Jesse Atkinson: What is the significance of your stage name?
Real Chop Clark: Chop is a throwback salute to the Jazz musicians of old. Back in my father’s day, you didn’t have “skills” you had ‘Chops”. I started using it in the professional kitchen and it just kinda stuck. I guess it works for cooks too.
JA: Who is your target market?
RCC: I am targeting the more mature audience who used to listen to, or can appreciate Hip Hop from the 90’s. I would assign an age group but it’s just simply not that simple.
JA: What is your USP? (Unique Selling Proposition) and what sets you apart from other artists?
RCC: What sets me apart from other artists is my willingness to talk about REAL LIFE subject matters like discrimination, self deprecation, self motivation, Lost love, etc.
JA: What single or project are you currently pushing?
RCC: The first single from the project is “God Got Me” produced by @PaulCabbin. The second single will be “Pipe Dreams” produced by @iamTrox.
JA: What is the philosophy by which you live by?
RCC: My philosophy is “Go ham or go home and eat ham.”
JA: Which artists have inspired you?
RCC: My musical inspirations include Mos Def, Common, Kanye, Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica, Smoke DZA, Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Eminem, Curren$y, LL Cool J, Andre 3000, Big KRIT, Skyzoo, Torae, J Cole, Kendrick, Jay Rock. . .
JA: Who does your production?
RCC: My production is handled by Paul Cabbin, Trox, Rakim Jefferson, Siege Monstracity, Tone P, FOCUS, Bravestarr, V12 The Hitman, Detroit Red, etc etc etc. There are so damn many.
JA: What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry and If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?
RCC: I think more people need to take on the challenge of rapping to these new school beats or shut up and stop complaining about what they hear on the radio. If you can change one thing about the music industry I would bring the A&R’s back like Berry Gordy.
JA: What is your favorite movie and favorite book?
RCC: Movie: The Last Dragon Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people.
JA: What is your favorite part of your live show? How has it evolved?
RCC: My favorite part is feeling the energy in the beginning. The first 30 seconds set the entire tone of the show. I’ve learned how to tweak my attitude to communicate with the audience
JA: What is your album or EP going to be like.
RCC: It is going to be filled with soulful bangers and stupid dope lyrics!
JA: Any final words for the people.
RCC: I’m bringing the Bars back! Support me like you supported Kweli and I won’t let you down!
