Welcome to another thrilling edition of TWIB Meets. I know we haven’t been consistent every week and we apologize for the breaks but in order to delivery sound, engaging interviews we always have to go over and beyond and it ain’t easy as it seems.
On this venture, we get to chill with a rap veteran who goes by the name of Molecules, the man kicked off his hip-hop journey back in the early 90s as part of the underground group called The Legion. I will admit, I was a young pup then so I’m literally playing catch up as Molecules gives a brilliant insight into his life, the music and much more.
Molecules recently released a joint project “A Bronx Tale” with another legend Showbiz (of DITC) which is highly recommended for your listening pleasure.
For the benefit of anyone who’s been living in an underground bunker for the past several years…who on earth are you?
I’m Molecules from The Legion, which consists of myself, Chucky Smash and Cee-Low The Diceman. Dres from Black Sheep brought me into the game.
How did you get started in music, and what drives you to continue?
I just love to create music.
Do you remember the first recording/song you ever made?
I don’t remember the name of my first demo, but the first song that I recorded when I got my record deal was “Jingle Jangle.”
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 would tell the story about when I got shot. There’s nothing cool about being shot, but being able to survive it and tell the story is the greatest part of survival.
Are there any other interesting facts about you that hardly anyone else knows?
People might know me cause of my rough demeanor, but I’m a big kid at heart. I’m an older man, but I’m nothing but a big kid.
What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity?
Meeting and connecting with people within the music industry and the fans are great. It feels good because everyone loves music. I would change the radio format because they play the same music repeatedly. It doesn’t give the people a variety of music to listen to.
Looking back, what have been the most important moments in your life so far?
The birth of my kids—and—raising my kids.
What have been the biggest highlights?
Traveling the world because of music, and performing in front of thousands of people who are excited to hear your music.
What has been your biggest challenge…and how did you overcome it?
As crazy as this may sound, my biggest challenge was when I got shot. They told me I was going to lose my leg. I kept looking and found the right doctors and they were the ones who helped me. The first set of doctors told me I had to amputate my leg. I never really talked about this so you guys are getting an exclusive. LOL
Who have been the coolest, most memorable people you’ve met along the way, and how did they make an impact on your life?
I met a lot of people along the way, but I would have to say Dres from Black Sheep. He brought me into the music industry and showed me that I could express myself musically whether that be me doing beats or spitting a verse over a track. I’ve seen a lot and been a lot of places through my travels with Dres.
When you’re sitting on the porch age 97 what would you like to look back on and smile having achieved?
I’m from the Golden Era of Hip-Hop and I connected and rubbed elbows with the greatest artists of that era. That’s what I’ll remember.
What has been your most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
Black Sheep was on tour with Ice Cube, and Dres brought me out to do a freestyle. I was the only person onstage that was unknown. Everyone else had a record deal. From Treach from Naughty By Nature, to Smooth B from Nice & Smooth, and more. We were at the Apollo and the response I received from the crowd was as if I had a record out and everyone knew my name. At the show, there were a few record label executives and that’s when someone from Mercury/Polygram Records asked Dres who the big dude was that kicked the freestyle. The rest was history.
What has been your strangest celebrity encounter?
Being on tour with Ice Cube. I don’t want to use the word strange, but it was cool that he would come knock on my door and come in to just kick it with me on some regular shit. And I’m thinking to myself, here I am with Mr. Amerikkka’s Most Wanted, Ice cube from NWA and we just talking about life.
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
Bob Marley. He is a legend and his music resonates through all cultures. I would sit with him and eat any Caribbean dish. He’s Jamaican and my family’s from St. Thomas Virgin Islands, so we have the same food in common.
What are the greatest songs, albums, books, movies, TV shows, websites you’ve ever come across?
Favorite Songs:
• Notorious B.I.G. – “Who Shot Ya?”
• Jay Z *Too many to name
Favorite Albums:
• Nas – Illmatic
• Jay Z – Reasonable Doubt
Favorite…
• Book: Behold A Pale Horse by William Cooper.
• Movie: Scarface
• TV Show: The Wire
• Website: discogs.com
Name 5 songs (yours excluded) that we would expect to find on your iPod or Music Player
1. Biggie – “Ten Crack Commandments”
2. Biggie: “Who Shot Ya?”
3. Jay Z (feat. Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Freeway) – 1-900-Hustler
4. Erick B. & Rakim – “Eric B. Is President”
5. KRS-One – “South Bronx”
What special-hero type skills are you blessed with?
I know how to make people comfortable. My super hero name would be Mr. Comfort. LOL
Where can everyone reading this interview keep up with your adventures?
• Instagram: @_thelegion_
• Twitter: @MoleculesBX
Any final thoughts?
I wanna thank you guys for the interview and spreading the word on keeping our culture of Boom bap Hip-Hop alive. Without you guys there would no no underground Hip Hop. Be sure to go cop my callab LP, A Bronx Tale, with the legendary Showbiz.
Stream/Buy Links:
• iTunes: • Amazon: • Google Play: • CD: • Vinyl:
You can also check out an in-depth interview of Molecules on “The House List” hosted by Peter Agoston.
If you enjoyed this interview check Interview: TWIB Meets King Magnetic
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