Here you go ninjas this is an interview conducted with the All Mighty Claas. He is this ill-shit underground artist from Texas. I would like to thank him again for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer these questions for all us NEJ folk. If you haven't heard him yet give him a listen. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Claas Interview
Real Name: Nick
Alias(es): Claas, Big Clizzle, Fidel Claastro..etc.
Age: 26
Where you live: DFW, Texas
Where you're from: all over, im an army brat
Single / Married: Engaged
Pimpin a Cadi or Rollin in a Bucket: 02 Cherry Red Ford F150 sport
Interview Questions:
When and how did you get your first break in the music business?
shit, i dont think i have got my break yet..ive done some good things, ive been on some good shows and events, ive collabed with dope artists, but i dont think ive got my break or reached my full potential yet
What were your early motivations to record and get yourself out there?
After fuckin around with freestyle battles and shit like that, people tellin me how dope i was and all that..just figured why not give it a shot ya know..started out rough, but ima quick learner, so i developed that style and swagger needed in this business quick
Who were and are the major influences in your music career and life?
always been a huge fan of Tupac, Ice Cube, DMX, Techn9ne..shit Run DMC was dope, the Beastie Boys, been into ICP for years now..just alot of different sounds and artists ive listened to over the years, help me to figure out where i wanted to take my music
What helps you stay on track while you come up?
Life..rap is one thing, but i know it aint the only thing, if i "make it" thatll be dope..but i cant rely on that dream as my reality, i do what i gotta do to promote myself and push myself, i use the internet, i still hit the streets hard all the time..gotta use both, people who think the INet is the only spot need to get with it, downtown spots and malls, shit like that..is a great place to get people to pay attention to you..use both, but i work my ass off in all aspects of my life and that keeps me focused and grounded
How exactly would you describe your music?
who knows haha...its a swift kick the face, its rap..i mean whatever you wanna call it is what it is..if you wanna say its contemporary folk jazz core then break out the instruments! lets do it!...my music is music, its rap, sometimes its rap w/rock, hip hop, whatever..its music haha
Any specific message you try to spread through your songs?
just depends on how im feelin i guess, ive done some songs for lost family members, some to the haters, etc... but im not really ever tellin stories or nothin like that..theres plenty of rappers on a mission to spread the word, im tryin to have some fun and help others have some fun also, or at the least be overly aggressive and angry in mosh pits
What's the underground scene like in Texas?
it could be better honestly, not many clubs down to help out...Texas is a rock state, unless in your in Houston but then you gotta be Paul Wall or Mike Jones to make any type of impact..so its rough out here, i try and make it happen and got a great following, but it definately needs a face lift
How often do you tour?
all the time, i try and get out where i can as much as possible, sittin stationary wont help me get my name out, and myspace can only do so much, shows are where its at ya know..i think i do a good job puttin on a good show
How far do you go?
ive been all over the place, i go just about anywhere im invited to play..most people throw me some cash and pay my way to get out there which always makes it alot easier, but im just into get out there and seein other places, rockin for new crowds and hopin my style goes over well with whoever is there to watch me do my thing
Have you ever played in the North East?
yes, indeed
Do you have a favorite venue to perform at?
not really, some venues are better than others, but the crowd is what really matters to me, the venue is just there to house the show..the crowd is what makes the show what it is
Explain what Mission Infect is?
its a movement!..and here soon itll be unveiled, so keep your eyes focused for all that! its definately gonna do some big things for underground music
Tell us about Full Scale Riot with McNastee
FSR was the group that got me into rap, McNastee and me became great friends and started workin on an album together, eventually got time to record it and voi la..that was the start, it was dope..people still let me know how dope it was and how much they were into it back in the day..which always feels good, weve done several actual FSR tracks since then but havent finished up an album or nothing
Why did the group break up?
we didnt break up..we're just on hiatus, me and mack are still great friends, just busy and in different states..we're both focused on our futures in this game so findin tim to put together new music for a new project is hard to do, we started work on a EP called "Sleeper Cell" and hopefully this year we get a chance to finish it up, shit will be dope
Any chance of a reunion album?
itll happen! just yall wait and see, me and mack will change this game!
Why did you decide to release the full length album Celebrity Death as a free download?
why not?!..it proves money isnt everything, its good to make it, but if you can take the time to put full effort in a project and pop it out for free like its nothin, then you're helpin people out, not everyone can afford to buy cds..shits expensive these days, so why alienate a group of your fans..why not give them the opportunity to have it and enjoy it..make them happy, instead of feedin your own greed, i put it up for download and sold it for like a buck at shows and had mad people cop it both ways, so it was a great venture, i enjoyed it, people enjoyed the music, it wasnt a half ass album, or ep it was a free full lengthed album for the fans to enjoy and i hope they did!
What made you sign with 7th Seal Ent.?
business and friendships, ive been friends with them for a while and we've always wanted to do work together, i was in need of a home for my music and they seemed like a good fit, they had the same visions that i had..so i talked to em and me and loke talked a bunch and it just seemd like the perfect fit, so we made it happen and i couldnt be happier! shits been goin great since that day and its only gettin better!
What do you think of your new label-mates?
theyre great, we've had alot of fun with movin the label along and when we're all in the same place at the same time, its a wild ass party, so i cant say it hasnt been a good time, may label mates are dope and in my opinion some of the best ive heard, its made me step my game up hardcore for this next album
What are your plans for the furture with this label?
music music music and movement, we've all been workin hard on new albums and eps and group records, shows..merch, i mean its been busy, and itll continue, right now my plan is to get the new album finished and then go from there!
When's the new ill shit droppin?
"Thee Experiment" is coming soon, shits soundin hot, if you aint peeped yet then check out "Thee One" and "Back Up" both are from the new album, theres also a track on my myspace called "How Do You Wanna Die" and im doin a remix of that track for the album that will contain Me, Psycho Jesus, Bloodshot, Lavey, VSinizter and Cyco from Insane Poetry, that shits gonna be killer, i also may have some more shit in the works to..but thats all hush hush for now! haha
Where can ninjas find more of your shit to split their wigs?
myspace.com/claas and myspace.com/7thsealentertainment, i will have a new website poppin off here soon, but for now, peep both of those!
Any message to the future fans in the North East?
hope yall dig my shit! if you do tell others! and ill see yall soon! peep the myspace!
Any final thoughts you think everyone should know about ClaAs?
not really haha..i think ive pretty much said it all! but shouts out to yall for interviewin me and shouts out to all the fans across the country!..peep me on some of the Blaze "Clockwork Grey" tour shows!! thanks