With his latest album, Hell’s Winter, veteran underground rapper Cage (aka Chris Palko) has unleashed some of the most visceral and harrowing rhymes of his long career. About to head out on tour with the rest of the Definitive Jux crew, the MC took time out to hit mtvU’s Hot Seat and talk about losing his voice, hotel wars and Huey Lewis:
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: It was easily the Hell’s Winter Tour for my record, end of 2005. I lost my voice three days into the tour,w ent to the doctor’s and got it back with modern medicine magic. Everyone on the tour (Camu Tao and Slow Suicide Stimulus and DJ KrazyGlue) had air pellet guns and we were having Hotel Wars. Shots in the face, legs and arms were covered with welts. Getting tattoos on tour is not the best idea, jumping into the crowd with freshly scabbed tats and the scabs are ripped off by crazed fans, OUCH! Mel Ski (of S.S.S.) puked a lot. These are the most tame things I can speak of.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: Psychology, so I can further understand myself.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: There really are so many, but L.A. is always nuts. The shows are always great and I have so many friends there, the whole visit is usually a blur trying to see everyone.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Look both ways before crossing the street. It applies to everything.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: GlassJaw, Camu Tao, And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead and Aesop Rock.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to?
A: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick (because it was short). TV show would be Family Guy
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw and how was it?
A: The first concert I saw was Huey lewis and The News. It was amazing, but I was like eight years old.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Mac Powerbook, Archos video player, Sidekick 2
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Ultra Magnetics, EPMD, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Skooly D, Big Daddy Kane, DK, Pistols, Misfits and Slick Rick!!
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Congrats, you guys are all living out my secret (not anymore) fantasy of going to college!!!!
