Ox the Midwest Machine
Straight out the Midwest, Ox is an emcee with an interesting appeal. He's got the grit and roughness that reminds me of rappers like Jadakiss & Busta Rhymes, with a soulful, finesse touch. After listening to his album and mixtapes for the past month or so, it was time to give Ox a feature. More than that, we went out and did a full-blown interview this time around, a Hip-Hop Is Read first. Check it out:
IVAN: Alright man, so first and foremost: Ox the Bully or Ox the Machine?
OX: Both (laughter)
IVAN: Word? Like two personas or two styles?
OX: Well, the “Bully” means aggressive, in other words not budging or giving in. I don’t bully people, I bully music and my ideals within that. The “Machine” is the process I go through to get me and my stuff out there.
IVAN: Speaking of which: The 'Midwest Machine'. I was just talking to a friend about this and it was brought up: What is it about the Midwest that keeps you guys pumping out good music? You got something in the water or something?
OX: It’s the fact that all music from all other areas penetrates our ears out here. We have all the options: East coast, West coast, as well as the South. Also, the reason why we are so tenacious and so solid is because we are often overlooked. We want our shine and recognition like anyone else and we are not getting it. You get that? We want in! The Midwest has talent too! There’s more to us than Twista, Common and Kanye – no disrespect to them dudes.
IVAN: Back to the issue of the other regions, that's definitely a good point. But I noticed that although the Midwest picks up on styles from the other Hip-Hop hot spots, you always retain a soulful edge. In particular, your music definitely has it's "bully"/rough side, but songs like 'You & Me', 'Hustle' and countless others have that sincerity that is lacking in other regions. You know what I mean? There is a soulfulness in the Midwest that's unheard anywhere else
OX: Word. Yeah, me personally I grew up on my momma’s soul records. I have a music fetish and have had one since I was two years old. Soul music is what I use as inspiration for my bars, a launch pad for my words. The sounds from the soul are the foundation. As far as spitting, there is a lot of nothing out here but drinking and struggles. We have hardships too, and the fact that we can do good music and still our story is told with color, we definitely win. We’re just no getting shine from the execs. When other people think of Midwesterners, they think farms and corn fields. Not true! The misconceptions about us suck. In our defense, we welcome; we don’t usually reject, like other coasts so to speak.
IVAN: So with your music, do you intend to break down those barriers, and if so, how do you think the Midwest can further stand up as a respectable region like the other three.
OX: Hell yeah I’m a barrier breaker! It’ll just take a constant push from us! The Midwest has plenty of Hip-Hop heads, so once we break from the "can’t make it” mold, we will have strength in product and numbers.
IVAN: Alright, so with that said: tell me a little about 'Life Support' as a movement, as you call it. What's that about?
OX: ‘Life Support’ for me means two things: Living and dying, as far as music; and to be quite honest, me.
IVAN: Meaning what exactly?
OX: Meaning that my music in general has kept me alive. Quite honestly, I have bi-polar manic depression, and every day, well at least when I was kickin’ my ass, I had times where I was going to bend. I never did, and my music and others’ music kept me in it so to speak.
IVAN: Word.
OX: ‘Life Support’ also means that either I get busy living in my Hip-Hop entity, or I go as Julian; kind of my final testament to be underrated, overlooked, and exhausted with the process of the music business. Does that make sense?
IVAN: Yeah, no doubt. So with all that said, I’ve noticed that your music is very, very personal. It's refreshing to see and hear that in Hip-Hop. Do you feel comfortable expressing yourself in that kind of “open” way?
OX: Yes sir! I am an honest dude. I hate the fakes and falseness of people, that’s why the world stinks. I will always try my best to give people the truth: it’s deserved!
IVAN: That’s real!
OX: I don’t have to hide. I’m here, take me as I am. I don’t mind letting people in. Where I am from, the people/locals love to hate me without getting to know me. They see some things I have done and judge me. My music is my story.
IVAN: Yeah, you're definitely up front about who you are. First thing anyone would notice when checking out your Myspace page is the big Che Guevara imprint on your t-shirt. Have you got an admiration for him?
OX: Yes I do. Che was about revolution. He stood and fought for what he believed in; me too! The middle finger is for, well, you know, whoever; ride rough or roll over. (Laughter) I’m serious though. I really have no problem saying fuck you to those that deserve it, real talk!
IVAN: So how would u describe your music to people?
OX: Soulful. Intense. Social. Truthful. Relevant. Fact, non-fiction. Real talk. Therapy. Dangerous. Non-conforming. Me! Hip-Hop! (laughter) Good music for any Hip-Hop head. That’s it.
