Sean Price Speaks with Associated Content

In 1971, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber introduced the highly controversial rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, based on the album of same title. The production centered around the last weeks of Jesus' life, beginning with Jesus and his followers arriving in Jerusalem and ending with the Crucifixion. A large part of the plot focused on the character of Judas who is not satisfied with Jesus' lack of planning, and his claims of divinity. Controversial in its lyrics, images and subject matter, "Superstar" took the theater and later cinematic world by storm.

Fast forward to 2007, A new musical resurrection is underway with the introduction of Jesus Price Superstar, courtesy of Duck Down Records. In this underground crucifixion, "Jesus" is Ruck who ascended to fame with Heltah Skeltah and Boot Camp Clik. Now, 10 years after his group's debut of Nocturnal and subsequent follow-up Magnum Force, Ruck returns as Sean Price.

No doubt, some will look at his religious references, street vernacular and album cover as something from an anti-christ but those that have been a part of his "congregation," will hail the "preacher" and celebrate his return to "Church."

Sean Price is here to assure believers and convert skeptics showing that his commanding delivery, powerful voice and clever verses are here to stay. After all, his solo debut Monkey Barz earned Source Magazine's Indie LP of the year, Urb Magazine's Hot 100, Village Voice's yearly "Pazz and Jop" poll and various other acclaim.

I caught up with Sean Price recently to talk about his motivations, vision and why the Underground is buzzing about his return. Incidentally, during our interview he was at home with the wife and kids watching BET. He says he's been with his wife (who he refers to as MA for eight years). They have two boys, Elijah and Terry and a little girl Sapphire. He was clear that his kids don't "sweat" his whole rap persona because they see him and he keeps it real for them. He even revealed that his son likes rapper Papoose better then he likes his own dad. With that comment, we shared a heartfelt laugh and began the interview.

Saba, Ink: At one time you described yourself as the brokest rapper in the business. Has that changed?
Sean P: Tremendously. Allah has been good to me and I'm puttin in the necessary work. I'm also investing in somethings like a used car lot and of course real estate.

Saba, Ink: Is it true that your mother was instrumental in your "resurrection?" Can you explain that to the audience?
Sean P:Yeah. Before my moms passed she told me to rep myself and stop using all different nicknames. She told me to be proud of who I am and use my real name. So to honor her request, I decided to start using Sean Price.

Saba, Ink: One of your promotional T-shirts reads "Jesus is my homeboy." What is that about?
Sean P:My Grandma used to sing this song back in the day....I can't remember but it was like You have a Friend in Jesus. Then my moms got this t-shirt from a church re-hab program for crack heads with those words on it. She went through all those drug problems you know. So I took the T-shirt and put my face on it and you know that's it.

Saba, Ink: What is this thing about being a nerd? Not too many people think of hardcore HIP-HOP artists as that.....please explain?
Sean P:Well I was always in gifted classes and grades were no problem. I had some behavior problems but could not fight. Coming from where I come from (Browsville Projects) , I had to get rid of that nice sh** real quick. I'm talking back in the day like Junior High. People start talking about my moms and you had to fight. Ain't nobody was talkin' about my moms. When I got enough money to buy stuff I had to learn how to be tough enough to keep it. You had to learn to defend your sneakers, your leather, your radio, all that. So, the nerd ain't last too long.

Saba, Ink: You've commented that, everything's been said almost. It is just how you spin it. If it's all been done, what is it about your spin that makes you different?
Sean P: I was talking about me too. But it is my twist and my style that makes me different. I can't describe it. It's the way I do what I do that makes people want to listen to me. The beats, the whole way about me. I know that we need to look deep inside to talk about some different topics, I'm part of it. The problem is I don't know what I will talk about until I get started. It's made up on the fly.

Saba, Ink: I understand that you were on tour with Ghostface Killah of Wu-Tang. What was that like especially since you were considered "dead."
SeanP:They loved me on tour. It was nice because it was the same time Monkey Barz dropped. Big up to Ghost and Wu-Tang for letting me eat.
Saba, Ink:How did they pick you?
Sean P: I don't know. There was another person on tour that couldn't finish and so I took his place. All I know is Ghost made it happen and that's it.

Saba, Ink: What inspired the name of the album
Sean P: Well you know, I bit off the Andrew Lloyd Webber joint.

Saba, Ink: So, what is your song pick from Jesus Price Superstar?
Sean P:Peabody. That is my theme song. You know every superhero has his song, that one is mine. The beats and rhymes.... it is just me. My son grabs the beatbox and walks behind me on the street with that song on.... It's just me.

Saba, Ink: What is next for Sean P?
Sean P:I am working on the next Heltah Skeltah album. Also, I got these dudes out of Detroit; Black Milk and Guilty Simpson (like OJ) working on a project with me. I'm also working with Boot Camp again.

Saba, Ink: Any final words to the "congregation?"
Sean P:Thank you for picking up the album. I am grateful for all your support. And for those who don't know me, check the history. Go back to Nocturnal, check Heltah Skeltah, then get Jesus Price Superstar.

Saba,Ink: Thank you for your time and enjoy the rest of the evening with your family.
Sean P:Thank you.