Verble I aka Isaac Elliott was born in Edmonton, Ab and moved to Calgary ,Ab at the age of nine. Flowing with a fresh east coast underground style. known to command a crowd Verble I has performed on many big shows such as Krs One, Xzibit, Rahzel, Mobb Deep, and finale night at (Global Fest 2012), just to name a few.
He recently released his latest mixtape (Lifestyles Of Inspired Artists) released January 2014. And he has another debut mixtape called Strapped For War) released in March 2013.
1. How did you come up with your stage name?
I was all ways told that I’m a very verbal person so I thought Verble I would fit me and I spelt it verble. Just to set myself apart from everyone else, I’ve seen a few Verbal’s since, and its spelt the same, so I’m happy I went with verble.
2. We know you rep Canada. In America, the Hiphop scene is very saturated. For those that don’t know can you let us know what’s the Hiphop scene is like in Canada?
It’s still growing, I mean there’s a few places like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver that are pretty established. But for the most part we have a lot of work to do still. Especially in Calgary, where I’m from, its nothing like the states, we don’t have enough of a fan base, promoters or people in the industry. We have some strong artists out here they just need to get the chance.
3. We have been hearing your music for a while all over the net and the Digital Dynasty projects. One cut that really stood out to us was “Cold Cuts”, which featured Ras Kass. How did that collabo come about and how did it feel to keep pace with one of the greatest lyricists to ever touch the mic?
It was an amazing feeling. I grew up listening to Ras he’s actually one of my favorite emcees. So it was a blessing, my boy Prince V told me to get a verse ready for Ras he’s down to do a track. So I layed the verse, sent it to him, he was feeling it, jumped on, and that was it “cold cuts” was created, one of the highlights of my career for sure.
4. How does it feel being the flagship artist of Lock Jaw records?
Well I just work with Lock Jaw. I’m not one of the artists but Prince V really holds it down for them. I love helping him out and they get me on big tracks it’s just a win win we help each other out cross promote and shit like that.
5. Who else is on the label and how did you get involved with them?
Prince V is how I started working with Lock Jaw, he’s the president, and been my brothers friend for years. So we just starting doing tracks when he got out of jail like 6 years ago. My bro introduced us and we been doing tracks ever since.
6. Almost every track we heard from you have an energetic delivery and you are spitting mean bars! Does the current climate of hiphop disturb you being it went away from those elements?
Yeah, in some ways, but there’s still artists holding it down in the game that understand and respect the culture. I think that’s a big part of carrying on tradition many rappers now a days don’t know their history. Which is why they rap about nothing meaningful.
7. We’ve seen you making noise on some of the Digital Dynasty mixtapes as of late. What else is in the works? Any shows, mixtapes, albums, etc.?
Yeah, I’m dropping an EP and album this year, not sure the dates yet, but this year for sure. I also have a crew projects in the works and a mixtape, plus a lot of shows and videos. Just take a look on my sites for dates and more info.
8. Who are your top 5 rappers of all time, dead or alive?
Nas, 2pac, Biggie, Big Pun and Big L.
9. Back to your start. Who were your personal influences to get into emceeing?
Nas, Big L, 2pac, Black Thought, Outkast, Wutang, Jay Z, Lupe Fiasco, EPMD, Eminem, Big Pun, Dmx, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Krs One, Mobb deep, DL incognito, Sean Price, Lord Finesse, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, j Dilla, Kurupt, Immortal technique, Az, Jedi Mind tricks, Erick sermon, LL cool j, 50cent, Game, Scarface, De La Soul, Dead Prez, Phoarohe Monch, Styles P, 9th wonder, Black Milk, Mos def, Talib Kweli, Ka,naan, A tribe Called Quest, Common, Guru, Kanye West, Canibus and Onyx.
10. With 2015 on the horizon what is up next for you?
I have a track with Talib Kweli, Sean Price, Canibus, Inspectah Deck, plus an album in the works, and EP. Stay tuned y’all, lots to come.
11. It was cool chopping it up with you bro, in closing let our readers know where to check you out and whatever else you want to let them know. Also thanks for keeping real hip hop alive with the lyrics!
Thanks that means the world too me. Check me out here- https://www.facebook.com/VerbleI