Straight out of Dilated Peoples, L.A. based rapper Evidence is in our Hot Seat this week answering our burning questions about his craziest tour experience, college classes, and what he’s listening to right now.
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
Evidence: Probably the College Dropout Tour with Kanye West for a lot of reasons. It was 2004 and I was on a ultimate high from being included in this run. We(Dilated Peoples) had the 2nd slot (before Kanye) so it was always jam packed. Not to mention we had just dropped Neighborhood Watch so there were A LOT of Dilated fans mixed in the crowd. The tour was almost 2 months long. A little after the 1st month was complete I got a phone call saying my Mom wasn’t well. I left the tour that night and ended up spending the last 2 weeks of my Mom’s life in the hospital with her. Never have I gone from so high to so low so fast. I hated thinking about this tour and time frame in general for a while, but now I look at it totally different. It really makes me want to make the most of each day, because we really are not promised anything. I think I and WE take that for granted too much.
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
Evidence: I went to Santa Monica College for about a year and a half. I left because music was pulling me away. I was doing basic requirements. I enjoyed my Photography class the most too be honest.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
Evidence: I love LA the most. It’s really hard to get love where you live. So I am very appreciative to have the kind of turn outs I have been having. I know that doesn’t qualify as “Visit” so……I would have to say……. MIAMI! —I am obsessed with palm trees. I grow all different kinds at my house. Cali is “Sub Tropical” …palm’s grow best in tropical weather. I also like Cuban food.
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
Evidence: “Hurry up and Wait.” & “Find out who your hero’s heroes are.”
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
Evidence: Beats By Alchemist, Dj Kahlil, Babu, and Sid Roams. I’ve also have been playing Capitol Punishment by Big Pun a lot lately. Rest In Peace.
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
Evidence: “Echo Park” by Michael Connely. Amazing writer. I have read almost all his books. This is by far his best. I watch HBO shows like Entourage…Don’t know if that counts. I used to watch,”Lost” before it became a soap opera.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
Evidence: Peter Gabriel at The Forum in LA. My Mom took me. I thought it was the greatest thing I ever had witnessed.
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
Evidence: 1. My OWN pillow cases from home. Always nice to smell your own bed-even if you’re not in it.
2. My Laptop. (do I need to explain?)
3. “Special Incense”
9. Who are your major musical influences?
Evidence: EPMD, Gangstarr, Alchemist, Dilated Peoples, Cypress Hill, Everlast, Kanye West, Little Brother and countless others
Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
Evidence: Please check for the live show if you can. It’s what really separates one artist from the next if you ask me. Much Love.
