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Interview
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The West Coast
Killa Beez movement has long been credited for invading the
entertainment business like a hostile army at their enemy’s
gates. The artists for this week in continuation with the West
Coast Killa Beez Series is none other than Eternal, while most
of the Beez in the West are from either Compton or Long Beach,
Eternal hails from San Diego, California and has taken it up
himself to spread the movement past Cali, US to Europe and Asia.
Born and raised in San San Diego, CA, Eternal developed a deep
passion for music at the young age of seven years old. It
wouldn’t be until the age of fifteen that Eternal would begin
writing down the lyrics he heard in his head and perfecting his
skills. At the age of sixteen Eternal was able to get himself
studio time and began to record his music and perfect his flow.
He would then spend the next three years perfecting his style
and lyrics and at the age of 19 he set out to make music his
full time career. Instead of waiting for a label to show up or a
financier to step into his life Eternal blazed his own path to
success forming the legendary San Diego group Kastlevania.
Kastlevania’s first release was “Str8 From Tha Dungeon” which
Eternal not only rapped on but also produced all of the music
for. “Str8 From tha Dungeon” released in 2000 was distributed
nationally through major retail chains across the United States,
which Eternal also lined up. The Success of “Str8 From Tha
Dungeon” combined with Eternals consistent networking led him to
not only establishing himself as a factor in the San Diego music
scene but also to his first nomination at the San Diego Music
Awards for best album. After his nomination Eternal returned to
the studio and created Kastlevania’s sophomore album
“Kastlevania 2; The Battle Angels.” Once again Eternal rapped on
the project and produced every track on it. The album released
in 2002 was nominated for two awards at the San Diego Music
Awards for best group project and album of the year. The project
won the Album of The Year award, which in turn further exposed
Eternal’s name in the West Coast music scene.
With the release and success of both Kastlevania projects
Eternal set out on a tireless networking campaign that would see
him not only performing on shows weekly but also creating
relationships with other artists across the United States. In
2006 Eternal returned to the studio to create his highly
anticipated solo EP “Blazed
& Konfuzed.” Upon the release of the project Eternal was
once again nominated at the San Diego music awards for Best
Album and later joined forces with another San Diego group
Comfortable Creeps with his group Kaslevania to form Kastle
Creeps to release another interesting self titled project "Kastle
Creeps" in 2009. After the release of his album
Eternal connected with the one of the founding members of the
West Coast Killa Beez and Black Knight member, The Rugged Monk
who immediately recognized Eternal’s dangerous combination of a
presence behind the mic crossed with his never say die attitude.
Monk immediately made Eternal a member of the West Coast Killa
Beez and Eternal made it his priority to continue creating
classic music while representing the ever growing Wu-Tang
movement. This new affiliation combined with his established
name as a solo artist has led Eternal to not only sell over
50,000 units independently but also perform along such notable
artists as; Cypress Hill, RZA, Ice T, Too Short, Devin The Dude,
Bizzy Bone, Project Blowed, Killarmy, Killah Priest, Papa
Chief of Brooklyn Zoo, Canibus, Ill Bill, Necro, Souls of
Mischief, Black Knights, The Indovizualz, and many more.
Eternal strives to be more than just an artists, he
recently launched an online show “The Eternal Show” which has
been described as a Hip Hop version of MTV’s popular TRL
featuring in depth interviews, behind the scenes footage and
shows with artists such as Raekwon, Planet Asia and Brooklyn
Zoo. The show is Eternal’s way of not only spreading his music,
the "W" and name but also showcasing the independent artists he
is around on a daily basis, who normally might not get the
attention they deserve.
While versatile, Eternal is commonly known for his horror core
type hip-hop, a sub-genre that is currently lost in hip-hop
today, Wu-International catches up with the man to find out how
it all started, his Gravediggaz and Marilyn Manson influence,
being a part of the KBG, his impressive discography and much
more... 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 Eternal, how are you?
Eternal: I'm doing alright. Just been grindin' real hard
in the industry.
Wu-International: Since this is our first
interview of you can you please introduce yourself to those
who don't know you already?
Eternal: Peace.
This is Eternal of the West Coast Killa Beez. I'm from San
Diego, California.. One love to all my homiez and all the
fans.
Wu-International: How did you become part of the
Killa Bee Gang?
