RSS
Home
Carol City Cartel
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Carol City Cartel are four emcees setting the industry on fire. They are led by “The Boss” Rick Ross, and ready to squash any adversary in their path. Torch, Gunplay, and Young Breed Showcase their skills on their latest release Custom Cars & Cycles. The tracks range from the asserting their baller status to pure street talk. After several monstrous mixtapes including Black Flag: The Prequel and the recent White Sand they’ve solidified their place in the industry. I was able to catch up with them after the release of Custom Cars & Cycles below is our discussion.
The video for Errday seemed to be a very much so star-studded event. I also couldn’t help but notice Torch ironing money that’s hilarious! I remember doing it as a child. Whose idea was it to do that in the video and which one of you actual did that as a child?
(Torch) It was actually the director’s idea after he overheard me talking about how I like my bills crisp and all facing the same direction. He thought It would be a great idea. Old habits die hard I definitely did that as a kid, sh*t If I wasn’t too busy making money I’d still do (laughing)
We have heard about Carol City Cartel almost as soon as we heard about Rick Ross. When did the Cartel form and how did the group come together? Also Torch are you the only member not from Miami?
The Cartel formed in the early 90’s. (Gunplay) I met Ross in 97 through mutual associates and we linked with Torch the next year in 98. (Torch) I Caught a case and got shipped to Miami, that’s when I met up with Ross etc. We all had the same aspirations for music and the rest is history. Yeah I’m from the Bronx, New York, Castle Hill Projects born and raised.
The Miami artists have once again solidified their place in Hip Hop. What caused everyone to hit the scene at the same time? Also how have you Miami artists managed to stay so unified over the past couple of years?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play)Miami’s been holding sh*t down for a minute; its artists are just gaining more recognition on a global level. Hip hop goes through its phases N.Y had it for a min, L.A. Had it, ATL, Texas and now it’s Miami’s Turn. (Torch) There’s still a lot of undiscovered talent out here, so don’t sleep on Miami and the up-and- coming MC’s and DJ’s. When there’s a common goal of showing the world what you’re made of it’s easy to stay unified.
Carol City Cartel brings more of the streets and the trap to the table whereas Rick Ross’ most recent solo album is more celebratory and smooth. What brought about this shift?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play)We’re the niggas still in the streets so it’s only right that we’re talking about our experiences and what we know etc. Ross has three #1 albums under his Belt so for him to limit himself to talking about the streets all the time wouldn’t show his creative evolution. But don’t sleep Triple C’s is more than up to the task of supplying that gangsta music yall love.
Recently the feud with Rick Ross and 50 Cent has pretty much fizzled out; however the feud with Mayweather is still intense. What actually started these feuds, as it is hard see why a Hip Hop artist would be enthralled in an exchange of words with a boxer? Also how has this affected Triple C’s album sales and publicity?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play) We can’t speak for Ross. At the end of the day Triple C’s is going to continue to make great music. You’re not going to please everyone all the time and really we’re not trying to. One day the press likes you and the next day they don’t; as long as they’re saying Triple C’s period we good. In regards to album sales f*ck it! Sh*t happens and we still making music and rolling with loyal fans.
On Custom Cars & Cycles you worked with some of the hottest artists out at this time. How did you choose the artists for collaborations?
(Torch) We worked with the hottest most relevant niggas in the streets The Game, Jeezy , Gucci, Bun B, Yo Gotti and Mass Pike Miles. We’re the hottest group in the game of course we’re only going to collaborate with the best.
Also what was the feeling or mood around its creation? Was there any competition in seeing who could write the hottest verse or lay the best hook?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play) Real talent always brings out the best in everyone so of course there was probably some competitiveness especially with a crazy hook. (Torch)Being so different in our styles yet similar in our drive; each one of us had a job to do, to stand out and be recognized and if we did that we all won on some level.
In making this album which producers did each of you collaborate with the best?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play)We collaborated with a lot of great producers Cool & Dre, Drumma Boy, The Transformers and The Olimpics. (Torch) But I would have to say Shife, he produced the first two singles off the album was best pick. I’ve been working with him for years he’s red hot in the streets keep a look out for him.
