Final Outlaw
New York, NY

Goldmic: Tell us a bit about you. Who are you? Where do you come from?

Final Outlaw: My name is Final Outlaw. I was born in Virginia and raised in New York City. I like to express myself through actions more so than I do through words. I believe words are powerful but meaningless without action, I believe action is powerful but not at its full potential without words. I still believe in people although it truly is a struggle to not give up on them. I suppose in all I am a person with a purpose bigger than music and entertainment, that is the way I see myself and I stand by that belief.

Goldmic: How did the name "Final Outlaw" come about?

Final Outlaw: There are many things that contributed in the renaming of myself. From a very early age I felt it was unfair that we didn't choose to be born, where to be born, what to be named etc. This life is very sad and sometimes you inherit the fouls of people who roamed the earth before you through things like names, genetics and such. I always felt that a persons name does not define them as I mentioned earlier, instead it's who they are that matters. When I was younger I caught on quickly to the apathy of society. They are desensitized, and being so aware so young made me feel very lonely. I felt as if I was the last of a dying breed thus "Final". I chose the name "Outlaw" mostly because I understand that in America people like me (Latino, Black, and "minority") are generally viewed as criminals just by appearance. I've grown up all my life to watch people that look like me or my friends and family be locked up for nothing, deported, murdered, targeted for prejudice etc. We are banned, outlawed. There are many factors to why I chose my name but that is the gist of it. I ultimately want the name Final Outlaw to become an example for why it is so important people respect one another.

Goldmic: How long have you been rapping? How did it start? What/who made you decide to make yourself a name in the hip hop scene?

Final Outlaw: I began scribbling silly rhymes at around the age 14 in my biology class during high school. The teacher was Ms. Wheeler. I remember it quite clearly, I used red ink. I don't know what I ever did with those sheets of paper and I don't recall why I had been trying to rhyme in the first place. Around the age of 17 I started free styling aloud in school. Eventually many friends began to recognize me as "the rapper" I suppose. I met other wanna be rappers. We rapped together. Eventually I was invited to a friend's house in Dyckman, Manhattan. Once there I met several people my age who were into battling and recording poor quality recordings on a 12 gig windows PC (using sound recorder). I continued to freestyle and write throughout Washington Heights and Harlem. I wanted to build a name in the rap game because I often listened to famous rappers who I thought were very silly; I felt I could blow them out of the water as far as skill and creativity. I still believe the same, although not all mainstream artist destitute talent and I respect them for that.

Goldmic: How would you define yourself as an artist?

Final Outlaw: Lyrical; an artist who is relevant, eclectic and unlimited. My style will always adapt and my music will be timeless. I am not bound by the rules of any "game". This is not a joke to me, this is survival and somebody has to stand trial for the injustice against innocent people, my family and myself. I will never forget what has been done to us, and no amount of money or fame can ever bring closure to the feelings instilled in me. I know that I am a new positive addition to the evolution of music and more importantly man, even if reality has to be brought to light through harsh methods. No category can contain my diversity, I live to be what a "human" is supposed to be.

Goldmic: What or who inspires, motivates, and drives you?

Final Outlaw: Loneliness; people you love will disappoint you and disappear. They were never being real in the first place. Sometimes we try to justify other people's mistakes because we enjoy their companionship. No one should make excuses for someone else's mistakes. Most people I have met are half steppers, frauds, and artificial. Most people will pretend to relate to you or understand where you are coming from but it isn't true. What I understand is that people are carnal; the biological traits in us make us imperfect. For as long as humans have existed we've managed to use, kill, cheat, steal and lie to each other. My undying ache to be understood drives me. It is such a lonely and empty feeling to realize you are truly alone when everyone else you see on earth has no problem participating in all that is wrong - materialism, religion, gossip, glamour, drugs, addiction, attachment, conformity etc. Life is a giant commercial, and I don't belong here. God will hear me if it's the last thing I do. People will call me radical, but they will always criticize yet never offer a helping hand to an individual in need - Fuck critics.

Goldmic: What makes you unique as an artist?

Final Outlaw: I am not a reflection of everyone else. There is a purpose here.

Goldmic: What is your proudest achievement as an artist so far?

Final Outlaw: My education.

Goldmic: You are known to be quite opinionated about the current state of hip-hop and its industry. Tell us more about your views. What role do you see yourself playing in it?

Final Outlaw: An art form that was created in the Ghetto's of the Bronx, NY was seen as a monetary opportunity by major corporations and conglomerates. Ever since Hip Hop's birth we've managed to go from an empowering culture to a robbed and raped culture. It is indeed going extinct, and I believe the paramount reason for this is because we as people have no ownership over it anymore. Hip Hop has been taken from us and is now owned by the Big 5 and change is neglected by the FCC or anyone else in a position to save this sinking ship. We created Hip Hop in the hood, therefore the hood should have the power to destroy it, and so if anyone has the right to kill it then it should be us. We either take back owner ship or destroy it for good so that it is not humiliated anymore than it has already been. My role is to contribute to either one of those two options.

Goldmic: You are currently promoting your new video, Hip Hop 4ever. What projects are you currently working on? What can your fans expect to see from Final Outlaw in the future?

Final Outlaw: I am working on my debut album, I plan to release it early 2009. People should expect to hear honestly, suicidal honesty. This will be a powerful project, similar to "Hip Hop 4ever"; the entire project will introduce people to a variety of emotions that will inspire. A new music video is already in the works for the album and will be once again directed by the very talented Janelle Ryan.

Goldmic: What venues are you most likely to be seen performing at?

Final Outlaw: Locally people should expect to see me hit SoB's, several times soon. I will be performing along side Dead Prez and Hasan Salaam once again at the Knitting Factory October 10th 2008. Of course I will still hit up all the open mics and ciphers to exercise. I should be returning to California very soon also, as well as go on tour.

Goldmic: What other indie artists do you like and why?

Final Outlaw: Ironically, most other indie artists I like, I tend to not like at first. I don't like too many people out there. Talent is scarce, and those who I respect already know I do, and I appreciate them for their sacrifices. I admire them because they remind me of me. It takes fortitude to be loyal to yourself and not cater to the industries wants. I will not mention them but I will say NEVER GIVE UP.

Goldmic: A word about GoldMic?

Final Outlaw: I honestly believe that if people know what is good for them, they should pay close attention to GoldMic.com, especially artists. There is great potential and opportunity in this site and already it has been recognized by some big named collectives and persons. Search for my profile and give me a shout out.

Goldmic: Any message to our members?

Final Outlaw: www.FinalOutlaw.com
Stay alive.