True to the Wu

>> Killah Priest has done his homework

by SCOTT C

There was a time when you couldn’t sneeze without discovering a new Wu-Tang affiliate, with arms and offshoots of the mighty clan riding the RZA’s coattails from here to Shaolin. In 2007, core Wu-Tang Clan members like Ghostface and Raekwon continue to make reputable moves, while almost everyone else is missing in action. Perhaps one of the strongest voices to emerge from the Wu-Tang sidebar, though, is Killah Priest, who has enjoyed the success and respect that comes with graduating into your own. Building on several releases, Priest is getting ready to drop his new LP The Offering on March 27, and makes a stop in Montreal along the way.

Mirror: When you’re out on the road, are people still genuinely excited about all things Wu?

Killah Priest: Well, I’m bringing the heat right now and people feel that. I still consider myself a Wu-Tang member and when I’m at the shows, I just bring it back to some real, raw lyrics with substance. That’s what people are waiting for, lyrics with concepts, substance and a visual aspect.

M: You got a lot of songs that make most MCs today look foolish, in terms of their content and latitude.

KP: A lot of MCs don’t do their homework. I consider it a blessing that I have a talent that is God-given, and I think most hip hop today just straight up ignores the greats that put them there.

M: I heard you have a track with Nas on the new record coming out?

KP: Me and him ended up doing two songs and it was great, and it happened like one-two-three. He had love and respect for me, and me for him. When great lyricists get together, there’s a sense of respect. He’s on another level than I am, but lyrically I’m there, and I think he and most of the fans know that. I’ve already rapped with Rass Kass, Canibus and Pharoahe Monch, so it was only a matter of time before I got down with Nas.

M: I’d love to hear you and Masta Killa go off!

KP: You know what? We’re probably gonna do an album.