IVAN: So as far as getting your music out to the people, how's that been going? What obstacles do you face and feel you need to get out of the way?
OX: The hardest part is getting people to cop. The one thing I hate is the selling, and the look some people will give you like: “Your shit’s probably garbage!” Then on the other hand, people will get it and re-approach it like: “Yo, that’s that shit!” The game is too crowded; a lot of garbage out there is clogging the game. People are skeptical. The fact is people don’t wanna buy or support music more or less because of the over-saturation of rappers. I emcee; for me, music should speak for itself. At the moment, the trash is outweighing the good. But all in all, Hip-Hop isn’t dead - it’s infected.
IVAN: I like that "Hip-Hop isn’t dead – it’s infected." Do u see any hope for Hip-Hop?
OX: I do, but not on a scale that’s what it should be. In sports, the best athletes get the big money, endorsements, and so on. But in music, the greats get the battle of being frustrated! Why aren’t the best or most solid artists getting their due? As of late, it’s been all fame and money chasers replacing talent. It’s been that way for years and from what we’ve seen it’s only gotten worse. There is hope though.
IVAN: Speaking of hope, have you got any interest in the upcoming elections?
OX: Man, seriously - I could give a fuck. Politicians are puppets. I will vote, but I hate politics!
IVAN: (Laughter) I feel you man, it gets pretty tedious.
OX: Redundant. Word!
IVAN: So I’m watching the Laker/Cavalier game right now as we speak, and I liked the comparison you made between sports and music. The best athletes get the greatest praise, but it's very different in the music world. So I guess what my question would be is: what's your definition of success, or what success should be?
OX: Man, Jay(-Z) says it best: “fuck success.” I believe that if you look at it like: “How does the world view my equities?” Success for me is the fact that I’m able to eat and live by making music. I am not greedy – by no means. The best success is the acceptance and praise from your listener. A personal example – When somebody stops me and says “Yo, the shit you said…!” That’s priceless!! Real talk.
IVAN: No doubt! That’s letting you know you’re doing what you’ve got to do. Aight, so I've got a few random questions to ask.
OX: no doubt
IVAN: So for instance, you mentioned Jay-Z in the last question, on the topic of “Success.” What did u think about his latest album, American Gangster?
OX: The album was okay, I liked it because it’s Jay. But I really didn’t get into it until the remixes hit. The beats were okay on the original, but I was bored quite honestly. It didn’t hit me like it should have.
IVAN: Yeah, a lot of people have shared the same sentiment. I hear you.
OX: It’s just that if you are in the position to make great music, then why not? It could’ve been a classic. All albums could be if artists really gave a fuck. Real talk!
IVAN: Wow! I like that…
OX: I mean that shit man. I can get a billion dollars and still make a project that is good or great? why not?
IVAN: Which kind of leads me to the next question: What do u think of the recent GZA/50 Cent dispute?
OX: To me, that shit is crazy! Both of them are on two very different spectrums. Crazy! I don’t know why or how 50 gets off by belittling. That’s the “Bully” that I am not! What’s the purpose?
IVAN: Yeah, Soulja Boy even gave his two cents against the GZA, which I personally thought was out of place. What do you think the young'ns need to learn/do?
OX: Be who you are. Don’t get caught in the following of people. That shit leads to nothing but problems. And also, 50 got his first million. Why not run an old concept in the ground. I was and a huge 50 fan until the gimmicks on an economic level came in. Peace to the game! (Laughter) But I mean: you get money you are not as hungry but the passion to make great music should still be there. Otherwise your intentions were fucked up from the start.
IVAN: Word! So overall, what's your opinion on rap beef? Like the real battles with artists like KRS, Shan, Kool Moe Dee and such. Are you cool with that, or do you also think there's no purpose to it? Personally, I'm kind of torn on that issue…
OX: They did it as a “I’m fresher than you on the mic” kind of thing. Not in the streets. Beef is not the same as competition for me. Beef means blood, death, hurt, turmoil. Competition is healthy.
IVAN: Yeah! As Wu-Tang members often say: it’s like sharpening your sword.
OX: No doubt! Look at LL Cool J and Kool Moe Dee. That was about who is the better rapper or MC, not who can draw the most blood
IVAN: Yeah, you know, I wouldn’t consider the Pac/Big issue a true rap battle, y’knah’mean? Speaking of which, you've got a song on your ‘Life Support Mixtape’ called 'Paying Homage (RIP 2pac & Biggie)'; how did these two MC’s impact u?
