Artist Spotlight: Element Rhymes Interview


Born in Los Angeles, California, Element Rhymes is the consummate rapper. As the son of an avid RnB singer, Element grew up in a household that influenced and nurtured his passion for music and rapping. His father, Oliver Johnson, would frequently play the piano and sing at home. Although Element received constant exposure to music; life at home was not so easy. Element’s mother was very abusive towards him. To escape the physical and psychological abuse, Element turned to reading to escape the tortured reality of his youth. He also wrote poetry as a therapeutic method of coping with his pain.

In 2006, Element Rhymes of Custom Made signed his first record deal with Babygrande Records. Custom Made were now label mates with legendary artists such as GZA, Hi-Tek, Canibus and Jedi Mind Tricks. He dropped his first solo project "Great Expextations" in 2008 whcih was followd by two more including last years "crowned KING" which garnered critical acclaim. 



OK-Tho:
Whats the meaning behind your name Element Rhymes?

Element Rhymes:
I took the meaning Element as a complex part of a universal whole and added Rhymes. 
Listening to my music that is sort of what you get. A mix of anything and everything. I tend to give every Element I can in the music. Especially fire. I love burning a track alive.


OK-Tho:
Was there ever another alias or nickname you've used besides that?

Element Rhymes:
I was interested at one point to go by the name of Sojourney Truth. Sojourney is my last name which derives from my great great grandmother Sojourner Truth who was a famous abolitionist against slavery. I've always felt my whole life I was also on a journey for truth. So the name is rather fitting. I was always someone who wants to know the meaning behind everything. Just an inquisitive soul.

OK-Tho:
What local or Cali based artists inspired you to get into hip hop?

Element Rhymes:
I didn't get into hip hop because of any artist. I just needed a way to express myself and poetry and music were and are the best outlets for me. Custom Made was the first group i really clicked up with where we all influence each other. We have perfect chemistry.

OK-Tho:
How did you, Lavi Bluff, Scavie Scoobs and Sinister Six come together to form Custom Made?

Element Rhymes:
We all met in High school. We would battle each other and have cyphers everyday. That shit was exciting. It wasn't always good but were basically brothers. We get through everything together. 

OK-Tho:
You guys recorded a ton of mixtapes and projects, what project/single/video would you say got you guys noticed and jump started your careers?

Element Rhymes:
It's hard to say really. We pumped out so much material. I think  all the things we've done created a snowball effect and got us noticed. We were really consistent at the time.

OK-Tho:
How did Babygrande signing you guys in 06'come about?

Element Rhymes:
They took notice of our grind and the rest was history.

OK-Tho:
2008 saw your debut project "Great Expectations" with producer Abstrakt Soundz. How did you guys link up and what made yall decide to make a project together?

Element Rhymes:
We met through my best friend at the time. She invited me to a party and introduced me to Abstrakt. Ever since then we started working with each other on a consistent bases. 



OK:
Did you find it hard to create a whole project by yourself when you were used to working with 3 other guys and pretty much only had to write a verse a song?

Element:
Not at all. I am a solo artist and I can write songs very well. I have a lot of ideas i can get out when I do solo stuff because i have full control.

OK:
I've noticed that you solo wise and with C-Made, never really featured heavy hitting artists. Did you guys not feel the use to work with well known artists?

Element:
There are a lot of politics and ego involved sometimes when collaborating with other artist. I have some songs i did with Planet Asia, Copywrite, and Big Pooh. But those were arranged. We usually don't collab with other artist unless we know them.

OK:
In the beginning you guys worked heavy with cats like Aneek, Paradox and S-Mak. Do you still have a good relationship with them? 

Element:
Aneek is no longer part of Custom Made. We still have healthy relationships with Paradox and S-Mak.

OK:
So you come from a musical family, your mom an RnB singer and your dad a musician. How much of an influence were they on you in becoming the artist you are today?

Element:
My mom was not an RnB singer. She was just abusive. My dad was the RnB singer/musician. He use to play the piano and sing everyday. He would even come up to my school and sing for my teachers. Everyone loved it. I don't talk to them anymore since I left.

OK:
I hear you also like to read and write poetry. What was the last book you read and who are some of your top poets?

Element:
The last poetry book i purchased I haven't read yet. I can't remember the authors name now. He owns a non profit soul food restaurant out here in Los Angeles. He came to deliver food for my colleagues and I. When he gave us the food he sat down and recited some pieces for us.  Awesome spontaneous experience. I read a lot in Generally. Right now I'm reading Science of The Mind by Ernest Holmes. I don't read other peoples poems like i use to. I do like Edgar Allen Poe, Kahlil Gibran, Langston Hughes, Aleister Crowley and a few others. I really like reading poetry from people I know. My girl writes really good poems. That's one of the first things we did the day we met. We recited poetry to each other. That was one of my favorite days up to date. 



OK:
After "Great Expectations" came "A Long Story Short" and the last years "crowned KING". Explain the growth you've noticed from those three albums as far as your style, flow and musical inspirations?

Element:
Growth has been tremendous. Flow and versatility is limitless. I can rap about anything anywhere at anytime. I definitely do a lot of writing. Now I can write in my head sometimes while doing daily activities. I structure it in my mind then record it when finished.

OK:
Now comes your newest forthcoming album "White Gold". What seperates this new project from the last three?

Element:
I think this is my most commercially viable album. With this album I know I can gain a lot of notoriety if I can give it the right push. I am my only team so it's going to take a lot of work. I do everything from gathering beats to writing to taking it to the studio for mixing and mastering to writing press releases to distribution and more. 

OK:
What was the recording process like working on it?

Element:
Fast and easy. lol I come up with concepts and record really fast. The fastest I've recorded a song was 5 minutes. 

OK:
If you could work with any 5 producers of all time, who would they be?

Element:
1. Kanye West 2. Dr Dre. 3. Havoc 4. 40. 5.DJ Premiere.

OK:
Planet Asia or Action Bronson?

Element:
Action Bronson



OK:
Are you a sports fan, what teams do you follow?

Element:
I don't watch sports. Although I have contemplated boxing in the past. Something about beating the breath out of someone appeals to me.

OK:
What newcomers and up coming artists do you like nowadays?

Element:
There are too many to name. And it's not all limited to Hip Hop. If it sounds good I'm alllll on it.

OK:
So whats the state of Custom Made as of today, will you guys come together to make another project?

Element:
We are currently working on a project as we speak....

OK:
Besides "White Gold", what else can fans expect from you in the future?

Element:
They can expect a lot. I'm gunning for the top.. I'm burning the ships for that number one spot.

I"M OUT!

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