The 10 Question(s) Q&A Session Series: PackFM

In this the 20th edition of the “10 question(s) Q&A series” we finally got the opportunity to catch up with QN5 recording artist, PackFM, an emcee who has been a mainstay in underground hip hop for several years now, having released the classic album “WhutduzFMstand4?” back in 2006, countless collaborations and world tours. The Brooklyn native is finally preparing to release his highly anticipated new studio album “I F*cking Hate Rappers” with longtime collaborator, producer Domingo. PackFM chops it up with us to talk about his forthcoming album, New York music scene and QN5‘s newest supergroup “Dominion” with Substantial and Mr. Mecca.

Dub MD: PackFM, what’s good fam? For those who don’t know, could you just give a short review of what you’ve experienced in your music career up until now?

PackFM: What’s good Dub, I’m coolin as always. For those that aren’t too familiar, I’ve been putting in work and paying dues for a minute. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career its that quality over quantity is the way to go. While it may not be ideal for this A.D.D. generation, I’ve found that its always better to have a few masterpieces than an abundance of garbage.

Dub MD: Coming from Brooklyn, how does coming from there shape your attitude to the music/culture? and what do you think of the New York music scene right now?

PackFM: Well if you ask me the best MC’s are from Brooklyn. Brooklyn MC’s have a style and edge that can’t be duplicated. Its the perfect mixture of flashy, yet rugged, glamorous yet grimy. Of course we stay fly, because we’ll take your shit if its hot! And as far as the music goes, Brooklyn rappers always have sharp witty lyrics, its just something in the water out here.

The New York scene was suffering for a while, it still is, but its getting better. It was suffering because for a city that has the biggest and most major industry outlets, it doesn’t show any love to the artists that are actually from here. Every major magazine, TV station and record label is based here, and they focus all of their attention on other regions.

Not that other areas shouldn’t get love, but something is wrong when you turn on the local radio station and you don’t hear any songs from New York artists other than Jay-Z. But our local indie scene is starting to show signs of life, there are lots of young cats keeping it fresh, doing shows and putting out good music, and if they keep it up New York will be back on top within a year or two.

Dub MD: Do you have a new album in the works? whats it called? and can you give us a little background on it and when we can expect to hear it?

PackFM: Yeah I’m getting ready to put out a new record real soon. It’s called “I F*cking Hate Rappers” This is basically a project I’ve been working on and pushing for a little while. Its called that because everybody and their mother raps, but nobody can really rhyme. People are so obsessed with putting out weekly freestyles and monthly mixtapes that they don’t take the time to craft really thoughtful skilful rhymes anymore.

Its just enough for them to say that they rap, rather than say that they rap well. So with this project I took the time to write the best rhymes for each song while telling people what’s been going on in my mind being surrounded by a world full of “rappers.”

Dub MD: With this new album, what artists and producers are you connecting with this time around? and what’s your label situation like just now?

PackFM: The label I’m on is QN5 Music, I’ve been down with them for just about 10 years now, I feel like I’m the franchise player, that’s my home. As far as artists on the record, I like to keep that to a minimum because how can you have a cohesive work of art if you’re getting input from so many different places? I want people to buy a PackFM album because they want to hear what PackFM has to say, not who PackFM is friends with.

Dub MD: Last month you released a track under the group name “Dominion” with Substantial and Mr. Mecca can you tell us a little about the group and we can we expect something full length?

PackFM: Dominion is what happens when you put 3 of the fiercest MC’s together on 1 track. Period. We’re recording songs for an album as we speak, but we’re definitely not rushing it, just know that is in the works. There is a Dominion song on my album though. It’s one of the only features.

Dub MD: Where do you get the inspiration to write the type of material you do? what is the writing process like when it comes to working on your projects? and why do you think mc’s that keep integrity in their music, never make a real mark on soundscan?

PackFM: My inspiration comes from a lot of places, but its always because I have something to say and I feel like when I’m done there was no better way to say it. When I’m making songs I don’t like to beat around the bush, I want to say things point blank, but be as clever and skilled as possible. The goal is to get people to react to what you say, not try to figure out what you said.

As for artists with integrity not selling, I think its the exact opposite. The artists with integrity are the ones who last longest, its the ones who try to look for shortcuts to success who are here today and gone tomorrow. I remember when Hurricane Chris had that awful “Ay Bay Bay” song all over the place, and now you don’t see him anywhere. But because he was on top albeit briefly, you had a lot of people thinking that was the way to go and they all tried to get success by following that formula and now they’re all gone too. But look at cats like Kanye, Eminem, Jay-Z, Talib Kweli these are MC’s who, whether you like their career paths or not, have longevity and high commercial success because they maintain a standard.

So when people say things like artists with integrity don’t sell, that’s part of the problem, because aspiring artists hear that and say fuck it let me do what makes money and then you have more garbage being produced.

Dub MD: How does “WhutduzFMstand4?” differ from “I F*cking Hate Rappers“, and how do you think you’ve changed as an artist since you released that album back in 2006?

PackFM: I love “whutduzFMstand4?”, and I can never make an album like that again. That album was my introduction to the world. That was me trying to make the perfect first impression. I wanted to make sure that there were no misconceptions about who I am or what I’m about, and I think I achieved that.

Now with this project, I really don’t give a shit what people think about me when they listen. These are my thoughts uncensored. People might not agree with the things I say. People will probably get offended. People will probably love it. I don’t care either way, because I’m just expressing how I really feel, and that’s what makes you an artist in my opinion.

Dub MD: What do you think is your most defining and unique characteristic that sets you apart from every other emcee out there? and how would you describe your style to those who still haven’t heard your music?

PackFM: Definitely my voice. When I first started out, I couldn’t stand my voice. But that’s my main instrument, I can’t just throw it away. So I had to learn to use and control it. Now when u hear PackFM on a track you know its me right away and you’re captivated. It stands out, but not in an obnoxious way. Aside from that, my rhymes, regardless of topic all have a certain wit.

Overtime I learned how to use wordplay in a way that’s not the cliche punchline rapper style, but still has the same impact. I haven’t used “like” in so long, but the rhymes are still just as clever. I want to say things in ways that other people don’t, these are original thoughts you’re getting, not just generic words that rhyme.

Dub MD: You’ve performed on stages all over the world, If I’m coming to a PackFM show. What am I going to experience, that I won’t experience from just listening to your material on CD?

PackFM: At a PackFM show, the ground is guaranteed to shake. You’ll lose your voice and ruin your shoes. You’ll have fun, like really have fun. When I’m on stage I channel the energy of everyone in the room and then release it like one giant haduken. You don’t get hadukens from listening to a CD.

Dub MD: What is on tap for PackFM for 2010 and beyond? do you have anything to say to the fans? anything you wanna get off your chest? any shout outs?

PackFM: 2010 is the show and prove year for PackFM, so people need to pay attention. All I’m trying to do is make the best music possible for people who think like me, and if that’s you, I appreciate your support. So please don’t bootleg my shit. Peace!