WWW.milenko500.COM email GlenBurnie MD 05/20/04

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RAPPER KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM...
I was recently fortunate enough to conduct an exclusive interview with abstract-rap originator KOOL KEITH aka- DR. OCTAGON, DR. DOOOM, BLACK ELVIS, SPANKMASTER, MR. GERBIK, and a list of other alter ego's. However, with KEITH's newest project he once again alters the tempo of the rap scene by changing his name to REVERAND TOM and joining up with 3 other dark and mysterious rappers to create THEE UNDATAKERZ! For most people reading this, it's safe to assume that your JUGGALOS and would welcome music about a group of UNDATAKERZ who travel through space to collect dead bodies. Now most rap fans have heard of KOOL KEITH at one point or another. He's one of the most original and creative rap artists ever. But, incase you can't quite pinpoint why KEITH's name sounds so familiar, lemme give you a quick history lesson on the accomplishments of KOOL KEITH. KEITH started his rap career in the late 80's with the bronyx based rap group The Ultramagnetics. In the mid 90's KEITH dropped his highly successful debut solo album under the name DR. OCTAGON. JUGGALOS have probobally been exposed to the song "3000" off the DR. OCTAGON album and not even know it. You see, TWIZTID used to music from that song for thier song "Light & Truth" in 2003. Since his first debut solo album he's continued to make amazing cds under the name KOOL KEITH or his many other personas. No album has ever sounded the same as a previous one. Besides the successful solo albums- Sex Style, Dr. DOOOm, Black Elvis, Matthew, Spankmaster, and Lost Masters, KEITH has also been apart of numerous group projects. Some of his most memorable group efforts include his amazing ANALOG BROTHERS album with ICE-T in 2000 and the KHM "Game" album he made with MARC LIVE and H-BOMB in 2002. KOOL KEITH also made several significant guest appearences on compilations as well. For instance his collaboration track with ODB titled "Wrecked" for the WWE AGGRESSION album turned a lot of heads. KEITH also appeared on SWOLLEN MEMBERS compilation album Defenders of the Underworld on the track "Get off my elevator" which was praised by many as the best track on the album. As far as KOOL KEITH's stage pressence goes...he'll steal the show every time! A KOOL KEITH concert is gauranteed to feature a ton of futuristic costumes, wigs, and crazy space age antics. The last time he rocked the stage was during his set alongside ESHAM and NATAS at the WARP TOUR 2001. WARP TOUR turnouts were huge and on many nights KEITH rocked the mic in front of 20,000 plus fans. So as you can see, KOOL KEITH's talents go much deeper than his unmistakable vocals on PRODIGY's 1 hit single "Smack my bitch up". KEITH is an abstract rap originator no matter what persona he chooses to go by at the time. Here's the exclusive interview I recently conducted with KOOL KEITH aka REVERAND TOM. Enjoy!!!

HODGE- On your newest project you've once again transformed into a completely different artist. Can you explain exactly who this new REVERAND TOM rapper is that you've just introduced into the industry?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- REVERAND TOM was introduced on the Ultra album with Tim Dog. I thought it was time to rekindle that character. With all the bland rap acts out there today I Felt I had to put that character out there again. In my career I've always introduced new characters to the game like DR.OCTAGON, DR.DOOOM, BLACK ELVIS, MR. GERBICK, etc. REVERAND TOM is one of the many characters I made that I really liked. I've always wanted to revive this persona. REVERAND TOM is my strongest one. Nowadays when you go to see a rap concert all you see is some rapper holding his crotch on stage. We wanted to give the fans something more exciting to witness. With all these unique and mysterious characters in THEE UNDATAKERZ we're kinda creating a KISS like atmosphere on stage ya know. Our concerts are gonna be filled with eerie classical music and stage props all over. It'll be something totally different. I mean I've seen musicians trying to copy my creative style for years. Since the early 90's at least. But with all my albums this will again prove that you can't compare to the originator. ANDRE 3000 of OUTKAST has been totally copying my stuff for years now with all the wigs and flashy futuristic outfits. A lot artists have been copying my style. But yeah, the initial idea to resurrect my REVERAND TOM character and put me with a group of UNDATAKERZ was the FUNERAL DIRECTORS . Theirs been so many different things in rap music, but never a group of UNDATAKERZ. We'll bury you cause were the best at what we do!

