We last caught up with Phat Kat when he was doing his Carte Blanche tour back in 2007. Now he is back over and Nikhil Sharma managed to get a few quick words with him. Read on to find out his thoughts on the state of Hip Hop now, how Detroit has changed, working with Dilla and what the future holds for him.
You’ve been described as a pioneer of the Detroit Hip-Hop scene. How has Hip-Hop changed in Detroit over the years and do you think it’s as strong as it is now as it was back in the day?
Phat Kat: Thats a blessing, well the way that its changed is that most of the younger kats are content with following trends instead of setting trends, and no its not as strong as it was back when we were blazing trails because it was more unified the hop hop shop was like a fraternity and your metal had to be tested to join.
What are your views on the Hip-Hop industry at this moment- do you think commercialised or novelty Hip-Hop is destroying REAL Hip-Hop?
Phat Kat: Its really sad, I beleive you have to have the commercialised garbage to distinguish the two, but the playing field needs to be balanced and that what’s missing.
How does it feel to have appeared on albums by Hip-Hop greats such as Dilla and Slum Village?
Phat Kat: I never thought about it like we were making history until now and I was honoured to be a part of those projects.
Are there any underground artists that you would like to work with in the future?
Phat Kat: I'm open to work with anybody that’s making good music.
Does your music have a message, if so what is that message?
Phat Kat: Yes it does, it has everyday jewels that’s hidden inside my songs and the main message is that we all should take responsibility for our actions…
You’ve been involved with Hip-Hop for a number of years, how long exactly?
Phat Kat: Twenty years in the game and still sharp with the lines, I spank lil niggaz and send them home crying to they mom lol…
Where did the name Phat Kat come from?
Phat Kat: It all started back in high school because I always kept cash and had whips so my homies began calling me Phat Kat and the name just stuck…
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Phat Kat: Chillin on somebody’s beach sipping a Ronnie apple seed…
Does Detroit influence your style / swagger?
Phat Kat: Yes Detroit created a monster lol…
If people haven’t heard you rhyme before, how would you describe your sound to them?
Phat Kat: Tenacious / aggressive…
What is your definition of REAL Hip-Hop?
Phat Kat: Phat Kat aka Ronnie Cash…
Has there ever been a really LIVE audience that respond really well to your music?
Phat Kat: Hell yes, London fanz, Paris fanz, are the most livest…
Finally, what does the future hold for you?
Phat Kat: New projects such as my new album titled Katakombz And The Cold Steel album with Elzhi. Also I will be releasing the Dedication To The Suckers 10 year anniversary joint with a DVD explaining the process it took to create that classic EP with Dilla…
Any shout outs?
Phat Kat: What up doe to all my peeps Elzhi The Great, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Killa Ghanz, Hex Murda, Trick Trick and everybody else that keeps Hip Hop alive…
By: Nikhil Sharma | http://hiphopinformant.blogspot.com
Phat Kat will be performing at The Doctor's Orders 4th Birthday Spectacular on Friday 3rd July 2009 at Herbal 10-14 Kingsland Rd, London E1. On the night there will also be live sets from Guilty Simpson and Big Tone as well as DJing from DJ Vadim, Spin Doctor, Paul White and DJ Khalaas. Tickets are £7 in advance or £10 on the door. Advance tickets available from http://www.ticketweb.co.uk.