OX: (Enthusiastically) All the way! Biggie was around for a little while, but look at his impact on the game! He was an amazing rapper. Tupac was like the gospel for me though. He was talking to everybody, but to you as an individual. They both have left a huge void in my heart, and will continue to inspire me to be the best that I can be. Both were kings, but the real question on Big or Pac? … Pac!
IVAN: Word! I gotta agree. Which leads me to the obvious question: Nas or Jay-Z?
OX: (Enthusiastically) Nas!!
IVAN: Break it down: Was it just because ‘Ether’? Like, that was it?
OX: Well, Nas changed the game. Pre-Nas you had something after such. The precedent on how good you are as a MC was obvious. Jay came after Nas.
IVAN: But that can’t be the only reason why the battle belonged to Nas. I mean: sometimes the newbies crush the vets, like in the case of Can-I-Bus versus LL.
OX: Oh, but no doubt! Nas killed him in ‘Ether’! Point blank period! Jay started it and Nas finished it. For me, that’s what meant the most. Can-I-Bus killed LL.
IVAN: For real! L ain't been the same since…
OX: (Laughter) Neither has Can-I-Bus.
IVAN: Yeah. That's true.
OX: Can-I-Bus is a good example though.
IVAN: So now that we know what you thought about Jay's record, how about Nas' upcoming 'Nigger' album. What do you think about the concept and the song titles?
OX: Wow! That’s a little different for me, but until I listen to it, I can’t pre-judge. I am a little worried for my dude though.
IVAN: I hear that, it’s definitely a risky move. So speaking of upcoming albums, what have you got in store for '08? What should people be lookin’ out for?
OX: ‘Flatline’ and the already finished mixtape ‘Animal Grind, Volume 1’.
IVAN: No doubt. Everybody be on the lookout for those! Any last shout-outs or statements you wanna make?
OX: Yeah! The Midwest Machine! Shouts to you and yours! Also, look for my SHITTTTT!!! I’ve got a lot to offer on a personable music level! All I ask is for a minute of your ears! I am here and I ain’t leaving. The new slogan is “kill yourself – don’t kill Hip-Hop!”
IVAN: (Laughter) Good lookin' out man! Keep doing what you do, and we'll keep listening!
OX: One!
OX: Both (laughter)
IVAN: Word? Like two personas or two styles?
OX: Well, the “Bully” means aggressive, in other words not budging or giving in. I don’t bully people, I bully music and my ideals within that. The “Machine” is the process I go through to get me and my stuff out there.
IVAN: Speaking of which: The 'Midwest Machine'. I was just talking to a friend about this and it was brought up: What is it about the Midwest that keeps you guys pumping out good music? You got something in the water or something?
OX: It’s the fact that all music from all other areas penetrates our ears out here. We have all the options: East coast, West coast, as well as the South. Also, the reason why we are so tenacious and so solid is because we are often overlooked. We want our shine and recognition like anyone else and we are not getting it. You get that? We want in! The Midwest has talent too! There’s more to us than Twista, Common and Kanye – no disrespect to them dudes.
IVAN: Back to the issue of the other regions, that's definitely a good point. But I noticed that although the Midwest picks up on styles from the other Hip-Hop hot spots, you always retain a soulful edge. In particular, your music definitely has it's "bully"/rough side, but songs like 'You & Me', 'Hustle' and countless others have that sincerity that is lacking in other regions. You know what I mean? There is a soulfulness in the Midwest that's unheard anywhere elseOX: Word. Yeah, me personally I grew up on my momma’s soul records. I have a music fetish and have had one since I was two years old. Soul music is what I use as inspiration for my bars, a launch pad for my words. The sounds from the soul are the foundation. As far as spitting, there is a lot of nothing out here but drinking and struggles. We have hardships too, and the fact that we can do good music and still our story is told with color, we definitely win. We’re just no getting shine from the execs. When other people think of Midwesterners, they think farms and corn fields. Not true! The misconceptions about us suck. In our defense, we welcome; we don’t usually reject, like other coasts so to speak.
IVAN: So with your music, do you intend to break down those barriers, and if so, how do you think the Midwest can further stand up as a respectable region like the other three.
OX: Hell yeah I’m a barrier breaker! It’ll just take a constant push from us! The Midwest has plenty of Hip-Hop heads, so once we break from the "can’t make it” mold, we will have strength in product and numbers.
IVAN: Alright, so with that said: tell me a little about 'Life Support' as a movement, as you call it. What's that about?
OX: ‘Life Support’ for me means two things: Living and dying, as far as music; and to be quite honest, me.
