Interview with A.M.E - part 1
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 4:52 am
illestlyrics.com: We're here with A.M.E, easily the most
dominant crew on Illest. Who is with us?
(Someone from A.M.E): Viral, KO, HKX, Kurse
illestlyrics.com: What are you guys up to?
Viral: KO and HKX are writin a track...and I (Viral), just finished recordin a verse for HKX
Viral: Kurse just got shot like 50
Viral: he's chillin...just chillin. He hasn't started writin so he's just "supervising" for now
illestlyrics.com: Lol. What's the biggest move A.M.E has made lately?
illestlyrics.com: I guess, that is directed at everyone. Anyone can answer.
Kurse: I would say finally makin the move from being an underground movement into being an Independent label
illestlyrics.com: What does that mean to Viral though?
Viral: it means were that much closer to being where we want to be
illestlyrics.com: Interesting. What do you think about it K.O?
KO: Watch out, the storm is coming, the perfect storm, and HKX says that were killin and rapin tracks takin shit over
illestlyrics.com: Speaking of HKX, he just dropped a track titled "LALO'S SONG R.I.P LALO". HKX, you described the track in a lot of detail. I want you to briefly describe to me, why other people can relate to this track.
HKX: if anyone has lost anyone in there life, someone close to them, they can relate to it and shit, if they have a brother er sister...ne body close to them
HKX: it would be retarded if no one could relate to this track
HKX: shits from da heart son
illestlyrics.com: Basically, they would have to live a perfect life.
D1s3AsEdV1ruS: nothings perfect basically
illestlyrics.com: HKX, while we are on you and your career. Can you tell me what hip hop means to you?
HKX: What hip hop means to me, is being yourself, being true to yourself, keepin it real...not fake like the label I was on before.
HKX: its a way of life
HKX: i grew up hip hop
illestlyrics.com: One of the main critiques of you is your voice. What do you have to say to them critics and are you still working hard on your vocals?
(Someone From AME): is this to HKX?
illestlyrics.com: Yes it is.
HKX: the shit that i been putting up on illest is the old shit and the producer couldnt mix, but since i been fuckin wit kurse n shit, like wit lalos song..its one of the best tracks ive made
illestlyrics.com: I want to know what Kurse thinks of HKX as an artist.
illestlyrics.com: Kurse, this is a simple question, not a question on the S.A.T.
Kurse: Personally HKX adds a flavor to the AME recipe book that honestly our label was missing. With latin flavor and street knowledge, he carries a good message across lyrically and we're definately glad to have him aboard.
Kurse: (sorry...i'd type faster but Viral's keys stick for sum strange reason)
Kurse: :-(
Viral: ITS A 5 YEAR OLD KEYBOAAAARD!..lol fuck yoou!
illestlyrics.com: Nah, We don't care about that. Lets get to Viral. V you have done a lot of tracks recently. What makes you different from the emcee you were in 06 or even 07.
Viral: I have my own equipment, i dont have to worry about getting a ride to kurses, which enables me to write and laydown tracks at any moment of the day that i please :-)
illestlyrics.com: Word man. And you also dropped the goosebumps track. Anything special about that track?
Viral: yeah, its a goosebumps track, sampled from the actual show itself, the begining i believe....and i thought it was a pretty straight sample so me n KO wrote to it and it came out to wat it was
Viral: nothing really special behind it tho
illestlyrics.com: And lets skip to K.O. Illest are just getting use to him, but he brings a different lyrical perspective to the "Creation Chamber". What unique attributes does he bring to the label?
illestlyrics.com: Anyone can answer this.
Kurse: he brings a lil bit of flavor from mid 90's Eminem, not to compare him to someone at such a high caliber, but he's got that unique sense of humor along with a flow thats just bananas and it comes out to be somethin totally different, and it definatley turns out to be somethin that the rap game needs again, like it once had before back in the day.
HKX: hes one of the sickest white boys out there
(Some A.M.E member): lol
illestlyrics.com: And I agree.
illestlyrics.com: I want to know where KO would be without Kurse. I want to know what Kurse has brought to KO's game.
illestlyrics.com: Whether it be motivation or the goal of excellence.
illestlyrics.com: I don't know what Kurse brings to the table because I'm not on the label.
