Exclusive Interview: MIMS
He's best known for his wildy successful 2007 debut album "Music Is My Savior", which featured the infectious New York anthem "This Is Why I'm Hot". The platinum-selling rapper returns on April 7th 2009 with his sophomore album "Guilt". During a conversation with ATF's Simone Carlene, MIMS reveals the truth about his music, why he says he's guilty and how he really feels about the song we couldn't stop rapping along to.
ATF: "This is Why I'm Hot" was your first major hit. What was it like witnessing the success of the record? MIMS: For me it was, and I say this in the corniest way, a Cinderella story because we actually started it off independently; me and my company American King and you dont necessarily see at that time how you can take a record from a thought to the world and make it into something that everybody's listening to. Our notion was just to get some air play, entice the labels and then independently put out the album. When the record took off the way it did, we had the labels hollering to give us a deal and we signed to a major to take it to a number one standpoint. First, we defeated the odds of a New York artist even being relevant in that day and age [2007] when no other brand new NY artists were being mentioned. Then we defeated the fact that a New York artist broke out of the South, which in my opinion is one of the leading markets in hip hop music. There are artists in the game now that can't say that they've had a number one record, ten... twenty years deep in the game. We knocked down a lot of walls. ATF: The new album was rumored to be titled "I Am Hip Hop's Savior" and it was later revealed to be "Guilt" How did that happen? MIMS: Honestly it was just a rumor. I didnt start it nor was it something that I even intended to have my album called. I think someone from a blog site made the notion and people just took it and twisted it the wrong way. Whenever somebody asks me what my emotion is going in to record after the success of "Music is my Savior", its guilt because while I'm eating, other people are going through financial hardships. At what point do I start to feel guilty for some of the things that I possess like the homes, the cars and being able to take trips? People are losing homes, losing money, they cant afford cars and other things that would help them survive. That's why I titled the album "Guilt" because I wanted to give something to the fans that I feel connects. I didn't wanna just be a rapper who raps for other rappers. ATF: So are you yourself not feeling the effects of the recession right now? MIMS: I definitely am. Not everybody in my family raps. Not all of my friends do music. Entertainment is something thats not gonna go anywhere because people always wanna be entertained. You always wanna go to the club. You always wanna listen a song so I dont think I've been affected as far as putting music out but if somebody has 20 dollars in their pocket and they gotta decide whether they're gonna buy a MIMS album or put some food in their stomach, we know what the obvious decision would be. I think everybody's affected.
ATF: Hmm I think it was Diddy who said "F*** a recession im still investin"
MIMS: I mean, Diddy is on another level when it comes to money. He may not be financially affected because he made enough money to survive but lets keep it real. If Chrysler and all these car companies are going under, then anybody who's selling something is affected. If I don't have enough money to buy what you're selling, then you're affected.
ATF: I know you're not in New York right now but what's your favorite thing to do when you're here?
MIMS: Visit my family. When I do go to NY, most of the time its about working. There's a lot to do while I'm there but I make sure that I go visit my family, kick back and relax with them cuz thats what keeps me grounded. That's what makes it all worthwhile. When you work hard, sometimes you dont even get to enjoy a lot of the things that u can buy. For example, I got a few cars and now I can't even drive em so whats the point of having them? But one thing I'll never miss out on is being with them and being able to enjoy a home cooked meal or a good night's rest. Those are things I've learned to appreciate.
ATF: Do you indulge in the pleasures of the music industry like a typical rapper?
MIMS: I'll be honest with you. I'm focused on my job and what I gotta do. I dont have time to waste on groupies or engaging in extra activity although that's the "norm" for a rapper. I mean come on, you gotta start looking at the reality. There are too many diseases out there and for me to have to take time out of my busy schedule to show somebody attention that I plan on just being with for a night is a waste. It's a waste of money and honestly theres too much going on in this world to even worry about that. To each his own though. There are artists who take advantage of it but I'm not in that world right now. I'm somewhere different.
