one_der Sacramento, CA

Although an introduction to this MC is probably unnecessary, we just wanted to honor this long time Goldmic Elite, winner of the 4th Goldmic Audio Tournament and one of the most feared lyricist and battler Goldmic has seen. He's a formidable MC with impressive performances who brings out the best in his opponents,. Hence the reason why he has earned the respect of his peers and goes by the name of "One_der". Check out his interview to catch up with this Goldmic Hall of Famer and see what his views are on a range of topics from politics to hip hop to who he thinks are the most impressive Goldmic lyricists and audio battlers. One_der's Goldmic Profile: http://www.goldmic.com/one_der

1. What’s good One_der? Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you get your name? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to college?

Good day to all of Goldmic.  This is one der checking in...born in Virginia, grew up some in Chicago but i've spent the last 13 years living in Sacramento.  Coast to coast.  Went to school at Sacramento State (Tom Hanks what up!!) and as far as my name goes...i've never really been sure.  It was just something I rolled with when i started all this nonsense and it's stuck.  I'd love to break away from the name but I guess i'd have to reinvent everything i've already "accomplished"...accomplished is in quotes because really, what have I accomplished?

2. You’re from Sacramento, California. Did you grow up in Sacramento? What’s the hip-hop scene out there like? (Kings fan? J)

Like I said, i've spent the last 13 years in Sacramento, half of my short lifetime, so the bulk of my growing up has been done here on the West Coast.  The hip hop scene out west is very eclectic...almost TOO eclectic for me.  Alot of free thinking, do-it-yourselfers.  I think the one thing working against Sacramento's hip hop scene is the Bay Area.  If there's any shred of talent in Northern California it always ends up finding its way to San Fran or Oakland and for good reason.  Other than that...there's a lot of open minded folks, so the response to your music, or the opportunity to display it is always there.

3. Tell us a bit about what you have been up to lately?  Have you been working on any hip hop related projects? If not, do you have any plans for future projects?

Lately, like a lot of us, i've been working non-stop just to survive this economy. Trying to make a dollar doesn't leave a lot of time for hobbies at the moment.  Those of you who know me well know I never stop writing, but I do take breaks from recording or battling.  When I get a decent chunk of free time i'll put together a song or just some random verses for a rainy day.  Plans for the future include a possible collection of new short tracks as well as possibly trying to get some of my less song/more poem writings published for shits and giggles.

4. When and why did you decide to pick up a microphone? Has hip hop ever disappointed you in any way?

Well, Uneek Wunn aka Neek aka Travis was the reason I ever really picked up a mic.  He always thought the stuff I was writing would work well in Audio and he never let me back down from it.  I gotta give him that...he was probably the single biggest motivating factor in me picking up a mic and even thinking about recording.  

As far as hip hop disappointing me...thats a huge question you pose. I'm sure I've been let down a time or two but based on everything I've gotten out of hip hop, there's no way I can say it's disappointed me. That would be too disrespectful.

5. Have you ever performed live? If so, what was it like getting on stage for the first time? If not, why not?

I have never performed live. I don't really plan on it either, even though I think I could put together a pretty entertaining set. I was offered the opportunity to open for eyedea and busdriver a few years back and it all got too real too fast. It felt like someone out there was actually taking me serious when I hadn't even been taking myself serious yet. 

6. What producers have you or do you work with? Where do you record and what equipment do you use?

I pretty much work with anyone who's willing to contribute free beats and make good music. A lot of these online bums think they should be making a profit cuz they have a drum machine. Get the fuck outta here. We're all just trying to make music. With that being said, I did buy some beats from equilibrum LOL. He's super talented and worked with me a lot to make it right. 

7. What are you most passionate about in your life? Family? Politics? Artistic expression? Sports? Etc And do your interests influence your MCing? How?

It's no secret that I'm passionate about cubs baseball and bears football. Beyond that I'm inspired by everyday things because that's life. My songs/lyrics etc are just an extension of me trying to put all the pieces together in an attempt to figure out why some guy flipped me off on the road...or why there was a couple arguing at starbucks...real life shit.

8. What is your favorite One_der song? Why? What is your favorite One_der battle verse? Can you link it here?

My favorite song is probably "Caribbean dreamscape". I fell in love with writing hooks later in my progression but this track was just one big verse and it had such a dope meaning to me. On top of that the beat is nuts. 

My favorite battle was probably my round one grb verse against some kid named catch 22. I think it was my favorite because some kid compared me to warbux haha. That's about as high of praise as you can get for an Internet battle. 

By the way...if anyone has my tracks from slice of life or slow horse and would be willing to put them up on a soundclick page I'd appreciate it. I pretty much lost all my old music.   

9. When writing or recording, do you have any rituals or things you do to stimulate your creativity?

Nope. Haha. If the mood hits me, it hits me.  I can't force myself into writing something that isn't there. So no. No rituals or special creativity sessions.

10. If you could instantly improve one aspect of your MCing, what would it be?

I wish my voice fit different beats. I'm blessed with a distinctively white boys tone. It works for me but it sometimes limits the music I can use because let's be honest, I'm no fifty cent.

