A while back, I posted a video from a dope group coming out of Cleveland, Ohio. If you missed it, “So Cool” video. The group consists of two MCs, J*Star and Originaal, and DJ Majette. These MCs and DJ have really good Hip Hop music out…if you still haven’t heard of this dope trio, I suggest you read this interview that I did with the group and then go listen to their music. They answered some questions individually and others were answered as a group (collectively). Enjoy.
Rhyme and Reason interview:
Mills: Rhyme and Reason is such a dope name for a Hip Hop group….what made you decide on that as the name for your group?
Collectively: Well the the “Reason” justifies us having substance, creativity, originality, & meaning, behind what it is we do. We feel there’s alot of people that wanna do music without any meaning or direction behind it, that’s why we embody everything we believe in & stand for in our music.
Mills: How long have you guys been working on your crafts? (MCing and DJing)
Originaal: since 16
J*Star: since 16
DJ Majette: DJ’n since 18.
Collectively: since 2007.
Mills: Who or What inspired you to become MCs and DJ?
Originaal: I was inspired/influenced by Big Daddy Kane and EPMD when I first heard “You Gots To Chill”, from there I knew I wanted to be apart of this beautiful thing called Hip-Hop.
DJ Majette: DJ Dummy was my main inspiration. I saw him spin at a Common concert and figured I could do it as well. I got hooked once I got my technics.
J*Star: Mine actually came a little later, I was at a N*E*R*D show here in Cleveland. They were in the middle of performing they’re song “Maybe” & I realized the impact that they were making on everyone in the audience because of them & their music, & I just wanted to touch people in the same way, that’s when music became more serious to me.
Mills: After listening to the A.M and P.M mixtapes and watching the “So Cool” video, I heard and saw so many references from the early to mid 90s…what do you miss most from those days?
Collectively: Originality, individuality, respect for the craft, & substance. The 90s was like a Real dope era for Hip Hop. You had so many artists from all over doing their own thing like UGK, OUTKAST, Wu-Tang, NWA, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul etc….. & everyone was different. Now & days it just seems like the majority just wanna mimic what’s hot for the moment.
Mills: Very True!! I am sure there are so many of us that agree with that answer 100%.
Mills: “The Rawness” is my favorite track off the new mixtapes…Which track from your entire catalog would you give to a first time listener of Rhyme and Reason that you know will make them a fan?
Collectively: It would have to be “When I See You” off of the AM disk. The song gets alot good responses from the people who have heard the CDs, & its the song with the most downloads on the bandcamp page.
[audio:https://7thboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/RhymeReason-When-I-See-You.mp3|titles=Rhyme&Reason – When I See You]Mills: Speaking of “The Rawness”…I’m sure you don’t think ALL Hip Hop has taken a turn for the worse….Who in Hip Hop are you guys listening to right now?
Collectively: Lupe fiasco, PAC DIV, Blu, Ayomari, The Cool Kids, Danny Brown, Yelawolf, Astro, Izzreal & Keyel, as far as the new school goes. Other than that, we’re still bumping the dope stuff we grew up on, along with alot of alternative stuff as well: Gorillaz, N.E.R.D., Little Dragon just to name a few.
Mills: DJ Majette, if you could produce a beat for your “dream” posse track….along with J*Star and Originaal…What other MCs would you want to jump on the track?
Dj Majette: Blu, Talib Kweli, on a Premo beat.
Mills: J*Star and Originaal, If you get to set up a “dream” concert….with DJ Majette on the 1s and 2s….Who else would you want to perfrom? (Dead or Alive)
Originaal: Black Milk, Phonte of Little Brother.
J*Star: Busta Rhymes, Common, Lupe & N.E.R.D. Their shows have non stop energy. Basically anyone that influences me.
Mills: This isn’t really a Hip Hop question, but I am curious and a huge Lebron fan……and since you guys are from Cleveland…How mad/upset were you guys after the “Decision”?
J*Star/Originaal: We weren’t really surprised, it could’ve gone either way. We think it was wack the way he left, but we still like him as a player.
Dj Mjette: I really wasn’t a big fan of his, especially after the Braylon Edwards trade. Only thing that sucks about him going to Miami is that during that time you just wanted it to be over. Everyone was sick of waiting for the decision and then you get the message that he is leaving. A lot of cats in Cleveland were upset and that meant another 7 months of hearing about LeBron and how pissed they were. Hopefully the Cavs get it together soon. Karma’s a bitch.
Mills: What is next for Rhyme and Reason? What are your goals for 2011?
Collectively: Well basically it’s just about progression for us. You should see some more videos, more shows, a couple more mix-tapes. “So Cool” is the 1st single off of “The Angles Beyond 90” mix-tape which is the next to drop. A special project with Astro out of Oxnard CA, & maybe a couple special collabs. More exposure is the big aim for us 2011, so keep in touch with us through:
I just want to thank Rhyme and Reason once again for taking time out to do this interview and giving the fans an idea of who they are and what they are all about. They are clearly all about making good music and respecting the art of Hip Hop. Keep checking in with the 7th Boro for more news, music, and videos from Rhyme and Reason.
