About Me
The Interview
Artist: Lil’ Franch
Interviewer: Gerald Owen, Jr.
In the rap world today, there are just as many talented independent artists doing their thing by themselves, as there are mainstream artists doing their thing with the support of a major label, if not more. In fact, I find that there are a large number of independent artists who are more deserving of being signed to a major than some artists that actually ARE signed to a major. One such artist, in my eyes, is local Detroit wordsmith Lil’ Franch. With the release of his first full length studio album just around the corner, it’s time for the world to get to know the man and his music.
CM Underground: Franch, what’s new in your life, homie?
Lil’ Franch: Honestly, a lotta drama and srtess lol. So much to do, so little time. I’m working on 2 albums right now. My debut album "Flirting With Death", and a Mixtape album. The Mixtape release date is still TBA, so I have a little time for that one but "Flirting With Death" was suppost to be droped this past Spring, but due to situations beyond my controll I had to pull it back to a TBA release date (but it’ll be worth the wait). I’m producing now, I’m still learning but catching on fast.
CM Underground: That’s cool, man, congratulations. Moving on, I’d like to know, how did you get your name and is there any specific meaning behind it?
Lil’ Franch: After messin’ around with different names that just didn’t stick over the years, the name Franchice was thrown at me. I guess it stuck easier since it was a name given to me and not one I just picked up. But after a while I heard the name being tossed around left and right, so I desided to shorten it up to Lil’ Franch. Just trying to be a little more original with it.
CM Underground: So, how long have you been rapping?
Lil’ Franch: For a long minute. I started spittin’ in early ’93.
CM Underground: What made you first pick up the mic?
Lil’ Franch: I was in class, sittin’ with a few of my boys. The teacher had to leave the room for a few minutes. Then my friends started freestylin’. Next thing I knew I heard "Then I pass Will the mic." I just sat there for a second, but all eyes were on me. So I started spittin’ some s**t. It wasn’t all that good (laughs). But I been rappin’ ever since, tryin’ to up my game little by little.
CM Underground: Who are your biggest influences musically?
Lil’ Franch: Where to start. Bone Thugs (they could flow on the mic like no other), Lil’ Flip (dude can spit some tight ass off the wall s**t), Eminem (One of the greatest rappers today), DMX (The way he put stories into damn near all his songs was tight). I mean there we’re so many, but these are just a few off the top of my head.
CM Underground: What artists would you like to work with if you had the chance?
Lil’ Franch: Besides all of the above mentioned, I’d like to work with Chamillionaire, Lil’ Wayne, Project Pat, Ludacris, Lil’ Jon, and a duet with Alicia Keys would be nice (laughs).
CM Underground: So, what albums do you currently listen to when you have some downtime?
Lil’ Franch: Damn, I have so many CD’s. literally, I have well over 500. So for the most part I’ll just grab any album that’s fitting my mood. Ya know? If I’m feelin’ hyphy, it’s gotta be something crunk. If I wanna just chill out and relax, it’s gotta be on that R&B tip. If I’m in a bad mood or just don’t feel like being bother’d, then it’s gotta be some hardcore gangsta s**t. So basicly, just whatever I guess (laughs).
CM Underground: Speaking of albums, you have an upcoming solo project coming soon entitled "Flirting With Death." Why did you choose this title?
Lil’ Franch: Originally the album was called "Let’s Get It Crackin", but being it’s my debut album and knowing the first album can make or break someone, I renamed it "Flirting With Death". But, I’m expecting big things to happen with this album.
CM Underground: What can listeners expect from this album?
Lil’ Franch: A little bit of everything. Up tempo tracks, some slow stuff, music to bump in your ride, or just sit back and chill to, plus a hell of a lot more. I tried to make sure that I had something for everyone.
CM Underground: What is your favorite cut from the album so far?
Lil’ Franch: So far my favorite is "Let’s Get It Crackin" but the album isn’t finished yet. I got a few more tracks that I’m really feelin’. One in particular called "Ya Gotta Understand".
CM Underground: Are there going to be any guest appearances on the album?
Lil’ Franch: No doubt! I got tracks with Felonati The Don, AshBug, Big Fridge and many more artist. I’ll keep you updated.
CM Underground: When can we expect "Flirting With Death" to hit the streets?
Lil’ Franch: Like I said earlier, unfortunately it had to be held back. The release date isnt currently set but the demo IS available right now, it’s got 10 tracks on it (witch isnt too bad for a demo) but expect the full album to have around 17 tracks.
CM Underground: Are you involved or going to be involved in any other upcoming projects?
Lil’ Franch: As of right now, just the 2 albums above mentioned.
CM Underground: Do you have any concerts or event performances scheduled in the near future for people to check out your music live?
Lil’ Franch: Hopefully sooner then later. That’s really all I can say right now.
CM Underground: Now, as unsigned hype it’s harder to promote and get recognized. So, what do you do to get your name out?
Lil’ Franch: Advertise, put links up online, and send songs in to local radio stations.
CM Underground: Are you one of those cats sending in demos, trying your hardest to get signed by a major label or are you on an independent grind trying to make money without a major?
Lil’ Franch: It’s not all about the money for me, ya know, I’m not greedy. I just want to get my music out there and be heard. I’d be good on an independent level, but if I had the opportunity and got a call from the majors I probably wouldn’t turn the offer away.
CM Underground: Nowadays it seems like every artist is given a label or a category to fit in. Instead of just rap and hip-hop, we now have "gangsta’ rap," "political hip-hop," "crunk music," "punch line rap," and so on and so forth. What label, if any, would be most appropriate for your style of music?
Lil’ Franch: I wouldn’t label myself as anything, I really have no certain style. I could get a crunk beat and do a track with Lil’ Jon just as easily as I could get a southern style beat and do a track with Project Pat.
CM Underground: The majority of today’s artists don’t really stand for much. Everybody just wants to have a good time and a hit single. There are not a whole lot of rappers who really have a strong message to share with the listeners. Do you have a message that you try to get across with your music?
Lil’ Franch: I just wanna give the people somethin’ they can relate to, whether it’s someone that’s depressed, in love or in the partying mood. Anyone having to deal with someone scantless or anyone who just wants to put on a nice slow beat, lay back and chill to. I wanna make sure I have somethin’ for everyone.
CM Underground: Is there anything else you’d like to say before I let you go?
Lil’ Franch: Yea. I want people to check out http://www.soundclick.com/franchice so they can hear more from me & what I’m bringing to the game.
CM Underground: Alright, man. Thanks for your time.