ATF: You have a song called "Donkie Booty" featuring Trey Songz. As far as what you look for in a female, exactly how important is a "Donkie Booty" to you?
MIMS: *laughing* I will say this. That record, I did mainly for fun. It's not on my album. I recorded it in the studio and the next day for some reason it was leaked out on the internet. I think everybody has a little bit of shallow in them when it comes to what turns them on or the things that they like in a female. Personality is really big for me. I said it in one of my records, I think it was "Like This", "I dont care about your breasts you could be a A-cup" and I know it sounds funny but I don't care what you look like. Personality wins over everything.
ATF: Most of your records are club bangers. Do you party as much as ur music suggests u do?
MIMS: That's what you hear because from a musical standpoint and even the business of it, those are the records that are easier to get out into the world but I do a lot of music that's away from the club. Prior to "This Is Why I'm Hot" I had never really done a lot of club records. Most of my records are conversational [or topical]. A lot may be up tempo but nothing that would target with the club. Do I party? It''s a part of my job. I'm usually in a club every night doing what I gotta do as far as people needing to hear my music but at some point you kinda get tired of it. Sometimes I'd rather just be by myself, watching a movie or resting but it comes with the territory and I do enjoy my job. I think too much of anything becomes redundant and boring though.
ATF: Do you have a favorite hot spot in New York?
MIMS: Yea, my favorite hot spot is Club BED with DJ Pillow. *laughing* Nah I don't have a favorite hot spot. Wherever I gotta be, I'm there and its more about the fans than it is about me enjoying myself. When I go out, I'm not the person drinking a who lot of alcohol. I usually have a bottle of water next to me and my focus is playing my music, reaching out to the fans and taking pictures. That's where I get my enjoyment.
ATF: So you dont blame anything on the alcohol
MIMS: *laughing* I don't blame it on the alcohol and if I do decide to drink or get drunk its usually a special occassion like my bday or an album release party.
ATF: As you know we have a lot of new rappers making waves in the industry right now. Do you have a favorite?
MIMS: That's tough. I like what a lot of people are doing. I like Kid Cudi. The Day n night record is cool. I like Mickey Factz. I think he's hot. I got a record with him. There's a cat out of Canada. His name is Aubrey [Drake] and I'm checkin for him. I think he's hot. I met him a couple of times and he makes hot music. He's based out of Toronto I believe he's somebody to look out for.
ATF: When does the new album drop?
MIMS: "Guilt" actually hits stores April 7th. Obviously thats not too far from now and I got a lot of records on there that I think are noteworthy. I got a record on there with Nice 'n Smooth. called "I do". It's got that old school flavor. I also have a record with Letoya Luckett called "Love Rollercoaster". It talks about the ups and downs of relationships. I got a record with J Holiday called "Be My Hustler" and one with Ky-mani Marley called "One Day". I think that's gonna be one of my most talked about records on this project. I took a liking to what Bob Marley did as far as music is concerned, the way he brought people together and motivated them. I got in the studio, wanted to create a certain energy and I think Ky-mani Marley blessing me with this record is incredible.
ATF: Sounds like its gonna be a really interesting album.
MIMS: Thank you, I appreciate it. It's definitely gonna surprising. I challenge anybody to listen to it and see how diverse I am musically. I just ask for my credit. I'm not here to make anybody like me.
ATF: Is there anything else we need to know? Anything you've been wanting to tell people but haven't had the chance to?
MIMS: Well, hoperfully they know that the album is coming out April 7th. Thats the biggest thing for me right now and I think I've been typecasted as an artist because of "This is Why I'm Hot" as a certain artist. I think if they do their research on me and listen to some of the music that was recently released: ("Move", "Bread 'N Butta", "Barock Star") they'll have a better definition of who MIMS is.
ATF: Well, on behalf of Allthatsfab, I just want to say thank u for taking time out to speak to me today.
MIMS: I appreciate it. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to voice myself.
ATF: April 7th people!
MIMS: April 7th. I'll be in New York.
Check out the video for the first single "Move (If You Wanna)"