Rakaa Iriscience - Wearing The Crown
BEFORE THEIR SIXTH ALBUM DROPS, MC RAKAA TAYLOR (RAKAA IRISCIENCE) HAS FRAGMENTED THE DISCOGRAPHY OF DILATED PEOPLES TO INCLUDE HIS FIRST SOLO LP, CROWN OF THORNS, IT’S ALL LOVE, HE TELLS RIP NICHOLSON AND INSISTS THAT HIS RECORD IS “LESS OF A DEPARTURE AND MORE OF A CONTINUATION” OF THE GROUP’S LEGACY.
RAKAA interviewed for Rip2Shredz // Street Press Australia // Hiphop.sh @ 14.15 AEST Monday 17th October, 2011
Dilated Peoples has always played a pivotal role in Southern Cali’s left-sided movement, advancing their hip hop to a more consciously-aware state. Before they set to drop their 2012 LP, MC Rakaa Iriscience enjoys his moment in the sun with his solo work, 2011’s Crown Of Thorns. But, despite holding down his own royal affair, it’s fellow Los Angeleno and Dilated Peoples MC Evidence’s Cats & Dogs (just released) that’s held the main focus of Taylor and the Peoples’ as of late. Rakaa takes time out while campaigning for Ev’s album, to discuss the legacy of Dilated Peoples and his own first solo outing.
You said in a recent interview that Crown Of Thorns is the most honest work you’ve done and the most worldly out of L.A.’s illustrious reality rap scene - what did you do to make it more worldly?
I worked with producers and vocalists from different parts of the world, featured multiple languages and cultures, and allowed my worldview to shine through.
The solo experience - did you find freedom or isolation?
Actually both. It was pure freedom, which can be a bit scary and intimidating after years of support that comes from creative compromise. I did feel isolated sometimes, but I also know that I never walk alone – even though I always stand on my own two feet as a man.
** Read Full Interview [HERE] **