Eternal:
It was just right timing... as Sir Eye's would say. I was at
a GZA concert at Canes in San Diego and I got back stage to
meet GZA and ran into Monk and Sir Eye's.. I just started
working on my TV show called the Eternal show.. So I was
filming the show and interviewing everybody on stage.. At
that time I gave my CD to Monk and Sir Eye's to listen to..
I told them I could spit, and was hungry to make it anyway
possible.. Then I guess Sir Eye's saw something in me and
talked to Monk about it, Monk then introduced me to
Crisis, and we had like a 20 minutes freestyle session in
the car outside Sir Eye's house in Long Beach.. And every
thing went from there!! I was blessed.
Wu-International: Where you a fan of the Clan’s music
prior to becoming part of that legacy and if so which of the
members (Clans or Killa Beez) were your favourites?
Eternal:
I was a fan of real hip
hop in general, but you gotta love the Wu son. When I
brought that tape in 1993 at the warehouse. I fuckin lost
it. The rhymes and beats were off the chain. I became a fan
instantly. . The whole Clan are tight lyrically son , so I
have no favourites.. But I will say.. when RZA dropped bobby
digital, and I heard the holocaust. It was my favourite
track to spit to.. Like vampires on motor bikes.
Wu-International: What is your current
relationship with The RZA and have you done any
collaboration to date?
Eternal: My relationship
with the RZA is still in the works.. He's been cool to me
every time I talked with him at shows, one time I asked him
if he had remembered me, you know? being new with the KBG
and I was surprised when he said he did, it felt good to
know he didn't forget me on second encounter. He later asked
me if I read his book, and I was like no. He then told me to
read that book, the Wu-Tang Manuel and Tao of the Wu, and
that was it before he got on stage. I haven't been on any
RZA's produced tracks yet, but all in due time..
Wu-International:
How does it feel being part of hip-hop’s royal family and
possibly the most influential and respected family tree?
Eternal:
It
feels great to be a part of the Wu family tree. I never
thought in my life I would be fuckin' with the Wu or be a
member of the Killa Beez. On the West or on the East. So I'm
thankful and blessed, and may I say I feel like one of
the lucky ones to have this chance to be a part of this
movement.
Wu-International: Some of the old affiliates we have
interviewed in the past have said being under the Wu
umbrella was a blessing and a curse, what’s your take on
this?
Eternal: It's been a blessing
for me. I don't know what else to say, i'm still building,
still new, but better things are yet to come.
Wu-International: Who in the East are you cool with
within the fam?
Eternal: Me and Killah Priest
are real tight. San Diego is his second home, I met him back
in 1997 in downtown San Diego, when he dropped heavy
mental.. Every time I see Raekwon at shows and he
always shows me love. I'm real cool with PR Terrorist from
Killarmy as well. Peace to the whole Wu fam.. I got love for
whole Wu empire. West & East. Killa beez forever!
Wu-International: Would it be right to say you bring
that horror-core element of hip-hop to the K.B.G. as no one
else is doing that within your click right now?
Eternal:
Nah. I'm just a real dark lyricist.
|
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Wu-International: Why have you chosen to explore that
genre of hip-hop in your music?
Eternal:
Well I watch a lot of
sick n twisted horror movies, like all day, every day. I
also listen to dark music like Tool, Marilyn Manson,
Korn, The Doors, Ozzy Osborn, Brotha Lynch Hung, the
Gravediggaz, and other psycho illmatic type music and movies
like "interview with a vampire" type shit. |
Wu-International:
Within the Wu, Gravediggaz, Shabazz The Disciple, Killah
Priest and even Warcloud have all made songs within this
classification, how would you say you differ or what’s new
with what you are doing that's not been done already?
Eternal: You'll just have to wait and see. When my
new EP drops late this year around oct October 2010. Then a
full length album February 2011.
Wu-International: You have listed the likes
of Marilyn Manson, Brotha Lynch as part of your influences,
“Sweet Dreams” is a great song, was that a real collabo or a
sample?
Eternal: It was a remix. Me and
my homie Feno remade the beat to fit my grimmy style, but
Manson's manager did not like the idea and Manson didn't
show to the session. So we just sampled the hook.. I
always wanted to work with Manson, my friend Femmi is one of
the Suicide Girls and told Manson at his video shoot for
'heart shaped glasses' about the idea I had and Manson at
that time thought it was ill. Anyways I heard he loved the
song after it was done.
