MC CHANNEL ZERO
Interviewed by: Kristin

Where did your name originate and what does it mean to you?

(laughing) Oh God Do you know how many times I change the subject on this question ha ha. Zero was given to me a long time ago it was one of those things that was just given to me and ended up sticking. I also go by Robin Steel, everyone knows me as Zero but I’m gradually getting everyone used to the alias. Robin Steel is just what explains how I used to grind, I was on the streets getting mine by any means, robbing, stealing, etc. Not that I glorify it but it’s reality, it’s how we live out here. Just goes to show that anyone, no matter what you do right or wrong, can flip it and make something good out of it. Welcome to Chicago yall.

Is there any new albums, demos, videos or anything else scheduled to be released in 2005?

Well so far this year I've released 2 projects, Squad Up vol.1 which was my group mixtape (DBD Dynasty) and I just released my solo mixtape Almozt Famouz. We just began working on the official DBD album 'Best Kept Secret' but that’s not due out until early 06. Also, before the year end the video to one of our singles 'whoa whoa' will be finished. Right now I’m doing a lot. I’m traveling doing shows and doing shows all over the city of Chicago as well, plus the networking. I’m always working on something.

If so, can you tell us about them?

Almozt Famouz was my first solo project put together since I started rapping. Everything I did was group projects with different labels, etc. People have wanted a solo project for a long time and I finally gave it to them. I put my best stuff on it from club to street to deep anything and everything. I gave the people what they've been waiting for. Best Kept Secret is going to be our first official CD as a squad. All original production with everyone in the camp at it’s best, we've recorded a couple songs so far and have gotten great response from it. Also the video to “whoa whoa” is going to be shot very soon and will be out before the year end.

So tell us a little about your label/group DBD – Death B4 Dishonor.

DBD is not only our label and group but it's a way a life, the phrase traces back to some deep meaning. Death Before Dishonor says it all, it's all about honor and respect and the loyalty to yourself and what you create. I formed it in 2004 with Fluid and Ready, it was about time Chicago took a stand.

Who is in it?

As far as the artists go, it's myself, Big Fluid, Ready.45 & Roze Red, and my hypeman Porkchop. Also affiliated with my camp are artists that you guys have interviewed before such as Lil Reap, 100PRcent, our production team Stone Kuttahs, Dj Papito, etc. DBD is city wide we got our lil soldiers out there just like 50 got everyone claiming g g g unit we got our people out there reppin DBD, Squaaad up. Like I said its a way of life. Real recognizes real.

What are your plans for DBD?

Getting us signed first and foremost. Keep doing what we're doing and reach out to our people, give them what they want. I want people to love us. I want people to hate us either way people are going to be talking. You'll see really soon!

You have been offered deals from some major record labels but still have not signed, why?

My thing was always to never shop our material or send demos to labels, no matter what. You create the buzz and they will come. Not saying that some of the labels that have approached us weren’t some of the top but I'm not jumping at the first or second deal. I know what we're worth and I'm trying to keep building our street credibility and keep building a buzz so big that we don’t get shelved. A lot of cats out there don’t know what they're doing they get no respect. I got my respect out here I build with the people and it's not what I want anymore it’s all about the fans who you hear saying “You guys deserve it, you guys are next to blow up”. Labels hear that and they come because they want to know what the hype is about. So until I’m offered the right deal I’m not signing anything. I’m going to let the labels keep coming to me until I’m satisfied with the perfect deal.

Who do you think your music compares to? (some one on the radio now?)

I compete with anyone who is on the radio on BET or MTV. I don’t compete with local artists. You cant really compare me to anyone. I bring it all types of style but most important you can bang to it in the club in your whip or with your girl, it’s good music point blank. Let me ask you, who do you think my music compares to?

Where do you get inspiration from to write music and poetry?

Life, everything and everyone I’ve ever come across has inspired me in one-way or another. It’s hunger I have, I don’t need to force it out it just comes out. Everything in life is worth talking about.

Do you plan on doing anything with your poetry?

Yea it’s on my record, go buy it.

Do you feel that all of your hard work is paying off?

Slowly but surely, yes and I love it. It’s one thing to say you are working hard but it’s another when people on the street and people on the net are talking about you and listing you as their fav artist and when your picture is plastered everywhere. The fans made this pay off, without the listeners I'd still be working for gas money ha ha. I mean if it wasn’t paying off I’m sure you wouldn't be interviewing me right now right (laughing) (joking) but yea thank God it’s going good.

Where can people go online to listen to your music?

www.channelzero.4t.com Go download it, bootleg it, do whatever, just spread the word. I also add exclusives at www.myspace.com/channelzerodbd from time to time.

Out of all of your songs, which one is your favorite? Why?

Probably the most mellow song I’ve done called CONTIGO. It’s not a street banger, it’s not a club banger, it’s just real. It’s dedicated to my mom (RIP) nothing is more real than that. But other then most personal fav. They’re all my fav. I have fun doing every record

Shout outs

First and foremost God for keeping me alive and focused, my family, my camp DBD, my fans, the DJs, promoters, street team, my production team, everyone on the internet, especially migente.com and myspace.com for showing me mad love, Basically anyone and everyone who I’ve worked with and everyone who I was inspired by. I wont get into names because then we might run out of room (laughing) but most importantly the entire staff at Indie Street Latino for supporting their people, Kristin for the interview and my main homie Angela @ Indie for all the love she's showed me.