William Harnes - "I Am Struggle" is very personal:It's my life.
Extremely honest and touching interview with an American rapper William "Struggle" Harness, currently residing in prison Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City. The conversation was held in connection with the release of his latest album "I Am Struggle".
At the beginning of our conversation, let me express my gratitude for the fact that you agreed to do this interview. Especially in a situation in which you currently are. Well, you are in fact in the Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City, TN right now. But before we get into this topic, I would like to ask about your latest album - "I Am Struggle". It was released on May 17. I wonder how would you describe this CD? Its title indicates that it is a very personal and emotional project.
Let me start by returning the gratitude.. You are right, "I Am Struggle" is very personal.. It's my life.. A view into my soul.. My testimony.. I'm honored to have the chance to share it with you…
The first single from your new album was the song "Outlaw Shit" featuring Yelawolf. This song was released in 2011 on the same day you were arrested. You didn't have the opportunity to participate in the promotion of this track as now, when you released your solo album. How do you feel in the role of passive observer, someone who doesn't have a real impact on the promotions of his work? How do you find out about the growing popularity of your recordings?
It's been a crazy journey.. Watching from the sidelines with everything out of my control has taught me patience and faith like nothing else could. I don't have any internet access in prison so I rely on my team to keep me informed an updated.. Sometimes they print comments or messages an send them to me if it's something important. It was crazy, at one point I was calling every day like "How many views?!" It's been beautifully frustrating.. Bittersweet.. Surreal beyond belief.
I'll tell you frankly that when I look at the cover of your new album, I see the man who went through a lot in his life. Someone who has experienced a lot of pain, suffering, who has seen death. Well, it's just my personal feeling, but I think that this album is kind of your testament, it's a form of your communication with the outside world, with your fans, family and friends. Tell me, how did you recall the process of creating this album? Well, I heard that it was recorded much earlier, but for some reason, now it come to light. Is it true?
Yes.. I recorded it while I was out on bond fighting Federal charges.. I was looking at a lot of time and I knew I had to let my story be told.. I wanted my voice to be heard.. I was going through so much and I let it bleed onto every song.. There were times where I would record a song and almost couldn't listen to it because of the emotions.. It was therapeutic in a sense.. But when you reopen wounds they take longer to heal.. It was painful at times but worth every moment.. I've seen my music and my story help people get through their struggles and that's all that truly matters.
You are known in America as the grandson of country music legend Waylon Jennings. I'm curious, how do you remembered your grandfather? Do you wonder what he would say if he saw you now?
Yes but Waylon was my grandfather.. He played a major role in my life.. So I don't really wonder what he would think.. I know he loved me unconditionally and I know he always embraced diversity.. He'd be proud of my album.. I've broken barriers the way he did when he introduced Rock & Roll into Country music back in the day.. He'd probably tease me because that was his character & humor but he would respect it and appreciate it.
We're able to hear the voice of your grandfather in most of the tracks from your new album. Why did you decide to take advantage of his old recordings? Rappers rarely reach for country music in their work.
It's my roots.. His music was the backdrop to my life.. To life in the South.. So to tell my story I had to dig deep.. He had already said so many things I wanted to say.. So what better way than to allow "America's Balladeer" to narrate my testament?
When I asked for this interview, I promised that you will have the opportunity to tell your story. So, I know that this is not a pleasant subject for you, but I think we should talk about this now. Tell me please, how did you find yourself in prison? What were the charges?
I have State and Federal charges, both for conspiracy to sell or buy drugs.. Now I was never involved in any transactions, and I was never caught with any drugs at all.. I was indicted over phone conversations with individuals who were under investigation.. Of course I didn't cooperate.. I didn't roll on anyone so I ended up with 13 1/2 years at 30% with the state.. And 4 years in the Federal case.. The sentences run concurrent and I've already been in here for almost 2 years.. I'm in every program I can be in, getting every certificate I can get.. Realistically I could be home in another year.. But I wanted it all behind me for good so I'm doing the time, and making the best of a bad situation.
What was your family's reaction to the news that you will go to jail? You're a father of five children, how did they react?
Man that's the hardest part of this whole thing.. They suffer more than anybody. My children are my world.. I always tried to give them a fairytale life but I'm hurting them so much by not being there for them.. My daughter Brianna, 14 years old, starting high school without my guidance.. My son Will, 11, becoming a young man without his father's physical presence.. My daughter Innocence, 8 years old, she gets choked up every time we talk.. Holding back her tears while she tells me she loves me, misses me an can't wait till I'm home.. My daughter Curtisee, 5, who begs me to come home, not understanding why I can't just leave this place.. And my son Sincere, he's just 2 years old, learning to walk an talk without the comfort of his daddy.. Incarceration is hard on adults, but it's nothing compared to the affect it has on our children.. Sorry for the long answer but it's a real sensitive subject. I could write a book on it.. When I get out I plan to develop programs to help children who have parents that are locked up.. The children are our future an we have to do everything to protect them an nurture them..
