By Shamora EvansSM: How did you come up with the stage name "Ebonics"?
EBONICS: The name "Ebonics" I chose on account of just living in this world. Nowadays,
everyone seems to be somewhat misunderstood and, with a name like "Ebonics", it's defined to be a language used by African Americans that supposedly make us sound uneducated, Which is not true. The fact is, we all use "Ebonics" to a certain extent, especially when doing things like text messaging. "Slang" is all over, not just used by African Americans. So, I feel in a way, the word is misunderstood. So, with the name "Ebonics", before people even here my music they will already categorize me to be a "typical rapper" who talks about violence and sex. But, when they actually hear my music, it kind of leaves people in shock because my music is positive and clean and, at the same time, it's not "corny". It distinguishes myself from other hip hop artists, but by being different in a field when so many people are used to one thing, it can cause a lot of criticism. That's how Hip Hop used to be done, and you really can't hate someone for being there true self. What would be the point of music if everyone was supposed to talk about the same topics? Music is about being original and "SELF" expression.
SM: The way I found you was through an 'Event Invitation' you sent on MySpace. Tell us a little about the "Fashion X Show" coming up on August 22nd.
EBONICS: Yeah, it's going to be a big event. It's a show where "fashion meets music" at the Monet Lounge in downtown Providence, which is like an upscale night club. Designers will be promoting their clothing with models and talent, such as myself. Somewhat, like the show "Rip The Runway" on BET, if you're familiar with that, and I'm actually supposed to get fitted for clothing next week sometime to wear the designers' clothes to promote them during the show...And, of course, look good while I'm doing it. (Laughs) It's going to probably be over 500 people, and I'm scheduled to open and perform within the show. So, it’s going to be a good time...Plus, me performing in front of a lot of beautiful women is always a good thing. (Laughs)
SM: That's what's up! So, you have over 1 million plays on your MySpace player, but most of them come from your song "It's Okay". How did you come up with the concept for that song, and who produced it?
EBONICS: Yeah, thanks for taking notice to that. Well, see, we live in a world where we are told what "beautiful" or "handsome" really is when we are all "good-looking" in our own way. It has been constantly drilled into our heads, how we are supposed to look. It causes some to want to look like someone else, which is sad. So, I started thinking, this really seems to be a serious topic that doesn't really get talked about as much music-wise; so, why not write a song that will make women feel good about themselves and give them hope that, if they wait patiently, they WILL find true love one day. Who wouldn't like a song that makes them feel good, right? So, me and a producer by the name of "Mondo" of Mondo Music Productions wentthrough his beat collection for hours until finally finding the right one, and I knew at that moment, that was 'it'. What's funny, though, is it wasn't completely finished when I picked it, but I had to take it home and write to it. So, he let me and, like a day later, we hit the studio. I gave him ideas, as far as the feel I wanted it to have, and he did what he had to do as far as making the beat sound like what you hear now, and "It's Okay" was born.
SM: My favorite song is "Make Her Mine" featuring "Aleon". How do you know "Aleon", and is this song about any particular lady?
EBONICS: That's what's up! It's good to hear you're feeling that song. That's one song I can honestly say when I was writing it, about halfway through, I knew it was going to be something serious. My boy ("J-Rhythm") made that beat, and it was just one of those things where I know it was meant to be because the beat he gave me was something he wasn't really going to do anything with because he has hard drive after hard drive of beats, and he wanted to see what I could do with it. But, soon as I heard it, I already knew what the song was gonnabe about, all I needed was a singer. So, I wrote the song, then came back to the studio and laid it down; I did my verses and sung the hook so "Rhythm" could get an idea of who would be perfect for the track, since he knew a couple male singers. As soon as he heard it, he made a phone call to his boy "Aleon", and the following night I came back and met him for the first time and the vibe was dope, which made the song that much better. (Laughs) Yeah, it is about a certain girl I know from high school; we graduated together, and I have been trying to get with her for a while now. Ever since I first saw her, I don't know what it was, but I just had that instant attraction...Not just because she is beautiful; it’s more than that, and I don't even know her that good, which is the funny thing about it. We talk every now and then, but we've never really had that one-on-one. It's like, I don't see any other girl as competition when I look at her, but I still haven't made her mine yet. (Laughs) Hopefully, one day, though.SM: You mentioned that the artists that most inspire you are "India.Arie", "Common", "Nas", "Mos Def", and "Talib Kweli" because of their lyricism. What has the music of these artists encouraged you to do?
