N.A.B.: What does your name Papa Doc mean?
Papa Doc: My name is symbolic of strength, leadership and intelligence. I’m also named after the infamous Haitian dictator.
N.A.B.: Can you explain the concept behind the “Built for This” campaign. You have released part one with Midi Mafia, part two featuring Steve Loks and Big H and the recent release which you’ve collaborated with Uncle Murda on.
Papa Doc: Its the same old story ma… People claiming they’re this and that, but they haven’t put in any work at all, so every so often I have to remind them who is really built for this game.
N.A.B.: You have been getting loads of spins on Power 105.1 in NYC as well as rotation with Playgirl on Mic Chec 69 on dtfradio.com and many others. Tell me how you have managed to create such a following and how important is to you as an MC to get love on your local radio and internet radio stations?
Papa Doc: I’ve created such a following because I’m super talented of course [laughs], but besides that, I have a super team behind me. I can’t stress the importance of major radio and internet radio play enough, but it’s like this: you can press up 5,000 CDs, give them all out, and you’re still nowhere near the 1.5 million people you could reach through one spin on major radio.
N.A.B.: You are currently signed to Violator Records? When can we expect an album?
Papa Doc: Well Violator is more of a management company these days, and to be real no matter who you are affiliated with in this climate, the way the game is these days, you’re still expected to do a lot of the legwork yourself . The good part about that is the more you do on your own the less you owe in the end. The official album however should be out in early fall 2010.
N.A.B.: Wyclef Jean has been quoted saying “Papa Doc is a 360 artist that seems to be taking the streets to that next level.” Why do you think so many established artists have embraced you, and what is your relationship with Wyclef Jean?
Papa Doc: I know a lot of people in the industry and love and respect is shown as much as you give it. As far as Wyclef, my manager Playgirl had interviewed Wyclef and as she asked him what he thinks about Papa Doc and that was his response.
N.A.B.: Where can our readers download or purchase some of your music?
Papa Doc: The readers can get some of my music right now on most digital music sites such as iTunes and Napster and so on. They can also go to www.cdbaby.com. Just put my name “PAPA DOC” in the search bar and make sure you check me on twitter.com/therealpapadoc.
N.A.B.: Do you have any last words or shoutouts?
Papa Doc: Yes, fat shouts to the whole 4th Omen Society, Supreme Records, the whole Southside Queens, all the DJs showing me love and special thanks to my manager Playgirl of Mic Chec 69.
Papa Doc ft Uncle Murda – Built For This III
[audio:built3.mp3]