"Basically, we felt that this was an album that had to prove not only to us, but show our fans how far we’re willing to go to get the success we sought out for without compromising our beliefs and values."

The summertime is a great time for entertainment -- music being the most significant form. As many of us plan our trips and life schedules for the next few months, we all find it necessary to stock our laptops and MP3’s with the newest and hottest artists -- the proverbial chart toppers of the year who have turned occasional web surfing and downloading (legally of course) into a task of vitality.

Of course, it would be wrong to forget to mention the mainstays of music. You know the proud few acts that have made their name in the industry, yet continue to bring something new to the game in each project they release.

The talented group of guys known as Nappy Roots fit snug in this category. The group -- debuting back in 1999 -- has brought a different style to the music world, reminding us all that we have a little country blood in us. With four albums down, the time has come to bring any doubters to a new concept of nappy.

Them country boys took a moment to chat with Yo! Raps while promoting their freshly released album, Pursuit Of Nappyness. This time around, the group let us in on what’s packed in the new album, the essence of the nappy style, and why there is much to look forward to in the neverending pursuit of nappyness.

It’s good to be able to catch up with you guys today. What have you guys been up to the past couple of years?

Skinny: Aw man. Thanks for taking the time to holla at us. For the most part we’ve been grinding as usual. Touring, recording, developing new talent, paying bills, raising kids, and fishing. Ya know, the country boy basics.

So let’s get right to it -- the album is called Pursuit Of Nappyness… What brought about the name?

Basically, we felt that this was an album that had to prove not only to us, but show our fans how far we’re willing to go to get the success we sought out for without compromising our beliefs and values. Similar to Will Smith’s character Chris Darden in The Pursuit of Happyness. We always bring lyrical content and depth to our songs even when those types of songs or artist aren’t as successful as others who are doing music. So we are staying true to what brought us together at the same time we’re not fucking around. Life is a daily grind and we all want something out of it. Nappy’s no different.

Your last album came out in 2008, The Humdinger; what changes did you guys want to bring out this year that weren’t heard in 2008?

Vito Banga: To establish the individual members identities and styles even more than on the previous releases. But for the most part that was 2008 and we’re not looking back, it’s 2010 and we’re moving forward. Change is inevitable whether its noticeable or subtle and where I’m from we don’t like too much changing of anything other than our clothes and wash rags. If you get my drift?

I noticed that the time frame between albums is always extensive? Do you think that taking significant time out to make an album is important in the quality?

Skinny: I think so. I mean to me anything worth doing is worth doing right. We pay attention to detail because it’s more than one way that we are all spitting on a song. We also like to let certain records marinate and age a lil bit that way they last longer. I think there will always be artists who make songs that are popular “right now”. Some follow trends to get on or stay relevant and we never did it that way. Plus, we’re looking at it like the 16th law of power which is, to use absence to increase honor and respect.

What did you want listeners to be able to pull from this album in particular?

Vito Banga: That good music still exists and more is on the way from Nappy Roots

Was there a certain demographic you guys were aiming towards, understanding that you are labeled as country boys?

Skinny: Not really. We have a wide demographic and the Nappy movement is definitely growing by the day. It used to be college students and the country folks who knew about us. But we’ve been around for a while so I see anybody between the ages of 18-45, that love hip hop and good music no matter the genre come out to the shows we do year round and support our albums.

Will fans of Nappy Roots get the traditional sound or are there some new experiments we can prepare for?

Vito Banga: There’s definitely new experiments and nothing outta the mirror from Nappy Roots. What you see is what you get. Reality through and through.

Are you guys satisfied with what you put into the LP overall?

Vito Banga: Ready or not, here it comes. As a competitor in this game you can’t be content or someone will pass you up. So the answer is “Yes”. For now.

What are your guys favorite tracks on the project?

Vito Banga: My favorites are The People, Back Home, Fishbowl, and Infield.

Skinny Deville: I like Ride, Be Alright, Know Bout Me, and Right Place.

Who’s doing the bulk of the production?

Skinny Deville: On this album Phivestarr Productions did the majority, but we had various contributions from producers like CHOPS, Sol Messiah, and SMKA. We also used the website www.pmpworldwide.com to snag a few joints to add some different flavor as well.

Any features we should look out for?

Skinny Deville: There’s only one feature on this album and he goes by the name of Aleon Craft. Ya’ll need to Google this dude because he’s making big moves and definitely has the potential to blow.

Looking at the activity in music today, was there any pressure to change your sound or to try new styles?

Vito Banga: Of course. To stay in this race you got to adapt to the times.

How can you guys describe the LP in one word?

Vito Banga: Phenomenal!

What else can we expect from Nappy Roots in the near future?

Skinny Deville: We have a nice deal at Fontana for our label NREG and we have the ability to release several projects a year Lord willing. So we got a few things we’re gonna drop after The Pursuit Of Nappyness in regards to solo and duo efforts from within the group, as well as various artists other than Nappy Roots who we feel deserve a shot. There’s a lot of talent in KY and throughout the South and Midwest and we constantly try to help as many artist as we possibly can, but it’s gonna be an ongoing process that we are committed to as businessmen. But you know the saying, “The sky’s the limit.” It’s the P.O.N. baby!

Make sure ya’ll pick up a copy of Pursuit Of Nappyness now.

Ya’ll can follow us on Twitter at @nappyroots and hit us up on www.nappyroots.com for free downloads, pics, videos, merchandise, and booking info.

- By Jovan Bland