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A Few Questions for Nappy Roots

Photo credit: Tawain Kelly Members of Nappy Roots autograph copies of their new CD, "Wooden Leather."

By Tamika L. McLemore
Black College Wire

"Good music is universal. Good people relate to good music whether you're in Baghdad, Kuwait or Germany," said Vito Tisdale, a.k.a. Big V, wild cat of the group Nappy Roots.

The Kentucky hip-hop sensations had a busy 2003. In June, they visited U.S. soldiers in the Persian Gulf as part of the USO-led Project Salute entertainment tour, which included performances, movie screenings, basketball clinics and visits with service members in various locations in the region.

The soldiers had requested Nappy as their second must-see hip-hop artists. Jay-Z was first.

And during the fall semester, they visited Columbia. S.C.

There, despite an intense schedule, the group observed a blood drive at Benedict College, held in conjunction with the Palmetto City Classic football game between South Carolina State University and Benedict. They visited students at Keenan High School and dropped by a record store and two radio stations.

To top it off, the group gave a free concert at the Palace nightclub in honor of the Palmetto Classic and to promote their latest album, "Wooden Leather."

Photo credit: Tawain Kelly Members of Nappy Roots speak to high school music students.

Though the group members -- Fish Scales, B. Stille, Big V, Ron Clutch, Skinny DeVille and Prophet -- all claim Kentucky, not all are Kentucky natives. Prophet, who was not able to come to Columbia due to a dental obligation, is originally from California. Scales is from Georgia. The members met while attending Western Kentucky University, where they formed the group.

Members answered questions as they signed autographs at the record store:

Q: What brings Nappy Roots to Columbia?

Big V: We are on a promo tour for the album "Wooden Leather." We are also here to speak to high school music students.

Q: "Wooden Leather." What's it all about and why such a title?

Big V: Nappy is classic, like ole' leather, and it's timeless like an antique. If revamped and taken care of, you can make it last like wood. A leather belt holds ya' up and supports ya'. That is the best representation of classic success . . . wood and leather.

Q: Are there any distinctive differences between this album and the last?

Scales: There is growth lyrically and production-wise. Hip hop stepped up to another level with such skills as B. Stille's. The subject matter is crazy, in particular the song "These Walls are Closing In," which describes paranoia and the act of people running from themselves, responsibilities and their past. This is much like our people feeling the walls closing in on them.

Q: Is there an artist you'd like to collaborate with?

B. Stille: We would like to work with Mary J. Blige or Jaheim. The brother's voice is incredible.

Q: How are you feeling about success?

B. Stille: A combination of everything. With such a short-lived career so far, I'm lucky to still be at it, and we're blessed to be able to make a second album. Man, I feel good! Nappy is filling a void for hip hop and we're glad to do it.

Q: Is there were anything you would like people to think or know when they hear Nappy Roots?

Clutch: Nappy is real, down to earth, and we appreciate the fans.

Tamika L. McLemore, a student at Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., is a contributing writer for The Tiger News. She interns locally for WEA (Warner Elektra Atlantic Records).

Posted Jan. 5, 2004