411Mania Exclusive Interview: Judge D
Posted by Selwyn DeSa on 01.21.2006
No Compromize was one of the best albums of 2005, I spoke with the man responsible for it.
Selwyn DeSa: First, I want to thank you for granting me this interview, I will try not to take up too much of your time. I wanted to ask about your name, I have heard so many different things so finally, what is the real story behind the Judge D name?
Judge D: I envisioned it; it goes all the way back to 300 A.D. with Christianity, Catholicism, and all the indigenous people called the people of the judged. Just like today with government and religion, we are the people of the judged, and with my name being Daniel it all just fit together.
Selwyn DeSa: The first thing I noticed before I even listened to your album was the cover, for those who don't know it has a drawing of you on the front with your arms extended to your sides and you are facing an army. Then if you flip it over you can see that you have your own army behind you, who was the artist and who came up with the concept for this?
Judge D: Larry Love who is a graphics designer for Sub Noize drew it based on my idea, I came in one day and told him what I wanted and he did a great job with it.
Selwyn DeSa: Who are some of your influences?
Judge D: That's a tough question because there's so many, anyone from 2 Pac to Jim Morrison, Bob Marley to Jimi Hendrix, Ani DiFranco to Damian Marley. Even someone like Bruce Lee who is not a musician but he influences me in my music. I like true artists who stand for something, that are revolutionary.
Selwyn DeSa: What do you have to say to people who associate Suburban Noize Records with the whole ‘stoner culture" and cant see beyond that and might not give any of the artists a chance due to it?
Judge D: Quite honestly fuck em, they can label it what they want. Reality is hard and when people fear something they push it away, fear brings hate just look at the government today.
Selwyn DeSa: With the popularity and success of the Kottonmouth Kings, do you or any of the other artists ever feel overshadowed on your own label?
Judge D: Honestly sometimes, you do feel that way but you have to look at it as they have earned everything they got and they made all this possible. They bring in most of the money so it makes sense that they get most of the promotion, hopefully I along with the rest of the label will continue to grow and make enough money that we are able to express ourselves. It is all about branching out and we just signed (hed) P.E. so exciting things are happening.
Selwyn DeSa: Who has been your favorite artist to work with thus far in your career?
Judge D: Tech N9ne on my last record because it was more than just working with another artist because he is my friend, I mean we will call each other and I love his family. Working with KMK is always fun, I grew up with those guys, I've known Loc since Jr. High and Richter since high school. In 1996 when they were doing Kottonmouth Kings, I was with my band Victim Eyes until I signed in 2000 with Sub Noize.
Selwyn DeSa: Who are some artists you would like to work with in the future?
Judge D: There are so many, Damian Marley, Ani DiFranco, I'd love to work with Zach De La Rocha I think we could really say something and there is a lot that needs to be said.
Selwyn DeSa: What is Judge D doing right now?
Judge D: Right now I'm putting Victim Eyes back together and we're going to be recording a live band album, which I am really excited about, it's going to be about more than just music, it's about a lifestyle and I can't wait to talk to the world about it. Most people don't know this but No Compromize was written and recorded in 11 days and many of those songs were freestyles done right on the spot. But this is going to be my baby and we are putting a lot of time into it. It is going to be called Rite and we are in the opening stages but want to have an EP out by March with the album dropping by summer.
Selwyn DeSa: Is that what you always wanted to do with your life?
Judge D: I believe I was put here for this, that it's been predetermined since I was a child. I am living my dream right now.
Selwyn DeSa: What would you be doing if you weren't doing this?
Judge D: I think I would move to the woods and write poetry, just be one with nature because I can't take the rat race. I would end up dead or in jail trying to work a 9 to 5 so I would just take my family and move away.
Selwyn DeSa: I reviewed your album and I thought it was extremely underrated and one of the best of 2005, I was also a bit surprised with all the feedback I received from people who agreed with me so is there anything you want to say to those people and any of your fans who might be reading this.
Judge D: I just want to thank them for their feedback and thank you for really listening to the album, this is freedom talk and you are the future, live free and stay strong.
Note: Judge D is as good a man as he is artist, he is very well spoken and it was a pleasure speaking with him. If you have not checked him out yet then I highly suggest you do so.
