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Interview
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With
Christ Bearer's interview out of the way, this weeks
featured guests is a student of Christ Bearer and
getting groomed for entrance into the West Coast
Killa Beez. An emcee, producer and Dj, Anthai Da
Protagonist is a member of 71Raw and has been
inspired from an era where hip-hop emerged into the
mainstream media of American households. Anthai was
at a critical age where he absorbed and identified
best with the sound of hip-hop music. His music was
inspired by those of Al Green, Stylistics, and Isaac
Hayes. He was also heavily influenced by the 90's
Hip-Hop and has been creating original music since
1999. This extremely passionate individual for
music, gave the breath of life and put together a
formula which is now known as 71Raw. Anthai da
Protagonist isn't just a catchy name. There is a
science behind the name which defines the musician.
"Anthai" is the incorporation of this artist's last
name "Thai" and his state of mind of being "Anti"
against all negativity in life. Protagonist in
definition, is to be the hero to save listeners from
the non-sense and meaningless rap music circulating
in the industry today.
[To date, he has released three albums: "71Raw
Project" (2004), "Anthai Presents The Revival Remix"
(2005), and "Ninja Guidance" (2008). On both "71Raw
Project" and "Ninja Guidance" albums, he produced
95% of it and 100% on his "Anthai Presents The
Revival Remix" album. In addition, he has provided
the hard hitting beats for the group as well working
as the engineer in the studio, and doing the mix
down for all of the 71Raw songs. You can support and
purchase 71Raw "Ninja Guidance" album on iTunes,
Amazon, Napster, etc.]
Anthai and his crew 71Raw has built a strong
affiliation with the West Coast Killa Beez since
2004. Anthai personally has established a strong
bond with the Black Knights and Christ Bearer of
Northstar, with RZA putting him directly under
Christ Bearer's care and guidance until the crew is
ready to step out and do their own thing.
As an emcee, Anthai cultivates, writes and expresses
his music from his personal experiences -- he's an
emcee that definitely does not sound like your
typical Vietnamese rapper. Beyond being the
musician, Anthai is also an entrepreneur. He manages
71Raw and is responsible for merchandising of 71Raw
garments. He makes the majority of the business
decisions for 71Raw. His main focus is to make sure
71Raw grows in the direction in which it was
intended to. [In addition to his resume, he is now
doing fashion shows for various Hip-Hop clothing
lines. Hosting his own radio show "Raw Radio" with
his partners Martial Art and Soul Therapist
(www.71Raw.podOmatic.com).]
Anthai has finished his new project, "The Anthai
Drug" which is out or coming out anytime soon
from Chmbermusik Special Products via Fat Beats,
Anthai broke down his history, foundation, future
aspirations and connections on this exclusive
interview.. Anthai Drugs... Enjoy !!!
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I like to say thanks first and foremost for
taking the time to answer these questions, highly
appreciated, and will also point out that nothing will be
altered, edited or changed when this is published online.
Wu-International: Peace Anthai, how are you?
Anthai:
Peace, I'm doing well
thanks
Wu-International: We been running a Westcoast Killa
Beez series and it was a tricky one involving or excluding
you as we are still not sure your affiliation, would you
consider yourself officially a West Coast Wu-Tang Killa Bee?
Anthai: Most definite, brothers like Christ Bearer
and the Black Knights know what it is...it's just I haven't
seen them for a minute because everybody is so busy. I did a
show with them last summer called "The West Coast Killa Beez
Show" so all of us were there. Christ Bearer is our general
who gave us the open door and from there we got affiliated
with the Black Knights. I was with Crisis not too long ago
at the "Dirty" ODB's movie premiere. Everything is
everything.
Wu-International: Hanging out with Killa Beez doesnt
neccessarily make one a Killa Bee, ChristBearer specified on
last interview that to become official you need to be
approved ultimately by The RZA?
Anthai: Yeah of course, Rza or the generals have the
upper hand. We all met Rza and talked at the 36 Chamber West
years ago. Rza told Christ Bearer to watch over us you
nahmean? The only thing is we (71Raw) don't show our faces
around the crew that much such as shows but we're doing our
thing making music. I was with Christ Bearer, Ancient Coin,
and Yellow Jackets 4 months ago. I gave them some beats to
fuck with. My crew and I are probably the least known but we
work hard and we create underground bangers.
Wu-International: We found out about your group ages
ago through your link with Christbearer, how did you or the
group meet Christbearer?
