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Interview
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While
we are getting closer and closer to the end of our
Watchmen series, we took time to sit down with The
Cipher . As always we talked about the crew and the
(recording of) the double album and what plans he
might have for the future but also took a dive into
some of his more surprising interests outside of
music: films and comedy. Meanwhile we also had a
look at Cipher’s career so far and discovered he had
recorded an EP in 2005, mainly produced by Pro
(apparently the two go way back as you will learn
from this interview). Wu-International is proud to
announce that The Cipher agreed to give the
"To
Whom it may Concern"
EP to our readers for free . So
while you read his interview, listen to the Cipher
from his pre-Watchmen days on tracks like “The
Victims” , “Boom Boom” and plenty of others, Enjoy!! |
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 Cipher, how are you ?
The Cipher: Peace,
I'm Irie. Always feelin' good.
Wu-International: Can you introduce yourself a bit to
the fans?
The Cipher: Cesar The Cipher is my full name. The
C.I.P.H.E.R. means The Competitive Intelligent Powerful
Hardcore Emcee Representin' and I am a die hard hip hop
addict. Loyal to the music, loyal to the culture.
Wu-International: When did you start rapping?
The Cipher: When I was 12 years old. That would be 16
years ago.
Wu-International: What made you want to have a
go it?
The Cipher: I used to criticize a lot of rappers CDs in
my early days, like "he could've said this differently" and
"I woulda' said it like this, it makes more sense that way".
Then my nigga BeeOne who was already doin' it told me "you
think you can do better?" he handed me a blank piece of
paper and a pen and said "ga'head and do it then" For a
first timer the shit was dope so I ran wit' it. I still
criticize rappers though.
Wu-International: So which rappers are the ones you
currently criticize?
The Cipher: Mostly rappers that I listen too because
I have time to analyze their lyrics and understand what they
were really trying to say and I believe I know how they
could've got their point across with slightly better
wordplay. For example - Obie Trice in "Shit Hits The Fan" he
says;
"It's a shame how the beef'll creep, coulda reached ya'
peek, now you left wit a horrible leak,
I'm tryin' to be as bleek wit' my speech as possible, just
in case a nigga try to throw me an obstacle"
I think it would have sounded better lyrically if he had
said,
"coulda reached ya' peek,
now ya' left wit LETHAL leak.
I'm tryin to be as bleek wit' my speech as possible just in
case a FREAK try to SNEAK me an obstacle."
See how a couple of words can make a big difference. Not
takin' anything away from dude I'm a true fan of his work.
Maybe I shouldn't say criticize...I mean critique. I just
make sure my rhymes fit like that every time. So all the
words fit like a puzzle.
Wu-International: How would you describe your style ?
The Cipher: My
rhymin' still is an even mix of lyricism with clever puns,
basic and simple yet extremely complex in definition. The
words are simple but the meanings are designed to have
multiple punch lines in one. You might have heard one of my
verses 20 times and still on the 21st time you catch a joke
or a pun that you haven't deciphered in your head until
then. That's how I do.
Wu-International: Apparently Pro was the man
who got you into the Watchmen crew. Had the two of you
worked together before ?
The Cipher:
Yeah Pro and I go
all the way back to high school. When I stepped into 9th
grade he was in 11th and was trying to get his indy label
off the ground. We met in a round about way and decided that
it was only right we work together since nobody outside of
our circle was really doin' it like we were. After that it
was me and Pro jumping from group to group until we found
one that could match our intensity, work ethic, and skill
all at the same time. We came a long way.
Wu-International: Had you been in a group before that or
were you trying as a solo artist till then ?
The Cipher:
Both. The whole time I had solo ideas but I was always a
team player first. As long as the team understood where I
was comin’ from I was all in. Like the group B.A.M that both
me and Pro were a part of which stood for By Any Means. We
had a short run underground. We pressed up 1000 mixtape cds
and sold them in the streets all throughout South Florida.
Then we decided to go our separate ways, but Pro is my
brother-in-law so we always kept it fam no matter what
either of us are reppin'.
Wu-International:
So tell us what the different is between each member of the
Watchmen. Can you please break down what each member brings
to the table ?
