>
Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!


Qwel

Below is our quick discussion with a member of The Typical Cats, Qwel.

StrictlyUG - Thank you for participating in this interview. First, please tell us a little about yourself.

Qwel - There's really not much to tell.

StrictlyUG - How did you become involved with the Hip Hop culture in general?

Qwel - Man, I liked the music and knew a lot of graffiti writers & just potheads in general.

StrictlyUG - Do you hold another job besides this, or can you honestly support yourself from being an emcee?

Qwel - I'm a part-time acrobat.

StrictlyUG - When was the exact moment that you said "I'd definitely want to pursue this further?"

Qwel - I don't know... I never said that really out loud.

StrictlyUG - Now, we all know that you represent Chicago. In terms of exposure and fan support, how much does The Windy City mean to you?

Qwel - Man, this is where I live... you know I've met all kinds of people all over this country... but I live in Chicago and I see the people all the time...it's like my family & friends. I'm glad you think I represent Chicago, I guess... but I just like to write songs...

StrictlyUG - Have you done a variety of shows outside of Chicago? Where would you say holds the most respectable fans?

Qwel - My favorite two places I've done shows in Minneapolis & Seattle, definitely... and Louisville

StrictlyUG - You are in a group called The Typical Cats. How did this all come about?

Qwel - HPK, man. WHPK. I met Qwa a long time ago - last Christmas eve and shit, the first time I ever recorded. We met up and shit, I knew he was on somethin'. We saw each other again up at the station, me and Qwa were just like, "Yea, we're gonna get together and do some shit." My brother Mike heard him rhyme, and was just like, "Yo we really gotta do something with this guy."

Also I met Dennis when I was up at HPK, I read this poem that I was working on at the time, it's on White on White Crime.. I read it and Dan - Dennis' roommate - was like, "yo you gotta spit that for Dennis". And then Dennis spit me this poem, and I was like, "okay, I've got another partner now." Then Nat was just like, "Yo, I make beats - and got herb!"

StrictlyUG - Is their a plan for another LP in the future from The Typical Cats?

Qwel - Yes, of course there is.

StrictlyUG - Discussing solo ventures, your album, "If It Ain't Been In A Pawn Shop, Then It Can't Play The Blues" was recently released. How long was this project in the making?

Qwel - As far as writing, I wrote it for months and months... years. But recording only took a few months...

StrictlyUG - Does your album title hold any special significance at all?

Qwel - Yeah, it's like experience is the best teacher. Like, while we're here we can just learn. Observe. And out of struggle comes beautiful music sometimes...

StrictlyUG - The lone guest to grace this album happens to be another Chicago emcee, Robust. How is the chemistry between you two in the studio, etc?

Qwel - I don't know, you tell me.

StrictlyUG - On "The Highest Commitment," obviously your discussing a past relationship of some sort. Was this from Qwel's life experience, or were you watching this happen from a distance?

Qwel - Man, this song's about the love of my life. Some first hand, some second hand.

StrictlyUG - Only two producers share the credits on "If It Ain't Been In A Pawn Shop." Why the decision to use just Meaty Ogre and White Lightning?

Qwel - I don't know, we just just workin' and it just kept working out really well...

StrictlyUG - Obviously, working independently is far different from belonging to a group. Which do you enjoy more?

Qwel - Being in a group, it kinda fills in the gap. Especially w/ Typical Cats, cuz after them two dudes are done with the beat, there's not really much I can say and shit... I just do back up vocals.. and live shows I get amped... I get amped doin shows with the Cats...

StrictlyUG - What's next as far as future projects are concerned? Any emcees/ producers that you are hoping to work with?

Qwel - Probably a little bit from Maker of TBA... I'd like to work with a lotta guys and sh*t...

StrictlyUG - Stepping away from Hip Hop, what are your feelings on the war against terrorism across The United States?

Qwel - What the world needs now... is love sweet love...

StrictlyUG - Lastly, in twenty years, what do you want Hip Hop fans to remember your career best by?

Qwel - Not ever making my music a career. And always showing the ladies love.