The hip-hop world is a less than sensible place - lots of times, you're even required to clarify when bad means bad and when bad means good - so once a week we're going to get with a rapper and ask them to explain things. Something you always wanted to ask a rapper? Email [email protected].
Note: E.S.G. has a pretty brilliant son named Bryson that's a rapper named Killa B. We first met him when we profiled E.S.G. in 2009. Read this. B makes an appearance.
This Week's Rapper: E.S.G.
This Week's Subject: Sons that rap; budding superstar rapper, Killa B.
AAR: First, can you give a brief recap of your son's music career?
E.S.G.: To start off, I'm introducing y'all to the 11-year-old old son of Deshawn and Cedric "E.S.G." Hill, Bryson Keyshawn Hill, a.k.a. Killa B,
He was born weighing only one pound. He was born at only six months. Doctors said he may wind up blind or crippled being born so small. He had no eyes and bleeding of the brain, stomach surgery to repair a small hole in his intestines. So after three months in the hospital and four total surgeries later, our miracle baby came home.
He's been following me to studio since he was two. He said his first rhyme at three. He's been on some of my mix tapes and albums over the past years. Now he's working on his own project. That's right, HIS first mixtape, "Miracle Baby."
He's performed live on 97.9 FM, Damage Contol, Optimo and many more local stations, as well as the Los Magnificos Car Show and the Dub Carshow.
AAR: You're a bonafide rap legend in Houston. Does it feel like that's going to help B, or maybe like it might put a lot of pressure on him? I mean, the first thing anyone ever says when they see Marcus Jordan play basketball is, "Oh, that's Michael Jordan's kid."
E: Not at all, He has more swag than me at his age. I've always been the spearhead in all the projects I've worked on in the past, so it's natural for me to play the A&R or CEO role. But I know how to push the right buttons; can't take him away from being a kid, so I let him work at his own pace and what's good for both parents. He love it just as much as sports and school, so I'll use my name and power to get all the help he needs; beats, studio time and features.
AAR: Naturally, every father is going to be hyper-proud to hear that his son has decided to follow in his dad's footsteps. But you've have some tough goings as a member of the rap world. When he told you he wanted to be a rapper, what was your initial reaction?
E: School first and rapping can follow, At least he'll be a CEO at an early age.
AAR: Who is B's favorite rapper currently?
E: ESG and Eminem, by far. He knows every song by both artist; clean versions, of course.
AAR: What was the first piece of advice you gave B about rapping?
E: Work hard at anything you wanna do. Kobe practices, so does Tom Brady. Gotta work hard to be great.
AAR: Does he possess your superheroic ability to freestyle already, or is he more of a write-stuff-down guy?
E: I train him in the art of free styling so he's good at both, His mom hates him to freestyle in fear of him missing a line. [laughs] But he's ready.
AAR: When are you two going to record a version of Will Smith's "Just The Two Of Us"? Because I'm certain it's going to be amazing.
E: We'll surely have more songs together in the future. It's a blessing to see him healthy and excelling in school, as well as living out his dream in hopes of one day to be performing alongside the likes Justin Beabers and Diggy Simmons of the world.
Follow E.S.G. on Twitter at @DaRealESG. Also, but his new album, Ownerz Manual.