KO: you see wat someone else establishes and watever they do makes u want to establish urself, as an artist
illestlyrics.com: That makes sense. What has Kurse helped you learn K.O?
K.O: nothing that ive already havent learned from my own mistakes
illestlyrics.com: I want to ask H the same question.
HKX: Nigga taught me how to mess wit da mixing-board
HKX: other than that, nothin i didn't already know
HKX: been doin it since i was 8
illestlyrics.com: Well, that's an interesting answer. How about you viral?
Viral: well since ive known him, back wen i first got into audio, hes shown me alot of things with recording n how to record and types of methods of recording and the types of things i can do to get certain effects to come off of my vocals wen it comes to double ups n wat not
illestlyrics.com: See. I'm surprised by all of your answers because his dedication seems to be on a different level than most emcees I know. Kurse, what have you learned from working with these guys?
Kurse: I don't think it's what I've learned from workin with them...I think it's what I've learned by working with other artists who aren't them. This particular roster I have right here and now are a far more dedicated bunch than who I was working with in '06. I'm not going to name any names ofcourse cuz that chapter is done and over with...but I see who wants this, and who doesn't. So if I learn anything from these guys, I learn who in this group is hungry...and who in this group is hungrier. '08 is going to be a good year in A.M.E.
illestlyrics.com: Lets talk about 08. What's the biggest project this year?
Kurse: Well I just released Negative Intention which is my third independent release, and my 4th will be ready by the end of the year. But I won't be starting that project until June 1st. Until then I wanna help Viral, HKX & KO get their projects up and on the wall. Viral's album is outlooked for sometime in July, HKX's & KO's will be ready by the fall. An outlook for G-Baby and Diverse is early to mid '09.
Kurse: I just want everyone to drop their debuts already...my CD's look so lonely on the wall by themselves. haha
Kurse: Outside or the label members...since AME is a legit business now...starting June of this year, AME is advertising as a recording business to offer local Chicagoland artists discount recording rates and track mixing at an unbeatable price.
Kurse: That way we have alternate income coming in.
Kurse: I'm hoping by '09 I'll be able to type up some contracts and cut paychecks for these guys with my signature on dem bitches. Boss status baby.
illestlyrics.com: Viral, what do you think of that?
Viral: I think thats what ive been hoping we could get going, and its so close to finally being there, its almost unreal at times,
Viral: thats a big push wen it comes to motivation
(00:11:26) illestlyrics.com: Word, what do you think about it HKX?
HKX: Whats better man, makin tracks wit ur boys n shit, and reppin the label, and plus i owe kurse that much for mixin my shit, same goes for viral, its the best thing,
HKX: i just wanna rep the label, get exposed, the more exposure the better, Kurse told me to rep the label so im reppin it hard, fo sho
illestlyrics.com: And that's a brilliant strategy. I want to know about an A.M.E mixtape in the future. There has got to be a group project coming along?
Kurse: a Compilation album wit collabs and solos is most likely going to be a side project that will be out before the end of the year
illestlyrics.com: I think, that's a great idea. What's the BIGGEST project for A.M.E 08, that everybody is working on?
Kurse: everyones solo albums with features from other AME artists
illestlyrics.com: I want to get into a game.
illestlyrics.com: It's a bit different than usual. But I think, it will interest the Illest members.
(Some A.M.E. Member): aight ready
illestlyrics.com: Viral, what is your favorite Kurse track and don't think about it man.
Viral: "Braggin Man"
illestlyrics.com: KO, do you think you would beat Viral in a battle?!
K.O: Yeah
(00:20:46) illestlyrics.com: HKX, what's your favorite track on Illest that wasn't from an A.M.E member?
HKX: nobodies
HKX: no offense.
illestlyrics.com: HKX, you would put yourself above everybody else on Illest in the audio category?
HKX: yeah y not
HKX: who wouldnt
HKX: lol
HKX: no one really besides AME puts an audio down
HKX: niggas gotta put dere game up
HKX: cuz the shit i heard i aint feelin it...it sounds like they jst started rappin...like noobies
HKX: lol
illestlyrics.com: I'm not arguing the fact. I'm just asking a question.