HODGE- How about the other 3 members of THEE UNDATAKERZ? How did you link up with The FUNERAL DIRECTOR, M-BALMER, and AL BURY-U.or are they familiar allies from a past life of yours?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- AL BURY-U is a guy I met through a mutual friend. He's really a musical genius. It always seemed like he was doing stuff for everybody and not getting any props for it. With his talent, it was only natural that he be included into THEE UNDATAKERZ group. We met M-BALMER at Magic Johnsons restaurant in CA. She showed us so much promise. We talked things over and things started to really come together for us. I've known Funeral director for over 20 years now. We're so close I consider him my cousin. I mean we've done albums together, toured together, shared apartments, he's always been a main part of my career. He's an icon in rap. Nobody can comprehend all the efforts he's put into rap. You may not see him all the time, but you can bet he's always there behind the scenes for so many artists. In fact whenever you see me somewhere, chances are THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR will be right there with me.

HODGE- The new album "PARTY IN THA MORGUE" is also a DVD as well. One of the features on the DVD is a video for the single "Party in tha Morgue". That video reminds me of the Vampire-Club scenes in the Blade movies. That song is incredible! Any chance of it ever winding up on the Blade 3 movie soundtrack? I think it would be a perfect fit.

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- We called them at that label a few times. They liked the track and seemed really interested. We don't know what they're waiting for. We're still waiting to hear from them.

HODGE- The new album is laced with some of the most twisted, demented, and eerie tales ever presented on an album. What was your inspiration behind the creation of THEE UNDATAKERZ album?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- It was more or less THE FUNERAL DIRECTORS idea. With all the bland rap acts out now he thought we should be a group or UNDATAKERZ from another planet. Something never done before. The Paul Bearer is our only link to the bodies here on earth. We discussed it and I thought that it was better that each character is very mysterious. Our fans are gonna see a really different show or theatrics. There are no distinct stage shows in rap nowadays. It's time to take it back to the old days. People wanna see sparks, fog, dead bodies, all that old Alice Cooper/Ozzy type show. In reality we're all from another planet. Everybody is his or her own unique character. I just do the eulogy.

HODGE- Aside from the majority of Dark tracks, the album does have a few lighter songs such as "10-8= not a dime", and "Party in tha morgue(club mix)". What's your overall favorite track on the album?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- It would have to be "Dark Space". We wanted to do a video for that song. We were told that the video would cost too much money. It was gonna be a video of a space ship. I'm outside and the ship starts to take off. It's total chaos. Aliens are loose on the ship. Maybe they're after the dead bodies we've collected. Then we release Dogs onto the ship to try and trap the Aliens. We're all trying to save ourselves. THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR is trying to save us but cannot locate anyone. Anyways, that's what it was supposed to be. But if you notice the sound effects in that song, we recorded real sound effects for the theatrics of the album. We tried to add some 80's-90's classical music breaks like you would hear in the Jason/Freddy films or something. You know, those classic 80s-90s horror sounds.

HODGE- Are you planning on touring in support of the new album?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- Yeah we're looking into touring right now. Here in the U.S. and in Europe. We also have a show in England in july. We already have songs on the charts in Australia and Japan. That was before the album even dropped 2 weeks ago. The other 3 members of THEE UNDATAKERZ were on the Lollapalooza tour till their vehicle got stolen. That was devastating to the group. I've done numerous tours and shows in my life. They are new to it and when they had to stop touring on Lollapalooza cause the vehicle was stolen, it was frustrating for them. But we're going back on the road very soon. Starting with the U.S. Be warned, we're coming to all towns! If the club promoters insist I'll do a KOOL KEITH/THEE UNDATAKERZ split show. After all, I'm presenting them. Just like on all the songs on the album, I'll do my REVERAND TOM rap eulogy at the beginning of the songs ya know.

