How you been?

I’ve been real good man. Busy, tired, but no complaints. It’s all part of the grind.

So are you the third member of Purest Form to drop a solo project?

Yep, but this wasn’t a planned project. The EP kinda came outta left field.

How did you become a part of the Purest Form crew?

There wasn’t really a pin point time where we officially became a group, because we all had been cool with each other since highschool, but I would say it happened over a couple year period after everyone graduated. Everybody was movin’ in there own lanes. Dialek and A-ron had already started makin’ names for themselves with shows and compilation CD’s, Alibi wasn’t too far behind recordin’ tracks, and I came into my own last. I’d put my rhymes on hip hop internet sites, spit at parties, open mics like Java Noire, and eventually, battled whoever, whenever, wherever, which lead to bigger battles at the Pasta Bar at its peak, and The Lab. But during that whole process, with all of us already being friends, it was just a natural progression.

How did you come up with the name A-Quil?

It’s a play off of Equilibrium with the “A” comin’ from my birth name (Anthony). I felt the definition was an overview of my personality. Plus, I’m a Libra, so you know we can be obsessed with balance sometimes. I figured it was either “A-Quil,” or “M.C. Equilibrium,” and “M.C. Equilibrium” almost won………………………..just kiddin’……………. it lost by a landslide.

Your more then just an Emcee. Tell us what other elements of hip hop you are involved with?

(Laughs) I’m an adequate beat-boxer and a pretty ok break dancer. My pop lock is still nice, and I got maybe one or two back spins/knee spins left in me, but that’s it. I was pretty ill though when I was a shorty.

Describe what the new EP is like?

Its 7 tracks of passion, story tellin’, social critique, lyricism, plus a touch of personal reflection, along with that raw “in your face” style me and my crew are known for. It covers a lot of emotions in a short time span. Every song stands on its own, yet flows really smooth from front to back.

Do you Beat Box at all on the album?

Not this time around, but I sing a little on one of my hooks. I’m no Marvin Gaye, or Mos Def, but I can hold a note for about two seconds.

What things inspired you while making this album?

The beats themselves; the new energy. Like I said earlier, it wasn’t a planned project. Earlier this year, myself and a producer named Sicknature out of Denmark did a track together for his album. Fresh off of that, he sent a few beats for me to check out. The ones I really liked, I wrote to ‘em, and had ‘em originally for performances only. But after Dialek laced me with a couple of tracks as well, I decided to turn it into an EP.

Do you plan to drop more solo albums after this one?

I would like to drop a full solo album sometime in the future, but it’ll happen if it’s meant to happen. My life has been kinda crazy the last couple years, and won’t be slowin’ down anytime soon, so I’ll let you know the day I have the album in my hands (knock on wood).

Are there any plans for a new Purest Form album in the near future?

No, not the near future. There’s a couple other projects comin’ out of our camp, some real good music so keep your ear to the streets. As far as a P. Form album in the later future, same thing with the solo album, I’ll let you know when it’s in my hands. We don’t really set release dates. It’s not our style. It’s about the quality of the music first, letting the music dictate when it’s ran it’s course, regardless how long it takes. I will say this though, whatever comes out of our camp, it’ll fo’ sho’ be worth the wait.

Tell us something the public doesn’t know about A-Quil beyond the music?

Writin’ is what drives me, and music is one of the vehicles for me to connect with people and create positive change in this crazy world, but another is film. I would love to produce and direct on a level that Spike Lee is on, if not higher.

Will people be able to (see) solo performances from you?

Yep, so keep your eyes open!

What are some of the differences between making a solo and group album?

They both have their pros and cons. With a solo project, you have more freedom in your creativity, but you have less energy to draw from, less perspectives to tackle an issue from. At the same time, you can execute a song how you want it from top to bottom without havin’ to compromise, or limitin’ yourself to only a certain amount of bars. With all of our independent personalities, it’s good to shine on our own so the public can get a full since of who we are as individuals, yet, we still have an excellent amount of chemistry to push one another even further in our skills, and come together seamlessly.

Who are some of the artist’s featured on the album?

No guest appearances as far as rappin’. Just Dialek and Sicknature on the production, and DJ Suede on the wheels.

Where do you want to go with your music career?

Wherever my people are in the struggle so they can hear it. That’s what’s most important to me. I’ve never really cared about makin’ crazy dough or fame from music, that’s not where my values are. I just want to get my music to people that appreciate it or can identify with it on a deeper level. I want people to hear it 20 years from now, and it’s timeless. Some kid would want to know what good Hip Hop was like “back in the day,” and someone gives them an A-Quil CD, or a Purest Form CD. I’d be pretty proud of that.

If you blew up would you change your style?

(Laughs) Yep. I’d start doin’ all that stupid “celeb privilege ish,” like I would request Peanut M & M’s, and have people throw out all the yellow ones, I’d only take baths with bottled water, and have Melyssa Ford, Meagan Good, and Free take care of me like Eddie Murphy in “Comin’ to America.” I’d have Conk Fritters flown to me from the Bahamas everyday fresh, and I’d get a pair of leather pants and a pet Tasmanian Devil. Nah, I’m clownin’, but it’s interestin’ to me to see people live that type of lifestyle and take themselves seriously. Nah, I wouldn’t change my style. I’m pretty comfortable and secure with just bein’ me.

Anything else you would like to say?

Yeah, just wanna show some love and solidarity to all the revolutionaries and revolutionary minded people strivin’ for change in our society. And much love to all the people that have been supportin’ myself and my crew for a number of years. I would also like to say thank you Hip Hop Club for takin’ the time to conduct this interview. I like what y’all are doin’ here, and you’ve shown me and my crew nothin’ but love and respect. It’s greatly appreciated it.

Where can people grab the new EP or sample some of the tracks?

The EP is in stores now at Electric Fetus, CD Warehouse in Dinkytown and Uptown, Image Clothing Store in the southdale mall, and on CDbaby.com. You can also check out www.purestform.com, or my myspace page to stay up to date with the latest news with the project.

Now with one sentence, tell people why they should pick up your EP or see you perform?

Everyone, you should pick up “UNDENIABLE: The EP” because it sounds better than nails on a chalkboard, and you should see me perform because its better then watchin’ paint dry…………………at least I hope. Peace.

Get more info on A-Quil at:
www.myspace.com/aqueezy4sheezypullinyabreezysobeeasy
www.myspace.com/purestform
www.purestform.com

–By HHC Staff

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