Remedy: Preserving The Culture

Let’s hop right into this latest single / video “CRAZY 8’s,” fearing this crazy line-up; GHOSTFACE KILLAH, METHOD MAN, INS DECK, MASTA KILLA, CAPPADONNA, SOLOMON CHILDS & STREET LIFE— Tell me about this EPIC posse track; how did it even come to fruition? How actually difficult (video included) was it to execute?

Oh man, still can’t believe I pulled it off! No one can really. I hear it all the time, even from the Clan. If I had to sum it up, I would say it happened due to relationships.

Of course “CRAZY 8’s” comes courtesy of your recently unleashed – not to mention very impressive – new studio LP, REMEDY MEETS WU-TANG — Self explanatory title, but tell how exactly did Remedy Meet Wu-Tang? What particular string of events led to this union?

Thank you 🙏- I’ve been affiliated with the Wu family for over 25 years. It’s a Shaolin thing I guess. I’ve been putting this album together for a few years, always making music. It just started adding up and making sense, leading to the album title.

How then does REMEDY MEETS WU-TANG either differ and / or compare to that of your previous bodies of work?

Honestly, this is my best piece of work to date. There’s no doubt, I got better with time. It’s easy to say this with legends on your album, but 30% of it is my solo joints, which seem to mesh well with the rest of the album.

REMEDY MEETS WU-TANG is a RemedyRoss Music project — What are your future plans and / or goals for the label? And who all, besides yourself of course, currently makes up its artist roster?

Well, I recently Executive Produced GhostFace’s last album Ghostface Killahs and Deck’s Chamber No. 9. I’m trying to keep the Wu and that sound alive. Volume II of Remedy Meets WuTang is already in the works. I have some verses, songs and mad beats already for this! Sssshhhhhhhhh…don’t tell.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Remedy Ross?

Aww man, I still have songs I wrote when I was 8-9 years old. I was in the KISS Army as a kid. Then some Maiden, Ozzy and Dio. But when I was introduced to rap in the mid ‘80’s, that was it for me! Run-DMC, Beasties, KRS, G Rap, Rakim, Kane, PE. I was always attracted to substance and content.

Now you’re a native of Staten Island, New York, correct? So growing up in ‘Shaolin,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, born and raised. So before the Wu, we had several from Staten Island. The Force MD’s were big, and we had the UMC’s, Eamon and The Elegants. They say Christina Aguilera was from here, but she ran outta here fast. Lol! Not too much of an influence on me really. To be blatantly honest, there’s nothing stronger or more influential than the almighty Wu-Tang Clan.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Everyone likes to say it sounds like classic ‘90’s Hip Hop. I think it sounds brand new, and way brighter than that compressed ‘90’s rap. Sonically, it’s just better. I understand the comparison, as it resembles that era of sample based raw Hip Hop.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

I was just young and trying to figure out how I could help, or what the world needs. I was actually MC Remedy first, when that was a thing.

Switching gears here…

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Good question. I would say never selling out or giving in. Staying true to myself and making the music I love to make. Also, I’m in this for the love and the legacy, and the quality music. That’s it for me. That’s what drives me. Not money or followers. I’m good with that. Lastly, as the great Rakim said, “I’m timeless, age don’t count in the booth. When your flows stay embedded in the fountain of youth.

What do you want people to get from your music?

They say God keeps you hidden until it’s your time. I’ve kinda been behind the scenes for a while now, and maybe it’s just time. Hopefully, this album will touch souls all over the universe.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

Sadly, it’s pretty bad. Hip Hop was the pain and the voice of the streets. It was based on concepts, substance and content. All that’s been stripped away as we now have artists that have hit records for a quick minute, that no one will care about in the future. The masses are generally stupid, but we know that.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Actually, I’m currently living out my aspirations. I have a lot on my plate and stay busy everyday. I’m truly grateful and fortunate for this. It’s a blessing.

To date, what has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?

“Never Again” is really my legacy. To make grown men cry through song is special. It’s a Holocaust education in 4 minutes. I’m working on immortalizing this track by turning it into an exhibition, and getting it to Holocaust museums worldwide. Also, hopefully this new album will go down in history as well as part of the great Wu-Tang legacy.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

I guess I gotta go back to “Never Again.” That’s really my signature track that I’m known for. I put it on all my works, because of its importance. After learning of my family’s account of the Holocaust, it applies to all the world and all of its races, colors and creeds. But my favorite joint on the new album is the “Sparrow.” Some soulful, dumbed down lyrics and just a true and honest song.

Finally, what’s next for you, Remedy?

I’d like to keep making solid contributions to Hip Hop. Stay loving and kind to my wife, friends and family. Help those in need. To continue to be successful in real estate and my many side ventures. And to live, love and laugh more. It’s a simple game plan. Just gotta execute.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Nah, I think you did pretty good here.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Life’s really not too long. So love the ones you care about. Stay focused on the positive. Don’t dwell on negative thoughts or things you can’t control. There’s a Remedy for everything; that’s the way of life. God bless!!!

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Tags: Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah, INS DECK, MASTA KILLA, Method Man, REMEDY, Remedy Ross, RemedyRoss Music, shaolin, SOLOMON CHILDS, street life, Wu-Tang Clan