Action Figure 973 (SOULED OUT) Interview

1. 01The Serpent Tongue

   When did this album get started? Was it during your trip through England to France or when you got back home?

   Action Figure 973

   The album came together once I got home from Europe. While I was out there I would scribe lines here and there and also, Don Danon sent me the beats while I was out there. I definitely had the opening from “London Traffic” written while I was out there as well. Anytime I heard or saw something I would ask about it then write it down. “No Fly Tipping” came from a sign I seen in Bristol. I asked Craig Dyer what did “No Fly Tipping” mean, he told me it meant to not leave open garbage in that area. Once I got home that’s when I started working on the project. And I went right to my Notes section in my phone and started piecing together this piece.

2. 02The Serpent Tongue

   Did you reach out to the producer or did he reach out to you?

   Action Figure 973

   Don Danon reached out to me during a snow storm in March. We ended up doing the song, “Drugged Madonna’s”. I loved the beat to that record and just asked Don if he had anymore beats that sounded like that. Just that simple. He sent me a few beats, I’d record and send those back then I’d unlock more beats from him as songs were being sent back.

3. 03The Serpent Tongue

   Where did the name for the album come from? Why choose that for this project?

   Action Figure 973

   It came from a few things (laughs). First inspiration would be the old WCW/NWO PPV called Souled Out. Second, I feel like I came up with this after the LBO vinyl with Wulverine sold out on Copenhagen Crates on some brash cocky shit, “an album called Sold Out would be too crazy” (laughs). Lastly, I chose the name also because the beats were soulful. As far as the other names. “Banned From The Louvre” came from really getting banned from the Louvre in France for wearing the mask and taking a picture with the Mona Lisa. I caught a lifetime ban for the art (laughs).

4. 04The Serpent Tongue

   Was WILLIAM REGAL your initial idea for the song? Or did you cycle through many names and wrestlers before you chose him for the inspiration of the song?

   Action Figure 973

   First name that came to mind honestly. I knew nobody had named a joint after him so I knew it would be perfect, especially with him being a fellow Englishmen.

5. 05The Serpent Tongue

   Is there anything you try do album to album to make sure your music stays fresh? Any precautions you try to take?

   Action Figure 973

   Man, I just go in and create. I get inspired by something and I just create. I’m making the shit I want to hear from myself. I don’t really worry too much about that. I try not to let ideas die.

6. 06The Serpent Tongue

   What do you look for in producers that you work with? And what drew you to Don!

   Action Figure 973

   I’m just always open to listening to new producers. I go in with an open mind and go with whatever makes my own move. Don shit was just ill to me. He had a similar sound but it was his own. Feel like he had the perfect joints for a tape of this magnitude.

7. 07The Serpent Tongue

   In this stage of your career and considering the massive success and recognition you’ve received thus far, what would you say this particular album says for your career?

   Action Figure 973

   I feel like I’m in a new bag as of late. I’ve been making more personal music lately. Giving people more of a glimpse behind the person wearing the mask. This album would say my career is on a high trajectory. I made an album about a trip to Europe. I know people who dream of shit like that. It would say ear for beats is growing. Growth in all aspects honestly.

8. 08The Serpent Tongue

   Did you have a favourite song to record for this one and if so why and which one?

   Action Figure 973

   Eyeful is my favorite song on the whole project. I loved recording everything, it came together pretty quickly honestly. Eyeful is just a personal record about a moment I had in Paris. While I was out there I really started to reflect on everything. I was really proud of myself and I still am. None of this shit came easy, and it felt good to express that on this song. This project as a whole is truly one of a kind.

9. 09The Serpent Tongue

   If you were stranded on a desert island only two albums to choose from forever (and in your case only one wrestling PPV) to choose from to watch for the rest of your life, what would it be?

   Action Figure 973

   ECW One Night Stand. As far as albums. I’d have to say Blueprint and The Slim Shady LP.

Written Q&A by Corban Skipwith · More interviews · Get interviewed