What comes to mind when one hears the word hybrid? In the eyes of an entertainer, this can mean a ticket to everlasting worth in the industry - the ability to sing, write, and dance (or whatever combo of talents one can harness) at your exposal to use as an advantage against the competition. The music industry is forever evolving, but, one thing is clear: It is barely enough to just be able to carry a tune.
Chicago-based emcee 5 Star understands this concept more than ever, realizing that he must bring something new to the industry to make his mark on Hip-Hop a permanent one. Fortunately, Yo! Raps has given the one they call "5" a chance to let the world know why he is the Next 2 Blow.
So 5 Star, tell Yo! Raps where you're from and how you got your start in music/performance...
What's up! Well, I've been heavy doing music for the last 3 years or so. I got my start in performance originally through spoken-word about 8 years ago, and then started going crazy with the lyrics. Like most emcees, I just started writing to everything I heard. Pretty soon, I looked back at these 400 tracks and was like damn [laughs]. When you find what you are born to do, you don't think twice I guess.
You've been in Chicago since 2001 - what's the music scene like in the Windy City?
Chicago holds its own. I think from a talent perspective, Chicago has a lot to offer. On the other side though, as artists and producers, there aren't a lot of outlets for new music and talent. Like most cities, Chicago is filled with politics and red tape. Let's put it like this: I've had to go around a lot of DJs, artists and producers to get to this point. I have love for Chicago, but it is what it is. As a place where I began as an emcee, I plan on keeping the tradition of groundbreaking music coming out of Chicago.
So my man, explain the name. How did the alias "5" come about?
Yeah, well "5" came about from the 5 things people have come to know me as; an emcee, a doctor, an author, a poet, and songwriter. 5 Star of course means excellence too, that's no mistake [laughs].
You seem to have a lot going for you. What do you feel you can bring to the industry that it may be missing?
It's about creativity. The goal is to bring back creativity without losing people in mundane lyrics and speeches. So much is made today of how we're losing true Hip-Hop music, I just think we are losing creativity in our art form. A message that people don't like listening to, might as well be a poor message. I put the emphasis on making songs, complete songs; great beats, great hooks, metaphors and a message. Also, I know I'm going to bring a lot of attention back to Hip-Hop; it seems we have lost some fans of late.
Music critics who have heard your music have considered you a mix of Nas, Outkast, and even Eminem. How do you feel being considered a reminder of these Hip-Hop superstars?
Well, how can you not love that? [Laughs] I mean these three represent the best of making music period; the lyricism of Em, the storytelling of Nas and the creativity of Outkast. In the end, my music speaks for itself. Certainly, I've been influenced by a number of artists, but I plan on influencing many, many more. My intent is to change music history in a similar way to the artists you mentioned. it's an honor for sure.
From my understanding, you're not exactly the new kid on the block - tell me about some past projects newer fans may not know about?
Well, with 400 tracks, 4 books and numerous spoken-word and Hip-Hop performances it's hard to hide now [laughs]. I've done performances for McDonald's, Nike, Reebok and others. As I said, I've been around consistently for the past 8 years or so. Every day is a grind, and every day is an opportunity to get the music heard. I've been on radio locally and satellite, and opened up for some major industry acts in and out of Chicago.
You mentioned you were a poet. Can you tell Yo! Raps about your experience as a man of poetry? Does any of your poetry transition into the songs you create?
I feel in many ways, writing bars is just an extension of poetry. With no music to speak of, poetry and spoken-word often rely on the message and delivery. In many ways, poetry has enhanced my ability to write music lyrics. People always said when I was doing spoken-word, man you need to spit. I've always performed with rhythm, and always heard melodies. In the end, music became the greatest format for me to create. Often time, poets feel trapped in a way since their works are often in book format reliant on a reader, music gave me freedom.
Okay, I have to ask you - what's this you say about you being a doctor? An actual doctor?
In the flesh [laughs].
You definitely give the term "Jack of all Trades" a new meaning. Do you get a lot of weird looks from people when you tell them you're a doctor?
Um, yeah. People just don't believe it for the most part. When you perform surgery and then turn around and start spitting people are shocked. In reality though, I try to keep my "two lives" separate. Most people think being a doctor is enough in life, but you don't choose to be an emcee, it chooses you. Music is my life, whether I got blood on my hands or not, so to speak [laughs].
That's definitely something to be proud of. Emcee with a medical license - kind of makes me wonder if Dre went to school to earn his "Dr." status [laughs].
Yeah, I kind of feel I might deserve the doctor title [laughs]. It's ok, if he makes me a couple of beats, I'll share!
So back to your music - what can you say is your biggest achievement in your musical venture?
My biggest achievement so far I would say is to make people say, "Oh my God!" when they hear the music. It's one thing to say you make music and it's another when respected people in the music industry say you make hit songs. It's a real sense of pride, but I have my sights set on much bigger goals.
Your tracks In My Caddy and In My Business are some songs getting buzz. What do you think attracts listeners to your music the most?
As most critics of Hip-Hop, I often analyze constantly what can make a song better. I believe that most listeners realize first off that I don't sound like anyone else in the industry. People tell me I have a unique voice, I'm like, "Ok" [laughs]. Also, I always make music with the mindset to make a hit record. I let the beat and the melody dictate my delivery and concept. That way, it's always something fresh. I'm here to make hits and through the music identify with the listener in some form or fashion.
Do you have any projects in the works your fans can look forward to?
Right now, we are in the midst of a radio campaign for the first single, Get To Know U. It is produced by multi-platinum producer Jimi Kendrix. The record is real special and I expect great things from it. In reality, we have the first album already set, and plan to find a major label home in the near future. You will definitely hear from 5 Star. If I leave this planet without a Grammy something went wrong.
Tell Yo! Raps and everyone in the Hip-Hop world where they can hear you and why we should look for the man they call 5 Star...
Well, first it's been a pleasure and I appreciate the love from everyone for real. But yea, check out www.myspace.com/5star1, www.youtube.com/5starhiphop, www.twitter.com/5star1, www.sonicbids.com/5star.... better yet, just Google me!
- By Jovan Bland
