A Conversation With World's Fair's Prince SAMO

There is little doubt that there is coming some serious heat from New York’s growing number of hip-hop collectives. One of the most prominent ones, Queens’ very own World’s Fair, is currently prepping some big things for 2013 and gave a fair warning to the world with Prince SAMO‘s recently dropped Streets Viceroy-mixtape. We had the opportunity to have a conversation with the World’s Fair affiliate and see where his mind is at these days and what his thoughts are about NYC’s current rise in the rap game.

How did you get first affiliated with World’s Fair?
I’ve known Cody B. Ware and Jeff Donna since elementary school. I met Children Of The Night about four years ago through Cody and we’ve been friends ever since.

Can you share some details about Streets Viceroy? What is its focus? What are its influences?
Streets Viceroy is a project that I’ve been working on for about two years now and I’m ecstatic to be able to give it to you guys now. The focus of the project is definitely a juxtaposition. A balance. A middle ground between elegance and rawness. It shows who I am and both sides of the coin. The influences are everything I’ve ever encountered in my life. Ever.

What is your favorite record and why?
My favorite record would have to be “Gojira.” It’s really a record where I let loose and let go of everything and just said whatever I wanted to say. No topic, no train of thought, just me saying whatever I wanted. It’s great to let go on record.

How did you prepared for this record as this is a solo-effort compared to group projects with Worlds’ Fair?
I didn’t really do much prep work for this project, I just wrote and recorded. I love to do solo work because its all on me. Everything Is in my hands which makes it easier and harder at the same time.

What artist outside of the World’s Fair family would you have loved to have as a featured guest on the project?
I worked with a lot of the artists that I wanted to for this project. The people I feel like I really enjoy their music and would love to work with would be ScHoolboy Q or Danny Brown. I’m a huge fan of both of those dudes.

How do you evaluate the current state of NYC-based hip-hop music? A lot of collectives from NYC have been causing some noise lately, how would you explain this development?
NYC hip-hop is in a great place right now I feel. A lot of great music coming out of the city and that makes me happy because I’m from here and it’s nice to see your city back in the light it deserves. The collectives are a beautiful thing man. That was a big part in why NYC hip-hop fell to the wayside. The unity in the city, not only in each squad but between each squad, is really what’s making the noise. I always said that if we all make noise together, there’s no way that they can’t hear us.

What is next for you?
Next for me? I don’t know man. Not really focusing on what hasn’t happened yet. I’m just trying to work hard now and make the best music I possibly can. Everything else will come, in due time.