11. Is hip-hop a hobby or do you hope to one day earn a living solely from it? Have you ever chased the hip hop rapper dream at any point in your life?

It's a hobby and therapy.

12. What traits do you feel make a great MC? Do you feel hip hop has changed over the years? If so, for the worse or for the better? Do you believe that as people grow up their tastes change and so they view hip hop differently?

MC's gotta be real. If there's something you do, write about it. If it's something you don't, don't. I'd rather hear an honest song about some cat who's a garbage man than some dude posing as a coke dealer. Don't fake the funk.  That being said, I've grown to like all types of mc's provided they speak with an honest voice and deliver what they feel instead of what they think we want to hear.   Over time I think everyones tastes change or at least evolve some. I know mine have.

13. Do you feel that the best of hip-hop is behind us or yet to come? Why or why not? What hip-hop period do you feel epitomizes hip-hop at its best?

The best is always yet to come right? For me, the nineties and into 2000 has been a great period for hip hop. The genre has grown so deep and wide since it began, and although it took a lot of heat during the "bling bling" era, a lot of other acts were still growing despite what the radio and MTV was playing. That's why you have to imagine the best is still to come. 

14. What rappers did you most admire growing up? Who do you feel are the top 3 rappers of all time?

Wow. I can only pick three? It's truly an impossible task but based on the question of who I admired most I'll answer you with eminem, gift of gab, and mos def. I loved those guys when I first starting listenting to hip hop. Are they the three best of all time...probably not.

15. How about more recent rappers, are their any you respect?

More recently I'm inspired by a huge cast of characters; jay z, sage Francis, copywrite, Royce, apathy, illogic, slug, lil Wayne, nas, common, eyedea, matlock, binary star, so many many more. It's truly a wild mix of talent. 

16. What aspect of Goldmic have you most enjoyed? Have you developed any friendships with other Goldmic members? If so, which Goldmic member are you closest with?

I've had such a longtime love hate relationship with GM. Overall it's given me a great place to come and sharpen the art that I love, so how can I harbor any distaste? I've loved the battling, competition, recognition and so forth. Some of the childish shit is unavoidable and I get that. I've met countless individuals whose talent astounds me in GM, but metaphive, problem, nom, and even neek have been my closest compadres, and that goes back to the days before GM or even openmic. And just to clear up any rumors...meta and I are not gay lovers, we just cuddle naked and spoon feed each other rocky road. No big deal. 

17. Do you feel Goldmic has contributed to your development as an artist at all? Has the competition and community of other aspiring MCs fostered some degree of development for your MCing or writing skills?

Yes, GM has helped improve my talent. I'm always looking for new ways to out think the other guys and girls on this site. Interestingly enough, I received a message the other day telling me that I was an imposter of the real oneder...apparently someone was pretending to be me on another website and taking credit for stuff I had done.  That's when I knew I had acheived goldmic immortality.

18. In your opinion, who are the top 5 Goldmic members lyrically? Top 5 Goldmic members in audio? (Don’t be shy to include yourself ;)

My lists might be out of date but so am I. These are the people that over the years have most impressed me...

Lyrically 

Problem 

Metaphive

Wicked

Regal

LP

Audio

Chincheck

Steel

Me : )

Metro

Die verse 

No offense to anyone I didn't mention. I'm sure you're super dope and no I don't want to collab with you. 

19. How important is politics in your life? What do you think about the U.S election? Do you have any thoughts on what you expect will change in the U.S, if anything, with Barack as president?

I follow politics quite a bit. Now that I'm older and more independent I see how things effect me a little more.  Other than that, I was glad to see Obama win the election. We finally have a leader who inspires people as someone we can look up too. Plus Bush really hurt this country's credibility so it's time to gain it back. Word up!

20. Do you have an opinion or view on the financial meltdown in the U.S.? Any personal thoughts you would like to share? Are you for or against all these bailouts? Why?

Gotta love these political questions. I loved the fact that this entire economic shit storm started in my own backyard. All these crap mortgages and faulty loans really started in northern California and now we have some of the highest foreclosure rates around.  Makes me proud!  But honestly, what the hell do I know...we'll come out of it eventually.  I think people need to stop panicing.  As far as bailouts are concerned, it's getting a little ridiculous. There's gotta be some turnover within these industries or these fuckers are gonna make the same mistakes.  On the other hand, I'll gladly take a stimulus check...

21. You are the 4th Goldmic Audio Champion. Do you think there’s a chance we’ll see a One_der return to a Goldmic Audio Tournament in the near future?

Yea you probably will. One day when the stars align and I get my shit together I'll come back and regain my status as champ!
 

22. Any parting words?

First of all I just wanna say that I typed up all my answers on my iPhone so please excuse any errors. It's not my fault assholes! Other than that I just want to thank GM for letting me use their website to slander and blasphem. Also, a big thanks to everyone who has shown support or a lack thereof. Keep it up you homos! It's been a fun journey so far and I hope it continues.

EAR RESPONSIBLE suckers!  We ain't never gonna die...