[Apr 16 2006 12:20PM]
EXCLUSIVE SUSPENCE HOTJEWLZ.COM INTERVIEW!
Interviewed by Duane Morris (HJ) for HotJewlz.com
HJ: First of all, I’d like to thank you for this interview.
Suspence (S): My pleasure
HJ: Obviously, you’ve been away from the game for a quick minute. For those who haven’t heard, your debut album ‘Diamond In the Rough” was given a cease and desist order a month and a half after being released. How surprised were you when you received it, and are there any updates on the issue?
S: To be honest, I was shocked. It was over a sample that I didn’t clear to use in one of the album cuts. I didn’t think it would have been a problem especially being an independent artist on my level. I was pretty flattered by the whole issue, I am definitely on the radar. In terms of updates, I just obeyed the order and stopped selling the LP. Those big-time LA lawyers can get pretty intimidating…lol.
HJ: For sure, another big issue that you’ve run into is the dilemma on your name as an artist. ‘Spence Diamond’ is being replaced by ‘Suspence’, correct? Why the name change?
S: The choice to change my name came after there was some confusion with a DJ that goes by a very similar name. I mean, the nickname ‘Spence Diamond’ was given to me a few years back and I never thought I would run into any issues regarding the name. Instead of making a few quick enemies in the industry, I chose to change the name because the DJ was using it first. I was also running into people who thought the ‘Diamond’ stood for bling bling. I’m not about that, as you know.
HJ: Definitely. I’ve also heard you say that the change of name represents a rebirth of you as an artist. Should we expect a change in your music?
S: I do see it as fresh start, so to speak. I’ve grown vastly in the past few months. I feel an importance of having a message in all my songs. After all, music is meant to inspire. This is not saying that I didn’t have a message before, I’m just putting more of an emphasis on it.
HJ: Speaking of empahsis, the ‘Diamond in The Rough’ album touched on a lot of topics including love and trust. Do you find hip hop artists are scared to talk about such issues?
S: I feel there are some artists who put themselves in a box. I’ve never been that type of artist. The day I’m afraid to talk about an issue, is the day I retire from the game. Love is a concept that everyone deals with, so people can relate to it. Some of my favorite songs are love songs.
HJ: I have to ask about this new track 'Why?'. What inspired you to write such a deep conscious song? I found myself listening over and over to catch all the different topics you mentioned.
S: It was just time for me to speak up on certain issues. I figured if I have questions about certain things, alot of other people may have similar thoughts and feelings. So I just kinda put it out there. The concept has been done before I know, but I think I took it to a whole new level.
HJ: Are you back in the studio? What’s next for Suspence?
S: Well, I’m back in the studio working on some new material. I also have a ton of unreleased material already completed that I’m bringing out soon. My second album is coming along well, I was very pleased with the response I got from my debut album. I’m currently working with some new producers, as well as hooking up with SMART and Daniel on some collabs.
HJ: Any last words you want to leave with your fans?
S: I’d like to thank everyone who supported my first album, it is much appreciated. That was only my first step, its only going up from there. Peace y’all! Thanks Duane.
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