Clutch Players University caught
up with Narcy a.k.a The Narcicyst to discuss his new EP titled ‘Leap of Faith,’
and much more…
(CP) Within your biography on www.wikipedia.com it begins to state “The Narcycist an Iraqi -
Canadian Journalist and Hip-Hop MC, etc.” From your perspective do you see a difference
between the Hip-Hop culture in Iraq and the United States? If so could you
briefly describe the differences and the similarities?
(N) I never lived in Iraq. I used
to visit very frequently in the early 90’s and late eighties. I can speak on
Arabia in general vis-à-vis hip-hop more than anything. I think that hip-hop in
Arabia is approaching the golden age that we had in the West in the 90s. The
hyper-politicized realities of many of our countries have forced a lot of
artists into a social dialogue with their work, whereas a lot of us in the
Diaspora are speaking on the identity flux that exists between the two worlds.
Hip-Hop is really powerful. It allows you to SPEAK clearly to the audience. I
would say that in America there is definitely a fracture between the commercial
aspects of hip-hop and the cultural representations of the movement. There is
an overlap, but there is also a great difference between the polar extremes. In
America, there is more money in Hip-Hop. That eventually will shape the content
without disregard of where it comes from. So I would say that, in Arabia, it is
still growing, whereas in America, one could say its Dying or Thriving.
(CP) The music you construct often
has a political tone and touch on various Socio- topics. Why did you choose
Hip-Hop as your platform rather than going into the political arena?
(N) I would never want to be a
politician. I would like to believe I make commentary on my daily life, which
is sometimes influenced by the political arena. I no longer make political music;
I believe that is an oxymoron. Music brings people together, politics divides
them.
(CP) Here at Clutch Players University
we value consistency. What do you want to contribute to the culture of Hip-Hop
musically and socially?
(N) I hope that I help open the
lane for the ever-growing important voice of the modern day Arab. Our existence
in North America and the tie-in of our motherlands to the history of the world
and civilization deserves to be recognized, respected and flourished. That and
I hope I deliver some good music that stands the test of time.
(CP) What can the people expect next from
The Narcycist?
(N) I have a short
film called 'RISE' coming out soon, a new album I am working on and some new
multi-media projects lined up with several artists through my company The
Medium. I look forward to sharing more soon!
(CP) In your IPod what artists are in
The Narcycist playlist?
(N) Stevie Wonder and Radiohead
right now. (CP) Would you provide our readers a line from one of your favorite compositions that you’ve created? And it’s meaning?
(N) “If a star dies in the sky
before I see one/ why would I teach kids to reach and try to be one”
This is from the title song off my
Leap of Faith EP. I’m saying that, let’s not feed the next generation false
dreams of celebrity and fame. Let them find themselves in the universe before
we project an idea of ‘success’ upon them.
(N) Oh man, every show is
different. But I definitely always need my Yassin Ring, and a bottle of Perrier
=)
(CP) Could you provide some words of
encouragement for the Clutch Players University, dreamers, or visionaries?
(N) As cliché as it is, be
yourself and believe. That’s how I created my dream job. Just aim and realize
nothing comes over night. Work hard, play hard, live hard and pray hard.
CONNECTIONS:
Wikipedia. Internet. Available from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Narcicyst; accessed 14 June 2013.