Anthai:
This goes back probably
in 2003 when my crew 71Raw and I were out in the streets of
LA at House of Blues pushing our song "Universal Warlords"
and "Bad Guys" on cds. We were at the Gza concert, you know
Rza, Meth, and Gza were on stage. I was waiting for one of
my boys to find his way to House of Blues so I was going in
and out from the venue. When I was outside waiting, two tall
brothers walked by me. I then recognized they were Northstar,
so I gradually walked up to Christ Bearer holding my cd and
demanded him and Meko to listen to it. Told him my name, my
crew's name and what we rep for Hip-Hop. Christ told me he
would listen to the CD, two weeks after I got a call and it
was Christ Bearer calling from Las Vegas where he was
staying. Told me he really liked the song "Bad Guys" and
then we would communicate here and there on the phone for a
year! Long story short, after that year I met up with him
outside of 36 Chambers West and we were freestyling, I
recorded on my camera, it's on Youtube. Days later he
brought the entire 71Raw crew to meet up with Rza, Meth, B9,
Gza outside of another show they have done, I couldn't make
it because I wasn't feeling well at the time. My ninja Mic
Willy stepped up to Rza and told him what we are about and
Christ Bearer did the same. Days after that I came w/ the
crew and met up w/ Rza and showed our rhymes and my beats.
Rza told Christ to keep us under his wings...on and on.
Wu-International: Your last album Ninja Guidance was
released a couple of years back, how well received was it by
the fans?
Anthai:
We had tremendous love and support for that album
especially! From our online distribution and Chambermusik's
help really got our sounds to reach outside of the U.S. To
me, Ninja Guidance album is one of my favorite albums
released in 2008 I'm talking about the lyrics and the beats.
I remember our fans online would make us videos for our
songs and post it on youtube, that sorta gesture makes me
happy. I wish I had video footage during the making of Ninja
Guidance, we had a ball! Brothers were drinking and smoking,
even playing chess during the session. First Lady singing,
Beretta 9 did his thing in the studio...it was a great
experience. For those that asked me about making it big in
Hip-Hop here is my answer, we've already made it. Our
intention before getting into the game wasn't to make big
money, our goal was to get some fans around the world and
represent that grimey type of Hip-Hop.
Wu-International: Your name is more recognizable than
that of Martial Art or Broken Tongue, do you or others
consider you the leader of the group especially as you are
also responsible for most of the production duties?
Anthai: Well
I feel I have more experiences and knowledge on how to put
an album together and at the same time being the producer
too, gives me the upper hand to pick out ideas to compose
lyrics. I do give my ninjas the freedom to speak their minds
and collaborate equally. I also do a lot of networking for
the group but overall it would be nothing without everybody
in the crew, even our homeboys that we vibe with. I don't
like being responsible for everybody, would be nice if all
of us learn how the industry work. I'm still learning, so
much out there to gain.
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Wu-International: There have been rumors of the group
breaking up even more now you are coming out with your solo
project, is there any truth to this, and is 71Raw still
active as a trio? |
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Anthai:
Where did you hear this rumor from? Haha, can a ninja walk
on his own and eat by himself? I felt I needed to do my solo
album to express fully how I feel and if I have any guest
appearances they would follow my ideas, that's what doing a
solo project is all about opposed to group projects. So my
answer is no, the group is still here strong, still hanging
out watching the Lakers beat up the Boston Celtics and
getting the ring. You won't hear much from Broken Tongue due
to personal situations. We still hangout, drink, and party.
We even go to Hip-Hop shows to support Hip-Hop...we are
Hip-Hop! |
Wu-International:
You have just about completed your first solo project
“Anthai Drugs”, what's behind the title?
Anthai:
There are many signs and
meanings behind my album title "The Anthai Drug". Anthai
Drug is like medicine, the art of healing. It could mean the
album will get you hooked by listening to it, could mean I'm
an advocate on the Anti-Drug movement. Whichever ways you
take it, I'm your drug ninja. Growing up or even till this
day some people hate the taste of medicine or swallowing the
pill, but that pill contains substance that will help you
maintain and restore health. The album is to diagnose and
treat injuries and diseases from all these programs that
they play everyday through the airwaves...you know what I'm
talking about.
Wu-International: Is the album complete and when do
you plan on putting it out?
