and believe in, and it will come naturally.
-David Frost
Upon embarking on anything that's fit for accomplishment what would you say you need with you in order to make it a success?
Now the response may vary from person to person given what it is he or she wants to accomplish considering people may feel they need this or they need that or for that matter nothing at all to do what they have to do and get what they have to get. However, what seems to be consistent across the board, at least with all of WBM's features is above anything else what's brought along for the journey of life toward success is happiness.
Happiness it seems is the ration pack that provides that next bit of energy when we don't have enough, the confidence when there's any doubt, and the freedom to do any and everything. Take Protoman for example.
Happiest most when creating music that affects the lives of others, Protoman of Florida has this ability with words that demand attention, especially when placed over head nodding beats. You can hear it in each song all the way down to how he delivers each verse which by will get even better over time considering his greatest motivating factor is his daughter.
Take some time out to get to get up close and personal with not only one of Florida's great, but one of Hip Hop's and Rawkus50 as well.
So tell the world a little bit about yourself:
Protoman: I record mostly hip hop and perform as much I can. I love Florida and Florida loves me back. I couldn't name you 5 hits on the radio as of today but could chronologically name every rap song that was released in 1984 and drop a little known studio fact of their recording sessions.
Who is Protoman?
Protoman is a character I try to detain - a sort of war machine. Misunderstood yet many people seem to relate. I try to keep Protoman separate from my personal life, but he creeps in unwillingly. If I were Protoman 100% of the time I would be in jail or dead.
How you come up with the stage name?
Protoman: I wanted a super villain yet a superhero in variation. Guess it depends who the listener is and where they come from. The name represents a prototype, human, but with flaws most "normal" people do not carry. It's also the name of my favorite video game character of all time.
Where are you from?
Protoman: I was born in Texas but moved to South Florida as a little kid. I think I'll end up in Florida forever. People think I'm crazy for that.
Interest(s)?
Protoman: I love mixing music - thats my secret interest (I don't tell my rapper friends because they'll want to render my services for free). I love playing basketball every week and pretending I'm Wade while chewing gum. Another interest is thrift shops. I love the way they smell and you meet some good folks there.
What does music mean to you?
Protoman: Music means expression and creativity mixed with emotion. It means doing whatever you feel is right and pushing the envelope no matter what people think. It means inspiration to others and being the voice for people who want to be heard.
How long have you been involved?
Protoman: I just got a decade under my belt. I should get a grant or something from the government like they do in Norway to make music.
When did you know that music was something that you wanted to pursue?
Protoman: Probably when I realized it made me the most happy. There is nothing better than working for days on a song and listening to it for the first time in it's completion. Then playing that song on stage and people seem to enjoy it. That's the cherry.
What inspires and motivates you?
Protoman: That feeling once again. Also coffee and occasional cigarettes. Honestly, it's fans. I remember when I realized the impact I had was when this girl wrote me and said, "I listen to your songs every morning while I drive to work and it makes me feel good while stuck in traffic" That's what keeps it going for me.
You have a very unique delivery, what goes into the creation of your songs?
Protoman: Lots and lots of things. But basically making something totally different from the last song but still keeping that signature sound. Sometimes you just mash ideas together in rhyme form and throw it at the wall and hope it sticks. Sometimes it's very premeditated and planned.
What lead to your being recognized by Rawkus?
Protoman: Personally it meant a lot because I idolized that label growing up when I was 15 or so. It's was a trip to be working with them 8 years later. Even though it was short lived and independent Hip Hop isn't what it use to be, I'm convinced that If I was this age now back in Rawkus' prime it would have been a wrap. I would have been getting an intro on Soundbombing II mixed by the Beat Junkies. I think being recognized proved to a lot of cats I'm here to stay. Even though it feels like the wrong era, I'm still here.
Biggest Accomplishment?
Protoman: Becoming a father and being content with this "grown up" thing. Being there for my daughter and they fulfillment that comes with it is the best reward. There is nothing better I can ever create or accomplish than her.
What type of impact would you like to make with your music?
Protoman: I want to be responsible for something important. Whether it's performing while two lost souls meet at my show and make a baby that will cure some serious disease or me showing my imperfections and mistakes to give people direction for their own lives -- it has to be big and meaningful in the big picture. I will not be content when I finally burn out or fade away and people can only say, ''yeah, Protoman was dope. The stuff he did with Sebino was fresh". That's not enough. I'm not trying to change the world but I want to make a dent in it.
Who have you worked with so far?
Protoman: I don't do as many collaborations as I should but some rappers/producers I have worked with are, Fusik, Bernbiz from Mayday!, DJ Slice, DJ Immortal, DJ Idee, Crazy Hood, DJ Final, Numonics, Bleubird and a lot of really great people I could type all day.
Any anyone you like to work with in the future?
Protoman: I want an EL-P remix of Redman, Ludacris and myself with original production from Rick Ruben put out on pink vinyl only.
What's next for Protoman?
Protoman: More records and more shows. I got a full-length I'm working really hard on now. I think a lot people will be surprised with the sound.
Any advice for those looking to pursue their aspirations in music?
Protoman: Do it for the love. Music cannot be monetized like you think it can. Be genuine and be yourself, that's when you will lay down your best work and get real fans that will support you.
For More On Protoman:
myspace.com/protoman
Rawkus 50
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