MannRock
We had a great time interviewing this Jersey raised Up-Coming Artist. We talked about the album he is putting together. We talked about his current status in the Military. We also talked about the goals he has for the future. This is an interview you do not want to miss!
Check it out below...
First off, thanks for doing this interview with us.
Jeremy: How’s it going MannRock?
MannRock: Things are real good right now. I have a great team that believes in my work and we have made a lot of connections… some real solid major contacts. I’m ready! I’m ready!
Jeremy: Explain a little about yourself, where you're from and so on...
MannRock: I am originally from Jersey, but reside in the DC/MD/VA area right now (big up Baltimore). I am travelin as much as I can to link up with cats too… Holla at me!!!
I have been rhymin since I can remember… I got serious about it while in college (Delaware State University STAND UP!!!) It just feels right for me at this time. I have a nice size following and my buzz is getting crazy (My people believe that I am the “Breath of fresh Heir”). That’s just keeping it Hip Hop with you… all else is in the music… “Walk with me”
Jeremy: You just starting out in the rap game?
MannRock: In “the Game”… Yeah I am pretty fresh. I have a lot of years under me as an MC, but as far as the industry… this is a new venture to me. I have some real dedicated and experienced people on my team though, and whatever we don’t have… we are willing to grind and WILL get. We are all pretty new though, but are definitely hungry… starving!!!
Jeremy: What or who inspired you to want to become a rapper?
MannRock: Life inspires me to write! I don’t really consider myself a rapper. I am a writer… and artist that marries words and music! As an artist, I was influence by KRS ONE, Public Enemy, Rakim, NWA, Big Daddy Kane… the 88-89 early 90’s era! I respect a lot of names in the game right now, but they were my roots… That “Criminal Minded” era
Jeremy: Do you have a record deal?
MannRock: Nah. I am doin it independently right now… So all yall producers reading this…Look out for a nigga… Come down off that “Cadillac money” for the tracks. Damn… Let me hold somethin!!! LOL
Jeremy: It says on your website (www.MannRock.com) that you are an active duty soldier in Bush’s military. Can you explain a lil bit more about this?
MannRock: Yes sir. Everyday all day. Active as hell!!! I enlisted after college to knock off some of my debt and to network… all of the wrong reasons to join the military… LOL. I wasn’t anticipating being one phone call away from duckin the Bombs over Baghdad. Bein in the military is not all bad though… it is just restricting! I can’t really breathe like I need to. I can’t just jump on the plane tonight and go meet the cats in L.A. that ask me “Can you get here by tomorrow afternoon”, I can’t take two weeks and go to London to help launch a new label or promote my material, I can’t live in the studio like I need to, I can’t do a lot of things that would further benefit my career. Plus I am barely making enough money to be broke. It is a stressful situation, but I volunteered and I won’t cry about it. Just know that I might need a low spot to rest for a minute if they call me to go to Iraq!!! Just playin (unless you gonna do it) LOL
Jeremy: Which of your tracks is your favorite?
MannRock: I don’t have a favorite track. They are all different. I have some deep, personal joints (“Lay me Down” and “Still Waters”) some street/ hood shit (“Get in Touch w/Me”, “Burry ya boss”) Some conscious joints (“Through it”, “Not Enough”) some party bangers (“Nasty Girl”, “Don’t Stop”)… the list goes on. They all mean something different to me and I think that they are all hot! A lot of the joints can be heard at www.Mannrock.com/mp3
Jeremy: Are you currently working on putting an album together? What can we expect from this album?
MannRock: Yeah. I am working on a 14-17 track album. We have decided to work on a couple of hot singles to be released to increase the buzz while I finish up the album. You can expect heat on every track, creativity, and music!!!
More than just beats and rhymes… expect real lyrics and real music… given to you uncut! The progress will be updated regularly on the website.
Jeremy: Do you have any goals in the near future that you would like to accomplish?
MannRock: Of Course. I have a lot of goals. I am focused on getting a solid product to put out immediately (about 5 original joint). That is the jab game… stick and move… something to savor while we finish cookin up the main course. I look forward to workin with my people in Miami (Good lookin Montez… RESPECCT) reconnecting with my mans in NY (DRR), finally collaborating with my Man from NJ (Gram… Holla at me) Putting the “Brokin Home” compilation. You know… Doin commercials and promotions for major companies… A lot of things are on the drawing board! Stay tuned! (this is just near future)
Jeremy: Do you feel you have what it takes to be a major name in the music industry? What sets you apart from other artists?
MannRock: I know I have everything that it takes to be a major, if not The major name in the industry!!! The thing that sets me apart from most artist is that I am not afraid to be me (I been a soldier long before the military). I am just everyday people and the people relate to me on a whole different level when they listen to my music. Some people listen feel like “me too” . Others listen and feel like I am taking subliminal shots at them, even thought I don’t know them like that... (the music is just that relative and vivid)… Others listen and wish that they could have said what I just said…they want to be able to express their selves to the degree of expression that is present in my music. Artist listen to my music and leave ciphers to go home and write, producer listen to my flow and rearrange their patterns, labels hear me and want me to carry the flag for them. It’s beyond me…it is a God given and I can’t explain it. I am honestly a fan first… I love MannRock! LOL… bout to get that shit tattooed on my chest…
Jeremy: Who's your favorite rapper of all time?
MannRock: I am still studying…. I respect a lot of artist
Jeremy: So what do ya think of Tupac Shakur? You ever listen to any of his music?
MannRock: I love Pac! I respect him but have not studied him they way he deserves to be studied. I know yall hate me for that (mobfigga cats…lol) I have the material though.. I am getting more into him.
Jeremy: Anyone you want to give a shoutout to before we let you go today?
MannRock: No doubt. First I want to say what up to my “Brokin Home Entertainment” family Back in Jersey, 420, InnerSource, All my mans in the Borro “08066” The Wood “08096” My executive staff… J.Smith, T.Stone, My Family (smile 4 me) my mans at Dreamz R Real, Tippin da Scale, Grand Theft Motors (Pimp your ride), MobFiggaz for showcasing me and supporting my efforts to get on, and everybody that has been with me from the beginning. I will get you in my acceptance speech next year… I owe you all!!!
Jeremy: Aight man, thanks again for your time.
MannRock: Thanks for allowing me to share it with you. I appreciate the light yall are shining on me right now
You can find out more about MannRock at his Official website at www.mannrock.com, listen to exclusive tracks at www.mannrock.com/mp3, and post up on shouts and promotions at www.mannrock.com/forums
This interview was conducted by Jeremy, staff writer for MobFiggaz.net
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