(For the record, Diverse was brought in A.M.E. from dropping audios on Illest in 06)
HKX: im not arguin da facts im jst tellin da facts
illestlyrics.com: So on that note. How far do you put yourself above underground artists in general?
HKX: im in the middle
HKX: im an underground artist and an independent artist
illestlyrics.com: Well, K.O., do you feel that you're about to make it or you have a lot more work to do?
K.O: yes and yes
illestlyrics.com: It isn't meant to be a trick question.
K.O: yes and yes
K.O: dats da answer
illestlyrics.com: Basically, do you feel as though you're at the level to sign a contract to put out an album whether that be with A.M.E or other.
K.O: yes
K.O: most def man
K.O: no doubt about it
illestlyrics.com: How about you Viral?
Viral: yup
illestlyrics.com: HKX?
HKX: most def
illestlyrics.com: What about you Kurse, are you ready for G Unit?
Kurse: yes all day!
illestlyrics.com: Viral, what do you think you have the most to work on?
Viral: finding that exact style that ill be recognized for any time im heard
illestlyrics.com: Great. How about you K.O?
K.O: cuttin down recording time
K.O: SIKE!
K.O: jst polishin up the flow
K.OS: gettin better n better
K.O: gettin crispy creme
K.O: get my uncle gary down n go to da wood shed
K.O: on MC's
illestlyrics.com: How about you Kurse?
Kurse: i wouldnt say theres anything i really need to work on lyrically or presentation-wise, i just want to be more professional about everything i pursue. Maybe get my Associates degree in music somewhere, i just wanna better myself and make myself more valuable for the industry.
illestlyrics.com: And you HKX?
HKX: just gotta get my own studio...haha
illestlyrics.com: I only want this to be part 1 of the A.M.E interview, but anything else A.M.E wants to say for now?
Kurse: watch out for the new shit, the albums, the take over,it may be my personal opinion but AME is the future of Midwest Rap, i jst wanna give props out to, my mom, silas of guilty, props to ole girl bridget out here in da chi, props to my girl keri phoenix, and anybody whos down wit AME, we love yall right back
illestlyrics.com: Word, thanks for the interview
(Someone from A.M.E.):: no prob...
illestlyrics.com: That's A.M.E
(Someone from A.M.E.): yuuuup
dominant crew on Illest. Who is with us?
(Someone from A.M.E): Viral, KO, HKX, Kurse
illestlyrics.com: What are you guys up to?
Viral: KO and HKX are writin a track...and I (Viral), just finished recordin a verse for HKX
Viral: Kurse just got shot like 50
Viral: he's chillin...just chillin. He hasn't started writin so he's just "supervising" for now
illestlyrics.com: Lol. What's the biggest move A.M.E has made lately?
illestlyrics.com: I guess, that is directed at everyone. Anyone can answer.
Kurse: I would say finally makin the move from being an underground movement into being an Independent label
illestlyrics.com: What does that mean to Viral though?
Viral: it means were that much closer to being where we want to be
illestlyrics.com: Interesting. What do you think about it K.O?
KO: Watch out, the storm is coming, the perfect storm, and HKX says that were killin and rapin tracks takin shit over
illestlyrics.com: Speaking of HKX, he just dropped a track titled "LALO'S SONG R.I.P LALO". HKX, you described the track in a lot of detail. I want you to briefly describe to me, why other people can relate to this track.
HKX: if anyone has lost anyone in there life, someone close to them, they can relate to it and shit, if they have a brother er sister...ne body close to them
HKX: it would be retarded if no one could relate to this track
HKX: shits from da heart son
illestlyrics.com: Basically, they would have to live a perfect life.
D1s3AsEdV1ruS: nothings perfect basically
illestlyrics.com: HKX, while we are on you and your career. Can you tell me what hip hop means to you?
HKX: What hip hop means to me, is being yourself, being true to yourself, keepin it real...not fake like the label I was on before.
HKX: its a way of life
HKX: i grew up hip hop
illestlyrics.com: One of the main critiques of you is your voice. What do you have to say to them critics and are you still working hard on your vocals?
(Someone From AME): is this to HKX?
illestlyrics.com: Yes it is.
HKX: the shit that i been putting up on illest is the old shit and the producer couldnt mix, but since i been fuckin wit kurse n shit, like wit lalos song..its one of the best tracks ive made
illestlyrics.com: I want to know what Kurse thinks of HKX as an artist.
illestlyrics.com: Kurse, this is a simple question, not a question on the S.A.T.
