Ice Mike

Ice Mike im Gespräch mit Don $P. Der legendäre, ursprünglich aus New Orleans stammende Produzent über seine neue Wirkungsstätte Houston, das aktuelle Album “Do ‘Em Dirty” sowie weitere neue und alte Projekte.

What’s up Ice Mike – glad to have this interview with you. How are you doing?

I’m real good right now.

Let’s talk about the past a little bit. Can you tell us something about your youth, how was growing up?

Coming up I was a boy with dreams of being a drummer in a band with all grooving music. I had been playing the drums since age six. And I played in all my schools as well. Once introduced to Sugar Hill Gang and Sonic Force, I was always a dancer – so breaking was in my must list! All my talents were rythmic, so it was easy to make records do something different. But I didn’t have my own turntables and I was only 12 so I followed a DJ group called The Grandscratchers. Once they saw I could really mix, some of them were jealous but the main ones made me the sensation of their show. Eventually, getting turntables and becoming the mixtape dude back then.

What about your musical roots?

I came up off of real music such as Earth Wind And Fire, George Clinton, Maze, George Duke and Quincey Jones. My mother is a dancer, singer and songwriter and sang in bands. My mentor was a musician as well. So I was always traveling around with somethin musical. And educating myself by watching the way the French Quarter Bands and others work a crowd of tourists. Giving me command performance!

Back in the days you worked with a lot of underground artist outta N.O. like Joe Blakk, Lokee, L.O.G., Sporty T, DJ Jimi, J-Dawg, Tim Smooth – will there be more dope tracks with these artist in the future…?

Yes! Actually I introduced most of those artists on record to the G. All of the artists that you named I still rock with. Right now I don’t know where Lokee is. I last heard that he may be in jail in another state. Hope he’s anywhere else than in jail though.

You moved from New Orleans to H-Town, right?

Yes, to make a scene.

Hurricane Katrina… let us know how about your feelings and please describe how your personal situation was at the time! Hope you don’t lost familiy members or friends in the struggle…

I’ve been here a couple of years showing Houston how to lift the game. My city is really too selfish to lift who lifts them. Still, in the time of the storm it hurt me to not know for so long what was up with all my folks. Having loved ones missing during Katrina was the worst thing that ever happend to me. But everyone I know was spared life. So I am grateful!

Lets talk about your brand new album “Do ‘Em Dirty”. How would you describe the topics and the sound of the album to someone who has never heard of you?

I’m a living legend. Did alot of work that really spawned a movement and am most favored for production and beats. This CD “Do ‘Em Dirty” is hot beats all with different MC’s that have a buzz across the Dirty South. Other legends and cold newcomers. I consider it as the most important album of my career.

Who will be featured on it?

Ice Mike, Tre-8, Jimi Clever, Lil Lady, Munzy Brown, K-Rino, Tim Smooth, Bigga Boss, Jr. Mack, Rob Gold, Boss King, Extreme, Killa Rich, B-Tracks, Ali from Comic View, Big Dex, Raw’LT, Kano, Wicked Crickett, Bigg Herb pronounced Big Erb, K.B. Da Kidnappa, B-1, The Mighty Pimptations, Swanger Lane, Fatboy, Baby Doll, Code-6, Mr. Eyeslo, Bigg Dana, Mad Bomber from Comic View, Lil E, Ozzy, HT Mex, Mad-A, Southern Stranger, Lyric, Freeze, Droop Dizzle, AMP Capone, DJ Lowdown – and more!

Where can it be purchased?

F.Y.E. stores and http://www.cdbaby.com or any quality record store should be able to order it for next day.

What’s going on with your own Label “Mission Muzik Recordings & DVDs”? Who’s on the Label right now and what projects are coming soon?

We are celebrating the success of the release of “Do ‘Em Dirty”. Filming the movie and making new deals.

What do you think of rap today?

Thank God there are artists like Tim Smooth, K-Rino, Fatboy, Jr. Mack and Busta Rhymes, you know. Everything else is so recycled.

Definately now when Houston is in the spotlights?

If you dope, it ain’t where you from, it’s where you at!

K-Rino, founder of the S.P.C. and K.B. Da Kidnappa, Member of the Killa Klan also spit some heat on “Do ‘Em Dirty”. Do you plan to work with more Houston artists in the near future?

Yes, actually I have new songs I’m doing with both of them on their albums and also Murder One of the S.P.C. – look out for it, we’re on fire! And I don’t melt!

Alright, let’s get a little more personal…how would you describe your own character?

I give the respect I want and disrespect anyone not reciprocating.

Describe a regular day in your life please…

3am twist up and click on the studio. Work til about 6:30am. Pray and exercise. Shower. Rest until about 10am. Check schedule. Make biz calls. Sign outgoing checks. 11 am get list of clients that need tracks and what style from my manager. Noon: check myspace and answer fans and friends. 2pm polish what I produced at 3am. Hit the studio til about 7pm. Cook and eat. Retire until 3am again and repeat.

What has been the greatest experience in your life up to this day?

All my accomplishmens are special because I had to make a way out of no way for each of them. I released alot of records for others as well like Code-6 and The Def Boyz for example.

If you could work with any artist, who would that be?

Hard question. Rakim, RBX, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte. Something dope but fresh!

Your favorite record of all time?

Music Madness Mega-Mix by Mantronix

If you never stepped into the rap game where would you be today?

At NASCAR or in the film industry.

Complete the following sentences:

New Orleans is… in me!
Houston is… Hustle Town
I hate… Haters, slackers and fakers!
Friday night at the bar – my bottle is filled with… Crown
George Bush is… a leader the bible tells me to pray for!

One last question: What do you know about your german fans?

I know that the fans and friends I have that wrote me or contacted me have all been an inspiration and real supporters. So I see people there as real and warm. I may visit there in the future.

Thanks a lot for taking the time. Time to send some shoutouts to the fans in europe and worldwide…

To every reader and hearer of my music that support me: you are greatly appreciated and I put my best in the new CD “Do ‘Em Dirty!” for you. If you are a new friend add me at http://www.myspace.com/icemikebeats – and a very serious thanks to Don$P. For all your support and the opportunity of this interview. Until next time…Do ‘Em Dirty!