Sadat X - Talking 'Bout My Generation

[big dawg]

Divorce, job insecurity, and single working moms helped shape the identity of the 48 million young Americans born between 1965 and 1981. Often criticized as being "slackers" and "whiners", this so-called Generation X pioneered Hip-Hop -- the second (Jazz being the first) original art form in American history. Derek Murphy, better known as Sadat X, is an integral part of this legacy having been a founding member of one of the more popular and acclaimed alternative Hip-Hop groups of the 1990s, Brand Nubian. Known for his socially conscious and politically charged content, Sadat's 2005 arrest on charges of criminal weapon possession and reckless endangerment involving three teenagers raised eyebrows in the Hip-Hop community.

In this exclusive interview with Yo! Raps, Sadat X talks about the perceived hypocrisy of his actions, his new album Generation X (online September 30; in stores November 4), and how the word "wack" disappeared from the Hip-Hop vocabulary.

What's the concept behind your new album Generation X?

It's for older fans that still love Hip-Hop, but want something with a little more substance and that speaks to their [maturity level]. I'm talking about things people my age can relate to.

Do you feel that demographic has been overlooked by the industry?

I think it's definitely an overlooked demographic. The powers that be have imposed some imaginary cutoff age where you have to stop listening to rap music when you turn 30 or something, like it's not for you anymore, but it doesn't work like that.

Who is the most influential person between the age of 28 and 44?

I can't really name just one person. It remains to be seen. Maybe the most influential moment to come out of Generation X is this presidential election. My daughter is a senior in high school and I tell her all the time about how [poignant] this time is with the potential for a black man to be president of the United States. We could be witnessing history right now.

Where do you see Hip-Hop culture heading in the next 3 to 5 years artistically?

I think Hip-Hop culture is coming back around. It goes in cycles...like five to seven year spans. It's coming back around. I see people concentrating more on lyrics and making good music.

Why are you releasing Generation X digitally first as opposed to traditional distribution?

It's a digital age. It's just about doing things to keep me viable with today's audience. We're still going to release the album [in stores] for people who want it like that. It's kinda like with the MySpace. It keeps me connected with people, especially overseas. Back in the day, if someone from [another country] was trying to get in touch with [an artist], they would have to go through the label. Sometimes the label might not even tell you. Technology cuts out the middle man.

Where have all the socially-conscious Hip-Hop recording artists gone?

They're around. You just don't get to hear them as much. I think when the West Coast, and I love the West Coast, but when the West Coast started blowing up with gangsta rap, the industry started looking at that music as the only commercially-viable genre of Hip-Hop. You have to think though. It's only the top 5 to10% of Hip-Hop artists really getting paid doing that type of music, so rappers are doing a variety things [artistically] and most speak to the concerns that affect the majority of listeners like you and me. It just tends to go unnoticed.

How much of a burden is the "socially conscious" label affixed to certain entertainers?

It can be a burden when people put the tag on you as a "socially conscious" or "positive" rapper. People expect you to act or carry yourself in a certain way. As soon as you step outside their perception of what you should be, they're like, "Oh, we thought you was this and that."

Brand Nubian was closely associated with the black power movement. That being said, have people criticized you for your gun charge back in 2005?

Yeah...there have been a few things said, but people are people. They have good days and bad days. I am about the black power, but I always been a street nigga too. If you look back, even with Brand Nubian [on "Slow Down"], I was talking about "head crack head crack" which is talking about crack and how Woolie Willie stole a pair of my sneakers. There are two sides to everything. I'm not running around trying to be better than anyone else.

Who was the last person you voted for?

I haven't really ever voted due to those lingering [legal issues] in the past - which I have taken care of now - but, I do plan on voting and I'm gonna vote for Obama.

Do you think black people flipped on the Clintons?

I definitely think Bill Clinton was a [voice] for black people in the White House, but you have to understand he wasn't alone. There were people around him advising on certain issues. So, no, I don't think black people flipped on the Clintons or anything like that. It's just a different time.

When did the word "wack" disappear from the Hip-Hop vocabulary?

When people got scared to tell the truth. You have writers that claim they tell the truth, but are afraid to give their honest opinion as journalists. I've had people tell me I was wack, but I just let them have their opinion and kept it moving. Basically, the word wack disappeared in Hip-Hop when people started running up in labels and magazine offices.

When was the last time you heard something on a record that was truly shocking?

Damn...that's a good question. I would have to say Lil Wayne on that song ["Viva La White Girl"]. He's actually talking about cocaine. That kinda tripped me out.

Why should fans of Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy go out and buy the new Sadat X album?

Because it's good music, but if they don't, it doesn't matter. I'm not in their lane and they're not in mine. I was in their lane 15 years ago. My daughter is seventeen years old. She's in their lane. I'm making music for people that are looking for something a little different. That's what Generation X is all about.

So, have we heard the last of Brand Nubian?

Oh no...we're working on these solo projects, but plans are in place to link up again with a label and give the people what they want. Brand Nubian is alive and kicking.

yoraps.com