The Cipher:
The Watchmen is a very elite
group of emcees. All very similar but different. We are all
very heavy with our words. With the foundation being based
on thought provoking lyrics we all specialize in different
areas of substance and swag.
I concentrate more on backpacker styles and adapt to each
beat with witty wordplay, some comedy, and a voice that
change with each verse.
Pro is more concentrated on the conscious side of things. He
makes you think about what you’re doing wrong and how to
help yourself change that. Sometimes he says some old crazy
insane shit though.
Prox is the intense brain emcee. He attacks tracks with
sharp skill and his substance is that of topics you can find
in books. He's definitely trying to teach you something when
he raps like a terminator emcee or a rhyming computer
program.
Eclypse brings something that none of the other members can
bring, a feminine side. Her topics are the same as ours, her
skill is just as sharp as ours, but her point of view is
where she stands out. Plus she can sing better than many
females in the game past and present.
7th 7ign is the intimidator/enforcer of the group. He has
the hardcore silver tongue verses that always have many
variations of ways he will kill you. He's a battle rapper
and a knowledge god at the same time. Also this is the man
who gives us the most Wu sound out of everyone in the group.
And....
Black Mask raps with ancient pharaoh’s thoughts. Carrying a
down south accent with up north rhymes and pulling it off
well. Black Mask likes to speak on traditions and rituals of
civilizations past and present while at the same time is
very vulgar and sometimes zany. He's like an emcee from all
regions rolled into one.
Wu-International: While Blackmask (as the leader),
7th Sign ( with his solo album) and Pro ( as producer) might
at first sight get most attention, you are clearly a key
member too when one looks at the tracklist of the double
album. You appear on most of the tracks . How would you
describe your role/position in the crew ?
The Cipher: I'm the rabid dog they keep caged up ready to
attack whatever they put in front of me. All they gotta' do
is let me off the leash, point and say "sick'em Ciphe" and I
know exactly what to do. I'm their secret weapon if you
will.
Wu-International: How did the group select which
songs made the album and which ones didn’t for the double
LP?
The Cipher:
Well in all honesty
that's the reason why it became a double CD. We made so many
hot tracks and couldn't decide which ones to leave out they
all made the cut. As a matter of fact I remember towards the
end of production we scrambled to make 3 or 4 more songs
just to give it real substance on each CD. We had a lot to
say I guess.
Wu-International: With so many members in the
group, do you sometimes feel restricted in what you want to
do or say ?
The Cipher: I can't say I ever felt restricted in
what I can or can't lyrically say but when it comes to
speaking your minds it becomes difficult to talk over 5
other people. As far as what we can or can't do we all had
to pick our battles. You can't have every idea on every song
of every CD. We had to divide it up between 6 emcees who are
all different and all have different views on it. That's
probably another reason why it became a double joint.
Wu-International: Some of the other members produced
a few tracks on the double album. Have you ever had a go at
producing or do you focus on rhyming only?
The Cipher: I've tried producing on a small scale
but the production/engineering process isn't really my
thing. I prefer to concentrate on rhyming.
Wu-International:
As you are on most of the
tracks, can you please tell us what a typical Watchmen
recording session is like? How does the process usually go ?
The Cipher: Well I can't say there is any
system or method to the madness. Sometimes we all sit in the
lab, listen, write, and spit one after the other. But other
times beats will get emailed to us with somewhat of a topic
or a suggestion with a side note that says "Ciphe write the
hook on this one" and we all write on our own time and come
in to lay it down when it's convenient for everybody. With a
group as large as this it's not easy to get us all to the
same place at the same time.
Wu-International:
What is your favourite
track on the double album?
The Cipher:
I’ll give you my top 3. "2010", "Everything", and
"Man
in the Mirror".
Wu-International:
Something we ask the others too: is there any
special moment you’ll always remember from the recordings
for this album ? Something special, moving, hilarious, ... ?
The Cipher:
Nothing really that special about it. We had some good
laughs smoking and drinking while working. Niggaz crackin'
jokes on each other left and right. Shit was fun that's all.