Kurse: Personally HKX adds a flavor to the AME recipe book that honestly our label was missing. With latin flavor and street knowledge, he carries a good message across lyrically and we're definately glad to have him aboard.
Kurse: (sorry...i'd type faster but Viral's keys stick for sum strange reason)
Kurse: :-(
Viral: ITS A 5 YEAR OLD KEYBOAAAARD!..lol fuck yoou!
illestlyrics.com: Nah, We don't care about that. Lets get to Viral. V you have done a lot of tracks recently. What makes you different from the emcee you were in 06 or even 07.
Viral: I have my own equipment, i dont have to worry about getting a ride to kurses, which enables me to write and laydown tracks at any moment of the day that i please :-)
illestlyrics.com: Word man. And you also dropped the goosebumps track. Anything special about that track?
Viral: yeah, its a goosebumps track, sampled from the actual show itself, the begining i believe....and i thought it was a pretty straight sample so me n KO wrote to it and it came out to wat it was
Viral: nothing really special behind it tho
illestlyrics.com: And lets skip to K.O. Illest are just getting use to him, but he brings a different lyrical perspective to the "Creation Chamber". What unique attributes does he bring to the label?
illestlyrics.com: Anyone can answer this.
Kurse: he brings a lil bit of flavor from mid 90's Eminem, not to compare him to someone at such a high caliber, but he's got that unique sense of humor along with a flow thats just bananas and it comes out to be somethin totally different, and it definatley turns out to be somethin that the rap game needs again, like it once had before back in the day.
HKX: hes one of the sickest white boys out there
(Some A.M.E member): lol
illestlyrics.com: And I agree.
illestlyrics.com: I want to know where KO would be without Kurse. I want to know what Kurse has brought to KO's game.
illestlyrics.com: Whether it be motivation or the goal of excellence.
illestlyrics.com: I don't know what Kurse brings to the table because I'm not on the label.
KO: you see wat someone else establishes and watever they do makes u want to establish urself, as an artist
illestlyrics.com: That makes sense. What has Kurse helped you learn K.O?
K.O: nothing that ive already havent learned from my own mistakes
illestlyrics.com: I want to ask H the same question.
HKX: Nigga taught me how to mess wit da mixing-board
HKX: other than that, nothin i didn't already know
HKX: been doin it since i was 8
illestlyrics.com: Well, that's an interesting answer. How about you viral?
Viral: well since ive known him, back wen i first got into audio, hes shown me alot of things with recording n how to record and types of methods of recording and the types of things i can do to get certain effects to come off of my vocals wen it comes to double ups n wat not
illestlyrics.com: See. I'm surprised by all of your answers because his dedication seems to be on a different level than most emcees I know. Kurse, what have you learned from working with these guys?
Kurse: I don't think it's what I've learned from workin with them...I think it's what I've learned by working with other artists who aren't them. This particular roster I have right here and now are a far more dedicated bunch than who I was working with in '06. I'm not going to name any names ofcourse cuz that chapter is done and over with...but I see who wants this, and who doesn't. So if I learn anything from these guys, I learn who in this group is hungry...and who in this group is hungrier. '08 is going to be a good year in A.M.E.
illestlyrics.com: Lets talk about 08. What's the biggest project this year?
Kurse: Well I just released Negative Intention which is my third independent release, and my 4th will be ready by the end of the year. But I won't be starting that project until June 1st. Until then I wanna help Viral, HKX & KO get their projects up and on the wall. Viral's album is outlooked for sometime in July, HKX's & KO's will be ready by the fall. An outlook for G-Baby and Diverse is early to mid '09.
Kurse: I just want everyone to drop their debuts already...my CD's look so lonely on the wall by themselves. haha
Kurse: Outside or the label members...since AME is a legit business now...starting June of this year, AME is advertising as a recording business to offer local Chicagoland artists discount recording rates and track mixing at an unbeatable price.
Kurse: That way we have alternate income coming in.
Kurse: I'm hoping by '09 I'll be able to type up some contracts and cut paychecks for these guys with my signature on dem bitches. Boss status baby.
illestlyrics.com: Viral, what do you think of that?
