HHUG: As the leader and founder of South Park Coalition (SPC) in Houston, Texas & with an independent music career spanning over two decades. how would you describe your ongoing legacy locally and abroad?
KR: My legacy still has a lot of room to go before its filled. I dont really feel like Ive done anything in the game. Even in 20 plus years, I dont have the same impact as a lot of artists who have been doing this. I got a long way to go in my opinion.
HHUG: As a successful independent artist, how have you been able to transcend trends and fads in the hip hop industry without compromising your demeanor and integrity?
KR: I just try to be myself. A trend follower suffers from lack of identity. Im secure in who I am as a person and an artist so I dont feel any pressure to jock fads. You either like what I do or you dont.
HHUG: Being from Houston, how would you describe the current Southern hip hop scene (whether mainstream & underground) and how do you see it progress/decline?
KR: Its progressed greatly but I still dont think we get the respect we deserve as a region. People still dont view the south as an important part of the hip hop circle. Even with great artists like the Geto Boys, Outcast, UGK, etc. Its a lot of hate still out there.
HHUG: 80 Minute Eternity is your newest installment in your extensive catalog and your second album of 2012. How does it compare and contrast in regards to your previous albums?
KR: I think all my CDs are extensions of the previous one. They are all in that same line of conceptual creativity and based around a universal message. People know what they're going get when they buy my albums in terms of what types of things Ill talk about. My goal is to maintain a high level of consistency on each project. And I dont think anyone is as consistent as me in history when it comes to dropping a strong project every single time for all these years.
HHUG: Can you elaborate a bit on the concept of the album and what you hope fans will grasp?
KR: Well eternity is forever. I view it as past, present and future and the idea is to compress it into an 80 minute CD, attempting to cover a wide range of topics in that short time span. I want people to grasp my determination to constantly bring quality lyrics and never cheat them.
HHUG: Many of your tracks incorporate philosophical bars about life, social & mainstream music critique among an array of substantial topics. With an extensive catalog in your career, how do you manage to always have something meaningful to rhyme about?
KR: Knowledge is infinite. As long as you continue to feed your mind, new and creative things will come out of it. You have to be overly observant of your surroundings in order to see things that other artists dont see because they dont pay attention. I always have my antenna up because there are concepts around us 24/7.
HHUG: Can you elaborate on the production aspect of 80 Minute Eternity?
KR: My homie Sniper works with a network of producers and he gives me beats from all over the world. So many talented producers, its crazy! Plus my own circle of producers I work with as well.
HHUG: Are their any touring plans for 80 Minute Eternity?
KR: Nah, hopefully the phone will ring haha. So far Im chilling.
HHUG: Speculations circulated on the Internet about collaboration efforts with Immortal Technique & Killer Mike after the release of your previous album, Deeper Elevation, and many fans anticipated those collaborations to be included on this album. What can you tell us about that?
KR: Well we talked about it. I actually did a verse for Killer Mike on the Burn Remix and I still plan on working with Immortal Technique but he's way busier than I am so whenever he's free I'll be ready. Its an honor that those guys would even consider working with me. Crazy.
HHUG: Your success reflects in your hard work as an independent artist with your own label (Black Book International), what continues to keep you independent as oppose of signing with a major label?
KR: Well I dont think a label would want work with me because of my beliefs and I'll never compromise my subject matter. If there was a company who would take me as I am and present the right idea. I wouldnt be opposed to signing. Until then Im good.
HHUG: In an era with swagger (demeanor) appeal that undermines the lyrical substance of a song, how do you continue to create strong concept tracks that attract new fans?
KR: Well because what I do is totally against the grain in comparison to what the majority of the artists do. I dont chase that type of image. I believe in reality and feeding minds with my music and unfortunately thats not for everyone and its actually foreign to a lot of fans because all they've been fed is one style.
HHUG: What can fans expect from SPC & K-Rino in the future?
KR: God willing, more creative and real music.
HHUG: With the acapella written format of today's battle raps gaining popularity in Internet circuits worldwide, do you think your bars will match up well against any top tier battle rappers of today? Have you consider participating in a rap battle?
KR: Well although I dont battle like I used to, I was raised in the game battling daily thats why my style is aggressive like it is. Our battles were as raw as it gets back then so while those guys are very impressive and great battlers in my opinion, nothing that I have heard in this present day battle style has ever shocked, surprised, or made my jaw drop and those cats are truly great. A lot of people want to see me in that arena because they believe I can succeed and others dont think I can compete and some are just curious to see what will happen.
HHUG: Who are your top 5 music artists & why?
KR: Prince, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and KRS-One.
HHUG: We appreciate and thank you for taking the time for this interview. Any closing comments?
KR: Thanks for having me. All praises due to Allah. Hit me on Facebook, Twitter, and order my music from iTunes or
South Park Coalition : Real Rap from Houston, TX since 1986.
