Slave To The Page was two years in the making and when it was all said and done it left an indelible impression on anyone who heard it. Now with his sophomore effort less than a month away, Absouljah sat down with Labor Of Love to discuss life and music.
Darius : Alright, for me as a hip hop listener for such a long time Slave To The Page really caught me off guard. It was extremely polished. How long have you been writing and then performing?
Absouljah: Well I've been writing since the 5th grade, so I'd say that's about 93-94. As far as the performing, that's more recent but I did my first show in 2003. How did it catch you off guard?
Darius: Well, in this era, there are a grip of emcees putting out stuff...a lot of them put out an album...have some buzz...have a notable guest shot. With your album, never heard a word, never heard the artist, but I thought I would give it a listen....and it really is not comparable to anything I have heard in recent years
Absouljah: That album was a big relief for me...I was in the process of creating it for about 2 years, but for some reason I just couldn't get it out.
Darius: As a listener we get bombarded with release after release...a lot of cats buy pro tools....Reason....Fruity Loops...and then hit you with a release. They might not have presence on the mic though. Your album was something I can listen to straight through...no filler...it's just rare for anybody to put something out like that.
Absouljah: Thanks man...I really appreciate that. All I can say to that is that diligence pays off. I gathered up the best beats from producers all around the globe, so I can assure that the production would be tight. Therefore, all I would have to do is come with it on the mic. It was a great experience you get to see how people are inspired to do better just by hearing you on a track and I've acquired many new friends through the process of creating the album.
Darius: So what inspires you in general and to put the album together like Slave to The Page?
Absouljah: The past, present and the future...I mean I wanted to come with an album to where people wouldn't believe the term Hip Hop is dead. Actually, I never believed that myself, but I could see what's going in the Hip hop community. I came up listening to good music, but never really thought I'd ever be doing at this point as I am. Life is good inspiration. We all have issues and we all have certain ways to deal with them. For me music is the best way, because it helps me connect with the listener. Maybe the listener is feeling the same way about something, or maybe I can show them the flip side.
Darius: Respect. That's the feeling I get when I listen...Hip Hop is alive and well. So who are your musical influences?
Absouljah: Nas, Bill Withers, Mobb Deep, Ronny Jordan, and Wu Tang Clan. Most of all my mother. She always kept us into music whether it's guitar practice or piano. We always had something to do with music.
Darius: That actually leads me into the next question...in your bio you mention a "moral upbringing"? Care to go into what you mean by that and your upbringing?
Absouljah: Sure. My mother instilled values in all of my family. She would lead us in a path of righteousness. I mean she taught me all the down falls of life and conversely what would help me to be the best Abdi Henderson I could be. As a child I didn't understand (of course), but as of today (25 tomorrow) everything is crystal clear.
Darius: That's something that not everyone has and definitely to your benefit. So you mentioned your production came from all over the globe...care to shout out some of the producers, get their name out? I am really feeling this kid Al'Tarba's stuff, and I know you have worked with him.
Absouljah: Al'Tarba is one of the greatest producers I've heard in a long time. It was a pleasure to have worked with him on his album and mine as well. El Pobre, MRK, Ugly Tony, Klor Fm, Nikolistic Beats, Wayno, Machine Gun Funk, 2Deep, Dj Crown, Sensei Walingh, RP Beats, JFX, G'Bless, SoulJay, GC...Monstah
Darius: No two tracks produced by the same cat? Haha.
Absouljah: Well I have a camp. We have producers in our camp, such as MRK, El Pobre, and Wayno. The others are good friends of mine. These producers all have one thing in common...a genuine love for the music and that's how we connected.
Darius: Understood. You said it took two years for you to get the album out there, what held it back? When it was all said in finished, other than relieved, what were your feelings with what you created after such a long period of time?
Absouljah: The delay was because of my perfectionist complex. When you come out for the first time you have to set a standard in which you can never go below. I wanted to set the bar high. Also, I knew after I dropped the first one people are looking for the follow up, so I have to be prepared to keep the people healthy. I felt like I did it correctly when I dropped the album. It just felt like it's here AT LAST. I still listen to it everyday. Feel me?
Darius: Most definitely. The album is the whole reason we are here speaking today. Like I said...straight through, no filler. People need to know from here on out. So the album is FREE! Is that so heads would have NO reason not to listen to it? Because this album is better than the ones people are charging $16.00 for.
Absouljah: Free because it's for the people and I made them wait so long. Also, I do want more people to hear me and with all the garbage floating around people dont know what to purchase. It never crossed my mind to sell it, though I was going through a rough financial period in my life. I could of tried to make a few dollars, but I stuck to my guns and went the free way.
Darius: Well, then the people are blessed. What's you favorite track from the album? You have to have one. I'll shoot you mine in a sec.
Absouljah: It's funny you ask I was just preparing for that...It's tough man cause on different days different songs, but I'll go with Mr. Crazy. Produced by Dj BeatSmith
Darius: I can't argue with that. Haha. But...I don't hit the gym without Spit Fire on my end.
Absouljah: I respect that.
Darius: So new album...Preparing The Meal....when is it dropping for public consumption? What should we expect? And you are selling this album right? Haha.
Absouljah: I'm thinking around late July, early August. Always sticking to the format of authenticity. No gimmicks everything is still raw. Expect more flows, crazy beats, growth, something new...I mean people know what I do. I'm built to last. This album will come to you with a small fee...hahaha. But if it was worth it for me to do it should be worth it to you to purchase.
Darius: No doubt. I definitely feel that concept. Artitsts need to eat too. Although...August feels far away at this point. Haha. So if you aren't working on your music, what are you up to?
Absouljah: I'm a full-time student and I'm a volunteer coach at the YMCA.
Darius: Alright......final thoughts to the reader...whatever you want to say...
Absouljah: Of course I want to thank all who took it upon themselves to get "Slave to the Page" and I want you all to prepare for "The First Supper." It's all about mind elevation, staying out of the traps set to perpetuate our down fall, uplifting the youth into being the future and the change that we want to see. Thanks for taking the time out of your life to share it with mine and to the whole Hip hop nation as one. OUT