You know, I wonder how do you perceive everything that is happening around you right now? You think it's a matter of destiny, of a decision by the force majeure, or maybe is it the result of your mistakes, result of how you lived so far? Well, I'm asking because I try to understand ...
Destiny.. Is it planned or do we create it along the way? I do know I've made some mistakes and I'm paying for them.. But you make your bed and you gotta lay in it.. For better or worse.. And I do know that I'm destined for something.
Prisoners often say that life behind bars is monotonous. Their days are similar to each other. I wonder how you spend your time out there? I remember the words of the legendary Tupac Shakur, who said that the prison had killed his spirit. And how is it with you? Are you still writing lyrics? Do you thinking about what you'll do when you get out?
Prison can kill your spirit if you let it.. You're completely surrounded with negativity.. In the lion's den a lamb must lose his innocence to survive.. Or he can teach the lions to find their inner lamb.. I've built a community around me in here of people who believe.. People who have dreams, who refuse to let this place cage them in.. We keep each other focused, positive and safe amongst the lions.. Yeah I'm constantly writing letters to friends and fans, posts for Facebook, Tweets.. And songs... Lots of songs.. I won't let this place stop my growth, instead I'm using it to sprout.
Tell me about your father. I have the impression that he was an important person in your life. You called him "a hustler with a heart of gold". Why? I guess, you're not proud of everything he did…
My father was an amazing man.. He may have had some flaws but I wouldn't know them.. He was so honest and sincere that all of his good overshadowed any bad he may have done.. He was my hero.. The type of man to drop everything to help someone in need. He came from nothing, from the depths of poverty.. But he gave me everything.. Not just financially but real values and morals.. He died when I was 10 years old, but I still live by the lessons he taught me.. THat's powerful.. He was a super hero to me.. But love was his krypyonite.
Let us now return to your music career. Exactly to its origins. When did you first become interested in rap music? You grew up in musical family, but it seems that none of your family members had anything to do with this music genre, am I right?
No none of my family was in the rap game... I grew up in Nashville, in and around the inner city areas.. I was raised in the 80's and 90's.. Hip Hop or "Rap" was the voice of my generation.. From N.W.A. to the Geto Boys to Dr. Dre.. Tupac, No Limit, UGK.. They told stories I could relate to.. They talked about the same struggles that I was going through. The words.. The passion.. The pain.. The beat.. I listened to Rap as early as I can remember. I smoked my first joint to The Chronic.. I drank Hennessy until I passed out screaming "thug life" with Tupac playing. I was riding dirty with UGK because "one day you're here, an then you're gone.." I grew up to Rap music but the blood of Country music always ran through my veins.
You called yourself Young Struggle, but eventually you decided to change your artistic pseudonym. Why? You became more responsible, focused on what you were doing?
Life is about growth.. And everything that I've been through in life, the trials and tribulations, the ups an downs, have made me the man I am today.. I am Struggle…
What are your expectations for the release of your new album? To whom is it addressed?
It goes out to any and everybody who needs it.. We all have our own struggles but we're also dealing with a lot of the same things.. When we share our stories with others it helps us as well as them. Together we can overcome anything that comes our way.. This album embodies my personal struggle.. It represents me, my life and my story in a way that I It feels incredible just knowing that my music is out there in a way that people can discover it and connect with it.. I stand here humble yet proud.. Grateful and motivated to excel beyond all future expectations.. I'm not focused on numbers or album sales.. Only the number of people my music reaches.. How many people's lives are touched by my story.
At the end, please tell me, what music means to you?
Everything... Music is life.. It can lift you to a place beyond your world, or it can bring you down to the depths of your reality.. It can make you cry, laugh or excite you to where nothing else matters in that moment. It can give a voice to those who can't speak.. Try singing at the top of your lungs even if you can't hit a single note and see how you feel when you're done.. It's invigorating.. Music is whatever you let it be.
Thank you very much for your time. It was a great honor. I wish you every success and happiness in life. Take care.
Thank you again for the support.. It was my honor.. Stay tuned.. The struggle continues.. Respect!!
Journalist: Kamil Mroziński
At the beginning of our conversation, let me express my gratitude for the fact that you agreed to do this interview. Especially in a situation in which you currently are. Well, you are in fact in the Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City, TN right now. But before we get into this topic, I would like to ask about your latest album - "I Am Struggle". It was released on May 17. I wonder how would you describe this CD? Its title indicates that it is a very personal and emotional project.
