So you've never been tempted off the straight and narrow?

No way - too smart for the nonsense. I'm a trailblazer man, not a follower. My parents are too proud of me. I couldn't just throw it all away. I've done things that they can't even dream of. When I hear I'm proud of you from my Pops, that's serious. Pops is hardcore and mad critical so to hear that is like extra. I have to continue to please him. Besides I have to take care of my peeps when they get old - you can't do that from jail.

I feel I was put here for a reason so I have to die that reason out. This music thing is my life. My daughter came out bouncing to it. She is a fiend for music. If a song comes on TV she's frozen - it mesmerizes her. She got that from me because that's how I feel inside. I'm dead without music.

What's next for Tat Money?

As a matter of fact we are doing a movie. I just shot one - it's on DVD now – it's called 'Train Ride'. MC Lyte and Wood Harris star. Guru had a small role. Esther Rolle was in it from Good Times – a legend in the sitcom world.

The next one is going to be crazy. We in the middle of it right now but trust me, you'll hear about it, see something. Wait till you hear some of the stuff in it. There's a lot that isn't known [about Philadelphia] - you would have had to be from here.

Sounds interesting. Thanks a lot for your time - it's been a real pleasure speaking with you.

I am grateful for the fact that you took time out to listen. And I'm glad you enjoyed it. The pleasure was all mine.

Notes:

[1] The 'Bridge Wars' refers to the on-wax battle between The Juice Crew (especially MC Shan and Marley Marl) from Queensbridge and Boogie Down Productions from the Bronx. Other artists jumped in, fueling the fire with their own dis records. Cool C's 'Juice Crew Dis' is a classic example.

Read Part I of this interview.

For the latest on Tat Money check out The Official Website.