Anthai:
The album is complete except for some minor things I want to
add. I am a very picky person and a perfectionist so I am
taking my time on getting everything right and precise
because there is no going back. I want to release it
September 21st through Chambermusik Special Products which
is distributed via Fat Beats and will be on itunes and digital distribution in October. According to
Martial Art, this album is better than all of our past
releases. I was shocked when he told me that but I can
understand why. I love the beats on this Anthai Drug album
and the flow is up to par. I have the cds on me and taking
orders as we speak before it hits the market.
Wu-International: Did you produce the bulk or all of
the album as well?
Anthai:
For the Anthai Drug album, I
produced every beat except for two. Those two songs are
called "Ninjas vs. Swaggers" produced by Drew and "One Too
Many" produced by Peter Jay (who helped produced Meant
Condition from 71Raw Project). All of the songs on the album
sounds like they could be hit singles, that's how I try to
make my albums.
Wu-International: So how will this album differ from
the 71Raw projects as far as concepts, sound etc goes?
Anthai: The Anthai Drug album differ in many ways to
the 71Raw Project and Ninja Guidance. First reason, the flow
of the rhymes are more coherent to the beats. Secondly, the
editing and mastering is superb. Lastly, the recording
sessions are more comfortable this time around because
previous albums we had to record at many different
locations. Here are some words to describe my upcoming
Anthai Drug album: Raw, hardcore, explicit, sexy, cool,
belligerent, provocative, realistic, inspirational, and
pornographic. I'm not gonna front on yall, a lot of songs on
my album are about MCing boasting with fable lyrics but they
represent what's real in reality. I admit, the songs about
females are 100% true because I've been through those
situations. Some of my lyrics might sound harsh it's because
pain is harsh, whatever I do I jot it down on paper. For
those who get offended by my lyrics, the only person to
blame for is yourself, should've read the label "Explicit
Lyrics" on the cover of my cd album. In contrary, people in
general need to peep the lyrics instead of just bobbing your
head to the beat, know what the rapper/mc is talking about.
You could be nodding your head to a song about raping a girl
and you think it's cool but in reality you're looking like a
fool. Ignorance is bliss, you have to peep the real game.
That's why to me, a lot of underground Hip-Hop artists carry
so much lyrical skills.
Wu-International: What comes first for you when
making a song, the lyrics or the beat?
Anthai: Before
I would do either one first but now I would prefer hearing
the beat first to see how I would fit my rhymes. When you
have many different skills, it takes you away from doing
other skills you have you nahmean? I could be writing rhymes
for days but then my motivation for producing beats is gone.
I would have mornings where I wake up and would write all
morning and then I would have nights where I would make 3
beats in less than 2 hours. Some days I don't have the urge
to do any of that and just read the news. Maybe that's why I
don't watch too much television, I always have something to
do and I don't like to waste time, time waits for nobody.
Wu-International: We know the Black Knights are
already featured on there, who else are featured on the
album?
Anthai:
Christ Bearer is on there, First Lady, The Committee, Midaz,
Plato, Jacewon, Lady Egypt, Broken Tongue, and of course
Martial Arts. Everybody on my album came off correct,
shoutout to all of them.
Wu-International: You have pretty much worked with a
number of the major Westcoast Killa Bee members except for
Holocaust, when will that happen?
Anthai:
I only met him once. I
don't see him around. Would love to work with him, maybe in
the future you never know. Holocaust is definitely raw and
talented.
Wu-International: You have a song on there that we
will be using for the Doc Doom dedication page, thanks for
sharing that, can you please tell us how that song came
about?
Anthai:
We made that song "Story
of My Life" about 4 years ago. It was suppose to be a Black
Knights joint but they gave me that song to be on the album.
I wish we had the studio session video taped because all of
us were there that night.
Wu-International: You said in a recent interview that
you met Doc Doom briefly before he passed away, was there
anything in particular that you remembered of him or any
memorable moments you would like to share with the fans?
Anthai: The first time I ever met Doc Doom was
at the Wu Tang Mansion 2001 when I wasn't affiliated with
the Wu movement. He introduced himself to me, that was the
night I had a rhyme session with Holocaust. When he was
locked up that was when I got involved with the West Coast
Killa Beez. When he came out, we were partying at the Black
Knights show in Orange County, we spoke for couple of
minutes and took a picture. He was a really nice dude, told
him I produced songs for the Black Knights and he wanted to
hear my work. Unfortunately a week later he passed away. My
crew and I attended his funeral to show our respect. Rest in
peace Doc Doom. Knights or nothing!
