Ruste Juxx Interview: SXSW 2010

Ruste Juxx marks more than a decade as a hardcore Hip Hop original with his upcoming SXSW appearance followed closely by the March 23 release of 'THE ExxECUTION,' a collaboration with producer Marco Polo on Duck Down Records. Juxx spoke with Spinner prior to bringing his massive beats and powerful rhymes to Austin.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Hardcore, gritty, New York style.

How did you begin in the music business?

I've been putting out singles since 1995. My old manager introduced me to Sean Price and then Sean decided to put me on Heltah Skeltah's album 'Magnum Force' in 1998.

Who are your musical influences?

Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Biggie, Jay-Z, Boot Camp Clik.

Explain the idea behind the name Ruste Juxx.

Juxx is like when you get robbed or stabbed. Ruste just makes it worse. This best represents my rap style.

Who are your heroes?

My Uncle Ray. He influenced me to start rhyming

What inspires you?

My family.

What's your biggest vice?

Failure.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

Ounce of haze.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Alyssa Milano.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Maxwell.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

When I was in Italy, someone called me a "mulian" which I assumed was "n-----" in Italian and I was about to fight him but people broke it up.

What are your hopes and dreams for your SXSW appearance this year?

I just want everyone to recognize how dope of an artist I am and realize that 'THE ExxECUTION' is a classic.

Why should SXSW attendees come to see your showcase?

'THE ExxECUTION' is what hip hop is missing right now. There's no more hardcore rap out right now.

What kind of mischief do you usually get into on the road?

I don't really get into mischief on the road.

Where is your hometown? And how's the local support where you're from?

Crown Heights, Brooklyn. I get a lot of love in my hood. They're all waiting for me to blow.

What are you doing when you're not making music?

In the house with my family, doing Daddy s---.

What's your dream venue? Where would you most like to perform?

Madison Square Garden.

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