Wu-International: Let’s
focus on some of the tracks you were on. For instance
“Everything”, how does it feel to know you are on a track
with the legendary Timbo King?
The Cipher:
That was definitely a live one. A real pleasure working with
someone I been listening to since I was a shorty. I was
excited to do the hook and to know everybody who was on it
was feelin' the idea. Peace to Timbo King, for real.
Wu-International:
Did you meet him in the studio or elsewhere ? How was that
like?
The Cipher:
My only regret on that
was that the song was recorded long distance. He did his
thing after we all layed down our verses in another studio
in a another state. On the real I've never even spoken to
the man but I'm sure the feeling of respect is mutual.
Wu-International: Then there is the
surprising “Man in the mirror” you did with Pro. As Pro
focussed on singing the chorus, you could say that’s your
solo track. You sounded impressive on that one. Was it
addressed to anyone in particular ?
The Cipher:
First off thanks, I'm glad
you are feelin' it. Yeah it was my solo track and it was
dedicated to someone I know very well...Myself. The way I
saw it was first professional solo track and I needed to
introduce myself and what I'm really all about so there are
no misconceptions later. At the same time there is a moral
in it that applies to everyone. That being the words I
borrowed from one of my favourite emcees Sticky Fingaz...
"Only nigga that can kill me is the nigga in the mirror"
Respect to everyone else I sampled from on that song and Big
Shout to Pro for blazing that hook for me.
Wu-International: In a hip hop world where most
of the mc’s prefer to address women as “bitches” , I found
it refreshing and proof of maturity when you said near the
end of the track: “ I don’t love honeys, I got a woman who
does love me, no matter what. Guess I’m just lucky.” What’s
your view on the degrading way most mc’s talk about women ?
The Cipher:
First let me correct you
and say the line is "I don't lust honeys..." But the point
is the same. I'm not on any mission to single-handedly try
to get men to respect women more. Shit I'm guilty of callin’
them bitches myself. Mature...yes, saint...hell nah. I was
just being honest.
Wu-International: Thanks, in that same track you
state: “In this case I don’t have low self esteem, just high
expectations of what I want for my team.” What do you want
for your Watchmen team ?
The Cipher: I want each of us to get the respect, and
attention we deserve. We are extremely talented individuals
who know how to bless a track. Is it too much to ask that
the masses have a good listen?
Wu-International: The “3rd Eye” track you did with
7th Sign: was the track made for this album or a track you
still had from the “7th Hour” recordings ?
The
Cipher: Nah
that was brand new. We were picking beats and 7 played that
one and said "this is my solo" then he pointed at me and
"but I need you to do the hook for me" naturally I said "no
doubt".
Wu-International:
In the “War” track a lot of influences get mentioned near
the end of the track. Who would you have mentioned ?
The Cipher: Mine would have been more hip hop oriented. I
would have named people like Canibus, Big L, Kool G. Rap,
Big Pun, Eminem, just to name a few.
Wu-International: Which General influenced or
impressed you most and why?
The Cipher: Method Man. He's been my top choice and
favourite rapper since 36 Chambers. He definitely influenced
me a lot comin' up.
Wu-International: Which Wu album is your all time
favourite ?
The Cipher: Wu Tang Forever if I have to pick a group
album. Tical 2000 if I’m picking my favourite solo Wu CD.
Wu-International: Did you have
any solo albums before the Watchmen formation? If so, can
you give us some more info on those?
The Cipher:
Not really any solo albums. I released a few underground
tracks as a solo artist under the EP title "To Whom It May
Concern" but those tracks are very old. I was also featured
on 7th 7igns solo album "The 7th Hour" on the track called
"7 Elements" before the Watchmen reformed for the double.
 |
Wu-International: The EP "To
Whom it may Concern" is of interest to us, is there any
chance of putting that out as a free download for the fans
or releasing it sometime in the future again?
The Cipher:
Yeah I'm definitely gonna put that out as a free
download. Actually now I am working on getting all
my shit together old and new and plan to take the
underground by storm. One of the first orders of
business is to get "To Whom It May Concern" out and
make it free to the people. Then I'm gonna follow up
with a few other projects I am currently working on
and hit niggaz over they heads hard. Keep your ears
peeled cuz you all are about to get an overabundance
of The Cipher. Bet that. |
Wu-International: Speaking of solo albums, are you
planning one too? If so, any concrete info at the moment ?
