Get Local, MN interview #1
-Izzy Dunfore-
Today we are hashing it out with the man, Izzy Dunfore. You are one of the hardest working rappers in the local scene. What is your drive and inspiration?
I think my motivation changes everyday, but my drive is fueled from life. There is so much garbage being thrown at us all the time, no matter where we turn, and music gives me the chance to make sense of it, from my own perspective and share it with others at the same time. I'm lucky enough to have people relate to the way I see things around me.
You are a rapper originally from Des Moines, Iowa. What was it like starting a career in the corn fields and what drew you to move to the Land of 10,000 lakes?
Starting out in Iowa was probably the toughest thing to do. When I started, rap was looked down on, and especially being from a small farming community, I was called names that aren't worth repeating today. That was my motivation then. It made me want to prove everybody wrong, and I've accomplished that goal. I moved to Minnesota to find a larger audience, a bigger scene, and also to work both markets into one another. I think every artist wants to travel to display their talents in another territory. I try to open that path up to anyone who is willing to give it a try. I learned a lot about how to work efficiently by changing locations. I got to learn about the interactions of the past, and see presently who is making moves or fallen by the wayside in the short time that I've been here. What people say, as opposed to what they do, is what I like to assess before I put myself in the same line as any other artist or company. Minnesota is a positive place for hip hop.
Well, I know that I and all the fans here in Minnesota are very grateful to have someone as down to earth and entertaining as you be a part of our scene. The rap game is full of highs and lows, what would you say has been the roughest part of your career and also, what has, in your eyes, been your greatest accomplishments so far?
The roughest part of my journey has been going through a lawsuit. Shortly after I moved to Minnesota, I was sued by my former producer Sid Wilson aka #0 from Slipknot. The whole process was exhausting and drug out for the better part of two years. In the end, I not only defended myself and my career, but walked away with my dignity and a judgment against Sid to pay for my lawyer fees, which he hasn't done. My greatest accomplishment to date is still being a part of the game after so many close calls with disaster. The fact that I can still hold my own while performing on any bill, whether it be a metal show, hip hop night, singer/songwriter showcases, or any other event is promising for me. I've seen a lot of really good artists come and go, so I'm thankful to still be doing things and moving forward. I think that's a huge accomplishment given today's challenges.
You do know how to stay on your grind, that's for sure, as a matter of fact we were informed that you just entered yourself into the Sicfux Sickest Sixteen competition showing off your talent in just one verse. To get your point across in just sixteen lines can be a difficult thing but you managed to take first place, win a $750 cash prize and a verse with Liquid Assassin on an upcoming album. Big things! Walk us through the process of the competition and the meaning behind the Wizard of Izz video.
The competition was put on by Jimmy Donn. The video wasn't necessary but had to have the entry on YouTube, so I created a verse to the beat they provided everyone with, wrote the concept of the video based on the lyrics, and then shot the video with my iPhone. "The Wizard of Iz" is what I named the creation. Some people said I cheated because I included a hook, and some people said I cheated the voting process somehow. I'm not the kind of guy to invest my time in anything where I would have to cheat in any capacity to win. It was a fair contest, from my end, and I enjoyed every bit of the race to the finish. Obviously to pull off the win was the icing on the cake. I didn't do it alone though. 775 people voted for Izzy Dunfore to win that contest. Second place wasn't far behind though. It was neck and neck.
My next question pertains to the cheating accusations. Now everyone knows that having a large and loyal fan base is not cheating, that's what the rap game is all about. If you don't have loyal fans you can't possibly expect to win a competition. Any words to your accusers?
Nope. I've said everything that needs to be said. I understand their frustration. I was lucky enough to pull off this win. I've lost many times before, but I'm never a poor sport about it. It's all a part of the game. Hate it or love it.
We here at GLMN stress unity to artists in the local scene, who are some of your favorite artists to take the stage with, and who can we expect to see on any upcoming Izzy Dunfore projects?
MC Rentz is fun to work with. I'd like to get something in the works with Professor Fresh. Carnage the Executioner is another one that is on my list of artists to work with.
All of which are very talented people indeed. It also brings me to my next question. Professor Fresh and MC Rentz have had a rocky past to say the least, but rap beef is also a very important part of the game. Have you had any major beefs with any artists in the past? If so, what's the story? Was the beef resolved or does it carry on still?
Of course I've had beefs with other artists. At this point, I'm not focusing on any events in the past, only the present and future.
And what can we expect in 2013 from Izzy Dunfore? Any major projects in the mix?
I'm going to be completely unpredictable in 2013. I'm trying a lot of new things and learning along the way. It's going to be a lot of fun.
Sounds great! We all look forward to anything you will be putting out. We just have a couple more questions and we can seal up this interview. Is there any messages you would like to deliver to your fans and the fans of GLMN?
Fans are often the only reason artists have hope for their art. Please continue to support your favorite artists to your fullest potential. You can't imagine how much you really impact our day just by letting us know you're listening. I'm a fan first. I think most artists are.
And lastly, as you have been in the game for a while do you have any advice or tips for budding artists in the local scene, and is there anything else you would like to add as we finish the interview?
If you aren't moving forward, you're standing still. What you aren't doing, someone else is. Always be working. Music is life.
Thank you very much for your time and insight, Izzy. This will be our first official interview on the net and I think the fans will be very pleased. We look forward to seeing a lot more Dunfore in the upcoming months, and we wish you luck and perseverance in the future. Much love. I have a feeling we will have more to discuss as the year goes on!
