Real Men Raise Real Men: Memphis’ Snipes on Rap Fatherhood (Exclusive Interview) Posted by Nathan S. on 03/05/12 | Filed under Features, Interviews, Snipes

Two years ago my life changed forever when my baby daughter came into the world, and since then providing for her and being there through the grind of sleepless nights, ear infections and diaper deliveries has been my top priority. (Yeah, even more of a priority than the rap interwebs, imagine that.)

But I quickly discovered that my new life as a father wasn't reflected in the music I was listening to. Rappers didn't need any encouragement to rap about people they'd murdered, drugs they'd pushed and groupies they'd fucked, but good luck finding someone rhyme about being a responsible, involved father.

So I'm dedicating myself to highlighting the legions of rap dads out there, beginning with Memphis emcee Snipes. A 26-year-old artist/producer/writer, Snipes took some time from his fatherly grind to speak on his new video "Sam's Song" and the state of hip-hop fatherhood. Enjoy, and remember: real men raise real men and women.



RefinedHype: As obviously of a question as it may be, what inspired you to write a song for your son?

Snipes: I woke up one day after having a dream that I was about to die and I realized that if my son grew up without me, somebody else would have to tell him about me. Not that they wouldn't tell him good things, but I wanted him to hear about me from me just in case I didn't make it to see him become a man.

RefinedHype: How do you think fathers and fatherhood are portrayed in hip-hop? In what ways is this song a response to that portrayal?

Snipes: That's a hard question. Often times, fathers aren't present in the lives of children and when that child grows up and becomes a famous rapper, he may not have a relationship with his father so his music may portray that negative relationship. However, lately there has been a positive shift in that trend.

Don Trip is a great example of merging fatherhood with hip hop. I ran into him at the radio station in Memphis and he had his son with him while he was doing and on air interview for his new mixtape. My song wasn't a response to anything or anyone, just my thoughts and feelings from me to my son. My father and other positive male role models sat me down and taught me about life. I just wanted to do the same for my son.

RefinedHype: How does your role as a father affect your music as a whole? Both in terms of your actual music and how you approach your career?

Snipes: Being a father absolutely makes me more aware of what I say. I'm nowhere close to perfect. I smoke, drink, and curse but not nearly as much since becoming a father and never around my son. I make a conscious effort to put meaningful lyrics into my music. I want him (or anyone else) to be able to listen to my music decades from now and it still be relevant and able to affect people.

I'm also learning to manage my time better. I work full time along with the music, so I can't take every show or make every industry event every time. I have to balance SNIPES with daddy. It's a challenge but it's worth it.

RefinedHype: Last words? Shout outs? Confessions?

Snipes: Confessions, Humm... I enjoy a fresh Rice Krispy Treat from time to time. Lol. Seriously, First, shout out to my family and my team. I love all of ya'll. Secondly, shout out to #TeamMemphis. WE HERE BABY! 3rd, to the major labels, MEMPHIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE! I personally know at least 10 artist from every genre that can run the game RIGHT NOW! We're like Atlanta was in the early '90s right before southern music became mainstream. Sleep on us and 5 years from now I'm going to say I told you so as you live with the regret for the rest of your lives.

Last but not least shout out to Nathan and RedefinedHype for this opportunity to share. It's overwhelming to me that you guys actually support what we're doing.

For more from Snipes, be sure to check out his new album, "My Point of View", streaming via Bandcamp.