The Cipher: I am planning a solo album eventually.
No title yet just ideas I am playing with. Right now me and
my business/rhymin partner Beeone for HoodBizMusic are
working on an underground album under the duo name BlackVibe.
The CD will be entitled "BlackVibe The Self Titled Mixtape"
and will be released early 2011. We are currently working on
videos as well as writing more songs everyday. Bee just did
a radio spot in Dallas Tx. and set up some shows for after
the holidays. We are planing a follow up mixtape inviting
the entire MFU (Middle Finger Unit) to come on and showcase
some skills wit' us. This CD is not yet titled. So like I
said keep your ears peeled.
Wu-International: Thanks, so moving on, you are apparently also very much
into movies ? You got a “Certificate in Film Making” from
Palm Beach Film School in 2004. Which movie made you decide
to do that study ?
The Cipher:
All of them. I'm just as much into writing scripts as I am
into writing verses. I’ve been open to every genre since age
5. I know my shit and I plan to use it for the entertainment
of others.
Wu-International:
Can you give us an
example of what is in your opinion a perfect script or film?
The Cipher:
That's hard but I can name 3 for 3 different reasons. "15
Minutes" for the drama, action, and story. "Next Day Air"
for the comedy and directing style. and Sticky Fingaz' hip
hopera "A Day In The Life" for the guest appearances and the
genius story telling. I could talk all day about movies.
Wu-International: Do you want to make films ? Or have
you been writing scripts ?
The Cipher:
Yes, I plan to make many flicks. I have 5 scripts ready to
go at the moment just waiting till I get the proper funding
to really pull them off. It's hard enough trying to break
through into the music industry let alone Hollywood. My time
will come.
Wu-International: Any plans to use your experiences
to make video clips for the Watchmen ? Or have you made some
already ? If so, which ones?
The Cipher:
Oh I would definitely like to direct a Watchmen video. I
actually have a couple of ideas for that already. BM has
decided to outsource on those for now but I believe I'll get
my debut eventually.
Wu-International: Would you say you use those movie
influences in the songs you write ? If so, how ?
The Cipher:
Not any more than any other rapper/emcee. Sure I make
the occasional reference to a flick if the topic calls for
it but I don't go out of way for it.
Wu-International: You come across as you are also heavy into
comedy? Can we expect a stand up Cipher in near future?
The Cipher:
Unless I'm playing a comedian in a movie I don't think so. 7
has a better chance at a stand up career than any of us.
He's a funny dude.
Wu-International:
Could you compare doing comedy with doing a live show ? How
then ?
The Cipher: I could compare the two because a comedian
writes and remembers his jokes just like a artist would
memorize his rhymes. You can't perform hip hop reading a
paper on stage and the same goes for stand up. Plus they are
both all about the timing and emotion. Very similar.
Wu-International:
Ok, i think we have taken enough of your time for now,
anything else you would like to share with the fans that has
not been covered already ? Shout outs ?
The Cipher: I would like everyone to listen to the
Watchmen album over and over at least 50 times. Just when
you think you got it all listen to it one more time and
you'll realize you missed something. Believe that! Shout
outs to the Watchmen, PCE Nation, HoodBizMusic, Beeone and
the whole entire Middle Finger Unit. MFUuuuuuu!
Keep up to date
with The Cipher
www.myspace.com/thewatchmenspace
Related Interviews: Watchmen Series
#1
[BlackMask] -
Behind The (Black)Mask Interview
[20th Oct 2010]
#2 [7th 7ign] -
Untold Scriptures Interview [26th Oct 2010]
#3 [Pro] - The Need To Rebel [02nd Nov 2010]
#4 [Prox] - The
Watch Man [09th Nov 2010]
#5 [The Cipher] - Past, Present & Future [16th Nov 2010]
#6 [Ecylpse] -
Femnomenon [23rd Nov 2010]
<Read Other Interviews> |
