"Hip-Hop is an international language and we are very lucky that we speak on the same language -- the language of freedom. Let’s build an interesting and healthy world filled with music."

When you think of entrepreneurs in Hip-Hop you might think of Diddy, Russell Simmons, and Jay-Z. Well, enter Timati into that mix!

This Russian born artist/businessman has his hand in almost every aspect of the entertainment industry; From movies, talent staffing, video production, philanthropy and of course the music industry.

Born on August 15, 1983 in Moscow, Timati is one of the most successful rappers from his country. Young, independent, and classy, he became publicly known European-wide after his hit single Groove On, which features Hip-Hop heavyweight Snoog Dogg. Furthermore Timati has already worked with Diddy, Mario Winans, Xzibit, Kaleena (Dirty Money), Busta Rhymes, among others.

Yo! Raps had the opportunity to speak with Timati about his love and fascination with the Hip-Hop culture, the Russian music scene, and the universal language of music.

Timati, thanks for taking a timeout from your European tour to chat with Yo! Raps. Introduce yourself to the people in the States that are not familiar with you yet.

Hi to everyone, I’m Timati aka Mr. Black Star -- the number one Russian Hip-Hop artist.

You are originally from Russia, describe your background growing up? How did you fall in love with the Hip-Hop culture?

I was born in the center of Moscow. I used to go to the kindergarten school and participate in lots of sport activities. Everything was so mixed up in my brain until I arrived in Los Angeles at age 13. My parents sent me there to study for three years. Half a year at school, I didn’t miss any classes, but then I understood that I could make a deal with my supervisor and give him the money to sign me on the attendance list and during the time when I was missing my classes, I used to hang out with my new friends. My dormitory located close to the ghetto. I didn’t have any problem out there, it's all because of my look. I spent 3 years in Los Angeles in total.

What was the first Hip-Hop song you ever heard and what did you love about it? 

My first Hip-Hop song I fall in love with was Sugar Hill Gang's Rapper’s Delight.  

Who or what was your biggest musical inspiration growing up?

I can’t say that someone in particular or a group of people inspired me in Hip-Hop. I like to express myself and it’s great that in a couple of minutes in one track you can tell the history of your life.

You are a superstar in Russia, what do you think is the biggest difference between American fans and Russian fans when it comes to the Hip-Hop music?

Well Hip-Hop was born in America so therefore the roots are in America. And American fans therefore live in the place where Hip-Hop was born. In Russia, it’s a little bit different… Hip-Hop came to Russia through overseas, but the Russian music industry is very smooth, and has become very compatible with other music genres. First, it was more underground and then slowly Russian Hip-Hop is stepping forward for new styles and in the future could compete with the biggest industries.

We haven’t heard a lot about Hip-Hop from your home country. How is the Hip-Hop scene in Russia?

It took a long time in order to establish Hip-Hop in Russia -- we established a lot of different styles. After the Soviet Union regime was done, Hip-Hop became a voice of the streets. While time was passing, Hip-Hop got so many influences like electronic, alternative and trance music in Russia that I can talk about real quality Russian Hip-Hop now, which is developing in the right direction and ready to enter international markets.     

Let us talk about your music now. You have already worked with some of Hip-Hop and R&B's best artists from Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Xzibit to Mario Winans. If you could record one song with any artist in the industry, who would you pick? What type of song would you make?

I like when music is mixed with new sounds. The Black Eyed Peas are the ones who does that, and they let the whole music industry know that you have to mix up the music and you will find the right sound. You don’t have to be scared to do experiments with electro sound -- I love all new innovative things. Recently, I recorded a song with Eve. We tried to mix several music styles and in the near future you will hear what we got. 

How did you link up with Diddy? Talk about the song as well…

I got a lot of Russian friends who know Diddy so therefore I met him through them. After several conversations with him, we decided to record a track, which was nice. I also met Kaleena from Dirty Money through my friend who is a music producer of G-Production in Atlanta. Later, we saw each other several times in Los Angeles and also some other places so we decided to record a track. 

Out of all the artists you have already worked with so far, which artist was the best to work with and why?

I didn’t feel uncomfortable with any artist I worked with so far. But one of the best collaborations I had was with Snoop Dogg. He is an amazing person, talented artist and very smart businessman. I’m very glad that I had a chance to meet him and I hope he will give me another opportunity to work with him again.   

You are like a modern day Diddy and Russell Simmons; I mean you've have started a music career on your own as well as your own promotion/production company for up and coming artists and actors. You named your company Black Star Inc. What exactly does your company do?

My company does a lot of different things. We help new up-n-coming artists to create their team and show their talent to the whole world. Besides that, we have a clothing line and online boutique. Right now, we are collaborating with two other companies and shooting a movie. Also, my company Black Star Inc. does charitable events, support the sport federation for the young generation and each year we do Hip-Hop and R&B competitions for young people who are ready to show their talent.

Being a Russian artist, has it been hard for you to break into the industry because of your ethnical background?

No, I didn’t feel any problem with my ethnical background. I don’t feel as a foreigner when I visit a different country.

What are you currently working on? Is there an album/mixtape in the works we can look forward to?

Right now, I’m working on an english version of my album, The Boss, which will distributed in a very large territory. Besides that, I’m planning to make my own mixtape which will be distributed only on the Internet. On my mixtape, I will try to use a lot of different genres and make it very unique.   

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far in your career?

Everyday I’m moving forward and achieving my goals. So that’s why I can’t say exactly what my biggest accomplishment is. I achieved enough goals in my life, but I’m not going to stop.

Do you use Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace? How can the people get in contact with you?

Yes, I do have an account on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. But I don’t have enough time to check it. So that’s why I can call myself not an active user. If anyone wants to send me a message or leave me a comment, I will reply to them as soon as I can. 

Any final comments?

Hip-Hop is an international language and we are very lucky that we speak on the same language -- the language of freedom. Let’s build an interesting and healthy world filled with music.

- By Eric Merriweather