IVAN: Meaning what exactly?
OX: Meaning that my music in general has kept me alive. Quite honestly, I have bi-polar manic depression, and every day, well at least when I was kickin’ my ass, I had times where I was going to bend. I never did, and my music and others’ music kept me in it so to speak.
IVAN: Word.
OX: ‘Life Support’ also means that either I get busy living in my Hip-Hop entity, or I go as Julian; kind of my final testament to be underrated, overlooked, and exhausted with the process of the music business. Does that make sense?
IVAN: Yeah, no doubt. So with all that said, I’ve noticed that your music is very, very personal. It's refreshing to see and hear that in Hip-Hop. Do you feel comfortable expressing yourself in that kind of “open” way?
OX: Yes sir! I am an honest dude. I hate the fakes and falseness of people, that’s why the world stinks. I will always try my best to give people the truth: it’s deserved!
IVAN: That’s real!
OX: I don’t have to hide. I’m here, take me as I am. I don’t mind letting people in. Where I am from, the people/locals love to hate me without getting to know me. They see some things I have done and judge me. My music is my story.
IVAN: Yeah, you're definitely up front about who you are. First thing anyone would notice when checking out your Myspace page is the big Che Guevara imprint on your t-shirt. Have you got an admiration for him?
OX: Yes I do. Che was about revolution. He stood and fought for what he believed in; me too! The middle finger is for, well, you know, whoever; ride rough or roll over. (Laughter) I’m serious though. I really have no problem saying fuck you to those that deserve it, real talk!
IVAN: So how would u describe your music to people?
OX: Soulful. Intense. Social. Truthful. Relevant. Fact, non-fiction. Real talk. Therapy. Dangerous. Non-conforming. Me! Hip-Hop! (laughter) Good music for any Hip-Hop head. That’s it.IVAN: So as far as getting your music out to the people, how's that been going? What obstacles do you face and feel you need to get out of the way?
OX: The hardest part is getting people to cop. The one thing I hate is the selling, and the look some people will give you like: “Your shit’s probably garbage!” Then on the other hand, people will get it and re-approach it like: “Yo, that’s that shit!” The game is too crowded; a lot of garbage out there is clogging the game. People are skeptical. The fact is people don’t wanna buy or support music more or less because of the over-saturation of rappers. I emcee; for me, music should speak for itself. At the moment, the trash is outweighing the good. But all in all, Hip-Hop isn’t dead - it’s infected.
IVAN: I like that "Hip-Hop isn’t dead – it’s infected." Do u see any hope for Hip-Hop?
OX: I do, but not on a scale that’s what it should be. In sports, the best athletes get the big money, endorsements, and so on. But in music, the greats get the battle of being frustrated! Why aren’t the best or most solid artists getting their due? As of late, it’s been all fame and money chasers replacing talent. It’s been that way for years and from what we’ve seen it’s only gotten worse. There is hope though.
IVAN: Speaking of hope, have you got any interest in the upcoming elections?
OX: Man, seriously - I could give a fuck. Politicians are puppets. I will vote, but I hate politics!
IVAN: (Laughter) I feel you man, it gets pretty tedious.
OX: Redundant. Word!
IVAN: So I’m watching the Laker/Cavalier game right now as we speak, and I liked the comparison you made between sports and music. The best athletes get the greatest praise, but it's very different in the music world. So I guess what my question would be is: what's your definition of success, or what success should be?
OX: Man, Jay(-Z) says it best: “fuck success.” I believe that if you look at it like: “How does the world view my equities?” Success for me is the fact that I’m able to eat and live by making music. I am not greedy – by no means. The best success is the acceptance and praise from your listener. A personal example – When somebody stops me and says “Yo, the shit you said…!” That’s priceless!! Real talk.
IVAN: No doubt! That’s letting you know you’re doing what you’ve got to do. Aight, so I've got a few random questions to ask.
OX: no doubt
IVAN: So for instance, you mentioned Jay-Z in the last question, on the topic of “Success.” What did u think about his latest album, American Gangster?
OX: The album was okay, I liked it because it’s Jay. But I really didn’t get into it until the remixes hit. The beats were okay on the original, but I was bored quite honestly. It didn’t hit me like it should have.
IVAN: Yeah, a lot of people have shared the same sentiment. I hear you.
OX: It’s just that if you are in the position to make great music, then why not? It could’ve been a classic. All albums could be if artists really gave a fuck. Real talk!
IVAN: Wow! I like that…
OX: I mean that shit man. I can get a billion dollars and still make a project that is good or great? why not?
