Yeah it’s that time again.

Too often do we sift through the predictable media cycle of artists yelling how “crazy” their album is or even fixing their lying ass mouths to utter the other “C” word — classic. How about these C’s: cut the crap. Each year, the allure of the album continues to decrease thanks in part to overhyped, superfluous projects that only possess a handful of good songs. Not to mention the legion of stans that will stick by anything short of a satanic message their favorite artist puts out. Not I. Air ‘em out like spring laundry. Read the rest of this entry »

Grind would have to be the best word to describe the Houston Hip-Hop scene. It’s prevalent in both the lyrics and general maneuverings of most artists from the area. Paul Wall is no exception as he’s back with his third album, eager to let the world know he’s still on the block posted like a mailbox. Full of tales on grinding, gripping grain and late night endeavors; he unveils very little more about who he is at a point in his career when most artists begin to define who they are. Sadly, instead of aiming for higher heights, he’s still caught up in living the Fast Life. Read the rest of this entry »

As first heard on his Fifteen Minutes with TSS. Read the rest of this entry »

2005 saw the rebirth of the Houston Hip-Hop renaissance. Local heroes Mike Jones and Chamillionaire rose to platinum prominence while familiar faces such as U.G.K. and Lil’ Flip rode the wave as well to make that Lone Star impression across the entire game. One rapper in particular, with his trademark custom mouthpieces and penchant for endless similes in his lyrics were among those most successful. Calling himself The Peoples Champ, Paul Wall indeed represented the masses with as he hit the million mark with his sales and collaborated with several big names outside of his regional sector.

Fast forward to 2009 and things have cooled down a bit for the H-Town All-Stars. But as Paul Wall explains “there’s no need for a comeback,” for he’s in one of the most comfortable positions of his life. Read along as the Iceman details his latest endeavors which include his latest LP entitled Fast Life and his continuing success in the jewelry biz. The man uses “grindin’” as a regular part of his vocabulary. Days off are for Ferris Bueller, not Paul Wall.

‘TSS, What It Do?’

TSS: So how’s Paul Wall these days?

Paul Wall: Well you know, just grindin’. Just came off the road and getting back in the studio preparing these mixtapes as my new album’s getting ready to drop on March 24th. It’s called Fast Life.

TSS: Your last album [Get Money, Stay True] dropped in ’07, but what were you up to in 2008?

Paul Wall: Really just grindin’. I had did a tour with my boy Tech N9ne and I did a tour by myself; just on the road, hittin’ the road, getting thangs poppin’. I started a clothing line as well called Expensive Taste and the website is I Got Expensive Taste and we kicked that off last year too.

TSS: Is that in conjunction with Travis Barker and Skinhead Rob?

Paul Wall: Yeah, fa’sho.

TSS: Even with all that, do you feel the urge that you need to make a comeback with Fast Life. Do you think you were too low key last year?

Paul Wall: Oh, naw. I feel like I’ve been on the scene because I’ve been in the face of people doing these tours from city to city so I’ve been puttin’ it down. All last year, nonstop grindin’ so hard in the streets so we ready to come hard with this one.

TSS: So what’s your angle this time around? What do you feel you’re bringing to the people?

Paul Wall: Well the Fast Life, the whole theme of the album is just the life we live of a grinder; a go-getter. When you grind 25/8 — 25 hours a day, 8 days a week, that’s how hard you grind and you ain’t stopping. From 9:01 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., that’s how you grind. And that’s just how it is. That’s what the album’s about: grindin’, gettin’ it and everything that goes along with it. Read the rest of this entry »