EBONICS: Yeah, I feel they keep me grounded as an artist. Every time I listen to them, it let's me know 'don't be scared to take your own path and make the music that you want to make' because when it comes from the heart, it usually can connect to others. I feel each of those artists has their own style of getting a message across and have had a lot of success doing so. Hopefully, one day, I can be at that level, but for now I'm going to just keep doing my thing because the passion I have for music is crazy.
SM: Now, you have a "club banger" called "Hata Blockaz". What made you write that song?
EBONICS: "Hata Blockaz" was another Mondo Music Productions beat, and I have went through so many versions of that it's not even funny. I have constantly changed up lyrics in this specific song, recorded it in different ways, and tried out different beats until I felt it was perfect. I do that with all my songs, usually, but this one I had to make sure it was on point since it was the first song I was trying to push out professionally. The concept behind "Hata Blockaz", though, is basically to stop worrying about what people say or are thinking. Life is way too short, and there are a lot more other things to think about in life. So, I felt 'why not make it a club song, but with a positive message?' By wearing a simple pair of shades, you can block out all the negativity, and do what you have to do. It doesn't just have to be in the club; it could be anywhere. If you’re wearing these, and someone looks at you funny or does something you can tell it's negative, you could see it happen but don't have to react because they'll have no idea you seen what they did...The best way to respond to a 'hata' is by not responding.
SM: Okay, so tell us a little about your EP "Distinguished" that's scheduled for release this summer.
EBONICS: The "Distinguished" EP is done, actually, and there are five songs on it all mixed and mastered and have been distributed on sites like Amazon mp3s, iTunes, Rhapsody, and a lot more sites where you can buy music from. The songs on my page now are off the EP, and each beat was done by a different producer with the exception of Mondo, since he did the production of two songs. I have been getting a lot of good feedback on it, though, and have been constantly
told to keep at it and stay true to myself no matter what.
SM: On your MySpace page, you said that you're shying away from the stereotypical messages rappers deliver about sex, murder, and drugs. With the majority of the rap audience tuning in and relating to those type of rhymes, how will you capture the attention of the typical hip hop audience?
EBONICS: Well, I always say "if you're about it, then be about it". I have no problem with that style of rap, I just tend to listen to more music that I can actually relate to, and the fact that I'm not signed yet gives me an advantage because I see what people want to hear and what people are getting tired of hearing. What I have been seeing is that there are a lot ofpeople who miss the 'old Hip Hop' music, which I can't blame them for because back then, they actually talked about real stuff, and connected a lot better with the people. Nowadays, it seems as though the passion for music is dying down, and anyone is getting a deal to make 'a hit', promote it for a while, then fade out. So, what I do is keep it real and don't try to be something that I'm not which, thanks to God, people really do appreciate and want to continue hearing more from me. I even have some real 'hood' dudes come up to me and dap me up due to the fact that I'm staying in my lane and not trying to cross over. So, as long as I continue to be myself and bring that good music, I feel only good things will come from that.SM: Alright, so enough about your music...Let's talk about you. What are the five things you would definitely have to pack if you were going on a road trip?
EBONICS: Wow, that's hard! It would depend on how long it would be, but most likely food, Ipod, clothes, tooth brush, and I gotta have the cell phone.
SM: I heard that! How can your fans get a copy of "Distinguished" and contact you?
EBONICS: As of now, I know for a fact everyone can find my album on iTunes, Rhapsody, Emusic, and Amazon, but I'm only aware of those sites. If anyone needs to contact me, hit the MySpace page at www.myspace.com/ebonics401, or hit my Twitter page up at www.twitter.com/ebonics401, and no matter who you are, I'll respond back to you and we can talk about whatever. (Laughs)