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Young Mass Interview
*Extended Young Mass/Shock G interview by: Michael Hemmingson.
(Original appeared in the San Diego Reader on April 10, 2008)
1. Best gig and worst gig - and why?
Mass-
My worst gig moment was at the sunset House Of Blues with Digital Underground. I had the honor of performing with George Clinton and his funky violinist Lili Haydn. I accidentally knocked the violin out her hand as I went to give the crowd dap, she was steam’ in! My fav was the final show I did with D.U. at On Broadway in San Diego. I really came a long way with this one, the crowd showed a lot of love!
1a. Best gig and worst gig with Mass - and why?
Shock G-
Best was at Canes at Mission Beach by the roller coaster. Even though
we begged the staff to let our young group member & family member in,
they insisted he wait outside until his turn on stage and that he
could enter only to say his raps and then must leave immediately.
(??) We thought this was silly because he would cross the line anywayz
to do his part in the show, why can't he chill backstage? Mass swore
to stay in the dressin'room and to not even be near any alcohol (he
didn't even drink back then), but still, they insisted.. "No I.D?,
Can't chill inside!".
So when he reached the stage that night, first thing he did was let
the door men HAVE IT, over the microphone. I don't remember exactly
what he said, but Money-B & I where crackin up!! It was funny as hell,
Mass was really salty. Pissed. It was cold out that night.
ha ha ha
Worst gig was in '04 at Viper Room on Sunset, when Mass, myself, and
the owner had a 3-way meeting at the side door.. "Okay, I'ma let your
guy in. But he's under-age, I can lose my license. Swear to me you
won't go near any alcohol".
Mass took the oath. Then the owner looked at me for one last
confirmation.. "Shock I mean it, please don't fuck me on this. Can I
trust him?"
I said "For sure".
Then I looked Fifth in the eye and said gimmie your word.
"Shock, it's nuthin my nigg. I got you. All day. I don't even drink,
you know that."
About 20 mins later I visit the upstairs VIP lounge, it's thick with
smoke, full of chaos, people packed shoulder ta shoulder, everyone
toastin Bellvie & Henney. As I squeeze thru, I bump into Fifth, dead
center of all the action, and he's double-fisted with a blunt in each
hand. With a shocked look on my face I'm like.. "Yo! What the hell are
u doin?? ..we gave our word!!"
Fifth looks me right in the eye and says.. "We didn't say nothin about weed"
(!!!)
I just closed my eyes, shook my head, and kept movin thru.
2. Best advice ever said to you?
Mass-
Dr. Dre told me I have the potential to be the best ever if I apply and dedicated myself to my craft.
2a. Best advise for Mass' music career?
Shock G-
NYC, LA, or ATL, dive into the scene, work with everybody & anybody,
from hip-hop to rock. Blaze everybody's albums, shows, & mixtapes. Get
his voice & production out there on as much stuff as possible, & gain
experience in networking.
3. One day, water goes up from the ground to the sky, rather than falling down...what is happening?
Mass-
Someone has sold me the “ooh wee”!
4. Saddest moment/happiest moment with Mass?
Shock G-
Saddest:
In '05 when I witnessed him park himself under the d.u. umbrella,
there's so much more out there.
Happiest:
In '07 when I witnessed him liberate himself and break the umbilical
cord with us & Yukmouth.
I always thought he was smothering his bigger potential by pitchin a
tent with whoever takes him in. Everyone will, he's a massive talent,
any intelligent camp will try to pull Fifth in and lean on him. It's
up to him to stick & move, to touch down with us all - yet continue to
hustle & network.
He's on the move again. That's a gooed ting dere!
Jah mon!!
5. Favorite San Diego hang out and why?
Mission Bay Park! That’s were I met Shock G, and Digital Underground, after that, my life forever changed!!
5a. Favorite time spent with Mass in San Diego San Diego, and why?
Shock G-
The '03 d.u. Annual Gutfest/BBQ game at Mission Beach. For many reasons..
A. It was the first time I heard his jam "Down in Diego". That's still
my fav, the chorus is so addictive & infectious! We musta blasted it
out the ride about 10 times that day, and it sounded fresh every time.
B. We played a historic football game and Fifth & I were on the same
team. Many of us had just met and we were all bonding that day. It was
a great time.
C. We all got to witness Money-B hurlin into the garbage can after all
that vodka snuck up on him! Mon was scorin all the touchdowns for the
other team, so it was the payoff to watch him heeevin up his lunch. Ha
ha ha, who won now biotch?
6. Most annoying thing playing live gigs?
Mass-
It never last long enough. It's like a drug and the fix only last for a little while and 2 far in between!
6a. Most annoying thing playing live gigs with Mass?
Shock G-
When he grabs the mic, it dates us! Him just doing his regular thing
makes me & the rest of d.u. sound like dinosaurs! His flow is always
so modern & future!!
ha
I ain't mad at him 4dat.
7. In an alternate universe, what are you doing/or who are you?
Mass-
Making futuristic space music to beam to earth 10 years back in time!!!
7a. In an alternate universe, what is Mass doing/or who is he?
Shock G-
Same everywhere, he's just a music lover.
Whether it's his music or not. Whether making it, or just appreciatin it.
Fifth always walks hummin' a tune.
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