Saul Williams is a badass. Since launching his career with an indie movie about slam poetry, he has quickly become one of the most distinctive, unclassifiable voices in modern music. A musician, a poet and an outspoken activist, Saul’s latest projects are a book of poetry called The Dead Emcee Scrolls and his third full-length album, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! If you can believe it, we crammed all that talent into one Hot Seat and got the goods. Read on.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: Hitting the stage in Dublin for the first time and the entire audience reciting most of my poetry by heart with me. AND Performing at the Opikopi festival in South Africa at a game reserve with wild animals running on the hills in the distance. AND Having a fever before a show in Perth Australia and feeling inspired to take off most of my clothes on stage. AND Having NIN as my band during the Voodoo Festival AND Every night on the road with the Mars Volta.
Q: What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
A: Archaeology could be cool. Because I’m ignorant.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: I like the Bay Area a lot (SF/Oakland). The architecture is cool, the people are pretty nice and socially aware, and there’s great food and not a bad music scene.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Don’t kiss so wet.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
A: MIA, Bats for Lashes, the soundtrack to Once, Chrome and something I’m not supposed to mention…
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: StarBook by Ben Okri
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
A: Run DMC at a roller rink. It was hardcore.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Headphones. Toothbrush. A good book.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Jimi Hendrix. Bad Brains. James Brown. Fela Kuti.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: If you want to find your calling in life and make a difference, why not start by majoring in what you’re passionate about instead of what you or your parents think will make you money. War=heartless business.