Let me start by returning the gratitude.. You are right, "I Am Struggle" is very personal.. It's my life.. A view into my soul.. My testimony.. I'm honored to have the chance to share it with you…
The first single from your new album was the song "Outlaw Shit" featuring Yelawolf. This song was released in 2011 on the same day you were arrested. You didn't have the opportunity to participate in the promotion of this track as now, when you released your solo album. How do you feel in the role of passive observer, someone who doesn't have a real impact on the promotions of his work? How do you find out about the growing popularity of your recordings?
It's been a crazy journey.. Watching from the sidelines with everything out of my control has taught me patience and faith like nothing else could. I don't have any internet access in prison so I rely on my team to keep me informed an updated.. Sometimes they print comments or messages an send them to me if it's something important. It was crazy, at one point I was calling every day like "How many views?!" It's been beautifully frustrating.. Bittersweet.. Surreal beyond belief.
I'll tell you frankly that when I look at the cover of your new album, I see the man who went through a lot in his life. Someone who has experienced a lot of pain, suffering, who has seen death. Well, it's just my personal feeling, but I think that this album is kind of your testament, it's a form of your communication with the outside world, with your fans, family and friends. Tell me, how did you recall the process of creating this album? Well, I heard that it was recorded much earlier, but for some reason, now it come to light. Is it true?
Yes.. I recorded it while I was out on bond fighting Federal charges.. I was looking at a lot of time and I knew I had to let my story be told.. I wanted my voice to be heard.. I was going through so much and I let it bleed onto every song.. There were times where I would record a song and almost couldn't listen to it because of the emotions.. It was therapeutic in a sense.. But when you reopen wounds they take longer to heal.. It was painful at times but worth every moment.. I've seen my music and my story help people get through their struggles and that's all that truly matters.
You are known in America as the grandson of country music legend Waylon Jennings. I'm curious, how do you remembered your grandfather? Do you wonder what he would say if he saw you now?
Yes but Waylon was my grandfather.. He played a major role in my life.. So I don't really wonder what he would think.. I know he loved me unconditionally and I know he always embraced diversity.. He'd be proud of my album.. I've broken barriers the way he did when he introduced Rock & Roll into Country music back in the day.. He'd probably tease me because that was his character & humor but he would respect it and appreciate it.
We're able to hear the voice of your grandfather in most of the tracks from your new album. Why did you decide to take advantage of his old recordings? Rappers rarely reach for country music in their work.
It's my roots.. His music was the backdrop to my life.. To life in the South.. So to tell my story I had to dig deep.. He had already said so many things I wanted to say.. So what better way than to allow "America's Balladeer" to narrate my testament?
When I asked for this interview, I promised that you will have the opportunity to tell your story. So, I know that this is not a pleasant subject for you, but I think we should talk about this now. Tell me please, how did you find yourself in prison? What were the charges?
I have State and Federal charges, both for conspiracy to sell or buy drugs.. Now I was never involved in any transactions, and I was never caught with any drugs at all.. I was indicted over phone conversations with individuals who were under investigation.. Of course I didn't cooperate.. I didn't roll on anyone so I ended up with 13 1/2 years at 30% with the state.. And 4 years in the Federal case.. The sentences run concurrent and I've already been in here for almost 2 years.. I'm in every program I can be in, getting every certificate I can get.. Realistically I could be home in another year.. But I wanted it all behind me for good so I'm doing the time, and making the best of a bad situation.
What was your family's reaction to the news that you will go to jail? You're a father of five children, how did they react?
Man that's the hardest part of this whole thing.. They suffer more than anybody. My children are my world.. I always tried to give them a fairytale life but I'm hurting them so much by not being there for them.. My daughter Brianna, 14 years old, starting high school without my guidance.. My son Will, 11, becoming a young man without his father's physical presence.. My daughter Innocence, 8 years old, she gets choked up every time we talk.. Holding back her tears while she tells me she loves me, misses me an can't wait till I'm home.. My daughter Curtisee, 5, who begs me to come home, not understanding why I can't just leave this place.. And my son Sincere, he's just 2 years old, learning to walk an talk without the comfort of his daddy.. Incarceration is hard on adults, but it's nothing compared to the affect it has on our children.. Sorry for the long answer but it's a real sensitive subject. I could write a book on it.. When I get out I plan to develop programs to help children who have parents that are locked up.. The children are our future an we have to do everything to protect them an nurture them..
You know, I wonder how do you perceive everything that is happening around you right now? You think it's a matter of destiny, of a decision by the force majeure, or maybe is it the result of your mistakes, result of how you lived so far? Well, I'm asking because I try to understand ...
