We are moving at full speed in 2017 and fully committed to the weekly editions of our TWIB Meets series. For this new month of February, we link up with Boston’s finest emcee  M-Dot  for a little one on one. sit back and check the chat below.

For the benefit of anyone who’s been living in an underground bunker for the last ten years…who on earth are you?

I’m a father of 3 first and foremost. I’ve lived my whole life in Boston, been a fan of music for as long as I can remember and been rapping roughly (clocking it at when I started doing shows) for 16 years. Also an avid lover of hot sauce (trying at various stops on tour) & still enjoy playing basketball (played in college off a scholarship). Although, nowadays my legs ain’t the same running the floor. hahaa

How did you get started in music, and what drives you to continue?

Started writing around sophomore year in high school. Began recording myself on a two tracker & cassette player. Taught myself how to mix and didn’t have to rely on anybody for studio time. Everyday life, things I see, things I deal with (break-ups, struggles, the ups and downs) help move the pen. Listening to great music always inspires me to wanna go and make my own music. More often though I find myself needing to replay old records as current-day stuff rarely gets the creative juices going.

Do you remember the first recording/song you ever made?

I do. Hahaa. I was so excited.  All I did was listen to it, tripping over the fact I got to leave my voice forever in time. Was obsessed after that. Days later I additionally realized I wanted to be better and the song wasn’t incredible. That pattern continued…. continually wanting to improve. Nothing was/is good enough.

If a movie about your life in music was to be made, what interesting/strange moments and stories would you share to make the movie cool?

I seriously have stories for days hahaa. Especially since I have seen so much from the ground level. Over the years there have been so many road-blocks (which I used as a catalyst to explore alternative avenues/paths) providing me with extensively more “odd” and cool run-ins alike. Quickest story I can offer: I met Armageddon from Terror Squad at a 2009 show in Worcester, MA. He had read an article in a magazine about me and approached me to build. We exchanged math and I sent ‘em a beat months later. My homies from France who had done the beat were in NYC for a week and wanted to do a video for the track, so I did my verse and started to drive to NYC from Boston. The next day was the video and Geddy said he’d send me his verse in the morning and meet me in the Bronx for the visuals. I received the track in the early AM and realized a lot of his bars were coming at me hahaha. Mind you this is Armageddon. Terror Squad was/is no joke, ask DJ Whoo Kid how he was pulled into a van with Uzis pointed on em.

So I headed out to the Bronx (I had stayed the night before in Brooklyn upon arriving) to meet Armageddon & company. Long story short, when I met up with ‘em he messed with me a little and explained rap is competition and he thought my bars were tough, also feeling that maybe I was coming at him in it. Nevertheless, we came up with a great idea to make track work for a visual. Us battling. Funny part is people never knew the track in many ways was a battle beforehand hahaa. Song/video is called “Worldwide”.

Are there any other interesting facts about you that hardly anyone else knows?

I’ve never had a sip of coffee (most people think I’m on ‘speed’ naturally I’m sure haha). Nor had a cigarette.

What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity?

Greatest thing: seeing the world due to touring.

What I’d change: it’s said already enough. But wish I could be proud to say I’m a rapper, however with the over-saturation it’s a watered down trade that anybody thinks they can do. And when these rappers fade away, give up, get exposed, move on, they have wasted spots that the real MC’s could have had. Worst part I see is the buy-in or payola shit. That has ruined the game, as it allows wack stuff to get broadcasted.

Looking back, what have been the most important moments in your life so far?

Birth of my children. Hands down.

What have been the biggest highlights?

For music? Seeing a mural with my face on it in France!

What has been your biggest challenge…and how did you overcome it?

Not being a gangster rapper, not being a back-pack rapper, not being a hipster rapper, not being a trap rapper, not being a battle rapper. Just being me. It is a longer path when you don’t choose an allegiance or click, it leaves you not at any table. Which I actually love. Just takes longer. I am proud though, to be able to work with all genres and still blend in without compromising what I do. Also never wanted to dick ride or be under anybody, it’s easier just to jump in on a trend, harder to go against the grain. Wanted my own lane. I’m cool with everybody but it just took longer.

Who are your heroes? Why do they rock your world?

My folks are my heroes. Cuz they’re genuine people. And the hardest workers I know.

Who have been the coolest, most memorable people you’ve met along the way, and how did they make an impact on your life?

Happy to have met Large Professor. Probably one of the most humble cats I’ve encountered. He really is a legend (produced 1/3 of the greatest rap album Illmatic). He showed me that humility can always be a stronger tool in leaving an impression on people.

When you’re sitting on the porch age 97 what would you like to look back on and smile having achieved?

I hope I make it that long and I am healthy. And hope to have done things that I never even dreamed of (literally things I haven’t even imagined).

What has been your most memorable or inspirational gig and why?

Boston Music Awards 2010. Performing with a full band in front of some music peers, music legends of all genres and my family in attendance. We rehearsed for weeks. And it’s one of the best performances for me.

What has been your strangest celebrity encounter?

Met Sam Rockwell. Great actor. Little weird though….

Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?

Da Vinci. And Spaghetti.

What are the greatest songs, albums, books, movies, TV shows, websites you’ve ever come across?

-Michael Jackson’s 80’s catalogue.

-True Detective, season 1

-The Secret (book)

-Once Upon A Time In America (1984).

What five songs in your iPod?

Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan and Dylan.

What special-hero type skills are you blessed with?

Being able to sniff out liars and fakes.

Where can everyone reading this interview keep up with your adventures?

@mdotboston all the social medias across the board.

MDotBoston.com

Any final thoughts?

Go get ‘egO anD The eneMy’. Out now!!

You won’t be disappointed.

If you dig this, why not check out our previous Interview with J THE EXODUS

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