Motive - CoNNman

It’s strange that even though Connecticut is part of the tri-state area it’s never had a hip-hop superstar but then again there are very few things that are normal in hip-hop. CT’s close proximity to the place that created hip-hop legends like Nas, Biggie, Rakim, Big Pun, and Big Daddy Kane couldn’t secure it’s success so CT did what it could to remain relevant in the eyes of hip-hop fans.

With a huge hip-hop community what formed was a strong underground scene known for its diversity and love for that real hip-hop. The Connecticut movement has mostly been led by it’s most successful son, Apathy who is an underground powerhouse who tours the U.S. and overseas regularly.

Apathy, always one to be loyal to his state has put on his good friend and fellow MC Motive. Originally from Jersey Motive has been repping CT for the last 14 years and as a part of the Demigodz has become one of the state’s most popular MC’s. With a lyrical prowess that can rival some of the best in the business and a strong following Motive just may be the artist who puts Connecticut on the map.

What's good man?

Motive: Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.

Everything is good man. Its just life right now. I’m over here just trying to make the best of mine you know what I’m sayin’?

So what was it like growing up in Connecticut?

Motive: Well I’m originally from Newark, New Jersey, the bricks baby but I’ve been in CT for over 14 years now so that’s half my life right there. It’s definitely been a journey for me. I’ve been through my ups and downs but it definitely made me see things in life a lot different. There’s a lot more diversity here. I met people from a lot of different cultures and it helped to expand my mind.

What was the hip-hop scene like there?

Motive: There’s a lot of talent around here to be honest but Demigodz and D$R run it over here. But we’re next door to New York so we been around their hip-hop scene too because half the niggas in CT are either from New York or New Jersey but even in CT alone heads been on it man. We do our thing over here with the music.

Why do you think Connecticut hasn't has a major star yet?

Motive: Well not in hip-hop at least but I think the time is starting to happen now. We put in a lot of work and hard work pays off. People are taking notice and realizing that we got what it takes.

How would you describe your rap style?

Motive: I put a lot of myself into this music man, you know? I always want to make sure that I drop the best music that I possibly can. I like to say my music is like oxygen, you need it. (Laughs)

Who are some of you influences?

Motive: Man so many people influenced me but some of the main artists are Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Jay-Z, Biggie, Pun, Scarface, and Pac. Those are the dudes that made me want to rap in the first place and who really influenced how I do it. These artists to me were just amazing as far as what they did musically. All of them kind of changed the game in one way or another.

What are you bringing to the game that it doesn't already have?

Motive: I’d like to say that I’m bringing the whole package to the table man. I don’t feel that I lack anything whether it’s songwriting, lyrical ability, and versatility. I feel like I can do it all so that’s something that I think the game will embrace.

Tell us about Mo-Llinium.

Motive: That’s just me having fun. It’s a mixtape/dvd and it features all family basically. It’s original tracks and some footage of the crew and me. We got exclusive freestyles and footage from the Hot 93.7 showdown. It’s basically a set up for my album.

Tell us about the Saturday Night Showdown.

Motive: It’s for hot 93.7, which is a radio station we got out here. It’s a little contest for all the cats from CY to do their thing and show their skills, you know? It was cool though. We went in there and did our thing like always. We killed it.

www.myspace.com/motivedemigodz