I love women –Lyrikal disclosed

Former Tuck Tyght group member, Jesse James, also known as Lyrikal, talks about his journey into music

 What influenced the stage name, Lyrikal?

 The name, Lyrikal, was given to me by a friend, he was also a rapper at the time. He figured nobody else went by the name, and thought it was the most suitable name for a rapper like me. His name is Preye Dorgu (formerly known as Bigg Kat or BKP).

 What influenced your project, "Behind Bars." Have you ever been to prison?

No, I've never been to prison. The Behind Bars Project was influenced by the need to express the marginalisation of the average youth living in Nigeria. The pictures and adopted quotations are meant to tell a story of oppression, pain and mental slavery as it relates to our society today.

 Describe your journey into music

I started rapping in 1991 after seeing a black-American musical film, "House party." I was also drawn to the sounds of MC Hammer. I remember writing and learning his lyrics, I also saw his short musical film (Please, Hammer, don't hurt 'em!). Naughty by Nature was one of my influences when they came with "hip-hop hooray!" song. In 1994, I was blown away by Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg and the Dogg Pound.  I was addicted to Warren G's "G funk era" album. I was  also influenced by Bone Thugz-n-Harmony, Scarface and Tupac. The list is just too long to mention. But before all these, I was a die-hard fan of Michael Jackson, if there was a Michael Jackson video on TV, and someone changed the channel, I would cry for hours. I later outgrew him after embracing hip-hop.

 What were the initial challenges?

I've had several challenges ever since I decided to make a career out of music. My parents didn't support me, I had no money to pay for studio-time, I was broke and depressed. I hooked up with Port Harcourt City's veteran rap group, Tuck Tyght, in 2003. There were just too many members in the group, and I craved attention but didn't get it, so I went solo about a year later. There was always the issue of me sounding too American in my songs and I was always under the pressure of conforming; giving into the norm. I had fans but I couldn't understand why I wasn't popular demand.

 Did your parents support your crave to delve into music?

No, they didn't support my musical career.

 Kindly shed light on your background, family and education

I come from a small family. My father was a civil servant, and my mother, a caterer. I am the second and last of two siblings. I went to nursery school in Sokoto; and in 1989, I relocated with my family to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where I had my primary and secondary school education.

 Which childhood experiences influenced your musical career?

My parents were middle class, they weren't rich, but we had everything we needed. Music was always in-house. We had a variety of audio and video cassettes, movies and music alike. I remember the first time I heard the song, 'Holiday by Madonna,' I must have been about four or five years old. The song triggered something in me. I knew I was connected to the music somehow. It is still one of my favourite songs till this day.

 You said you were born on the road to Aba, was it on transit?

I'm only saying what my parents told me. My parents always made trips in my father's private vehicle; I think it was a Peugeot. I'm not sure where my parents were headed, but I was told my mother went into labour somewhere close to Aba.

 Since dropping out of school, have you gone back?

No, I haven't and I don't think I will. I abhor our tertiary institutions, they frighten me. I attended several universities (Unimaid, Unical and Unilag) but dropped out because I couldn't cope with our method of study. The truth is, I've always hated school.

 People would think you are into music for the cash. How would you justify that?

Success is my only justification. People are not wrong to think I'm into music for the money. I want to make money off it, who wouldn't want to? But on the flip side, I love it like my child. Even if I was broke, I'd still want to make music. I am overly passionate about it.

 How do you feel being on the same label with Specimen A and M-Trill?

Honestly, I don't feel anything. I don't think about it.

 What makes your music unique from others in the industry?

I am eloquent. I'm meticulous about my work. I don't limit myself to the rave.  I don't appreciate people who settle for less. I'm well-rounded because I embrace almost every genre of music.  To say the least, I'm more interesting than other rappers.

 How do you intend to carve a niche for yourself?

Being a keen observer and listener of music, I rarely see people in our industry create their own path, it's like it's forbidden to do so. I am a very expressive artiste, so in that regard, I am very confident that I can get my thoughts and feelings across to my listeners and fans in a very musical way.

 What do you have up your sleeves?

I intend to keep on making good music, I' will be putting out my official single later in the year with an album scheduled to follow shortly afterwards. In the mean time, I want people to get used to me through my mix tape, a few free music and videos I will be putting out. I am also looking forward to a few collaborations locally and internationally. I don't want to restrict myself.

 How do you intend to cope with competition from other popular artistes?

There is no competition. I think we all have an obligation as artistes to provide our listeners and fans with options on what they will like to hear. Variety serves as the spice of life, hence there is a level playground for all and sundry. However, if I were to go toe-to-toe with these other artistes (especially rappers), it might turn out for them.

 What do people not know about you?

I'm a very private person. I like a lot of time to myself. I like to consider myself as a perfectionist. I'm not sure how people see me or how much they know about me, not that I am bothered but I might just start having a rethink because of where I find myself these days and the journey before me.

 What inspires your songs?

Life, death and everything inspires me, especially pain.

 How do you intend to handle fame, distraction, female fans?

I intend to use the fame to my advantage. When you are famous, doors are easily opened to you. I love my female fans, they aren't going to be a problem to me. Some distractions are necessary.

 Talk about your love life, are you in a relationship?

I love women, though I haven't been able to keep a steady relationship. I'm complicated, and difficult to be with. I'm afraid I'll end up alone.

 How do you like to dress?

I like simple clothes. However, I absolutely love class and elegance. I dress as it suits the occasion.  I'm also in love with jewellery.