Real Name, No Gimmicks.

One of the blessings of writing music articles is that I get sent a lot of press releases and mix tapes from new, up and coming artists. One the curses of writing music articles is that I get sent info on A LOT of press releases and mix tapes from new, up and coming artist. There are some great unheard artist out there that deserve to have your ear but there are even more garbage artists that deserve no recognition at all. I'm happy to tell you that Ameer falls into the first category. I'm not the only one that feels that way. Other established artist like AZ, Erykah Badu, CL Smooth and others have provided him with a helping hand in establishing himself. Recently I had the privilege of discussing what Ameer has learned from being around some of the great ones, his belief in God and what being nice with the barber blades can get you.

How'd you hook up with artist like C L Smooth, AZ, and Eddie F?

I hooked up with CL first through a mutual friend but he took an interest after my cousin Zeke played this song for him in the barber shop. From there the rest is history. Through my relationship with CL I met Deo who brought me around Eddie F and AZ all the time plus I was cutting hair at the time so I would cut CL, Deo and EF. Everything else just fell into place from there as they say.

What did you learn most from being around artist of that stature?

I learned the good, the bad and the ugliness of the game. I was groomed by these people by paying attention to their careers and personal lives. It was a blessing to really learn the game from the inside out. I absorbed so much it would take me hours to explain it all. I would have to say the most valuable lesson I learned is that this is the music business not the music friendships and you have to play for keeps around the board.

Why'd you name the album "The 25th Hour"?

For the record the "25th Hour" is not an album or a mix tape it is a ZONE! I named it that because I was pushing the threshold of innovation on this one plus I was making a personal offer to GOD while recording the body of work. I just felt like this title would say it all... so I prayed on it and ran with it...

In your opinion what's the difference between an Emcee and a rapper?

The difference between a emcee and a rapper is simply one having some aspects of the the artistry and the other having a great amount of understanding of the art plus knowing how to apply it to themselves. For example KRS is a emcee and Chingy is a rapper they both have the advantages and disadvantages the key to it all is knowing how to create a balance and get respected at all levels so your artistry wont be questioned at all.

What would you say is your ultimate goal as far as the music industry is concerned?

To sit on my throne amongst the greats and rule my kingdom in harmony with the others... make music that will forever be on the hearts and minds of the listeners. Provide the lifestyle that I desire for myself and my family without being unfair to anyone. Ultimately make the most complete body of music ever known to mankind and allow God to work through me with the music however he sees fit.

You speak a lot about God. Do you have any religious standing?

No, I don't have a religious standing. I stand on faith. Religion and being religious is a practice. Faith is another level. A mans faith in himself is a reflection of his faith in God. So I would have to say I am God fearing but I have a strong faith in him and it reflects in my person as far as religion I don't deal with the titles and accolades that so many people use but never follow.

Ok, outside of hip hop what music do you listen to?

I listen to everything and I mean everything from Maroon 5 to Bob Marley. You have to listen to other music, I feel, to strengthen your own music. I draw energy from other artist who serve as pools of inspiration tome. Energy is passed on not destroyed so its a beautiful thing but I listen to all kinds of music.

Do you have any other artistic outlets?

I was about to lie but I really don't think that I do. I'm nice with the barber blades but I don't know if I would consider that an art but since this is an interview its gonna have to be my other outlet.

Who are some of your major musical influences?

I would have to say everybody that has been a part of it regardless of their level of success. I never been one for picking favorites or being too attached to something or someone. So not to be so short on the answer but this is just how I have been personally influenced musically.

With all the new artist on the radio and on the internet telling us that we need to hear their music why should we pay attention to Ameer?

You should listen to me because... I SAID SO! But seriously my music is in a lane all by itself while being relative and innovative. I know the masses are tired of the same ol' type of sound. I offer them a new sound, fresh face and mind to go along with it all. I am you and You are me is what I tell the people. So we are connected before the music. That's why.

For more information and music on Ameer go to myspace.com/ameerasoulsupreme.

"Ghetto Serenade - Ameer" play hifi : download
"The 25th Hour - Ameer" play hifi : download

Lee H. Tillman is a Los Angeles based MC/writer. For more information go to calogerodean.com

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