The Immortal Hardface speaks on poetic boundaries, his new mixtape, and the Memphis Poetry Scene...Niggaz Beware!!!
Virghost: How and when did you start writing and performing poetry?
Hardface: IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. I started performing in 2006 . Someone introduced me to an open mic spot called Nappy by Nature. I saw this group called "Brothas Keepa. " It was the most fascinating spectacle I had ever experienced. I was just a spectator for a few months and started writing myself but didn't have the courage to perform it since I had never done it before... and one day I just said FUCK IT. The guy said what do you want me to call you and I said, "Hardface" and the people loved it. But I wasn't even that serious. I didn't think they would actually like it. I was just trying something and they demanded me to come and do another the next week and I kept getting better.
Virghost: How did you come up with the name "Hardface?" And why do you consider yourself "The Immortal?"
Hardface: The Hardface name; I heard some old guy talking about this guy from the country that never smiled. Hardface is Immortal because HARDFACE is more than a man, Hardface is an idea and ideas are bulletproof and will live forever.
Virghost: Have you actually been banned from any websites for real or is that just a joke of Phatmak's?
Harface: I have been banned ,deleted, flagged, account deactivated, sound disabled all kinds of shit and I just keep putting videos back up under different names. Sometime I like to push the envelope and bend the rules sometimes and I get caught.
Virghost: You are known around the scene as a very controversial artist. What do you have to say to people who think that you take it too far with your art?
How far is too far? I try to tell the truth and the truth hurts sometimes. My message is harsh but life is harsh. I've seen over 15 people murdered, my friends are murderers doing life in prison. Ive seen men and women rapped and beaten in broad daylight. I've beaten by cops, etc. I just call it how I've seen it. Some people say it's too far but I see the same people cheating on their women and mistreating them, trying to have sex with my girlfriend behind my back, practicing hate amongst other artist, abusing drugs and alcohol (something I don't engage in or condone). Sometimes you have to push the envelope to discover new things new ways of doing things. Conventional and traditional methods of performing poetry bore me and a lot of people I talked to so I try to find a more entertaining and innovative ways to do my art. To Me there is no limit. I don't believe in imaginary boundaries imposed on me by inferior minded AUTHORities... I am my own author. I can't satisfy everyone so I don't even try. If you don't like it just turn away... there is always Gucci Mane.
Virghost: Although a lot of your poetry, music, and videos are very humorous and comical, it still carries a very strong and serious message that some people may overlook. Why do you feel that the message is sometimes overlooked? And why is it important for you to incorporate comedy into your message?
Hardface: The Message may be overlooked because I hide it in the comedy. The Comedy and entertainment is a way to make the people listen. In my super-learning class I learned that if something is funny people remember it better. To entertain is to ARGEEABLY hold someones attention not force them to listen and fuss at them and hit them over the head and ridicule them.
Virghost: Tell us about your new "Joker of Love" mixtape. What was the inspiration behind it? How did it come about? And what is the overall message?
Hardface: The Joker of love is inspired by the Joker and Sade. One of my favorite characters is the Joker because he is realer than any other villain and will do the most unbelievable things and that what makes him unstoppable. I apply that same logic and attitude toward love and music. The message is to have have fun without imaginary boundaries and do what you want to do musically sexually and intellectually and just be free as long as you don't hurt anyone.
Virghost: How did it feel to become the first ever Memphizm Poetry Slam winner?
Hardface: The poetry slam was cool, but sometimes I actually hate poetry slams because the judging is usually inconsistent and it's hard to judge art. I see an average poem get a ten because it was on a goody two shoes ass topic and I've seen a spectacular poem get low scores because the material was too deep or offensive. You can win a slam with a piece and then lose with the exact same piece. But I enter them for recognition and if the people hear me once or twice mission accomplished.
Virghost: Will you be back in the slam this month?
Hardface: I might be back I don't know.
Virghost: What sets Hardface apart from other artists?
Hardface: Extreme, esoteric, energetic, intellect, perspicacity, fearless, peerless innovative risk taker, humorous, real, hard futuristic EXTREMELY talented...I'm also a philosopher.
Virghost: Besides Memphis, what other city do you feel most comfortable performing in? Or what city shows you the most love?
Harface: Stl, ATL, Indy
Virghost: How do you feel about the Poetry Scene in Memphis as a whole?
Harface: Memphis is a bit slow when it comes to poetry . The artist are some of the best in the country but the people don't appreciate the art or support it like out of town.
Virghost: As an artist, how do you feel you can contribute to Memphis's overall growth in the arts?
Harface: All I can do is be the best i can be and lead by example.
Virghost: Do you have anything special to say to the niggaz?
Hardface: It behooves them to Stay out of my way!!!*
To visit Hardface's Official Website click here
Hardface on Reverbnation Click Here
Hardface on Youtube Click Here
