Q & A with MANAFEST

Make sure you pick up
Citizens Activ

Q. I would like to congratulate you on the success of your debut album “Citizens Activ”. Why did you choose this tile for your album?

A. I’ve been making music for over 10 years now and there were times when I tried to do it alone and thought I didn’t need people.  I realized we all need each other and as a team we can get a lot more accomplished then someone by themselves. ‘Citizens’ meaning us the people being ‘Activ’ pursuing our dreams together to make a positive impact on those around us.

 
Q. Who were some of you musical inspirations earlier in your career?

A. When I first started writing music I listened to a lot of EPMD, Das Efx, Beastie Boys, and Michael Jackson.  I used to listen to a lot of punk rock as well as a kid: Bad Religion, NOFX, Offspring...

 
Q. What has been the biggest change in your life since you released "Mislead Youth"
way back in "01?

A. I got married - that’s a pretty big change - my wife is super dope and travels with me now to most of my tour dates.  I’m a lot wiser now and my perspective of the music industry has changed a lot.  When I first released Mislead Youth it was for fun and I never thought I’d be making money (and a career) out of it.

Q. Do you feel that "Citizens Activ" is your best album yet?

A. It’s definitely my best album yet - from production to song writing, and the overall message I want to deliver is clearer than ever.  I’ve been blessed to work with great producers like Adam Messinger, Boi-1da and Chris Stacey.

Q. Can you tell me which is your favorite country to perform in?
 
A. So far I’ve only performed in 3, with more to come.  I would have to say the West Coast which would be both California and B.C.  

Q. Many people still view Hip Hop as a negative genre. How do you turn that negative into a positive in your music?
 
A. It’s all about the message and what I’m writing about that makes the difference - also the way I carry myself on and off stage.  I hope my music and my life displays a positive outlook on life and that I can be a good role model for those looking up to me.  I think music gives artists a platform to speak into people’s lives and make a difference.  I know other artists have done the same for me.

Q. In an age of "ringtone artists" and commercialism, it's refreshing to hear an artist with a message. How do you stay grounded and what message would you like to convey to the youth today?
 
A. A lot of my grounding comes from my faith in Jesus and my wife.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to be as famous as possible and make as much money as I can.  The difference and how I stay grounded is the goal and my purpose behind it.  I want to use any fame or cash I make to encourage the youth today to pursue their dreams and that anything is possible if they go for it and don’t give up.

Q. If you could compare you lyrical style to any pro athlete today, who would it be and why?
 
A. I would compare my style to “Josh Kalis” a professional skateboarder who rides for D.C. - the skateboarding culture has had a huge impact on my music over the years.  That’s a skater that I remember watching in the videos and he would have certain clips of him joking around and I thought he was cool growing up.

Q. Can you share some of your career goals with us, what would you like to accomplish at the end of your career?
 
A. I would like to tour internationally across Europe, China, Korea, Israel, and Australia.  I’d also like to have been able to write some books off the music, and possibly start another off shoot business from it before I’m done.

Q. We at Mrhookupz.com would like to thank Manafest for chatting with us. The last word is yours, any last words for the massive?

A. Thanks for the interview, go pick up a copy of “Citizens Activ.”  Live, love, and enjoy life!!!!
MANAFEST