Meyhem Lauren: «Consistency is the key»

Man, it’s a great honor for us to be able to ask you a few questions as you are an underground legend. So what motivated and pushed you over the years, betting everything on your consistency and coherence? How did you manage to keep your path always straight?

Consistency is the key. I always looked at my career as a castle that I was building brick by brick. Not everything that I’ve achieved was celebrated individually but when I take a step back and look at what i’ve built my architectural vision is not to be questioned.

In terms of motivation it’s easy when you enjoy what you’re doing. I’m at a point where it would be harder to stop than to keep going.

You emerged into the scene rapping alongside Action Bronson. We remember that period well: most of Rap music in that moment was turning towards clubby or commercial sounds and then, suddenly, 2 new guys from the Queens appeared, sticking to the classic raw hardcore Hip-Hop from NY, but bringing a sort of “new” approach to it.  How did you and Action Bronson meet and how did you start making music together?  What are your best memories or anecdotes about that period, something that maybe few know about your early career?

Me and Action are family, we met in the 7th grade, we were 12 years old. It’s always a blessing to make history with someone you grew up with. There’s a ton of memories with him but some of the best ones are literally conquering the world. From hopping turnstiles and racking clothes and paint as kids to flying around the globe enjoying the best resources that the earth has to offer is a special story.

As far as the music sticking to tradition is easy: we would drive around for hours and take long train rides etc listening to the music that inspired the music we make. It’s almost like taking vitamins. What you listen to is very important, it’s kinda like how reading makes you a better writer…

One of your first songs that blew our mind and drove many graffiti writers around the world crazy was “Got The Fever”, where you speak about the graff culture in New York. How did that anthem come about? What was your connection with the graffiti scene then and now?

“Got The Fever” was special… when I did that song it was more from a retrospective viewpoint, I wasn’t really active at that point just reminiscing. Graff had always been an important part of my life. I felt like as important as graff is to the culture there were only like 2 or 3 graff anthems, I just felt obligated to make another. I was connected to the scene then and now and I’ll always contribute when time permits.

The background of your actions both in Graff and Rap have always been the streets and walls of Queens, your name is respected and well known throughout the city.…What was it like growing up in Queens for you as a kid and what inspired you to rap?

Queens is special, the most diverse place in the world. You can get a feel of the whole world just floating through Queens. As much as Queens was home base, I spent a lot of time Uptown and in Brooklyn too. I feel the combination of all 3 of those places helped become more well rounded as a human and artist. I was really just a fan who wanted to make more of the type of rap that I enjoyed.. it’s that simple.

Last year you created something epic, reuniting DJ Muggs in the same room with another legendary producer like Madlib to produce your new album “Champagne For Breakfast”, released in April this year. How and to whom did the idea of ​​making “Champagne For Breakfast” come about? How was the creative process behind it?

Long story short I was working on an album with Madlib and another album with Muggs. We were all in the same room, playing with each other joints and deciding that before dropping the solo projects, we should drop one collectively. A few of the joints were already recorded and a few we made from scratch. The best things in life are usually accidental… This is one of those situations.

That being said, “Champagne For Breakfast” is out now.

Your bond with Muggs was already well known but what was it like working with a producer like Madlib? What do you think he added to the chemistry between you and Muggs and can you tell us some behind the scenes about him and Muggs at work?

1000%. Me and Muggs already got things down to a science, at this point it’s harder to miss than hit a home run. That being said, bringing a genius like Madlib instead to the equation is like having the best meal ever and then shaving Truffles on top. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better there is a new layer of eloquent enhancement.

Behind the scenes there was a lot of convo, laughter and Japanese whisky. That’s the most important part of making music in my opinion. Cut and paste albums are cool but when creatives are actually kicking it during the process you can always tell the difference.

You were an early endorser of Griselda Records and this solid relationship has not ended over time, so much that in 2022 saw the light “Black Vladimir”, your album entirely produced by Daringer, in-house producer and original member of GxFr. How was working on this album and where does the title come from?

Black Vladimir was necessary… the universe needed that. We gave the people what they needed. Straight business no funny shit. That album captured a certain time period and energy. Working on the album was dope. We took out time with it and executed.

The title came from an old alias of mine… some people used to know me as Vladimir the architect but I can’t really get too into that.

How did you meet Westside Gunn and the Griselda boys?

I believe we first met through Alchemist, I always felt we were on the same mission… The first time I heard them I was like, this is special and at that time I hardly liked any new music that was dropping. Shout out to Daringer Gunn, Conway, Benny and the whole Griselda… Those dudes have been solid since day one and deserve all the trophies and accolades that they are receiving.

So throughout your career you collaborated with many legendary producers and rappers…Something that very few can boast. Do you still have any dreams on your bucket list, like doing another collaborative album with any other producer or maybe MC, or anything else? And do you already have something else ready?

There’s definitely other producers and MC’s I’d like to work with but like I stated previously the best things happen accidentally so I’m gonna just keep doing my part by putting in work and letting everything else fall into place.

Also for the record I’m currently working on new music with everyone that you mentioned… The work never stops.

Aside from Rap and Graffiti, you have another great passion: Food.  In fact, you assiduously take parts in various food shows such as “Munchies” and “F*ck That’s delicious” for world-famous broadcasters… How did those food and cooking shows come about and where does your passion for food come from?

That’s another one of those beautiful mistakes, I never planned on being a figure in the food world. I always enjoyed cooking and exploring different cuisines but never thought that would become a driving force in my career.

One thing about me though is if I get an opportunity I’m going to take it seriously and run with it and that’s exactly what I did. My passion for food started in Queens. We have an abundance of diversity, you can literally get Fire Indian, Greek, Thai and Italian all on the same block.