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CARLOS MENA:
HIP-HOP DON’T STOP! !
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Can’t help myself rembering a rather surprising response made almost 30 years ago by some transcient French Minister when being asked about his location on the political map (in other words, if he was on the right or on the left). Well, the man in question simply said: More than ever elsewhere! Nothing but – should we have forgotten? – what we’re supposedly in the position to expect from an artist whose basic goal is to express his freedom. This being pretty much where Bay Area living Carlos Mena is at, adding his own and unique touch to whatever inspires him at the mo’… (words: MFSB)
Hey Carlos, a true pleasure welcomin’ you on those pages. Definitively looks like music has no label for you if not only being good or not. Where have you got this from? Could this be because of your ascendance with the Latin culture reputedly more versatile as the Anglo-Saxon one?
Thank you brother. I would say it hass more to do with my upbringing in Brooklyn, NY during the 70’s and 80’s. I was surrounded by music from all countries and cultures, and it has all stayed with me.
The affirmation of a character is more likely the result of a more or less long maturation. Let us know about yours from the very beginning…
I was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in a Dominican household, and from an early age I have allowed my ancestors to guide my steps. The question begs a serious detailed answer which I think I cannot give beyond telling you that I am trying to become who I am destined to be.
With the US media strictly divided into 3 major categories (R&B/rap, rock, country) hasn’t this contributed makin’ the things difficult for people who, like you, tend to express themselves on a whole array of different vibes?
I made a personal decision a long time ago not to chase, the dollar, commercial success, or critical acclaim, but to focus on creating music that expresses who I am and satisfies me, so to answer your question it doesn’t affect me.
Would you tend to think that hip-hop where you come from has contributed to open you mind? I’m also thinking of DJ Spinna for instance…
Hip-Hop is the essence of who I am. I am Hip-Hop. I am a product of that culture, and as saddened as I am by the overt commercialization of aspects of the culture I am still proud to say loudly, that I am Hip-Hop.
You’re so far obviously among those very rare people who’ve thought about establishin’ strong relations quite some time ago with an alter ego. I mean, Osunlade. Did you see it as a sort of necessity in a world where people remaining on their own are the majority?
I sought Osunlade out and a few others that I felt were on a similar path as mine to collaborate musically in an effort to further our spiritual development. Osunlade and I share connections musically and spiritually and I feel blessed to call him a friend.
You’ve recently said to me you had no projects ready for Miami. Is it because or your heavy release schedule this year? Because this yearly gathering doesn’t represent that much for you?
Well the schedule has a few things forthcoming, but most importantly is Tamara Wellon’s full length debut on Ocha Records, entitled Life Is. I am busy working with Osunlade mixing down the songs for the album and preparing the release. I would love to be at WMC, but it is not the best place for me to be right now given the amount of work that needs to be done.
Back to your projects, what to expect from you this year?
Well, for Ocha Records, beside’s Tamara’s album and her next single ‘Like Rain’, we have the Afro-Cuban Bata Experiment with some amazing tracks from Osunlade, Nomumbah, Djinji Brown, Wale Oyejide, and others, and a full length album from me. As for other work, I have a few remixes coming soon. My plate is very full and my remixes, edits and re-works Vol 2 CD is also about to be released…
You alongside people such as Boddhi Satva and Abicah Soul, not to mention Osunlade, seem like havin’ brought a definitive breathe of fresh air to a point where the so called dance music can be considered as a whole like it was around 25 years ago before being divided into countless sub categories. One comment?
I really don’t concern myself with any of that. I make music to satisfy my tastes, and hopefully it resonates with others. I feel blessed that my music is able to reach so many people around the world and am humbled by it’s acceptance. I can only promise to continue to be Carlos Mena.
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