Destiny.. Is it planned or do we create it along the way? I do know I've made some mistakes and I'm paying for them.. But you make your bed and you gotta lay in it.. For better or worse.. And I do know that I'm destined for something.
Prisoners often say that life behind bars is monotonous. Their days are similar to each other. I wonder how you spend your time out there? I remember the words of the legendary Tupac Shakur, who said that the prison had killed his spirit. And how is it with you? Are you still writing lyrics? Do you thinking about what you'll do when you get out?
Prison can kill your spirit if you let it.. You're completely surrounded with negativity.. In the lion's den a lamb must lose his innocence to survive.. Or he can teach the lions to find their inner lamb.. I've built a community around me in here of people who believe.. People who have dreams, who refuse to let this place cage them in.. We keep each other focused, positive and safe amongst the lions.. Yeah I'm constantly writing letters to friends and fans, posts for Facebook, Tweets.. And songs... Lots of songs.. I won't let this place stop my growth, instead I'm using it to sprout.
Tell me about your father. I have the impression that he was an important person in your life. You called him "a hustler with a heart of gold". Why? I guess, you're not proud of everything he did…
My father was an amazing man.. He may have had some flaws but I wouldn't know them.. He was so honest and sincere that all of his good overshadowed any bad he may have done.. He was my hero.. The type of man to drop everything to help someone in need. He came from nothing, from the depths of poverty.. But he gave me everything.. Not just financially but real values and morals.. He died when I was 10 years old, but I still live by the lessons he taught me.. THat's powerful.. He was a super hero to me.. But love was his krypyonite.
Let us now return to your music career. Exactly to its origins. When did you first become interested in rap music? You grew up in musical family, but it seems that none of your family members had anything to do with this music genre, am I right?
No none of my family was in the rap game... I grew up in Nashville, in and around the inner city areas.. I was raised in the 80's and 90's.. Hip Hop or "Rap" was the voice of my generation.. From N.W.A. to the Geto Boys to Dr. Dre.. Tupac, No Limit, UGK.. They told stories I could relate to.. They talked about the same struggles that I was going through. The words.. The passion.. The pain.. The beat.. I listened to Rap as early as I can remember. I smoked my first joint to The Chronic.. I drank Hennessy until I passed out screaming "thug life" with Tupac playing. I was riding dirty with UGK because "one day you're here, an then you're gone.." I grew up to Rap music but the blood of Country music always ran through my veins.
You called yourself Young Struggle, but eventually you decided to change your artistic pseudonym. Why? You became more responsible, focused on what you were doing?
Life is about growth.. And everything that I've been through in life, the trials and tribulations, the ups an downs, have made me the man I am today.. I am Struggle…
What are your expectations for the release of your new album? To whom is it addressed?
It goes out to any and everybody who needs it.. We all have our own struggles but we're also dealing with a lot of the same things.. When we share our stories with others it helps us as well as them. Together we can overcome anything that comes our way.. This album embodies my personal struggle.. It represents me, my life and my story in a way that I It feels incredible just knowing that my music is out there in a way that people can discover it and connect with it.. I stand here humble yet proud.. Grateful and motivated to excel beyond all future expectations.. I'm not focused on numbers or album sales.. Only the number of people my music reaches.. How many people's lives are touched by my story.
At the end, please tell me, what music means to you?
Everything... Music is life.. It can lift you to a place beyond your world, or it can bring you down to the depths of your reality.. It can make you cry, laugh or excite you to where nothing else matters in that moment. It can give a voice to those who can't speak.. Try singing at the top of your lungs even if you can't hit a single note and see how you feel when you're done.. It's invigorating.. Music is whatever you let it be.
Thank you very much for your time. It was a great honor. I wish you every success and happiness in life. Take care.
Thank you again for the support.. It was my honor.. Stay tuned.. The struggle continues.. Respect!!
Journalist: Kamil Mroziński
- STRONA GŁÓWNA
-
- GŁOSOWANIA
- LISTA PRZEBOJÓW WSZECH CZASÓW - GŁOSOWANIE
- LISTA PRZEBOJÓW NETFAN.PL - GŁOSOWANIE
- LISTA PRZEBOJÓW NETFANKIDS.PL - GŁOSOWANIE
- ARCHIWUM
- ARCHIWALNE NOTOWANIA LISTY WSZECH CZASÓW
- ARCHIWALNE NOTOWANIA LISTY PRZEBOJÓW NETFAN.PL
- ARCHIWALNE NOTOWANIA LISTY PRZEBOJÓW NETFANKIDS.PL
- ARTYSTA MIESIĄCA
- PŁYTA TYGODNIA
- ALBUM ROKU NETFAN.PL
- PRZEBÓJ ROKU NETFAN.PL