HODGE- Speaking of touring, the last time you toured the U.S. was in 2001 alongside Detroit Acid Rap Legends- ESHAM and NATAS. That tour was followed up by your spot on the WARP TOUR 2001, which on many nights saw as many as 20,000 screaming fans. Now back then with all the touring and collaborations with ESHAM/NATAS, it seemed like you 4 had a pretty tight bond. Do you still hear from those guys?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- Not really. Well, I do hear from them sometimes. I'm just really busy with my schedule right now I guess. But I might do something with them in the future. MASTAMIND is my boy. If the opportunity presents itself again I Would definitely work with ESHAM or any of the NATAS guys again. Cool guys.

HODGE- As with all your projects, you clearly focus on a new theme or journey to take your listeners on. However, on this new UNDATAKERZ album theirs a KOOL KEITH Remix of the track "Morgue". Does this mean that KOOL KEITH is still alive, just locked away somewhere deep in your psyche? Can fans look forward to another KHM(KOOL KEITH, H-BOMB, MARC LIVE) album?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- Yeah, I've got something in the works but I can't really expose that right now. Lemme tell you about some of my projects that are on the horizon though. I've got a "Claiborne and seven vials" Kool Keith album coming out. I have lots of stuff coming out with MARC LIVE and H-BOMB. You ready for this. I've got "DR. OCTAGON 2" coming out soon. It's done! It should be out in june of this year. It's a great album. Fully myself this time. No Automator. I've also got a "Diesel trucker" album with KUT MASTA KURT dropping in august. Lots in store. Just wait and see.

HODGE- You're a veteran of the rap game and considered by many to be a creative genius. Throughout your career you've collabed with such major artists as- CHINO XL, PRINCE PAUL, ESHAM, SWAY & KING TECH, OLE' DIRTY BASTARD, SADAT-X of BRAND NUBIAN, MOTION MAN, PRODIGY, ICE-T, JACKY JASPER, HEATHER HUNTER(former XXX star)MARC LIVE, MONEY D, and REX ROLLAND. However, non of your past life personas have ever been as mysterious and dark as REVERAND TOM. Are their any other musicians you'd like to link up with for a future collaboration with REVERAND TOM?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- Yeah, I'm thinking about other stuff for REVERAND TOM. But with me, you never know what's next! I do like doing collabs with people, but it's difficult sometimes with all these contract rules and electronic production artists wanna work with. You never know where the Good Reverand might show up though.

HODGE- In my opinion THEE UNDATAKERZ "Party in tha Morgue" album is a brilliant new chapter to the growing Wicked Rap genre. Although the images and themes portrayed on the album are as bizzare as one can(or cannot) imagine, it somehow still manages to maintain a fun/entertaining feel that most others in this category fall short on. As with most of your previous projects, the critics are already recognizing the brilliance in this newest album. Due to the current acclaim of THEE UNDATAKERZ album, can your fans one day expect a sequel to "Party in tha Morgue"?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- Definitely. We're thinking about turning the group into a band like KISS. Like maybe a 5 instrument band. It's gonna be a group like POD or LINKIN PARK. Hip hop feels stale lately. We need to revive that old KISS or ALICE COOPER type group. I'm even thinking about making a punk rock band. I've got a lot of ideas swimming around in my head. You're gonna have to stayed tuned to see what's in store.

HODGE- I wanna thank you for taking this time out in your busy schedule to conduct this interview with me. Any last words for your fans reading this?

KOOL KEITH AKA REVERAND TOM- I really appreciate all the support that all the fans continue to give through the years. If you thought my other projects were a unique twist, wait till you buy THEE UNDATAKERZ album. For more info on that album or all my upcoming projects head over to www.koolkeith.co.uk . Also to check out the new video for the "Party in the Morgue" song, or to look for tour dates in your town just hit up www.undatakerz.com .