We’re back for another interview with Madoa Sankara, based out of Raleigh, North Carolina ! We had the chance to sit down with him and discuss his new single « Gold Nickels » from his recently released mixtape entitled « Witt ». Check out the full interview and new video below :

• Who is your all time favorite DJ ?

DJ Premier

• Do you have a favorite mixtape that you can mention ?

Separate But Equal by Little Brother

• Where are you from and what is your story ? How did you get into hip-hop ?

I’m originally from Newport News, VA but relocated to Fayetteville and Raleigh-Durham after high school. I joined the army and after doing my four years, I went to college, and got my associates, bachelors and masters. All the while, I was making music on the side, more as a passion that an attempt to blow. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to be world reknown as a hip-hop artist but if it doesn’t happen then it is what it is.  I really didn’t get into Hip-Hip as so much of being immersed in it. Growing up, hip-hop was just another facet of my culture. I can remember my older sister being in dance groups, dancing to LL Cool J, Bel Biv Devoe, Salt and Pepper, before I even knew what rap was. Hip-hop was just all around me. It was cultural. Hip-hop was a reflection of my community and vice versa. Freestyling was something we did as kids and one day I realized I was good at it. I eventually made a song one day and the rest is history. 

• Tell us about your new mixtape « Witt », what’s the concept behind this project ?

« Witt » is my first solo project and I put a lot of effort in it. It features two previously released singles, « Sunshine » and « Cus D’Amato. » The title of the project was inspired by a character from the movie « The Thin Red Line. » The movie was beautifully shot and the character, Witt, really resonated with me. The movie was about the Pacific theater during WWII and captured the hopelessness and tragedy  the young G.I.’s experienced in a war zone. Witt was a tragic character who couldn’t come with terms with the madness surrounding him and constantly tried to escape it. I was younger when I saw it and it really resonated with my worldview at the time. 

• How did you end up creating the group « The Drop Squad » ?

My partner in rhyme, Botti, whom I met in the army, and myself, decided to form a rap duo. The name « The Drop Squad » was also inspired by a film, in which this group tries to re-educate the brainwashed masses. I guess the thought was that we were trying to re-educate rap fans and bring them back to real hip-hop. 

• What are your plans to get bigger with your music ?

My main plan is to be active and release more music. I can’t be sporadic with music like I was in the past. Being sporadic gives people the opportunity to forget you. I plan on releasing multiple quality projects per year, accompanied with visuals and good promotion. I’m also willing to jump on whatever opportunities come my way. 

• To you, how important is being an entrepreneur as an independent artist ?

Being an entrepreneur is extremely important because it allows you to have total control off all aspects of your music, from the financial benefits, artistic direction to the overall plan. Personally, I don’t create music, music that’s from my heart, with the intention of having to answer to someone else and have someone else dictate what type of music I make, and reap the rewards of something that only I could create. It’s like leasing out your soul. My music is a reflection of me and my experiences, things that are unique to me. My story. Why should I offer that up to the highest bidder?

• Who’s your favorite hip-hop entrepreneur ?

I have several. Not one in particular. I respect the entrepreneurship of Master P, J. Prince, Baby, Puffy, Dame, Biggs, Jay-Z, Young Dolph and Westside Gunn.

• If you had to pick two of your fav producers to work on a EP who would you choose ?

Havoc and Hit Boy.

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• What’s your recipe to make a good project from start to finish ?

I think time is key when making a good project. I’m of the belief that you should make as many songs as possible and then select the best songs that fit the direction you want your project to go. I also believe that you need good production. As an emcee, I never really approach a project as wanting something particular to say. I let the beat determine the direction I’m going in. The beat speaks to me and not vice versa.

• If you could collab with an artist from your area, who would that be ?

J. Cole

• If you had 3 words to define yourself as an artist, what would you say ?

Dope, intelligent and gifted. 

• Do you have any words of advice for the young upcoming artists ?

Do it for the love. Don’t do it as a hustle because you’re just diluting the art form. Respect the culture of hip-hop – the history, the elements, the pioneers and the legends. Hip-Hop isn’t a hustle. It’s an art. Respect it. Don’t follow trends. If you love making music, make music, regardless of the financial rewards that may or may not come. Do you want to be remembered or just be a flash in the pan? Keep striving. Don’t let anyone deter you. I am a firm believer in the idea that your biggest fans and supporters aren’t going to be the people you know but the people you don’t know. 

FOLLOW MADOA SANKARA :

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/madoa.sankara/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/MadoaSankara

Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/madoa-sankara

Bandcamp : https://madoasankara.bandcamp.com/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dropsquad2/

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/c/MadoaSankara