HipHopUG.com interview with Matth Maddox on his debut album, Asylum Artistry released in July 2010.

Matt Maddox is an emcee from Hawaii of Moroccan/Russian-Polish heritage.  Former member of the hip hop group Guerrilla War Tactix, Matt Maddox has increased an online support base, and teamed with RedPhone Records to release his anticipated solo album in July 2010.

Matt Maddox full bio on HHUG

HHUG: Asylum Artistry released in July of this year.  How has the reception of its release been so far?

Matt Maddox: The Reception of ASYLUM ARTISTRY has been phenomenal! I am actually blown away with the reception its gotten. Great feedback all around from those who've copped it.
 
HHUG: Signing with indie record label - RedPhone Records - how would you describe your experience with them and how critical was the decision in regards to your debut album?  

Matt Maddox: Very Critical! Im a very thoughtful person and i do my research on EVERYTHING! I had actually been offered a deal, make that 2 deals at the same time with HUGE labels (which I will not name out of respect) but they didn't have "it"! Redphone Records is a label that reflects and regenerates my beliefs and focuses. There is not one artist, or Manager (Matt Charette) thats not both inspiring and inventive. This label is more of a family of the realest calibre than anything business related. its All Love and Family style. What we represent.

HHUG: Although signed with RedPhone Records, your album is distributed by WHO?MAG Distribution.  Can you explain briefly what led to that decision and how it has impacted the release of your debut album?

Matt Maddox: WHO?MAG distribution is a group of great and experienced people. They are working with the industry and a part of the culture. They have a great network and get the REAL music out to the people in several mediums. WHO?MAG also represents for the clients they work with and support us to the utmost. They also have a global television show that reaches 200 million households and I will have a segment on one of their upcoming shows soon. I am looking forward to more with WHO?MAG in the near future as well.   
 
HHUG: Can you explain briefly the concept of your album and what you hope listeners will gain from it?

Matt Maddox: The concept was to capture the essense of what I feel is Hip Hop as a culture and expression. The name ASYLUM ARTISTRY is a play on words. its like i find Asylum in my artistry in one way, on the other hand the mainstream "sheeple" would throw me in an Asylum if they heard what I am telling them. But thos who are awakened know whats what.
 
HHUG: Production is credited to six different producers: Ganjak, Nevahmind, Nohokai, Nakmuay, Darkiitect, and Desmond Martin.  What can you tell us about these producers and why you chose them to be on your album?

Matt Maddox: Ganjak is my Mother F'in right hand! NevahMind had actually asked me to do an EP right before revoking the statement and leaving Redphone for personal issues. So 1 track was already released on air and could not be taken back "A New Hope" so it went on ASYLUM ARTISTRY. Desmond "Bones" Martin is a really close friend of mine and an amazing producer. Nohokai is also a dear friend to myself and our family as well as another amazing producer/emcee. Darkitect was a connection made by a friend a while back. Nakmuay is someone I met on myspace and he had a very dope style and sound. Also a great professional to work with.
 
HHUG: Your album also features recognized and up and coming artists: Canibus, Just-1, Beast 1333, Lord Lhus, Sadat X, Sabac Red, Nokohai, Swann, and LA Dog.  How was working with them in their respective features?

Matt Maddox: Working with these artists was nothing short of a dream come true. Some of which I've grown up with, some listening to the others forementioned as we grew up, some hit me up acknowledged the presence and so on. All of them were very cool and professional people with whom I will definitely work with again given the opportunity. Except Beast 1333. We will not work together ever again in the future.
 
HHUG: Are there any touring and merchandise plans for Asylum Artistry?

Matt Maddox: Yes! Both! A tour is already being setup in Europe consisting of but not limited to Spain, France, and the UK. Merchandise will be in the form of t-shirts which will hit the market in the next month or so.
 
HHUG: Official music videos have been released for "A New Hope" and "You Are The Resistance", can you elaborate on these projects?

Matt Maddox: "A New Hope" is a visual representation of the unessential factors "weighing down" the industry today, and poisoning the culture that we fight everyday to protect and flourish. I had a very limited/no budget and luckily a very talented videographer in friend Mike "Reptilian Tank" Sato. So I used what I could. Same thing with "You Are The Resistance" except for the props and stuff. I wanted this to be dark and very directive in its message and focus on the lyrics. So its not very extravagent at all just straight to the point.
 
HHUG: What or who influences you the most in creating your music?

Matt Maddox: The World around me and the people in it. The decisions being made behind the curtain and the puppet masters pulling the strings. My daughter and my family. WE THE PEOPLE! THE PLANET! THE CONNECTION TO ALL.
 
HHUG: Who are your top 5 favorite artists and why?

Matt Maddox: I really can't pick 5 favorite artists, I am such a fan of music in general and all genres with many dope artists in each, it would be too difficult to condense the list to only 5!

HHUG: What future plans and projects can fans anticipate from you?

Matt Maddox: Weapons Of Mass Awareness Redphone Records compilation, The Overlords Ganjak VS Matt Maddox, and a HUGE SECRET PROJECT MTBA.

HHUG: Any closing comments/statements you would like to make?

Matt Maddox: Thank you for taking this time to interview me, read the interview, and support what I'm doing. Please purchase a copy of ASYLUM ARTISTRY NOW!!! You can pick it up everywhere digitally, iTunes, Amazon, etc or via ughh.com for physical copies and if you are in Europe through RedPhone's exclusive European distributors The Dark City/DTTS/ The Hiphop Village. Much Respect! We The People!!