Artist: Wordsmith
Interviewer: Metrognome

Metalsmith; Blacksmith; Woodsmith; Coppersmith. The suffixed name alone suggests a long-lasting tradition where one individual gives the world their trade, their art complete with an integrity and skill unmatched by amateurs and wisher-be's. Enter Wordsmith. A crafty emcee from Baltimore with a vision for hip hop's future and a strong understanding of hip hop's past, Wordsmith is looking to supply the world's musical library with his own positive catalog. Complete that with a powerful work ethic and substantive material and one's outlook is bright.

Wordsmith gives SoundSlam the low-down on his latest projects, his ideal label, and why he thinks many labels are failing their artists. Check it.

SoundSlam: No problem. So, I wanted to start by discussing with you the information I received in this email blast about this project you have coming out with Chubb Rock, Mr. "Treat 'Em Right"...

Wordsmith: (laughing) Yep!

SoundSlam: How did that project come together?

Wordsmith: Well, that joint right there came together thru my man DJ Speak Greene, out of the Connecticut area. I had done something for a mixtape prior to that...He wanted me to do a tailor-made track for him, so I did the intro for his mixtape and he sent me a beat he did for another mixtape. That one was called A Better Day, but now he's having another one called Planet Fresh where he's trying to put old school cats on there and have an old school pioneer to host it. So I wrote this track called "Block Party Bonanza" and it sounded like something that came out from like '88 to '91. So instantly, I thought that it had this block party, summertime vibe to it so I wrote it based on that and Speak went nuts over it. Speak played it for Chubb and he asked if he could get a verse on it. About two or three weeks later, Speak was like "You ain't gonna guess who I got for the joint" and he played it for me and my heart dropped into my shoes because I'm like you, Metro, we love working with the old school cats and it's that much more exciting.

SoundSlam: Most definitely.

Wordsmith: I grew up big time on Chubb and have always felt like he was the first Biggie Smalls because he was nice on the mic, but also had dope party joints. Chubb was just nice! But [the track] is all mixed down and ready to go for the public to hear!

SoundSlam: That's fresh! Speaking of the public, I wanted to ask you about the public being informed of your music. In other words, we are a website generation and that's gradually grown into the primary source for people's info, and you had your mixtape Statements & Stipulations featured on MTV's Mixtape Mondays. Did you notice any kickback in interest from the general public from that?

Wordsmith: Well, with that situation right there, that was the first mixtape I had sponsored, which was done with 730 from HipHopGame. So, since he sponsored it, he took the initiative to send it in and they chose it. So, it felt good because it made me feel like the three months I put into it were worth it. So, when I saw it, I was surprised, but it was an ultimate reward since I'm an unsigned artist. It's a big confidence booster more than anything. As far as feedback, I definitely got love and recognition from it, for sure! The mixtape route is pretty much the best way an unsigned artist can go to getting heard because it's not easy to make an album, and a good one at that, and then get distribution and all of that on your own. So, just make sure that you're putting out quality music is the bottom line!

SoundSlam: In regards to Statements & Stipulations and taking hip hop back, there is a lot of talk surrounding Nas' concept of "Hip Hop Is Dead"... what are your thoughts on the current state of affairs in the hip hop world?

Wordsmith: Well, I appreciate someone like Nas coming out and saying something like that. I don't know if I feel that hip hop is dead, but he's probably just like me in the sense that he's disappointed with what's on the radio and with what kids are going out to buy. Kids are passing on something like Common's album which is fire all the way through and has nice soulful flavor and everything. They'd rather choose something they can snap to or whatever. And yes, hip hop is supposed to be fun and make you dance, but I guess we're from a different era about how you're supposed to get down and do that. And I don't want to be a cliche rapper that just wants to talk about bringing hip hop back... I will do hip hop in as many songs and ways and metaphors as it takes to bring it back to a good state of grace. And a lot of it has to do with the labels and radio stations... they're almost like infomercials now... if you have one single, even if the rest of your album is terrible, as long as your one single is a smash, they'll put you out for that quick money. Artists aren't getting signed off talent anymore like it used to be.

SoundSlam: Yeah, and the interesting part is that a lot of the songs that have a huge impact in major markets aren't translating into record sales. If you check the SoundScan's, it isn't adding up for a lot of people... check Jim Jones' album, for example. "We Fly High" has been a smash, but the album isn't moving too many units and I think that represents how people actually feel about the music at-large.

Wordsmith: Exactly, it's that quick money approach.

SoundSlam: Alright, moving back to you, tell me about Wordsmith's target audience.

Wordsmith: Well, my audience is pretty large. I'd say from small children up to maybe 50 or 60 years old because where I think I'm gonna help out is that I'm able to get the same point across that maybe someone else who's cursing a lot can't reach certain people. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't knock anyone doing what they do... if you curse in your music and it's hot, I'll still listen to it... but I keep God on my shoulder and make sure He approves of what I'm doing. But I feel like with some of the artists out there that are real good, and with these younger kids that love the music the most, they can't go buy it because it's got a "Parental Advisory" sticker on it. And a lot of parents don't want their children listening to stuff that makes them cringe when they hear it. So, that's where it may be the most helpful for me.

SoundSlam: Do you think that the late high school and college kids are part of that ideal audience, or are you trying to grow with your audience?

Wordsmith: Oh definitely, my music touches all of them because I'm not stuck within one box or boundary. I have multiple sounds and styles that I use and I do music for everybody, so I am confident enough to feel like everything I put out is accessible to everyone in some way.

SoundSlam: What about the Next Level Series and when that's gonna drop? I know you had some setbacks with that previously.

Wordsmith: I had problems with my management and had to let them go, but because of the contract with my management, I had to pull it. So, I want to try and put it out soon but haven't decided whether I want to get some distribution for it or if I'm gonna make it available for free download. And I do want to shout out my man Conan from 92 Q Jams out here. He's pretty much the biggest on-air radio personality out here and he brought me up in the studio to do a little interview with him and he hosted the mixtape, so big ups to him!

SoundSlam: Lastly, in regards to ideal distribution for you, what is the best possible scenario for you... and you never know who is reading this, so plug anyone you think might be fitting for you!

Wordsmith: As far as my next studio album, I would love to go to Def Jam, which I know is a dream label for most people, but only if they'd be willing to promote the project well. I'd also love to go to Interscope, Terror Squad, and Talib's new label, Blacksmith. Also, Rawkus would be a good fit, I think. But ultimately, I think anyone that gave me the opportunity would see how hard of a worker I am and that I believe in myself and my music.