Mobile rap artist Paper Boy recently released his cd News Flash. Doc interviewed him and, like the Mobile rap & hip-hop musicians he has interviewed before and those in Rootsy Hip, was amazed by his depth at his young age.
When Paper Boy (John Pendleton) moved to Mobile from the suburbs of North Carolina, he felt the pressure from peers to fit in against his principles. The summer before his 10th grade year at Murphy High, PaperBoy adopted gospel rap as a means of expression that began with the 2006 release of The Good News EP. His highly anticipated debut album NewsFlash was released in October and features hit singles such as “Get Up”.
Doc: How did you enjoy making the album?
PB: I love writing music, it’s one of my favorite things to do. This album was really different for me seeing as I wrote, recorded, and mixed most of it in my home. all of the singing on this album is performed by me (though most of it is electronically enhanced.) I really enjoy the whole process of making and recording music, it makes me feel more in control of every little thing.
Doc: How did you get involved in gospel rap?
PB: I’ve known about christian rap probably my whole life, because my dad was a fan. Locally speaking, I got involved with Ty Cross and Truthseekah. They really took me under their wing at first and helped me get my first couple of recordings out there.
Doc: Have you gotten much flak for being a Christian rapper?
PB: I have actually probably gotten more flack from my peers and the younger generation for not only doing christian music, but for living for Christ in general. It usually comes in the form of teasing, or strange looks at a show, but nothing too horrible. I knew the cost of following Christ when I became a christian, so I could only assume taking a stand for him in the realm of music would create even more opposition from unbelievers. I will say that the church has become a lot more accepting of different non-traditional types of music and I commend my brothers and sisters in Christ for staying open-minded when it comes to musical styles.
Doc: What’s next for Paper Boy?
PB: Well, to be honest, I haven’t given much thought to what’s next quite yet. My album just released about 2 months ago so I guess what’s next is really pushing in the streets and trying to get the gospel out, that’s been the mission from day 1, and will continue to be the main focus throughout. Artistically, I want my next project to be different and stand out, I really want to work on having my own style.
Paper Boy’s mySpace page. Buy Paper Boy’s News Flash on iTunes.
iTunes Reviews: “Few people come along to drop music that has the power to change lives. Paperboy is just one of those people! Lyrical ability combined with banging beats”
