C-Murder

Tja, da hat man gleich mehrmals die eigentlich großzügig anberaumten Interview Slots verschlafen und dank der eiligst nachgeschobenen Bitte um eine Extrawurst dann überraschenderweise doch noch seinen Willen und keinen Geringeren als C-Murder ans andere Ende der Leitung bekommen – da gibt, wie könnte es auch anders sein, die Technik den Geist auf. Wo der ehemalige No Limit Soldier und mehrfache Platingewinner an Professionalität nicht zu überbieten war und in aller Seelenruhe seine eher knapp gehaltenen Antworten heruntertextete, war die Leitung nach New Orleans das ganze Gespräch über kurz vor’m Abnippeln. Aus dem großen Rauschen, Knacksen, Summen und “Hello? Hello?”-Gefrage haben wir gerettet, was zu retten war – bitteschön:

How’s the mood in New Orleans right now? I guess the city is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina…

Yeah man, two years and things haven’t changed: we’re still going trough the same things, trying to fight and get some money. People are trying to get the money that they need to rebuild their homes. It’s kinda like dragging on.

You’re promoting a DVD documentary called “The Movement” right now. What’s this movement all about?

This “Movement”-DVD is basically an introduction to my new album that is dropping in February. The camera is following me around everywhere, living the life of C-Murder and seeing the type of things that I do when I’m home and when I’m in the street. Plus I’m introducing my artists that’s coming under on TRU Records. You know, I got the Cutt Boys dropping their album soon right after my album. And plus you can change the beat inside the studio with me as I’m doing different songs in the studio and in the booth, layin’ out different records.

What can we expect from your new album “Screaming for Vengeance”?

You know, you haven’t heard from me in a while and I just want to give my fans the type of music that I know they expect from C-Murder. One thing they expect from me is that I keep it true like I always did. The first single features Akon, it’s called “One False Move” – also a video will be shot for this. Basically they’re getting a real record, ol’ C-Murder is back, that’s what’s up.

As far as I know you even got a Pimp C feature on there. What was going through your mind when you heard about him passing away?

When I first heard it, I couldn’t believe it. Me and him were really good friends. We actually wanted to do an album together. I’m just really sad, trying not to get mad over it. You know, it’s just aching, he was one of my homies…*at a loss for words*

But we’ll hear his voice on your album, one of his last verses?

Yeah, you’ll definately hear a brand new track from me and Pimp C on my album. The name of the song is called “I Ain’t Running”. It’s about me and him being back from a situation that we was in on the streets and that we didn’t let the elements take us under.

I like the title of the album, so, who are you screaming at?

Man, I have so much things inside of me. All the things, trials and tribulations I’ve been through. I just wanted to put it out through the music because my music is my release therapy. I just got to let it be known. That’s how I get my revenge on all the bad things that happened to me.

Let’s talk about TRU Records – who’s signed to the label right now?

The TRU Records roster consists of the Cutt Boys – that group consists of G-Dinero, Verse, Max Minelli and myself. Right after that we’re getting a solo project from Verse, he’s a real talented rapper. I can’t wait till the world really gets a chance to listen to him. I got 2 Saint, G-Dinero, Tomeka – we’re ready, TRU Records coming! Got the deals popping off and then we go.

What about Magic? As far as I can remember he was the first artist ever to sign to TRU Records. Are you still down with him?

Nah, Magic is doing his own thing. As far as I can remember he has already a couple of records out with somebody else. He’s no longer under the TRU Record label. But I’m cool cool with him.

You’re also into writing now. When and how did you come up with the idea of writing a book?

Man, I just started reading. And doing alot of reading, that really cleared my mind. I turned around and looked at all the books that I have – I have almost over five hundred books. I just liked the way how these authors were expressing themselves in such a creative way. When they tell you a story and stuff, they can embrace alot of other different things. I got really impressed with that. And I just decided that I wanted to write a novel on my own. I took my time, reading books about how to write and stuff like that. The first book I put out, “Death Around The Corner”, received good reviews, amazon.com gave me five stars. I’ve been travelling different cities, doing book signings, book discussions and stuff like that on my novel tour. It’s doing real good.

What about your next novel called “Street Glory” – what will this be about?

“Street Glory”, I really have to come with it since “Death Around The Corner” was so crucial. It has a real nice twist to it, even better than in the first one. It’s always something different you never heard of. I don’t really want to speak about the plot right now, but it’ll be out about April 2008.

You were released from prison earlier this year – how have you changed as a person during your incarceration?

I mean, you come home and things haven’t change for the better. Back to the stuff and certain situations that led you in that bad situation. I just learned how to be home with my family, focus on my work and leave the streets alone. Because even I you don’t do nothing, you can get yourself into the same situation that got you caught up. That’s what I learned. During that time, my fans were there for me through thick and thin. I received alot of letters. They don’t let me down. I definately appreciate that.

You’ve been in the game for so many years now… from the early No Limit Days and the No Limit heyday around ’98-99 up to the present. Which was the best time for you?

Maybe when we first got successful. I loved hitting the road, standing on stage and stuff like that. When you cross the stages from local to nationwide – it’s nothing like it. It’s just crazy. But right now I’m even more excited because now I’m doing it on my own. It’s great to see the similarities if you know when it’s about to really happen. Right before it happens, that’s an exciting time. And that’s what’s going on right now.

I know that you have already been touring Germany some years ago. But how come that you didn’t achieve to come over here more often?

That’s another thing. That was because of me being an artist under the No Limit label, I didn’t have to do with these type of decisions. I always wanted to come back because I enjoyed myself so much and was accepted friendly by the people. Now with TRU Records, it’s a whole ‘nother thing.