TB: How did you get started as an artist?
MB: I was rapping when I was mad young, and all through high school. Came back after a quick semester at Hudson Valley Community College and my bro Chris let me crash with him. I auditioned at a studio on East Ave.through him.
TB: When did you start working with DeVante of Jodeci?
MB: I met Big Shan, Mr. Dalvin, and DeVante one evening in the lobby at the studio. Big Shan set it up so I could rap in front of DeVante Swing. They walked in with a big pitbull named Skillz. Mr. Dalvin said "Yo, you here to Rap"? I was like " lets get some beats going". We went downstairs and I started to freestyle my ass off. What's crazy is that Timbaland, Bazaar Royale ( Da Boogieman) walked in, listened and then bounced. I was rapping like crazy. Didn't know none of those dudes at that time. De asked me for my number, then we left. I got a call on Chris ' phone and it was DeVante asking my name. I was like "Big Mel". He told me to come through the next day and asked if I wanted to be on the compilation album, go on tour and be in Da Bassment.
TB: What was it like working with the other members of Da Bassment. And what was your best memory of Static Major?
MB: Working with everyone in Da Bassment was an experience that is out of this world. Everyone was so damn talented. The world only got a taste of a few members of Da Bassment. I have a lot of memories of Static Major. Most of them included Smoke E Digglera and Black. I do remember the cru splitting up and things happened. Timbaland was recording at Manhattan Center Studios and I popped by to holla at him. The person at the front desk was looking at me kinda suspect cuz I wanted to call up Timbo and tell him I was coming up. The front desk person hit me with the " He's not there" bit, I got cocky and said "Well whoever is up there..they know who I am" .The front desk called and the next thing I know I see Static Major, Smoke & Black walking towards me with Def Jam leather jackets on smiling, they was on. Been awhile since we've seen each other though.
TB: How did you get the name Mr Brendal? And did you ever finish an album, if so, what were the name of the tracks?
MB: They made songs like "Reservoir Dogs", "Mr. Blue, Mr. Black & Mrs Pink" etc..I don't know where I was when they recorded it, they played it and I was like "Yo, i'm a be Mr. Brendal". Only had a few appearances on tracks. A long list of artists in the crew had to wait to get the chance to be on a track. That's how I got on the "Gin & Juice" (remix) by waiting and getting the opportunity. Others in the cru had priorities. Bazaar Royale was signed to Epic Records and I laced some things on that album. As far as my own music, I took a backseat and wanted whoever was in position to get a deal, then we go from there. Didn't pan out though. I did a little something after we parted ways.
TB: "Gin & Juice " (remix) was your first video. Did you realize back then how much of an impact it would have in music. There's fans today from the U.K. , Germany, Japan etc. that still fiend for Da Bassment reunion?
MB: Wow, that's crazy!!!! You know, I always thought our sound was different. The beats and styles out now is kinda like our sound back then. Even on our BET '95 tour, our sound was different from all the other acts. Shout out to all the fans out there. I'm waiting on the reunion too..haha
TB: It's the 25'th Anniversary since the Sista album came out with a few copies. What were your favorite tracks on that album and how was it watching Sista create a masterpiece?
MB: I like the whole album of course but "Hip Hop", "Sweat You Down" and "Sista Bounce " were my jams. Back then I would've killed that "Sista Bounce " beat. By the time I got on in Da Bassment their album was finished. Missy had taken that solo deal, and the rest of Sista left before Missy Elliott.
TB: Do you still drop rhymes and will you put out an album since the core fan base never left and the new fans are learning about Da Bassment history with Missy, Timbaland & Tweet are still poppin on the charts?
MB: I would love to put something together. Never knew there was that much of an interest in Da Bassment like that. I've never ran from my first love which is Hip Hop. Tell you what, you will be the first to know and the first to hear it. Really appreciate what you're doing bruh. Shit means a lot, you just don't know...
DeVante Swing Interview (credit to Forever DeVante) :
****side note*** : Drake, Rihanna, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne are huge fans and supporters of Da Bassment
Magoo interview @youknowigotsoul
New project by former Bassment member Nikki
