Slim Thug & the Boss Hogg Outlawz Speak with Associated Content

In case you have not heard, Robin Hood and his Merry Men are back and their new name; Slim Thug and Boss Hogg Outlawz. Taking from the rich and giving to the poor, confident in the belief that "Once you get your money, you get your money."

Slim rose to prominence after Swishahouse Records, Michael Watts discovered him in his native Houston Texas. Apparently his raw talent for placing imaginative stories to unexpected beats would catapult him to stardom as "King of Mixtapes, " in his native city. As he rode through town, with his crew in a '75 drop top Cadillac "just like the one Boss Hogg used to drive in the Dukes of Hazzard,"Slim Thug and his "Outlawz" would create an identity all their very own. As a Rapper, businessman and Thug, Slim would take the lead and use his skills as weapons of choice establishing his position as a self-proclaimed street police vowing to "Serve & Collect."Incidently, "Serve & Collect"is the title of his much anticipated album project due out Februrary 27^th, 2007. The new album is released by his own record label and features Slim Thug, original Boyz N' Blue members, PJ Tha Rap Hustla, Sir Daily, Chris Ward and Killa Kyleon. Also on the album are newcomers J-Dawg, Young Black and the R & B Tunes of Rob Smallz. The album features hit singles "Like a Boss," Three Kings," "I Ain't Heard Of That," and "Incredible Feeling."

I first became aware of Slim Thug from his appearance on Beyonce Knowles,' video for "Check on It" which was featured on The Pink Panther Movie Soundtrack. Slim as I would come to learn had been in the grind for many years prior to that. So, when I was afforded the opportunity to speak with Slim whose debut album Already Platinum premiered at #2 on the Billboard Charts, selling over 500,000 copies, I could not resist the chance to learn more about this rapper/entrepreneur yesterday.

Beginning the interview, I expected to only be speaking with Slim as the representative of the group. What I got was a bonus chance to speak with the other members of the group. My questions basically revolved around the new Album, The Label, individual projects and the HIP-HOP game.

Saba, Ink: Tell me about The Serve & Collect Project?

JDawg:Hey what up? They call me the ghetto narrator. I feel humbled by this whole thing. I know I sometimes say things in a harsh way but there is meaning to it. I am about makin' music that people can jam to from Monday-Friday. I thank GOD for the music and let it speak for itself.

Killa Kyleon:I feel like the industry is putting out music like watered down alcohol. Instead of 100 proof we gettin' like some 20 proof sh**. I'm looking to change that with this album and my own projects.

PJ Tha Rap Hustla: We'll be shooting the Recognize A Playa video this week-end and I'm looking forward to that. I think we should be on Access Granted so look for that.

Chris Ward:This is good timing. We are a group but were solo artists before that. Lots of things are happening right now and I believe that the world has saved the best things for last...They gonna see what the Houston, music scene is all about.

Rob Smallz:I am excited about the 27^th and feel that it is long overdue. I believe that this will be one of the best independent albums to hit in '07. It gives various outlooks and is a jammin' album from head to toe. As the R&B Cat of the family and the newest, it is going to bring together the best of both worlds.

Slim Thug:This is a blessing. Yes I have worked on other projects but this one is all me. It is an introduction to the people about what we are really about.

Saba, Ink: What is your Personal Pick From Serve & Collect?

Jdawg: Can't say...I like all of 'em

Killa Kyleon: Recognize A Playa

PJ Tha Rap Hustla: Recognize A Playa

Chris Ward: Recognize A Playa

Rob Smallz:I Got To Get It

Slim Thug: Recognize A Playa & Back To The Front

Saba, Ink: Talk To Me About Individual Project(s) & Motivations

Young Black: I am still in the hood. Kids look up to me and I do my best to let the kids know that they can achieve. Me and My cousin created Sky's The Limit Entertainment which gives a chance to High School Kids with good grades that have a love for the industry. We set up individual showcases for them to help take them to the top. I let the kids know that they have to sacrifice for what they want. You might be broke, have to give away sh** for free and will face obstacles everyday. Nobody starts with money so you got to work hard and know that it is all about perseverance.

Killa Kyleon: In August look for my album "Gansta-tainment" from Geffen. I'm also an artist so I'm looking to attend The Texas Art Institute. Who knows I might be like Andre 3000 and own my own cartoon. I'm also looking at a auto shop and getting into custom painting. Publishing and ghost writing is something else too. Check me out on MySpace at the realkillahkyleon.

PJ The Rap Hustla: I'm looking at doing endorsements, investments for my family. I'm also interested in modeling, clothing and movies. I'm looking to set up for the next generation. I want to see people do better. It might take me a little longer to get there because I don't sweat famous people. I look for genuine people like myself because the industry can be full of a lot of fake sh**.

Chris Ward: Along with the music, I'm interested in tour buses, real estate and store fronts.

Rob Smallz: I have often been compared to R.Kelly because of his lyricism and music. I believe in good music that will live long after me. It has always been a big part of my life. Right now I am in the studio because when the album drops I want to be prepared (I am an overachiever). Independent music is big in Houston and the majors know it. I got a few deals on the table but I want to be the first male solo artist that makes it big out of Houston. R&B comes from the same struggle and I want to show the other side of Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and others.

Slim Thug: After this album, look for my album BOSS OF ALL BOSSES scheduled to drop by Summer '07. Also, I am working on a strip mall, a 3 story town home project in downtown Houston, and other real estate projects. As Black people we need to understand that we cannot be one sided. We need to invest for the longterm. The difference between white people and black people is that for generations we have not been able to leave shi** behind for our families. We need to change that.... That's what I mean when I say, once you get the money, you get the money.

Saba, Ink: What Are your Comments On HIP- HOP Culture

PJ The Rap Hustla: If I was not in the business, I know for sure that I'd be in jail, dead or selling dope. Instead of criticizing the culture people need to listen and see where people are comin' from. People need to understand that there is an entertainment side and a personal side.

Chris Ward: I think that there is a lack of originality. There is a lot of style-bitin without people givin' credit to the originators. I paint pictures of what's going on and put my own spin to it. We have to keep it original. I am not big on being a follower. . There is enough money to go around and we need to stop with the crab in the bucket mentality. Music is one door and we need to take the power given us to help others gain power.

Rob Smallz: HIP-HOP is not dead! It is universal music. United we can get the money together. There's enough out here for everyone. We need to understand that it is not East Coast, West Coast, South or other. I grew up in the Church knowing the truth...and I know that what is for you is for you! No one can take it away as long as you are driven by GOD and seek the TRUTH.

Slim Thug: I am not perfect. It is not my responsibility to raise anybody's kids. Like me for example it would be like the blind leading the blind. I didn't have examples as a kid growing up so how can I be responsible for other people's kids. I'm struggling to find my own way. I feel like if parents are good, no one should be able to influence their children. ...Not Me or anyone else. I am tryin to rep me... and in the process got my boss on.

And on that note we ended the interview with a final shout-out from Slim....

"Serve & Collect, Boss of All Bosses.....We Hoggin' this sh**!"

SLIM THUG & BOSS HOGG OUTLAWZ...

Makin' their way,

The only way they know how,

That's just a little bit more than the law

Will allow.

Just good ol' boys,

Wouldn't change if they could

Fightin' the system like a true modern

Day Robin Hood.

--- from Dukes of Hazzard theme song.