eminem for you?
Hell naw. Don't get me wrong, Eminem paved the true way for a white artist. Vanilla did his thang thang, & Kid Rock did his... But, look at who they've become. Eminem still is 8-mile, present day. He's mad talented. But i'm in no way in comparison. Not Paul Wall, not Lil Wyte, not Em, not Vanilla, nor Kid.

How do you feel about these new "ringtone rappers" that pop up all over the place now, like Soulja Boy, F.L.Y., New Boyz, etc.?
It's a new day, new hustle, what can I say? I mean, KRS ONE said it best when he discussed ringtone rappers. Thats all i'm gonna say to that.

I guess you got nothing to say about the "hipster rappers" Wale, Kid Cudi, Asher Roth, and Lupe Fiasco either?
Kid Cudi brought a new sound, I was feelin that joint 'Day N Night', Wale, he's been doin his thing, he was on that NBA 09 joint... dude nice... Asher, did his thing, and Lupe, now thats my dude... Lupe did his damn thing, but hip hop just isn't in the right state of mind right now... People aren't appealed to deep hip hop, they get bored on it. They want energy, I guess.

So what have YOU been up to lately, what moves have you been making?
Right now i'm about to kick off by workin' on my mixtape, "Criminal Mind'. It'll have a couple dope features. I'll let yall know 2. Young Cash w/ Nappy Boy and Haitian Fresh with Wyclef. It will be highly anticipated!

What would you say has been your biggest success in the industry so far?
Mainly my focus, & determination. As far as songs, my single, "Playin Games", and Big Money featuring Wes Fif. Those are a couple local bangers. People around here haven't yet seen those kind of moves made here. Had to surprise my home team a little. Then seein' west coast DJ of the year "DJ B Mello" backing me, they are lovin' it. The industry see's me!

But If the music didn't work, what would be next for Suspekt?
Well, i'm a graphic designer, producer, & engineer. I'm sure i'll make money some how. I'm doing it now.

Who have some of your biggest influences been?
KRS ONE, Jay Z, Nas, Eminem, UGK, to name a few.

Gotta love UGK… Random question here... Whats the BEST 10 hip hop album of all time? Take your time!
Nas - illmatic, Public Enemy - It takes a nation of millions to hold us back, Eric B. & Rakim - Paid In Full, Wu-Tang Clan - Enter The Wu-Tang (36 chambers), The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready To Die, Raekwon - Only built 4 cuban linx, A Tribe Called Quest - The low end theory, N.W.A. - Straight outta compton, Boogie Down Productions - Criminal Minded, and of course, one of my favorites, Dr. Dre - The Chronic ....Those were all classics!

How do you feel about the industry's trouble with downloading and stealing music?
It really bothers me... The industry needs to do somethin about that. It really takes away from the art. Artist aren't as eager to put out classic albums anymore, due to the fact that 60% of the fan base will either bootleg, or steal from the net.

Hell yeah, well we're done here. Is there anything else you would like to say?
South Carolina's Got Next, Believe it... We here!