8thw1: Love, Money, and Music

R.M. London w/ 8thw1

Check Rhymehouse.com's Review of 8thw1's Love, Money and Music Here!

After accidentally coming across 8thw1's new "Love, Money and Music" record I was immediately hooked. 8th not only has a smooth flow and enthralling lyrics, but he has that special "it" factor that somehow snatches a hold of your attention and you can't even explain why.

Rhymehouse.com had the chance to catch up with Browns Mill, New Jersey MC for a quickie about "Love, Money, and Music" the album/label, his career choices, and life in general...

Rhymehouse: When did you KNOW that you wanted to make rapping your career?

8thw1: When I was 14. I began carrying a notebook around and studying my favorite emcees at the time. It was a natural progression from there.

Rhymehouse: What do your parents think of the career choice and what you do?

8thw1: My family is extremely supportive. Whatever they can do to help they do. My mom still gives me crap about school, but she knows where my heart is and once that is involved I will not be stopped. All in all, they know I wouldn't do anything to let them down.

Rhymehouse: In your song "Runnin" you talk about falling behind other friends who are in college getting their degrees. Why did you choose to focus solely on music rather than school? Do you think others should follow that same idea? Any regrets?

8thw1: I had a serious breakdown when I made that decision. I went to school for architecture and anyone who has done the same knows it is a 24/7 grind. The teachers would tell us to carry around sketchbooks, so while the other students had their sketchbooks, I had my rhyme book. They would spend hours on models I would spend hours on songs. My grades were mediocre at best and I am not a stupid person at all, lol. So if I am underachieving in something it is because I truly don't want to be there. So, I had to face the truth and cut my losses.

I think others should follow their hearts no matter what. The thing is to realize that life is nothing but a big game. Everything around you is a tool for your advancement or your demise. Don't be fooled, a good education doesn't always come from college. You will get a lot further with a great plan than a degree.

I have no regrets at all.

Rhymehouse: Everyone moves for "Love, Money, and Music"-- explain this mantra and why you believe it?

8thw1: At the time I recorded this album I went through a lot of changes. I was 250 lbs, I used to drink a lot, smoke a lot, my eating wasn't good at all, I was a mess. If you listen to 'Death of A Slacker' it's all there, lol. I had to remove those excesses from my life and see what was truly important. Those three were it. They are the only things I move for.

Rhymehouse: Have you ever wanted to give up, felt that this wasn't it, and the grind was too hard? How did you overcome that feeling?

8thw1: I wouldn't say i wanted to give up. Yet, I tried to put it to the side, work a 9 to 5 and do the 'regular' thing. But I must say, that is WAY harder than any grind with this music. It's hard to focus on a 'regular' routine when there is so much love coming from what you love to do. I put the album out and said, 'OK, this is it' days later I had numerous people praising this album. So, my plan only lasted a week, lol. I was back to my starving artist lifestyle.

If you love something don't be afraid to test it to see if it is true. Push it away, the more you love it the harder you push it to test it's strength. If it comes back to you then you know it is where you need to be.

Rhymehouse: You turned Love, Money, and Music from a mantra into a label. What's the purpose of your label, the sound you want to bring to the hip hop genre, and who is involved with it?

8thw1:The purpose for all of this is to spread love. Love comes in infinite forms, so the music label is only the beginning. I want to create a brand that will become a part of peoples lives.

Rhymehouse: How did you get hooked up with Illmind?

8thw1: My man International Dre is a good friend of his. Plus, we are all affiliated with the same people. He let me use a beat cd and I recorded 'A Fool's Lullaby'. Needless to say, he liked it, lol

Rhymehouse: Who is Manamana and Nas550 and why did you connect with them for the record?

8thw1: Manamana is also a group I met through a mutual friend. We liked each others stuff so we linked up and boom. As for Nas550, thats like my brother, we grew up together, so it was only right. Same goes for Dom.

Rhymehouse: From the 3 things-- Love, Money, and Music-- what ONE thing (if you had to choose 1) could you not live without for the rest of your life?

8thw1: Love. Without love there is nothing.

Rhymehouse: What is different about 8thW1 compared to all the thousands of rappers that are out there today?

8thw1: Well, all egotistical banter aside, lol. I will have to refer you to time for that answer.

You can check out 8thw1 at the following places:

http://www.myspace.com/8thw1

http://www.lovemoneyandmusic.com/the_beginning.html

http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15021

Check Rhymehouse.com's Review of 8thw1's Love, Money and Music Here!