Exclusive Carter Interview

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Turn on any hip-hop/pop radio station in America and listen for at least 30 minutes and I guarantee you will hear at least one of the Carters; either Lil Wayne or Jay-Z. Carter domination of the frequencies doesn’t look like its coming to an end because of this man.

You may have seen him on MTV the week prior to the 2008 Presidential Election as he enlightened Fall Out Boy on a little urban election
perception. You may have heard him on Crème De La Crème’s latest mix tape or saw him in the “Everybody Knows Us” video with Pac Division and Dom Kennedy. Donning a lumberjack shirt, gold fronts, and black frame glasses, Carter will affirm his existence. He carries a torch along the path of southern hip-hop assuring us that there are artist with southern drawls with something to say and
can carry a track without a partnering dance routine or repetitious chorus.

You haven’t met this one before. He’s different. He listens to a Zune in an iPod world. Is an artist that actually admits to having a girlfriend,
while others are concerned about their image. Nothing is done unintentionally, as wherein writing his name the A-R-T is capitalized. Bringing attention to his understanding that his skill is an art.

Los Angeles is his home now, but this Houston bred rapper channeled into the talent music heads remember before bling took over and rims were song worthy.  Being his mother’s only son, Carter knows about preserving a legacy. Which is why I think music fans can rest assured,
the next potential heir to the Carter Legacy is here. And he knows it and he is
ready.

http://www.vimeo.com/4350093

So your originally from Houston, so which do you prefer Southern Hospitality or California sunshine?

I mean Houston is home, you definitely get that southern hospitality in Houston . I miss the people. But my momma was
born in L.A and moved to Houston when she was like 3 or 4, so I have my roots here. I lived in Seattle for a bit, but L.A has so much more
opportunity for my industry. Know what I mean? You can go straight to the source. I like L.A for a lot of reasons but a major benefit is that the people
are in my backyard. Its easier to handle business that way.

Well did you rap in Houston?

Oh yeah I rapped in Houston. Rapping is a culture in Houston. In my opinion, Houston may have the 2^nd biggest culture next to New York.
Between DJing and the MCs, you know, DJ Screw, Michael Watts. I grew up to it. You just know how to do it. Girls, boys, young, old. I myself started taking it serious around 17 or 18.

What prompted you to move to Cali?

I moved to Seattle at 19 to get out of the streets. So I thought I wasn’t going to rap anymore. I mean its raining and
boring as shit. That’s when the internet came in handy. Then I started calling in to the radio there and did “Roll Call” and started calling myself the Roll
Call King. You know, started doing some shows, touring, and showing them how we do it in the H. Doors started opening. I was going to more and more events in California and that’s when I just decided to move. Things were falling in place.

Your e-mail signature states “The Carter Legacy”. What’s that about?

Oh, well that’s has a dual meaning, I don’t want to say double entendre. I’m my mom’s only son, named after my great grandpa, and grandpa, Curtis William Carter III. If I don’t have kids that’s the end of the legacy, so its up to me to carry it on.But also Lil Wayne and Jay-Z were both big influences that
started my dream. Jay-Z is known to be the best rapper you know and now you got Lil Wayne. I feel that I’m the next level. Third time is a charm. Making
changes through music. The southern hip hop evolution, I am the next step. More than an artist, I’m a brand.

What’s important to you as an artist?

Reality. I don’t want to say that I’m two faced or out of touch, but keeping grounded and keeping my integrity. With that being said at the same time I understand the business. Effectively combining the two. First off you gotta be born with that charisma and people can look at my videos and say that man lives that, he’s like that everyday.

A lot of rappers are rap fans trying to show off and up for old rappers. That aint me you know. I’ve been in boards rooms, been in meetings with executives at Geffen, letting them know, “Look, this is what you need to do”. With that I want people to know, don’t judge a book by its cover. I got a tat on my neck,
gold teeth. But I want to be that rapper that parents don’t necessarily mind their kids listening to. Reach out to everyone. My girl is Spanish. I got
Jewish friends. My people are everyone (of mixed backgrounds) and with that I mean, my people are hose that hold me down. Making music that they can feel.

What is the craziest thing a fan has said to you after a show?

This girl was like…. Naw not even. This dude on time, and by the way I have two stories to tell you. But this dude one time when I was getting off stage grabbed me and was like, “You got it”. Not even on no gay stuff, this was like a straight up dude. And there was this sincerity in his face. He was like, “Your going to be big”.

The other was with MTV. You know, there was a lot of shit recorded on that MTV thing that wasn’t even shown. We did a lot more talking than that. While we were talking Pete Wentz was like, “You should run for president, Ill vote for you.” Also Joel Schumaker was filming. When we were done he came up to me was like “ Your gonna be big, you’re a born leader.” For him to tell me that was major. That’s what keeps you going.

That’s what’s up. That was a good opportunity. I don’t know if you have yet, but what foreign countries are you dying to perform in?

Well no, I haven’t performed overseas, yet, but I would have to say in no particular order; Italy, France, Australia, and Africa

Any part of Africa in particular?

Anywhere in Africa where I can get my voice heard.

What do you spend most of your money on?

Shit. (He ask his girlfriend in the background) I would say food. I don’t want to say that though. It aint clothes, I don’t buy clothes.

You don’t?

Nah those are given to me. That’s actually a hard question.No you know what I would say myself. Carter the brand. You know equipment, cameras, that
stuff.

Well what’s the average day like in the life of Carter?

Well I don’t usually go to sleep until about 4 or 5. Wake up at like 8. check out my online shit like 9 til 10, email, Myspace hits. I head down to my block. Fairfax and Rosewood, that’s my spot. Talk to a couple of people. Work on some business plans, head back to my house. Listen to my Zune.

Zune?

Yes Zune, not iPod. I don’t really go to many clubs unless one of my partners. You know when my people like Dom, are having something.

What song could you listen to everyday of your life?

(Without Hesitation) Stevie Wonder ”My Cherie Amor”. That’s probably like my favorite song. As far as like what’s in rotation right now, cause I got my right now songs. Gucci Mane “Trap Money”, my partner Dom Kennedy got a song called “Bite Me”. Andre 3000 or any Outkast and Jay (Z) freestyles.

Which artist, if you could pick one, would you resurrect from the dead?

Pimp C. For Sho. Shit I may be the new Pimp C.

Yeah I saw Bun B on the “Cypher” on the BET Hip Hop Awards. He held it down for the South.

Yeah he had the best. Him and Q-Tip may have been the only niggaz that was free styling.

Tell me. If you saw George W Bush on the street, what would you say to him?

God Bless you. Shit. (Takes a Pause) And I’d introduce myself, like “My name is Carter and I exist”. That’s my shit. (I’m laughing)

What’s your best life lesson to date?

Take Care of people who take care of you. Put God first, then you next.

“Everybody Knows Us” featuring Carter, Pac Division, and Dom Kennedy.