Wu-International: I really dig the versatility,
style, delivery and lyrics you dropped on that song, could
you please tell take us through Eternal’s creative process,
and how do you approach a song?
Eternal:
Usually I'll light up a
phat blunt and just marinate to the beat. Like being lost in
deep space 9 and start freestyling over the track to build a
format. The rest is mathematics and true skills of the mind.
Wu-International: Its been said that people compare
you to to the old Xzibit, who would you say your influences
are musically and why?
Eternal:
I listen to mainly hip-hop and heavy metal. So I'm
influenced by a variety of artist like like the Wu of
course, Rakim, Gravediggaz, Tool, Metallica, Run Dmc, Spice
1, EPMD, Ice T, and Kiss.. just to name few of my influences
growing up in the darkest of times.
Wu-International: What inspires you?
Eternal: Everything I've dealt
with in my life. The pain, the struggle, agony, and the
frustrations of making it..
Wu-International: The beats are eerie too, who is
behind your productions?
Eternal: I usually make my own beats, buy my homies
Feno , Matlock and 5th Child have made some hard beats for
me as well.
Wu-International: We assume horror movies inspire you
as well, which are your favourite horror movies?
Eternal: I fuckin love horror movies son. There are
part of my life. I like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre,
Hellraiser part 1 & 2, Candyman 1 & 2. I think Michael Myers
is a fuckin maniacal gangsta and I thought Saw 2 was real
twisted when they fell into that pool of needles.
Wu-International: Did you personally know or meet Doc
Doom (R.I.P.), and if so what do you have to say about him?
Eternal:
I’ve known Doc Doom since
I was a young’n before the rap game. He was an older homie
from the clique. A mastermind on and off the mic, a real
one.
Wu-International:
With so many songs recorded, would it be safe to assume you
are gearing up to put out an album if not already out?
Eternal:
The long awaited album from Eternal is coming soon as stated
above, an EP then a full length next year. Stay tuned
to Wu-international for updates!
Wu-International: Could you please tell us more
about album in works as far as guests, producers, working
title, concepts and styles please?
Eternal:
I can't release that info
yet. But I will say this, West Coast Killa Beez ain't
nothing to fuck with, so you better believe I am gonna bring
back hell on earth!!! Eternal..
Wu-International: Ok, thanks, but its certainly
coming out in febrary?
Eternal:
I'm hoping my full length LP will drop in late
February 2011, yes. The EP drops this year around October -
November, plus I got a soundtrack for a horror coming out
soon this year, hopefully in December.
Wu-International: Any labels behind it and are
you looking to put it out independently or via a major?
Eternal:
I'm looking to merge with a
label and release it overseas..
Wu-International: Back to horrorcore, that era to
have gone as no one is really do that right now, do you
think it’s still relevant in hip-hop to day or rather is
there a market for that type of music?
Eternal:
Yea, I belive there is still a market for it. Horror
core has evolved, like from Gravediggaz and Brotha Lynch, to
Necro and Tech 9. There will always be a market as long as
the fans are supporting the artist!
Wu-International: Guess it goes without
question if the rumour of a Gravediggaz album comes
to life again you would want to be part of it along
side Priest, Shabazz, Frukwan and so on?
Eternal:
Hell ya! Son, most definitely. That would be ill as
fuck! Just the thought of the group again and then
being part of that? common son!!
Wu-International: It's been rumoured that
Marilyn Manson is a Satanist; do you have any religious
belief system you follow?
Eternal:
Marilyn Manson ain't no Satanist. This world we live
in is the devils playground. There are so many angry,
miserable, unhappy evil minded human beings that walk this
earth, hating life in general if not their own. Who love
that type of shit?! And Manson is making millions catering
to there lost souls with his music! and yes, I do believe in
God!
Wu-International: Thanks for those answers,
back to your beginnings, do you go by any other
names/aliases?
Eternal:
I'm some times called
Killa E by my homies from Kastlevania because that was my
aka in the group. Eternal aka Killa e. There 's too many
Killas, Lil', and Young, or Yung MCs in the music industry
and in the streetz. I'm not talkin shit, I'm just stating
the facts. It get's confusing!