Wu-International: Did you get a chance to make music
with Doc before he passed away?
Anthai: We were suppose to add Doc Doom to our
song "The Last Fight" from the Ninja Guidance album, that's
why at the end of the song you hear nothing but instrumental
with no talking over it.
Wu-International: Was there any one that you wanted
to get on the project that didn’t happen?
Anthai: This goes back to the Ninja Guidance
album, I was talking to Rza to jump on and he said he was
down for it. The only thing was I didn't show my face around
too much to catch him on his free time. Sometimes to me it
matters but then again it doesn't matter because I want the
fans to dig my music for what it is and not for who is on
the song, you feel me? No doubt, I would love to have Rza on
it but it is what it is so I'm rolling with what I have. I
would love to work with Dom Pacino, that ninja is nice on
the mic. People say we look alike, would be a double impact
type shit haha.
Wu-International: What songs stand out the most for
you on Anthai Drugs and why?
Anthai:
There are so many to
choose! I would have to say either "Ninjas vs. Swaggers" or
"Half Asian Half Amazing". Ninjas vs Swaggers song is a
banger produced by my ninja Drew. It's one of those
attacking beats and my rhymes on there are full of energy.
Half Asian Half Amazing is one of the most important songs
on my album, the message behind that is positive and the
beat is incredible. It's really epic. Other songs to look
out for are Money Comes First, You Only Live 2wice,
Universal Warlords pt2, Battle Scars pt.2, One Too Many,
etc. But the rest of the songs on the album are flawless,
shit that's my word man!
Wu-International: So what would you say you are
trying to achieve if any with this album?
Anthai: The same goals as I was doing before,
representing where I'm from Vietnam and now dwelling in
Anaheim 714 area code. I'm not anticipating for mainstream
exposure because not many people are fond on traditional
Hip-Hop. I'm giving yall that boom bap type of rap. I just
want people to know they can't match palms with 71Raw
ninjas, straight up and down.
Wu-International: Thanks, on a recent interview you
made it clear that Martial Arts solo will be the
next instalment after yours, will you be
producing most of it as well and how far gone is the
album?
Anthai:
Martial Art's
album will be called "Mixed Martial Arts". I will be
producing on the album. He already started writing
his rhymes. We just need to sit down and choose
beats and I want to make more for him. At the same
time I have another idea in mind, I wish I could
tell you but I can't reveal that until months to
come. Martial's album will be interesting. Gonna
hear a lot of soul because he and I listen to that
type of music all day everyday!
Wu-International: When will the fans see another
71Raw album then?
Anthai: We plan on working on our third group
album after Martial's album is released. After that
who knows what might happen.
Wu-International: You also DJ at times, what
would you say is the most exhilarating or fulfilling
part of being a DJ?
Anthai:
I dj more for
parties, it's exciting and I get to control the
audience. I remember I was in a zone on djing but
now I'm more focused on rhyming and producing.
That's where my heart is really at.
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Wu-International: You produce mainly within your
circle, have you done productions for anyone else outside
and if so, who?
Anthai:
I've produced for The
Black Knights, Recworm, and gave beats to the Yellow
Jackets. I haven't done much for outside groups, maybe
because I'm saving it all for us.
Wu-International: What collaboration between you and
someone else would inspire you to do the most incredible
music?
Anthai: There's this artist from overseas
Hooverphonic, she sounds ill. I like to do the untypical
shit like where you have someone from a different genre
collaborate with me. It's challenging, and from that you
will learn to create new styles. You can't do the same thing
over and over again, and I know for the younger kids out
there it's hard to understand but trust me, as you get older
you will understand why. People need to evolve and make new
things happen. Shout out to Hooverphonic.
Wu-International: This is pretty much it, anything
else you would love to add that’s not covered already? Any
shout outs, big ups etc?
Anthai: Big ups to Wu International for conducting
this interview. Shout outs to my fans who really support me.
When my Anthai Drug album comes out, buy it and do not
download it. Support the artist because artists like me do
everything independently therefore we need y'all help! Shout
outs to the West Coast Killa Beez we in this! My ninjas from
71Raw and the scums! Big ups to Supernatural Clothing go to
their website and buy their clothes
www.supernaturalco.com and for all you fish lovers
go to
www.aquatic-heaven.com PEACE!
Thanks
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