Rock the Bells: The backstage interviews

Surely, there are better ways to enjoy a concert than to stand around and mingle with rappers. But observing the buzz behind the scenes provided lots of shade from the intense heat at Saturday's Rock the Bells, especially when 16,300 sweaty hip-hop fans were milling about the San Manuel Amphitheater (formerly the Glen Helen Pavilion). Of course, some entertainers don't really want to be bothered with pictures or questions (Redman!). The only time that really becomes a problem is when you see cool things like M.I.A holding court with Nas outside his tour bus. M.I.A had earlier denied our request for a quick snapshot while she was on the sidelines watching her friends Spank Rock and Amanda Blank perform on the second stage. But, hey, we got these other folks to pose for the camera and take a few questions. For more on Rock the Bells, read Jeff Weiss' review.

Ghostface Killah

You mentioned a few upcoming meetings for possible acting roles. Whatever happened to the cameo you were supposed to have in "Iron Man"?

For whatever reasons, they didn't use that. There were a few scenes that were cut. My manager hooked it up, I think he talked to Jon [Favreau], and I think the movie was too long or something. The scene they didn't use was a party scene in Dubai.

It used to be a bit surprising to see how much of a hipster following you have. Are you aware of it?

I know all that love. I know the gangster love, I know the hipster love. It is what it is. Because I show them love. I'm a righteous brother. When it comes to my fans, I show a lot of love, I sign a lot of autographs. And for whatever reason they clinged on to me since Day 1. Since “Ironman,” and “Supreme Clientele,” and all that, because they're really stuck in that hip-hop chamber. But you know people is people and money is green. I ain't turn nothing down but my collar. On the other hand, when me and Rae give the “Cuban Linx” at these small clubs, gangster [guys] come out, but for some reason white boys come out too. I don't discriminate. It's beautiful to have another race feeling you.

You've said that guys like Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap and Rakim are your favorite MCs. But your style and word associations are so unique. How'd you arrive at that delivery?

I love stories. I could rhyme about our conversation right now, and it would come out banging. And that's what I do best, other than doing abstract rhymes. I'm a storytelling dude. And I get that a lot from Slick [Rick] and all those [guys]. But I also respect the other side of it, like G Rap. He told a story when he did “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” He was the best. It's a battle with him and Rakim [for my favorite rapper], though.

Posdnuos (De La Soul)

So what's next for De La Soul?

First, we're about to put out this Nike + Originals training project record. We were already working on our own album, that's going to come at the top of the year, and that's going to come right out around the time of our [20th] anniversy of "3 Feet High and Rising." We're preparing a world tour just performing "3 Feet High and Rising" front to back. And we're being honored this year by VH1 Hip Hop honors.

Sounds like all that's missing is the eventual induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Do you think it's important for hip-hop music to get that recognition?

To be recognized by my peers is more important. As I've gotten older, I realize that. I do think it matters in the sense of the music itself. It deserves being honored to the same standpoint of rock and roll and everything else. Our heroes of this music should be right next to Buddy Holly, or whoever.

Dave (De La Soul)

At Rock the Bells 2006, you said from the stage that people in Europe appreciate hip-hop more than fans here. Still feel that way?

In Europe, it's a little different. They get to see you when you come out there specifically for a tour. The appreciation is deeper. I think every Rock the Bells we've done, it's an amazing audience. Its just in Europe, I think because of the fact they don't get to see you enough, it's even bigger. Outside of the United States, [hip-hop] is a rarity for them. It's given birth to a lot of things that happened in Europe. Like France has their own style, Germany as well. And a lot these places, even London, they come up with their own thing. I think the appreaciation is greater. (Just then, the conversation gets interupted by PacDiv rapper Mibbs, who just wants to say hi.)

Do you know who that was?

No.

That's Mibbs from Pacific Division. They're an L.A. group that just signed a deal with Universal. What do you think about rappers who just express themselves withought the thug fantasy, like these guys?

That's a cool thing to see a lot of these younger cats following behind the idea of expressing themselves, just individualism. When we came out, we didn't try to be like KRS-One or try to be like Big Daddy Kane, or even Public Enemy, for that matter. It was one of those things where we were just children on a record, as innocent as we were, just making music. I think a lot of these groups, especially on the West Coast, can adapt to that. Not everyone wants to talk about shooting or gang-banging or what have you. They express themselves as they are, and that 's a good thing.

M1   (Dead Prez)

Your next stop on the tour is San Francisco. How do you like performing in the Bay Area?

It's hometown. Meaning, that 's the home of our movement. It's where the Black Panther Party was begun. It's where our movement saw a lot of political important work. We follow the Panthers. I'm about to play the part of a Black Panther in a movie about Sundiata Acoli. He was a New York City Panther.

What's your opinion on the presidential elections. What kind of change are you looking for?

I don't look for any change in Barack Obama. I look for real change under our movement and our people's movement. Other than that, Barack Obama is the liberalist champion of the United States who would be the next president of oppression around the world. I don't want no part of it.

Do you think entertainers can be effective revolutionary leaders?

Of course. We had Fela Kuti, who had an equal representative like Bob Marley. We had Peter Tosh. It's a fantastic opportunity, especially in this time to raise our voice and do something that's incredible.

Do you see yourself as one with all people, regardless of color?

I see us as oppressor and oppressed. You claim the side. Just because you black or brown, don't mean you down. Just because you white, don't mean you on the other side.

Can you explain that?

There's what's called neocolonialism. Colonialism has set up a system that this country used to exploit the workers, which happen to be brown people, black people. But then you have those of us who will sell us out in order to get a boot up on the rest of us. That's called neocolonialism. At the end of the day, you have to choose. And if you don't choose it, then don't be mad at me when this ...revolution rolls on [you].

-- Post and photos by Camilo Smith