California rapper Monk McNizzle presents the music video for “Just Imagine”, the new single from his new album Monk McNizzle. McNasty made his name as a battler on the GrindTime circuit before releasing last year’s Full Metal Rapshet mixtape. In 2011 rapper Malkovich featured him along Chris Clarke and Sum on “Chuck Davis” (click to listen) from the Ayatollah Presley mixtape, mixed by DJ House Shoes. In 2012 he dropped the “Dadda Clause” video (click to view), then rapped over NYC producer J-Zone’s entire To Love A Hooker mixtape. Click here to download Monk’s new self-titled album free.
I had a chance to speak with him about his early beginnings and upcoming project:
You started out in the rap game by buying 7,000 blank CD’s and DVD’s. Besides the obvious, why? What prompted you to rap?
Supply and demand. I remember a time when I could post-up outside of the Fox Hill Mall for 2 hours and made $400.00 off of bootlegs. It definitely isn’t like that anymore though; the quality of bootlegs is much different than before. People are handwriting album titles on blank CDs and selling them! No honor amongst thieves! I actually have a friend who is doing time for that very crime. I started rapping when I became convinced that Monk McNizzle was worthy of critical acclaim. Next to Suga Free, I’m my favorite rapper, and I believe I could be yours too!
How have you managed to stay this dedicated to hip hop this long? You started in what, 2005?
I stay dedicated by bringing new styles and ideas to the table while documenting my life at the same time, while having fun.
How did the name Monk McNasty work out for you in the Grind Time battle world?
My brief stint on Grind Time wasn’t remarkably great or terrible, but it was definitely awkward having grown men calling me McNasty…emphasis on the McNasty. I can see now why Nas dropped the Nas-ty from his name LOL.
You have used a number of names over the years before settling on Monk McNizzle. What was your first rap name?
I don’t remember. Or maybe I do, and don’t wish to tell you. Next question, please?
While cultivating your craft, what albums did you listen to? Most embarrassing album if you have one?
I was a bootlegger for roughly five years so I listened to everything that was “hot” from 2005 until 2010. I liked the story tellers the most though. Scarface, Nas, Suga Free, etc. Suga Free is my favorite of all times. I think it’s easy to rhyme words, but to tell a story while rhyming words takes real skill.
Asher Roth was an album I had in my inventory. One time I popped it in and felt embarrassed for him, not me.
You mentioned before that you were a big movie buff. What were some of the movies that you watched?
I’ve been a movie buff all of my life. Spike Lee, Tarantino, Kubrick, are a few of my favorite movie makers. I like stand-up too; George Carlin is my favorite comedians.
You have a few projects in the works – your solo project and a group project. When can people expect those?
My self-entitled project “Monk McNizzle ” is out now as a free download on my website monkmcnizzle.com. My group project should be available sometime later this year. Stay tuned.
What should we expect from your upcoming project? Any features or producers we should look out for?
Expect slippery flows, interesting concepts, wild humor, real-life drama, and even a little sci-fi. I don’t have any guest featured this year, as I am the main focus but I do have some of the best producers you may have never heard of. Conceit, Big Shawn aka PimpTaps, Mothafuckin FreaQ Show, and Prime Phillips; they all brought their unique styles to the sound of this project. I’m very pleased with how it turned out. Thank you DEHH for paying attention!