The album Custom Cars & Cycles just dropped with several great songs. Looking at the title it is evident you all put lots of time and money into your transportation. Who has the most cars, and who has the most lavishly accessorized vehicles?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play)We all have a couple of nice whips. We’re trying to catch up with Ross that niggas ahead by a landslide. (Laughing)
With the release of your debut album, are you also touring at this time, and what are some upcoming dates and venues?
(Torch) We’re out on the road as we speak and actually recorded the album while on the road and touring the globe. Fans can keep up with tour dates and special events at Defjam.com/triplec. We’ll be in your city real soon.
Rick Ross fired shots at 50 Cent yet again in the Thank You section of Custom Cars & Cycles; however the groups first weeks were along the lines of what the G-Unit leader predicted. Are you all prepared for another possible bout with G-Unit?
Ain’t nobody thinking about that monkey! (Torch) I love drama so if it’s beef BRING IT. I’m Tired of talking. Anybody trying to jeopardize the way I feed my family obviously wanna See me in the streets. I think I speak for the whole Cartel when I say we about making money in the board room but always ready to take it to the streets.
Does being in a group complicate or simplify the writing process from concept to fruition?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play)We all do what we do best and meet in the middle. We all been together for so long we feed off each other’s style and energy making the process of conception that much faster.
Each of you have mixtapes either out or coming out soon. What are the mixtapes that are available now and which ones are yet to come? In addition who will drop solo albums if anyone? Also what can listeners expect from each of your upcoming projects?
(Torch) My latest solo project Ski Mask Music Vol. 1 hosted by Big Mike is out and a certified classic; that can be downloaded everywhere online or at torchisny.com and look out for Vol. 2 Crash Course coming soon. (Gunplay) Check out my project Sniff-A-Hill Vol.1 and Vol. 2 Cigar Fare & Hardware. (Young Breed) I have Young Boss mixtape in the streets. As a group check that critically acclaimed Triple CD/mixtape White Sand already in the streets. The follow up Sticks & Stones is coming soon. (Torch) Our grind never stops we’re going to keep sh*tting on these bums. Also look out for my label “SPECIALYST ENT” we are the “new” New York.
As all artists are fans of someone, who are some artists each of you are listening to and do you try to incorporate what attracted you to those artists in your music?
(Torch) I’m an 80’s baby so I’m a fan of good hip hop period. I grew up listening to Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Jay Z, Pac and Biggie.
It seems these days everyone has an opinion on Hip Hop and what it’s missing. What do you think Hip Hop is missing and how does the Cartel fill that need? As well what does Hip Hop mean to you?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play) Hip hop’s missing originality and hunger; all these bubble gum thugs sound the same. Hip hop tells real stories not nursery rhymes. Triple C has what it takes to make people believe that this sh*t is really science and not just comic book art.
I am sure you guys are aware that people often consider true Hip Hop to be those individuals that are “lyrical.” Recently at W.A.N.T.S. we were debating meaning of lyrical, and came to the conclusion that anyone who expresses their thoughts through words to a beat is lyrical; as lyrics are words to a song. The problem is people associate being “lyrical” with having deep subject matter or use of metaphors and clever phrasing. Who is the most “lyrical” in the group by society’s standards and what are the Cartel’s most “lyrical” tracks?
(Torch Breed, Gun Play) You’d have to ask the fans. We are all very different in our styles so it would depend on fans of Triple C to pick who they personally relate to etc. Lyrical is classified by the person listening to a track, you may say something that sticks to one listener and go over the head of the other. To each is own.
Speaking of writing are any of you ghostwriting for any other artists, or doubling as a producer at this moment?
(Torch) I ghost write for a lot of artists with a few of my songs landing on Billboard. Who you ask? (Laughing) There’s a reason they call it ghost writing.
For each of you who are your top five emcees of all time?
Jay, Biggie, Pac, Big Daddy Kane and Nas.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
Single, married or something in between? Find what you need for Valentine's Day.
