AC: I started rapping when I was living in BK around 98’-99’, a group of friends would sit around and freestyle over songs that were on the radio. Now I’m the only one out of the group that stuck with it.
illRoots.com: Rap then vs. rap now. Where in time did it change?
AC: I think the music has drastically changed. Around the time when I started, the music still had a lot of the original essence and that was still marketable. Rappers didn't always have to resort to the pop/OD commercial route to get radio play. I think the Puffy/Biggie era had a lot to do with the direction hip hop moved to. I'm not saying it’s a bad thing, 'cause now the genre is making a lot more money than it was and is more recognizable. I'm just saying it’s real different.
illRoots.com: Most personal track you've recorded, title, producer, and why?
AC: I would have to say "Father" off of This Is AC Part 2: Staten Lives, produced by Black Friday. I got real deep into the relationship with my pops. Hip-hop is notorious for downplaying father/son relationships, so I think it was a breath of fresh air for people to hear we actually get along.
illRoots.com: If you could write to one beat off of 36 Chambers, which one would it be and what would you re-title it?
AC: Well, we all know I sampled “C.R.E.A.M” for "Rae Told Me" produced by Hasan Insane, so i'll take the easy answer and say “C.R.E.A.M” and name it "Rae Told Me" [Laughs]... that Charmels sample is crazy.
AC - Rae Told Me
illRoots.com: Who do you think is the most underrated emcee of all-time?
AC: Probably Busta Rhymes. He never gets the top 10 dead or alive love. He has been very consistant over the years.
illRoots.com: Oh man who you telling, all over the track man. One label you would sign with right now that in your opinion would be ideal?
AC: Apples new label. [Laughs] Nah, that don't exist right? I don't know man, these labels are in a messed up position at the moment. If I had to pick one it would probably be Interscope. They seem the most stable and have a strong marketing and promotions department. Universal can also step in and use their money as well, so its a double wammy.
illRoots.com: [Laughs] Double wammy.AC: I want that in there.
illRoots.com: If I ever make a porn, thats the title no doubt in my mind.
AC: [Laughs]
illRoots.com: And I'm keeping that in there [Laughs]. But seriously, what do you bring that no one else does?
AC: Man, I’m just trying to turn creative ideas into success. Creativity is what built this culture. I am just going to keep surprising people and catch everybody off guard with each move. I am not these other rappers, 'cause I dont give a fuck what you think. They do.
illRoots.com: Ooooh, I feel like after you say that your theme music comes on and you walk off ice grilling the whole crowd [Laughs].
AC: Yeah man, the theme song to Magnum PI comes on and I and stage dive into the myst.
illRoots.com: Holy moonwalking messiahs. Okay alliterations and minor WWF special effects aside. If rap decided to name you president your first order would be?
AC: Make using Melodyne and Autotune illegal. For everyone that don’t know what that is, thats the effect T-Pain uses on every goddamn song.
illRoots.com: And SO SHALL IT COME TO PASS, Booooom! New music coming out, what’s new in AC's world?
AC: Well, I dropped "Trapped On The Island" featuring Trife Da God, video directed by Steven Tapia. That should stir some shit, cause the concept is crazy. Then I’m dropping the "New Soul" video also directed by Steven Tapia sometime in May. I am working on a new mixtape as well.
AC - Trapped On The Island (Ft. Trife Da God)
illRoots.com: Why Steven Tapia?
AC: He's the best new director out. I co-sign him 100 percent. He has got the vision and talent to put any idea you have down. He's headed straight to the top. Real talk.
illRoots.com: Okay last one. AC is....
AC: The reason your son is half puerto rican.
