Welcome to Mollie's World, Merk The Lyrical Tantrum (The Breezy Says Hot Seat)
BS: We hear you are from New Orleans and are also deep rooted in California...tell us a little bit about how it is mixing the two very different regions?
MERK: Mixing the regions together gave me an advantage. I learned the business in California and the passion for music came from New Orleans. The transition was not hard because Oakland is deeply rooted in black culture as well as New Orleans. I came up in Oakland Deeply Rooted, the real black Panthers. Going into the music scene I knew was going to have a sound no one else had with the Jazz background and Oakland laid back sound. Neworlafornia started as a way of life and turned into a company. Mixing New Orleans street savvy with Oakland pimp savvy created another swag that didn't exist.
BS: You've worked with many artists that have passed on and some that are still with us, how does the experience of loss make you feel about current collaborations?
MERK: When it's a personal relationship I appreciate the collaboration because that can be our last time seeing each other.
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BS: Your new video "So Loud" features Skip of UTP and was tapped in California, this is a great example of mixing both areas you rep; do you see this as something that sets you apart from others and can eventually bring more artists together?
MERK: Most definitely, I network with a lot of California artists and have brought a lot of New Orleans and California artists together to collaborate because of personal relationships with artists in both regions. I'm the middleman that brings everyone together.
Lets pause for a moment and check out the "So Loud" video ft Skip of UTPBack To The Hot Seat
BS: What can we expect from your new album "International Ghetto Pass" that is different from your previous work?
MERK: My previous work was more personal. International Ghetto Pass shows my vast areas of networking across the country. This album solidify my networking status. I reached out to all my allies outside New Orleans.
BS: Any advice or words of wisdom for artists come up behind you?
MERK: It's not as easy as it looks. If you're going to be serious about it you have to have the determination and the will to be successful. You have to have patience. Dealing with music it can take years to be seen or heard in some instances. You have to be willing to sacrifice for what you want. Just know everything you see on tv and hear on the radio is only 10% of the business. Build your brand and stand by it. My company been relevant for 20 years and I only been recognized for the past 9 years. Be unique and make sure you have your own sound. Too many sprite and 7Up rappers, you can't tell them apart.
BS: Is there anything you want to let the people know that we have not touched on?
MERK: Be on the lookout for Neworlafornia Films, we're definitely doing movies now. Always give back to the community that molded you. Stay Humble at all times because nobody wants to work with arrogant or big headed people.
BS: Any shoutouts?
MERK: S/O to everybody who support me and my brand. I'm going to keep the heat coming and won't let y'all down.
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