Living up
to the title of "Brooklyn's Future" is a task that brings with it much
speculation and doubt, making it inevitable that unsigned newcomer Maino
will receive both after billing himself to be the heir to the throne graced by
Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. Confidence is something that Maino possesses
in bulk, though, and he uses his new mixtape, Hustle Hard Ent. Presents Maino:
Brooklyn's Future, to show off his brand of street talk. Produced by fellow
rookie GQ Beatz, Brooklyn's Future is a chance for new talent to offer their
best material in hopes of attracting major label suitors, and after 15 tracks,
it proves to be successful in this mission.What made you want to start rapping?
I started in prison. There’s not really much to do, you’re either going to write a letter, sleep or work out or even masturbate. Some people read books but I wrote lyrics out of boredom.
You did some work with Lil’ Kim, how did that come about?
We come from the same hood so I knew her already. I had to come out here and do me first. I didn’t come into a situation where people were gonna help me straight away. It’s just love with me and Kim.
Who are you going to work with next?
I have nobody in mind at all. I want to concentrate on what I’m doing right now, it’s not about the big names and working with whoever comes around.
What do you think of the hip hop scene right now? Do you think there are too many rappers trying to make it?
I think hip hop is strong and there’s room for me. There are plenty of rappers but it’s each to his own. If they have what it takes then they should do what they do. A lot of these old niggas need to sit the fuck down though. If you’re not embracing the movement then you’re going against it. If you were selling two million and now you’re only selling a few thousand you’re not helping.
Who do you respect?
I respect all of the old legends; it’s just certain old niggas should give up when it’s their time. It’s like [Michael] Jordan, he almost tarnished his legacy by coming back. They are sick, they need to know when to call it quits and move onto something else.
What do you think of other BK rappers like Papoose?
He’s doing his thing. I like anybody who’s doing it for themselves.
How do you feel when you’re compared to artists like 50 Cent, is that a compliment or a cuss?
Well that’s not a compliment. I didn’t know I was compared to anybody, I don’t sound like anyone.
I heard you’ve been on over 1,000 mix tapes, can you remember them all?
I’ve been on mix tapes since 2003, I don’t think I’d be able to remember them all though! I’m doing mix tapes and DVD’s all the time.
Do you ever get nervous going out on the street with your expensive jewels on?
No I’m not nervous at all. Whatever’s gonna happen will happen, God has put me in this position. I can’t be walking around scared all the time.
Biggie or Tupac?
I would choose both. There is no way I can choose out of them. Big represented Brooklyn and inspired niggas to make it and Tupac was a real nigga showing the truth.
www.myspace.com/maino
By Rashmi Shastri - Sep 2006