Marcus Christ has released numerous tracks under his label MTB Entertainment, the latest of which is the deeply personal If I Knew. We caught an interview with him to find out more about his music and his approach to creativity. Here’s how it went.
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Hey, thanks so much for your time today and congrats on the new single.
Thanks. I really like your honest feedback. If I knew better I should have done this interview next month after the video releases for If I Knew.
If I Knew is a notably honest and quite personal single, what does the song represent for you?
If I Knew started with me writing while my “ex” went to a “party”. So, the song is really about me wondering what was happening at this party that I couldn’t attend because I was “out of town”. Honestly, if I had a child I would wonder about a lot of things. Mostly, I would worry about whether I made the right decision and things like, “Am I a good parent. If I Knew”.
What’s the Prince Of The Universe album all about, what does it mean to you?
It’s therapeutic for me to write songs. When I started writing music my step dad went to jail so I continue to do it out of habit and enjoyment, but I do take “extended” breaks. Prince of the Universe is a title that came to me in jail. It’s not a title that has really been talked about in hip hop like it has been in rock music. I thought of the term as a child, but I forgot about it.
The actual term and concept has a musical history going back at least 30 years with Queen and Freddie Mercury. In the bible, which dates back 2,000 years Hebrews 1:2 states, “And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.” So the idea has existed for centuries. When someone listens to this album – I want everyone to experience it with their own different taste, and walk away with a few favourite songs they may enjoy. Personally, I’ll enjoy the entire album. If I don’t like a song obviously it won’t be on there.
How important is live music in hip hop, and what can people expect from a live show from you?
Well, when I make beats I try to give it energy, and a catchy flow – I like to make shows exciting. I always listen to the music first, and write my lyrics next based on what I feel the music is “telling” me to tell the audience. For slower songs I usually sing, and for faster rap beats I like to rap to keep people guessing.
What are your plans for 2018 – any live shows or collaborations?
I plan to go to Vegas this year for a “photoshoot” and concept ideas for American Pharaoh, my next album. It won’t be out for a year or two, but I need more time to get the “business and promotional” aspect ready. I plan to do way more shows this years because tickets sales have been going up, and I can always use the experience. I actually do have a live show on February 23rd at the Lexington in Downtown L.A. tickets are here. Check me out!! It’s gonna be a show!
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Please, check out my new music videos for Shorty Wanna Gangsta, When You’re So Down, and It’s Like on Youtube from my upcoming album Prince of the Universe that drops on April 3rd. I really, really, hope you like it. God Bless.
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Thanks once again to Marcus Christ for his time & insight. Find & follow him on Facebook, Soundcloud & Twitter. Visit his Website or the MtB Entertainment Label Website for more information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E_PUcKAngM