Wu-International: Why are you called Eternal and are
you aware there are others in the game with the same name?
Eternal:
I got the name from freestylin forever. I got spitz, and
always keep going. You can't stop, what can't be stopped!
The eternal.. there can only be one!!
Wu-International: You obviously started off in
a group, what's your group's status and please tell us more
about Kastlevania?
Eternal:
Yeah.. I Still rep And chill Wit my boyzz From Kastlevania.
There Was Eternal, Feno, Choppah, Street Sweeper, Absolute,
Bane and Citizen Strange. We Droped 2 Albums. Kastlvania
"Str8 from the Dungeon" in 2000, and Kastlevania 2 "Tha
Battle Angles" in 2002. The albums got nominated at the
music awards 4 times and we won 1 music award for the second
album. both album were produced and executive produced by
me.. Latifu 'Eternal' Sams. I'm gonna re-release both albums
worldwide soon, then we can talk more about Kastlevania.
Until then, I'm focused on the future with the West Coast
Killa bees. this is now, and that was then!
|
Wu-International: What made you decide to
become an emcee?
Eternal:
I became a mc naturally son. I start rappin when i
was 7 years old. Ya know! I was always beat boxin or
making beats on my chest, hangin around the DJ's in
da hood, tryin to copy them and fuckin around with
the mic and tables. So it just grew on me. As I got
older, I got better and stuck with it. I guess it
was meant to be son. God bless hip hop!
|
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Wu-International: Most of the K.B.G members are
from Long Beach, Compton, what was it like growing up in San
Diego?
Eternal:
Growin up in San Diego was savage. You learn to fight at an
early age. The streets are heartless and cold blooded. Only
the strong survives. It's grimmy just growing up on the West
coast period. Especially in Killa Cali, from Diego to LA,
and the Bay Area!!
Wu-International: Thanks for those answers, Could you
please tell us more about the Eternal Show?
Eternal:
The Eternal show is a hip-hop TV show, where I go out to hip
hop shows and interview hip hop artist who are major, indie,
and underground. It allows the fans and real hip hop heads
to get one on one with the artist. Finding out what's new
with them. If there's any albums dropping, where's their
next shows at, if there's any beef or battles going down
etc. It's like being at the show from home. Taking you
backstage behind the scenes and truly get a look at the
life, the struggles, the drama, the rhymes and reasons
behind the music of a hip hop artist. Only on the eternal
show!!
Wu-International: You recently did a show with Popa
Chief from The Zu fam, how did that happen and how did it
go?
Eternal:
The show wit me and Popa
Chief was fuckin ill son. Me and Chief linked up in San
Diego. He got word I was from out here and always doing
shows. We met up at a show and chopped it up. Ya know the
politics of this rap shit and was tight ever since. He took
me under his wings and was just lacing me wit knowledge.
Helping me get my shit together, to be more official and
before you know it, we were doing shows and he got me on a
couple of his new tracks. He always looks out for me like my
big homie Legend of the Indovizualz. Legend's like my mentor
also, ya know like a big brother! He's always lookin out for
me, and keepin me updated on what the homies are up to and
what's goin with the West Coast Killa Beez! shout outs to
Legend and Popa Chief.
Wu-International: You have expressed a keen
interest in Europe as far as music and tours go?
Eternal: I'll be in
Europe soon. I been networking with a lot of artist in
Europe through MySpace, working on tracks with European mc's
and working on getting shows out there as well. I want to
drop my EP in Europe. So I'm currently grindin to make that
a reality. A lot of people really like my style of rhyme
skillz out there. I have a nice fan base in Europe. I can't
wait to go and unleash hell on the mic, in Europe! Eternal
is coming soon!!
Wu-International: Ok, thanks.. any thing else you
might say before we end this interview that has not been
covered already?
Eternal:
If anybody wanna do tracks or collab on some show. hit me
up! I'm down to work with everybody. I sleep, eat, breath
and bang this Wu shit! one love and peace to all the West
Coast Killa Beez. we on da swarm!! Wu-Tang! shout outs to
all my Wu fam. thanks to all the fans, check me out..
Eternal - kbg 4 life! Peace!
Keep up to date
with The Committee on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/eternalkv
http://www.myspace.com/theeternalshow
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