Haastattelussa Oregonin Portlandista kotoisin oleva räppäri Mac Roo.
- What’s up, Mac Roo? How are you today?
I could never complain, man. I’m actually doing really good right now. I hope all is well with you.
- First, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from Portland, Oregon. I was raised in pretty much every neighborhood. I’ve lived in San Francisco and the Bay Area for 10 years.
- How did you get into music?
As a kid, I grew up listening to the music my mother listened to. I used to sit on the front porch at my apartment, set up chairs, and act like they were drum sets, playing on them with sticks.
My father is also a musician who plays guitar, so I would go to band practice with him as a kid, watching them practice and perform the songs firsthand. I gained knowledge about different music equipment at a young age.
- Who are your biggest influences, both musically and personally?
Musically, I have a lot of influences. To name a few: Prince, Cameo, Michael Jackson, Warren G, Suga Free, DJ Quik, E-40, Richie Rich, 2Pac, The Jacka, Rappin’ 4-Tay, Dru Down, Andre Nickatina, and definitely Mac Dre!
I also like East Coast rappers like LL Cool J, who in my opinion is the G.O.A.T. I enjoy Jay-Z, Nas, Mobb Deep, Junior Mafia, Lost BoyZ, Capone and Noriega, Camp Lo, and AZ. I’m truly inspired by all music. As for personal influences in my life, The Jacka was a good friend of mine. He definitely influenced me to be a better person, treating people better and always trying to be helpful in any situation. Andre Nickatina is another friend from whom I’ve learned a lot, and I appreciate him. Berner and I are good friends, and I’ve always admired the way he operates in business.
- How has the music scene changed over the years?
I think with the internet and how it’s set up, people have a better reach to a lot more music. However, I also think there’s a lot of microwave music happening. You have a lot of quickly made music because of the internet and the way it’s set up right now. There’s much more independence now, and I think that’s needed. Somehow, people should start blending the old with the new, rather than letting the old just die out.
- What do you usually start with when working on a new piece?
I usually start with a dope beat; the beat has to slap. It’s gotta have a groove to it, you know? It needs to have the feeling I’m looking for.
- Let’s talk about your newest single, “Game Changed.” What was the inspiration for this song?
I come from the game. I was raised selling drugs, pimping, and being involved in crimes on the street side of things. The song depicts the changes in the pimp game, and I was just painting a picture of some of the changes we see now.
- How’s the feedback been so far?
I mean, people like it. I’m not gonna lie; a lot of people have been saying they like it, and I appreciate it. I appreciate everyone who likes it and lets me know, so it’s doing good so far.
- Why did you choose the title “Game Member” for your newest EP?
“Game Member” was the name of the EP because in the streets, everything you do is a game. The pimp game, the gang game, the drug game. I wanted to depict that because I’ve been a part of all of those. I’m a game member, so it’s like a jack of all trades for the game.
- How long did you work on the EP? What problems did you face?
I probably worked on the EP for about eight months, and I really didn’t have any problems. It was pretty smooth sailing, but I would like to press the vinyl.
- What song from the new EP is your favorite and why?
“Four-Star Hotel” is funny. That song captures the thoughts I have about the game.
- When and where do you think you are the happiest – in the studio recording new music, on stage performing, or elsewhere?
Well, due to coronavirus, I haven’t been able to perform much, and I enjoy performing. I like to eat, and I like to be in the studio.
- What are you listening to nowadays?
A lot of old school, a lot of soul music from the ‘70s.
- How are you experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic? To what extent has your everyday life as an artist changed during quarantine?
It’s crazy. I feel like I’m getting a lot more done now than before COVID-19 hit. I was so busy doing everything else that I didn’t really have time to put out music and build my buzz, so right now it’s been a gift and a curse.
- What do you do to relax?
I smoke hella weed, write raps, and barbecue. I like to get on the water too, maybe grab a boat and split the sea.
- What’s next for you?
I have a double EP coming soon called “Razorblade City.” I already have a couple of songs and a video recorded for that.
- Any last words for our readers?
Definitely check me out! My music is for the real ones, so enjoy it. It’s something to ride to. I appreciate anyone and everyone who likes and supports my music and all the creators of content, whether it’s music, blogs, or vlogs.
Mac Roo:
https://www.instagram.com/therealmacroo/
Haastattelu: J-P / Fileerausveitsi
