Killah Priest Interview

  Killah Priest on His New Projects, The HRSMN, Emcee Advice, and His Travels

Killah Priest
(February, 2009)

Killah Priest is truly an MC's MC. Since being introduced to the mainstream in 1998 with his breakout single, "B.I.B.L.E." he has yet to succumb to industry pressure to change his style. And why should he? As he mentions in his interview. He's been doing this hip hop shit professionally for 10 years now.

Priest's style of rhyming could be best described as visual, dramatic, descriptive, historic, religious, abstract and even ancient. For those of you who may be only vaguely familiar with his work (Heavy Mental, View From Masada, Priesthood, Black August, The Offering, etc.) don't worry. Apparently there's a lot more coming from this unique wordsmith. I recently came across an unofficial Killah Priest mix tape which featured the song "Immaculate" with ACHOZEN (A group consisting of RZA and Shavo of System of A Down). It was pretty good and very inventive and after talking to Priest, it looks like there's yet another mixtape and album in the works ready to be released soon.

In between forming a new Indie hip hop label (Proverbs Records) with Noisy Neighbors, Priest has also been busy on a track for Samuel Jackson's "Afro Samurai" video game (released on Xbox 360 and PS3) with beats by the RZA.

Most of Killah Priest's music can now be purchased on iTunes, and he's currently getting the final touches ready for his Transition of Power Tour later this year.

Though at times, such as with songs like "Neva Existed", we get the feeling that Priest feels under recognized...the fact is that Priest has not only shared the mic with Greats like Nas, The Wu-Tang Clan, and KRS-One, but he should be recognized as a Great in his own right. Killah Priest's success should show any aspiring MC that having an unwavering commitment to quality can and will bring it's rewards.

With that said, our interview turned out a bit short, but sweet nonetheless. Enjoy it!

"I took emceeing seriously at around the age of 18 or 19."
-Killah Priest
(Below is a sample of Killah Priest's music. Allow a few seconds for the song to buffer)

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   Killah Priest - Black August (Daylight)

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TheStateofHipHop: First off I'd like to say that it's an honor to speak with who I consider to be the most vivid lyricist in hip hop. Help me clear this up...is there a difference between Priest, Killah Priest, and Walter Reed?
Killah Priest: First I wanna say thank you also...I'd say they're all one in the same but they're all just titles. It's just that Walter Reed came form my moms and and pops, but Priest came form the mind. I don't know, Killah Priest came from the Dark Ages but they all have something in common. My album is called The Psychic World of Walter Reed...you will see in there I guess.

TSOHH: From Heavy Mental, to Black August, to Behind the Stained Glass, your albums have always maintained a distinct style of rhyme and subject matter that fans continue to appreciate. How/why did you develop your uniquely vivid style of rhyming?
Killah Priest: I developed my style, I guess, from listening to rap when it was still an art. Dudes took time and made songs back then. Not that they don't now...I couldn't tell you, but they definetly did back then.

TSOHH: You once said that you think Proverbs is a good starting point for those new to the Bible. For those visitors that may not be familiar with your work, what are some songs or albums of yours that you recommend they start with?
Killah Priest: I would say Heavy Mental  is a good place to start. It depends, because I'm just [also] really comfortable with my songs today, and flow wise as well...[and there's] more coming soon.

TSOHH: On this site we advocate that aspiring MC's strive to continuously gain knowledge. Are there any favorite books, magazines, movies, etc. that you would recommend to aspiring MC's?
Killah Priest: There are different ways for different people. I guess you can start with listening to Bob Marley...people who said things when they sang.

TSOHH: At what age did you begin to take emceeing seriously?
Killah Priest: I took emceeing seriously at around the age of 18 or 19.

TSOHH: Did you hold any jobs before becoming a full-time MC?
Killah Priest:Did I hold a job befor MCing? Yes, I did a couple. I worked for a school, American Hi Tech...I really didn't do well, I was in an office just typing...and of course construction. I was making good money back then off the books...that's all I can remember right now...lol.

TSOHH: Alright, well if you weren't rapping in what field would you likely be working?
Killah Priest: I don't know...I probably would have been playing football. I love the sport.

TSOHH: So how long has hip-hop been your full-time job?
Killah Priest: Hip-hop full time...over 10 years now.

TSOHH: What do you think the biggest difference is between rappers trying to make it in the game 10 years ago and a rapper trying to make it in the game today?
Killah Priest: Well [there's] more freedom to be heard now, so I think it's better now.

TSOHH: What should fans expect from Priest in 2009?
Killah Priest: They can expect more Priest...and a new album (The Psychic World of Walter Reed).

TSOHH: You're originally from New York but currently reside in California. Where else in the world have you traveled and what have you learned from your travels?
Killah Priest: Europe...I learned so much about the other side of the world and it's people.

TSOHH: Where's someplace you'd like to visit that you haven't yet had a chance to?
Killah Priest: Egypt, Turkey, India and China.

TSOHH: Do you consider yourself an underground rapper?
Killah Priest: I hate titles, but im definitely repping the lost art of emceeing so yeah..

TSOHH: Do you think the recession will displace bling-era rappers in favor of more well-rounded ones in the mainstream?
Killah Priest: I don't really know...but you know brothers will find those blood diamonds. I think some cats is getting wiser though...but fools hate knowledge.

TSOHH: Would you say that it is easier or harder for an underground rapper to make a living from his craft now compared to 10 or 12 years ago?
Killah Priest: I'd say it's better now.

TSOHH: What do you credit for your longevity (10+ years in the game)?
Killah Priest: Being me and not following anyone.

TSOHH: So many aspiring MC's these days have a very materialistic definition of success. What's your definition of success?
Killah Priest: At the end...feeding your seeds and overcoming all obstacles the world puts before you.

TSOHH: Canibus, Ras Kass, Kurupt, and yourself are collectively known as the Four Horsemen (HRSMN). Can we expect more group cuts in the coming year?
Killah Priest: I can't even talk on that, it's taking tooooo long. I just wanna get that done and move on...come on yall.

TSOHH: Alright well we'll pray for that. Back to Priest...what's the best thing about being an MC for a living?
Killah Priest: You're on your own time. And I really, really love the art.

TSOHH: I know you recently recorded tracks with Nas and Immortal Technique.are there any other MC's out now that you'd like to get in the studio with?
Killah Priest: Not too many. [MF] Doom would be fun, also Jay Electronica.

TSOHH: Are you still writing your journal at HipHopGame.com?
Killah Priest: Yeah I just did one. I had to take a break for a sec though.

TSOHH: So where can fans learn more about Killah Priest?
Killah Priest: Over at www.killahpriest.com I'm on there everyday.

TSOHH: Any final words you'd like to say to the growing population of aspiring emcees around the world?
Killah Priest: Yeah. Hold ya head, and stay wise and on point on everything...The Untold Stories of Walter Reed  mixtape is coming!

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