Good day today; got my copy of the Wu Tang Manual.
I picked it up for a couple reasons, but mainly because I have an interview with the GZA next Saturday (hopefully) and because I think the RZA is a genuinely interesting man with a lot to say; I was quickly proven right on the latter point.
I say "surprisingly" poignant because really, the immediate public doesn't give rappers the benefit of the doubt; part of what attracts me to Wu-Tang's music is because, in some subtle way, it's different. It samples kung-fu movies and they rap about Voltron - each of the nine (now eight) members bring something completely different to the table, and even if you don't like the complete group package, it's easy to pick a favourite rapper whose verses catch your ears.
That's why I'm kind of nervous about interviewing GZA. He and RZA are my favourites from the group, and it's almost going to be intellectually intimidating to talk to him/them; I'm hoping it's going to be a sit-down as opposed to me trying to talk to them on the run, and I'm going over mentally all the questions I want to ask versus what I need to ask for the purposes of my article. I'm going to try to throw some left-field shit out there, like working with Bill Murray for Coffee and Cigarettes, or how working with John Frusciante was for their latest album, 8 Diagrams.
It's weird, but Wu don't seem to like that album too much already. On the poster for their newest (in the works) album, Chamber Music, a major advertising point is that the style is completely different from Diagrams.
Eh, sometimes you need to admit your mistakes, I guess.
Really, I just don't want them to dismiss me as a white boy who doesn't know hip hop; that's my greatest fear - to be shunned by a band I love.
Hey Buddy......So are you interviewing the whole crew or just Gza? I meet Gza in 2007 at Pitchfork Music festival Chicago when I was shooting photos for an online publication. I too am a huge WU fan (been to about 5 whole clan shows in last five years) and all I wanted was a pic with him.
ReplyDeleteHe was totally cool about it and half way hugged me during the photo. Just come at them like real people and they will treat you the same. WU knows A LOT of their fan base are white boys so don't think there is a problem there. Plus, u should know from their music that they embrace all races. Have fun and send me a link to your article...love to read it.
I have a question for you that I wanted to ask to help me clarify something you've mentioned a couple of times before. I hope it's not too nosy, but what do you study in school, and what do you do for a living (I saw "Occupation: Blogger", but I mean as in what you do to earn money)?
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I hope it's not too nosy, but if it is, feel free not to answer.
- Carl
So........did you have the interview? how did it go? Link to story?
ReplyDeleteCarl: I work regular student jobs (retail, etc); right now I'm working at an engraving shop on a computer most of my day. I'm going into my second year of a four-year program in Journalism.
ReplyDeleteM: It's this weekend; I'll post an update later.
Thanks for answering, dude. I really hope you don't mind a bit of constructive criticism, but in reading your stuff I notice that you sometimes refer to yourself as a journalist. It may not be my place to say, but it always bugs me when people refer to themselves as something they are not.
ReplyDeleteYou are not a journalist - you are a journalism student. You are also an engraver. There is nothing wrong with that. You may be an "aspiring journalist", but not a journalist. I'm in my last year as a Physics and Mathematics major. I'm neither a physicist not a mathematician, I'm a bartender - because that's what I'm paid to be. With any luck, we may both some day be what we are studying to be, but that's not who we are now.
The constructive criticism bit: Your grammar needs some work before you can become a real journalist. The second sentence in the fourth paragraph should start "He and RZA", not "Him and RZA". Otherwise, if you were referring to a single individual (i.e. just GZA and not RZA), the sentence would read "Him is my favourite from the group". I would also suggest breaking some of your sentences. That same sentence discusses four subjects (1. who your favourites in the group are, 2. how it will feel to talk to them, 3. how you hope the conversation will go, 4. how you are preparing for it), and thus seems to run on a bit.
The last sentence is really well said though. That's your surpringly poignant bit. You should focus your energy on whatever part of you wrote that.
- Carl
Carl, while I appreciate your constructive criticism about my grammar, I'm going to have to heavily disagree with you about your statement saying I'm not a journalist.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten articles published in many different publications, qualified for numerous press passes and interviewed people with the intent of extracting information from their experiences. I've sat in on court cases, city hall budget meetings and other events that I believe need to be reported on, and I've presented a viewpoint both subjective and objective, depending on the situation.
I did this all before my time in University, and I believe that the piece of paper I get at the end of my four-year program will only really tell employers that I know how to write in Canadian Press style; it will be my hard work and experience outside of class that will get me jobs, not the fact that I have a degree.
I've both worked freelance and been paid for my pieces; I don't believe "You don't get paid for it" is a viable argument. Sorry.
I believe it's my passion and skill that define me a journalist; I know many individuals in my field that never went to school for journalism and enjoy it because they're writing about topics that they love and that are interesting to them. I consider them every bit as much journalists and the ones who walk across stages in the ending months of fourth year.
Apologies; but you're dead wrong.
I wasn't trying to be mean, man. But passion doesn't mean shit. Lots of people have passion and drive, and aren't what they want to be. It's not up to you to decide what qualifies someone as a journalist. Ask someone from the BBC World News if you're a journalist.
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting paid for pieces in which sentences start with "him".
All the best.
- Carl
Sorry Carl, but before I let you slink off with your tail between your legs after that last little low-blow, I'm going to say this:
ReplyDeleteIf it's not up to me to decide what qualifies someone to be a journalist, what makes you think you can fare any better? You ask me to "go ask a BBC World News" person, but really, do THEY even get information for themselves 100% of the time? Ultimately, even if I go down to AP or other feeder services, they're still getting tips from people on the street level; people who care about the world around them and want to see information put out there.
As for "passion not meaning shit"?
A lot of people may have passion and aren't where they want to be, but I am; I worked my ass off to get where I am now, and I'm happy with what I've achieved so far.
So really, shouldn't that be a win/win situation?
Alright; I'm done.