As African children, we adhere strictly to the teachings of our upbringing: be polite, be nice and never, ever, ever be BOASTFUL.  As Hip-Hop heads, we defy all the rules (creatively so). Rappers are generally known for their name dropping and braggadoccio.  KRAFT, music producer/rapper is one of the few of the lot that we can certify to have earned the bragging rights.

What with a music production and rap portfolio that includes past collaborations with Mode 9, Silver Saddih, Dj Jimmy Jatt, MI (Fast Money, Fast  Cars on the ‘Talk About It’ album) and on going collaborations with: the Hapuya Master, Six-O, Sauce Kid, Whiz Kid, Ill Bliss, a new mixtape with  Mode 9, Jonah the monarch, Kel, Loose Kaynon, The Khalifates, Devyne, Harriet, C.O.N.tradiction, Terry tha Rapman, O.D., Showboy, Da Grin, YQ, etc.

Ezekiel Obonare of WRT sat down to rub minds on issues spanning production to rap. Please enjoy.

WRT: Can we get a brief insight into who you really are?
KRAFT: To a lot of people I’m Kraftmatiks, Kraftwork, The Kraftman…Kraft this and  Kraft that (laughs), but to fam’, I’m Ashibuogwu A.C. Michael, I hail from the south side of Nigeria, Delta State to be precise. The fourth of five children; an introvert but crazy ass kid, fun lovin and all. Well, I’m still reading the manual my mom said she got from the man she got me from (laughs)

WRT: Nice (laughs), you kinda look young-ishhh. Are you really that young, or…?
KRAFT: Younger than most, but I sure seen enough. I have been here for a while and I still have lots more to give.

WRT: Are you just a Hip-Hop producer or does your scope extend beyond that?
KRAFT: I grew up on lots of old school records my mom and pops used to have. And I have always loved all sorts of music as it was good, hip-hop made me want to produce but I got my roots from the music I heard growing. So I would say I’m a music producer in general. Hip-hop is just my strength.

WRT: Aside producing you are also an em-cee, which comes first for you?
KRAFT: I started em-ceeing first, but later started making beats and I fell  in love with making beats.  But, I always try to find a balance.

WRT: Your style of production has often times been described as hard core; how true is this?
KRAFT: The question should really be: what is hardcore? For me, I’m a music maker, who will bring what I think is best for an artiste and the song to the table.

WRT: What is your relationship with Mode 9 ?
KRAFT: Well, we are cool. The dude’s like my big bro. Plus, I happen to be his point man in the lab. So I’m down with Red-Eye music but I also got my thing too.

WRT: Are you signed on to Red Eye music?
KRAFT: No, I’m not signed on in any way. But we are affilated.

WRT: What is hip-hop’s level right now in nigeria and what are the heights it has to attain?
KRAFT: Well, a step at a time. At a point, you might have looked out of place strange bumping some certain records; But today, folks have come to recognise hip-hop, though it isn’t fully accepted as a genre music or the powerful culture it really is.

WRT: It’s common to hear rappers exchange views and opinions about each other in their songs. So, who are you exchanging views with?
KRAFT: No one worth thinking about. But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a kid or two who think since they can recite nursery rhymes; they can walk up to anyone and take shots. If you have anything to say to Kraft,  please walk up to me and say it out and loud. If not, hold ur piss (peace) (laughs). That might hurt your bladder though.

WRT: Pop quiz: between Mode 9, Ruggedman, MI and Eldee. Who would you rate as Nigeria’s best?
KRAFT: I know I am the best rapper (laughs). But, I don’t see some names on your list. Well, there are other rappers you left out, like Naeto C, Killz, Terry tha Rapman, O.D. and many others. I’m really not too concerned about who is considered the best, but how we can all make hiphop grow in Nigeria.

WRT: We heard whispers about collaborations with both Nas and Talib Kweli. Can you fill us in on how far gone that project is?
KRAFT: Shhhhhhhhhhh. I can’t shout, I’m  trying to work things out. You’ll all be the first to know when it pulls through.

WRT: Are you involved in any project at the moment?
KRAFT: Lots of work.  I need a break, well the list is crazy from Mode 9, Silver Saddih, Dj Jimmy Jatt, MI (Fast Money, Fast Cars on the ‘Talk About It’ album) and on going collaborations with: the Hapuya Master, Six-O, Sauce Kid, Whiz Kid, Ill Bliss, a new mixtape with Mode 9, Jonah the monarch, Kel, Loose Kaynon, The Khalifates, Devyne, Harriet, C.O.N.tradiction, Terry tha Rapman, O.D., Showboy, Da Grin, YQ, plus my own sort of detox album…..the list is endless. There are names I can’t even disclose for now.

WRT: You are on a roll bro. Thank you so much for your time
KRAFT: You are welcome.