Crime pays, literally, when it comes to this Detroit native street poet, who describes the Motor City as a war zone like the people who live in Afghanistan. Crime has been through trials and tribulations living in a provish city and you will hear his own experiences in his music. Crime mainly focuses on the art form of Hip-Hop rather than the nonsense music that is being played on radio today. He's quick to tell his fans about a story rather than rhyming about how many diamonds are hanging around his neck.

Crime wants to change the game in Hip-Hop by releasing his new album Street Contagious which features high profile artists like Dolla (R.I.P.), Ray J, and Jackie-O. He may not be a household name but he's racking up street recognition. With that all said and done the spotlight needs to shine on the rapper Crime.

Where do you think Hip-Hop is going presently?

Hip-Hop, I think is going through more doors, now than ever before. A lot of doors that used to be closed to the genre have now opened. Hip-Hop artist are actually getting paid to endorse products now.   

How are you going to change the status about Hip-Hop because you said you are determined to bring Hip-Hop back to life? So is it dead like Nas proclaimed?

Hip-Hop could never completelty die out! It just goes into different phases and transitions. Some are for the better but most don't help the genre like many would think. 

Do you think Hip-Hop has gone too commercial or the poetry of Hip-Hop has disappeared?

It's a blessing that mainstream America has embraced Hip-Hop because it has made a lot of money and opportunities for artists that weren't there before. Hip-Hop has enough avenues.

Why do you think storytelling is so important in writing rhymes?

When you tell stories it gives the listeners your vision. You are allowing them to think creatively and maybe even adapt some of those lyrics to their own life. That's really what music is about.

Do you basically rhyme about what's going on in our society or Detroit?

That's what I'm known for. I was in the streets for a time and I know how things work. I was fortunate enough to be able to know how to navigate out of situations which by me rapping about it can help others do the same. How can you rap and not rap about what's going on in the world and what's going on in the city where you are from.

Let us talk about the artist Crime and the person behind it. Where are you originally from and how did you get your start in Hip-Hop?

I was born in Lansing, but moved to the bigger city. Ever since I heard Run DMC, N.W.A., De La Soul...I knew Hip-Hop was something I wanted to do and I have been fortunate enough to do what I love.

Detroit, Michigan, is known to be one of the most recognizable cities for having a Rap and Hip-Hop origin and influence. Who were your idols when becoming a rapper and why?

Detroit does have a rich history that a lof of people sometimes forget about, but we still can't be denied for the progress and influences the city has made. For me, my idols were Dre, Prince Vince, and Awol. All of these Detroit artists were known outside Michigan and they worked hard to make it that way. 

Do you think coming from the streets of Detroit inspire your rap game in a special way?

Of course. Without those Detroit streets there wouldn't be a Crime. There wouldn't be trials and tribulations for me to talk about. Detroit is a big if not one of the biggest inspirations for me when it comes to rapping. 

Talk about your new album Streets Contagious. Did it already drop or when can we expect it?

Yes, my album is in stores now. Best Buy, local stores, and iTunes. I did a lot of big things on this project. I did things a lot of people weren't even expecting. I mean look at the features. Those are people that I really mess with and I wanted them to be apart of it.  People are often surprised about how far my reach has gone and they ask me how I've been able to do it. The only reason I can come up with is that real recognizes real. Real people don't want to be associated with those who aren't real and I'm as real as they come.

How did you get leading artists like Ray J, Dolla (R.I.P.), and Jackie-O to appear on your album?

Ray J and Dolla (R.I.P.) are personal friends from the streets and industry. As for the song I got with Jackie-O, which didn't make the album, came about through Konvict Music.

What was your inspiration for the new single What's Life?

How easy people take life for granted, and don't live it up when they are able to. The flip side is what's life with nothing, and will you take whatever to live it up? 

Can your fans get a preview of a single from your new album?

Yes, at a couple places. Check myspace.com/crimepays313 and www. gullyinc.com

How did you actually get the name Crime?

I started a group called Crimeside in the late 90's and after we went different ways the name stuck with me since people started calling me Crime for short.  

Are there any new projects in the works besides the album?

My next album Nation Wide Networking, and Crime and Petey Wheat's collabo album The Duffle Bag.

In the end, let the people know where they can find you online.

You can find me at www.gullyinc.com, www.myspace.com/crimepays313, and www.twitter.com/crime313.

- By Alana Ward