Q&A with Modenine

Capital did a Q&A with Modenine last year, we going down memory lane.

Not a lot of artists are true to their craft because of the commercial calling, y’all can rest assured that Modenine is true to his art. With an album out that is 22 tracks deep, Da Vinci Code, he may be from Nigeria but he definitely is an international force to be reckoned with. Capital knows no boarders so we caught up with Modenine to hear more of what he is about.

Capital – You say you the bravest lyricist in Nigeria, how so?

Modenine - I call myself the bravest lyricist in Nigeria because many Emcees over here dumb down their lyrics and change their sound to appeal to the masses; I can’t blame them they all got to play safe. I do music from the heart and if I can’t put out music that I am satisfied with I’d rather quit. A lot of my friends say I’m mad brave with my music because it’s hard to survive doing vintage hip-hop, especially in Nigeria

Capital – you’re a self confessed loner and you hardly featured other artists on your work previously, did you feel that they couldn’t compliment your flow or what?

Modenine -I’m a loner in a way, but that don't mean I don't have friends. im actually a very friendly guy. Plus I do a few features but I don't like doing songs with everybody and their mother lol. Sometimes the person bugging you for a collaboration is wack! It’s as simple as that. I don't wanna do tracks with wack people or sometimes they don't come up with the right beat. I am a very picky when it comes to beats. You expect me to jump on any old half baked beats. nahh. 

Capital – On your song ‘Pain’ you say ‘if I don’t make money I got myself to blame coz I didn’t sell out, and I didn’t make my rhyme lame.’ Which artists are worth noting shouldn’t have sold out if at all in your opinion?

Modenine – I’m doing this rap thing because its one thing that I love sooo much and I know how to do it. I’m actually having fun. I always knew I wasn't going to compromise. I ain't trying to put nobody on a blast, so I’m not naming names of other artistes who have sold out. They know themselves and they burn inside every now and then lol 

Capital – A lot has changed in hip hop with every era that comes, which era stands out for you?

Modenine -Hip-Hop is crazy yo!! The era that stands out is the Golden Era. Everybody had to be different to shine and also lyrics were mad important, cats were mad dope on different levels. Now all you got to have is a dope producer (killing the beat), an R&B hook, mad promo and it’s on lol. I love the early / mid 90's that was when most of the cats shining were real. Even though we still have a bunch of dope emcees they don't get the love they deserve. It’s the golden era baby!!

Capital – What projects are you currently working on that we need to be on the look out for?

Modenine - I’m currently in London working on "Pay Attention" which is an all African collaboration album with producer ALIAS from South Africa. For now I’ve just got one feature and that's from my man from Botswana, Chub Heights. I’ts gonna be out for free download in October 2010. We are also putting out an EP on Itunes that will be a mish mash of Modenine songs old and new. In a few months I’m looking at making a new genre of Hip-hop (adult contemporary Hip-Hop) called AFROBOOMBAP which is some serious minded African real Hip-Hop with heavy high life influences. An album will drop some time next year, so y’all look out for that.

Capital – Will you be heading back down to SA anytime soon?

Modenine - SA is a cool spot, I’ve got many friends out there. I’m pushing out a collaboration album with a South African based producer Alias so I guess ill be out there to promote it later this year. Shout out to HHP, Zubz, Proverb and Ben Sharper!!!  Tell Pro and Kaptin to send their verses I’m getting tired of waiting!!! One

Modenine’s collaborative album with Alias titled “Pay At-10-Shun” was released on 10.10.10. The album, which has 10 tracks, is up for free upload here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/5m6ycl