Why 'Jimmy The Burnout'? Because I'm poor and tired and over worked, broken hearted and kind of outta my mind at the moment.
Any collaborations on Jimmy The Burnout? No collabs. I've written choruses that have others singing them but no one else's words and thoughts are on this record. The producers are my collaborators so that's Mr Carmack, Dntel, DJ Nobody, Dam Funk, Taurus Scott, Djemba Djemba, Great Dane, Monopoly etc.
When are you happiest? After a productive work week, payday, good meal then with my wife and kids at the beach all in one day.
What are your thoughts on the game in general in 2013? It reminds me of the anime One Piece - random and weird as fuck, diverse but just as exciting, if not more than the old guard.
You've recently founded your own imprint Hellfyre Club - what is on the horizon? The Dorner Vs Tookie mixtape will be out Nov 5th. We also have a project from a singer/drummer/rapper named Anderson Paak that's called Cover Art scheduled to release late this fall. Milo's 1st full length album is due the early 2nd quarter of 2014. And of course Jimmy the Burnout is due January 14th 2014.
We can't let you go without asking you a few questions about battling - What's your take on the UK battle rap scene? I've seen Don't Flop battles. They are cool. I don't think the British battles are too much different than the other leagues. The biggest difference in Dont Flop is that Eurgh is a promoter & host and actually has stripes in battling while all the other leagues have hosts who are not so accomplished. I respect that a lot.
Favourite battle to take part in? I don't have a favorite. I really don't enjoy battling. It is a negative experience. If you win you're an asshole, if you lose you're an asshole. You hang out with a bunch of guys and talk about who was the biggest asshole after. I really like music, art and business.
Best battle you've seen? Swan vs Rhymfest at Scribble Jam '03
Who was your best opponent? No such thing
What's your take on what happened between Math Hoffa & Serius Jones at Summer Madness? I heard about it but haven't seen it. It's a sign of the times. A lot of battling is about theatrics and shock, tough talk and posturing. All those dudes and all that ego, somebody has to get punched once in a while.
Seen much of Daylyt? I battled daylight in 2007 and he was onto something then. He tried to throw me off of my game by rapping real close to my face. I play my own mind games with the opponents and have my tricks to get the crowd on my side. I've been in fights because of battles and seen so many outcomes so I'm a good judge of intention. I know when someone is playing games or is really trying get violent. He has mastered this in his own way now. He punks guys that can be punked, he makes stiff crowds loosen up with antics, people play him for a fool or underestimate him and he totally turns that to his advantage.
Would you ever battle again? Yes I would. The battle leagues treat talent like shit bro so I've chosen not to battle until that changes. I'll battle when the leagues pay me what I feel I'm worth, up their hospitality game as well as give me a reasonable percent of the royalties for the YouTube views. As a label CEO I've got to pay people royalties, as an artist I get royalties, as a promoter I've gotta pay performance fees. The battlers do not value the content they are creating and the leagues know this. I've been paid more for one song than I have been paid for most of my modern written battles. The battles have more words being used as well as the voice and likeness. Leagues know this shit. So the answer is yes, if the leagues start acting right.
Is there a line in battle rap, as in is there anything which should not be said? It's up to the individual. It's about walking that line for you and the crowd really. If you establish your line and cross it shit goes downhill, and if the crowd (due to region or demographics) has a line and you cross it shit may go downhill.
In terms of judgment, should the better rapper win, or the guy with the heavier punches? Battling is mostly about performance. Some of the best guys are the worst writers. The winner is the one that gives the best performance.
Nocando's second album Jimmy The Burnout will be released January 14th 2014.