Viral: I think thats what ive been hoping we could get going, and its so close to finally being there, its almost unreal at times,
Viral: thats a big push wen it comes to motivation
(00:11:26) illestlyrics.com: Word, what do you think about it HKX?
HKX: Whats better man, makin tracks wit ur boys n shit, and reppin the label, and plus i owe kurse that much for mixin my shit, same goes for viral, its the best thing,
HKX: i just wanna rep the label, get exposed, the more exposure the better, Kurse told me to rep the label so im reppin it hard, fo sho
illestlyrics.com: And that's a brilliant strategy. I want to know about an A.M.E mixtape in the future. There has got to be a group project coming along?
Kurse: a Compilation album wit collabs and solos is most likely going to be a side project that will be out before the end of the year
illestlyrics.com: I think, that's a great idea. What's the BIGGEST project for A.M.E 08, that everybody is working on?
Kurse: everyones solo albums with features from other AME artists
illestlyrics.com: I want to get into a game.
illestlyrics.com: It's a bit different than usual. But I think, it will interest the Illest members.
(Some A.M.E. Member): aight ready
illestlyrics.com: Viral, what is your favorite Kurse track and don't think about it man.
Viral: "Braggin Man"
illestlyrics.com: KO, do you think you would beat Viral in a battle?!
K.O: Yeah
(00:20:46) illestlyrics.com: HKX, what's your favorite track on Illest that wasn't from an A.M.E member?
HKX: nobodies
HKX: no offense.
illestlyrics.com: HKX, you would put yourself above everybody else on Illest in the audio category?
HKX: yeah y not
HKX: who wouldnt
HKX: lol
HKX: no one really besides AME puts an audio down
HKX: niggas gotta put dere game up
HKX: cuz the shit i heard i aint feelin it...it sounds like they jst started rappin...like noobies
HKX: lol
illestlyrics.com: I'm not arguing the fact. I'm just asking a question.
(For the record, Diverse was brought in A.M.E. from dropping audios on Illest in 06)
HKX: im not arguin da facts im jst tellin da facts
illestlyrics.com: So on that note. How far do you put yourself above underground artists in general?
HKX: im in the middle
HKX: im an underground artist and an independent artist
illestlyrics.com: Well, K.O., do you feel that you're about to make it or you have a lot more work to do?
K.O: yes and yes
illestlyrics.com: It isn't meant to be a trick question.
K.O: yes and yes
K.O: dats da answer
illestlyrics.com: Basically, do you feel as though you're at the level to sign a contract to put out an album whether that be with A.M.E or other.
K.O: yes
K.O: most def man
K.O: no doubt about it
illestlyrics.com: How about you Viral?
Viral: yup
illestlyrics.com: HKX?
HKX: most def
illestlyrics.com: What about you Kurse, are you ready for G Unit?
Kurse: yes all day!
illestlyrics.com: Viral, what do you think you have the most to work on?
Viral: finding that exact style that ill be recognized for any time im heard
illestlyrics.com: Great. How about you K.O?
K.O: cuttin down recording time
K.O: SIKE!
K.O: jst polishin up the flow
K.OS: gettin better n better
K.O: gettin crispy creme
K.O: get my uncle gary down n go to da wood shed
K.O: on MC's
illestlyrics.com: How about you Kurse?
Kurse: i wouldnt say theres anything i really need to work on lyrically or presentation-wise, i just want to be more professional about everything i pursue. Maybe get my Associates degree in music somewhere, i just wanna better myself and make myself more valuable for the industry.
illestlyrics.com: And you HKX?
HKX: just gotta get my own studio...haha
illestlyrics.com: I only want this to be part 1 of the A.M.E interview, but anything else A.M.E wants to say for now?
Kurse: watch out for the new shit, the albums, the take over,it may be my personal opinion but AME is the future of Midwest Rap, i jst wanna give props out to, my mom, silas of guilty, props to ole girl bridget out here in da chi, props to my girl keri phoenix, and anybody whos down wit AME, we love yall right back
illestlyrics.com: Word, thanks for the interview
(Someone from A.M.E.):: no prob...
illestlyrics.com: That's A.M.E
(Someone from A.M.E.): yuuuup