IVAN: Which kind of leads me to the next question: What do u think of the recent GZA/50 Cent dispute?
OX: To me, that shit is crazy! Both of them are on two very different spectrums. Crazy! I don’t know why or how 50 gets off by belittling. That’s the “Bully” that I am not! What’s the purpose?
IVAN: Yeah, Soulja Boy even gave his two cents against the GZA, which I personally thought was out of place. What do you think the young'ns need to learn/do?
OX: Be who you are. Don’t get caught in the following of people. That shit leads to nothing but problems. And also, 50 got his first million. Why not run an old concept in the ground. I was and a huge 50 fan until the gimmicks on an economic level came in. Peace to the game! (Laughter) But I mean: you get money you are not as hungry but the passion to make great music should still be there. Otherwise your intentions were fucked up from the start.
IVAN: Word! So overall, what's your opinion on rap beef? Like the real battles with artists like KRS, Shan, Kool Moe Dee and such. Are you cool with that, or do you also think there's no purpose to it? Personally, I'm kind of torn on that issue…
OX: They did it as a “I’m fresher than you on the mic” kind of thing. Not in the streets. Beef is not the same as competition for me. Beef means blood, death, hurt, turmoil. Competition is healthy.
IVAN: Yeah! As Wu-Tang members often say: it’s like sharpening your sword.
OX: No doubt! Look at LL Cool J and Kool Moe Dee. That was about who is the better rapper or MC, not who can draw the most blood
IVAN: Yeah, you know, I wouldn’t consider the Pac/Big issue a true rap battle, y’knah’mean? Speaking of which, you've got a song on your ‘Life Support Mixtape’ called 'Paying Homage (RIP 2pac & Biggie)'; how did these two MC’s impact u?OX: (Enthusiastically) All the way! Biggie was around for a little while, but look at his impact on the game! He was an amazing rapper. Tupac was like the gospel for me though. He was talking to everybody, but to you as an individual. They both have left a huge void in my heart, and will continue to inspire me to be the best that I can be. Both were kings, but the real question on Big or Pac? … Pac!
IVAN: Word! I gotta agree. Which leads me to the obvious question: Nas or Jay-Z?
OX: (Enthusiastically) Nas!!
IVAN: Break it down: Was it just because ‘Ether’? Like, that was it?
OX: Well, Nas changed the game. Pre-Nas you had something after such. The precedent on how good you are as a MC was obvious. Jay came after Nas.
IVAN: But that can’t be the only reason why the battle belonged to Nas. I mean: sometimes the newbies crush the vets, like in the case of Can-I-Bus versus LL.
OX: Oh, but no doubt! Nas killed him in ‘Ether’! Point blank period! Jay started it and Nas finished it. For me, that’s what meant the most. Can-I-Bus killed LL.
IVAN: For real! L ain't been the same since…
OX: (Laughter) Neither has Can-I-Bus.
IVAN: Yeah. That's true.
OX: Can-I-Bus is a good example though.
IVAN: So now that we know what you thought about Jay's record, how about Nas' upcoming 'Nigger' album. What do you think about the concept and the song titles?
OX: Wow! That’s a little different for me, but until I listen to it, I can’t pre-judge. I am a little worried for my dude though.
IVAN: I hear that, it’s definitely a risky move. So speaking of upcoming albums, what have you got in store for '08? What should people be lookin’ out for?
OX: ‘Flatline’ and the already finished mixtape ‘Animal Grind, Volume 1’.
IVAN: No doubt. Everybody be on the lookout for those! Any last shout-outs or statements you wanna make?
OX: Yeah! The Midwest Machine! Shouts to you and yours! Also, look for my SHITTTTT!!! I’ve got a lot to offer on a personable music level! All I ask is for a minute of your ears! I am here and I ain’t leaving. The new slogan is “kill yourself – don’t kill Hip-Hop!”
IVAN: (Laughter) Good lookin' out man! Keep doing what you do, and we'll keep listening!
OX: One!
I hope you enjoyed reading HHIR's first interview. But there's more. Plenty more! Ox has a huge collection of his music up for grabs right here. For a sampling of what Ox has got to offer, swing on over to his Myspace page and check out some of my favorite tracks such as 'You & Me', 'The Hustle', and plenty more. Then come back and pick up some of these albums and mixtapes:
Life Support (Mixtape) [2007]
The Day Before Tomorrow [2006]
The Syllabus [2005]
Added on 4/20/2009: New, Free Shit
Keep Hip-Hop Alive!
...see you next week for the fourth installment of 'Myspace Mondays'...
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