Asher Roth Interview

Here is a video of the audio of my Asher Roth interview. Along with a text version so you can read it and listen to it at the same time.

In your hit song, “I Love College”, you explain that you love college, women, and drinking, what else does Asher Paul Roth enjoy?

I mean, those are just the basics. I like my friends, family, and my down-time. And that’s the truth.

What musicians inspired you when you were growing up?

It all depends. At one point in my life I was listening to a lot of Motown like Stevie Wonder and the Temptation. Then I was listening to some Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits. And then it was Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and the Deftones. And then there was Dave Mathew’s Band and all of that. And then it got into a lot of hip-hop like specifically being: The Roots, Black Star, Dilla, and Big Pun. And now I’m at a point where I just pull inspiration from life, conversation, and spoken word.

If you could record with one musician, who would it be?

I don’t really know; that’s a tough question. There are a lot of musicians I would love to work with. But I’d love to work Primo, that’s for sure.

How has your career changed since the release of “I Love College”?

Well you know, more people are listening and now I’ve got somewhat of a fan base. And the work starts now. I’ve got a role and a responsibility (in the music industry). And now it’s time to put in some work and get this thing (my career) rolling.

How did you get approached to be on the cover of XXL’s “Freshmen Ten” issue?

They hollered at me. They were into the movement and they heard “The GreenHouse Effect” mix tape. Also, they knew I was coming out with an album. So, a couple of cats over there were lobbying for me. They said my album was dope and sure enough it happened (that I made it on the cover). So they hit up my people and sure enough it came true.

On another one of XXL’S “Freshman Ten” cover’s, there is another up and coming rapper Kid Cudi. And on the internet and other source, you are seen to be playing with Kid Cudi quit frequently. How did the two of you meet and get involved with one another?

We meet at the XXL photo shoot. And now we are going on tour together. On July 14^th, the great hangover tour starts in Boston, MA.

Did you always try to gain fame in this type of college-kid frat-boy scene?

I didn’t, I didn’t. I didn’t intend for anything. I just made some music, and some people picked up on it the way they picked up on it.

So you don’t necessarily like the media focusing on that distinct part of your music?

It’s not something that I necessarily encourage, but whatever happens, happens. I just have to continue going out there and doing my job.

You seem to have a similar early career that the Beastie Boy’s went though. Because, if it wasn’t for the frat boys listening to “Fight for Your Right”, the Beastie Boy’s may not have gained the fame that they are known now for. Do you see any similarities?

I mean in the aspect of making fun and dope music. Yet, I remember the Beastie Boys were pretty bummed out about this at the same time because they knew they had a lot more to offer and didn’t just want to be seen as “part boys”.

I understand that you don’t enjoy this specific part boy niche that some of the media gives you?

Yeah, I know. But it is what it is. And that’s our thing know. And as artists that’s our job to differentiate ourselves. And kind of have to make people know that there’s much more going on. But, we have to make sense of it. So it’s cool. But (now) I definitely see that there is more similarities there (between the Beastie Boys and Asher Roth), than anywhere else.

How did you get involved with Don Cannon and DJ Drama on “The GreenHouse Effects Mix Tape”?

Well one, they are both from Philadelphia and moved to Atlanta. And I did the same exact thing. I linked up with my man Drama just through playing videogames. Like we were playing NBA 2K9 and 2K8, and just having a good time there. Then we just started talking about music. Obviously, they are very respected and well known DJs and I just told them, “Yo. I’ve got some stuff.” Sure enough, we started rocking and out came The GreenHouse Effect

How do other rappers treat you?

As (I’ve been) moving forward, it’s (my career has) been very well respected. It’s good. That’s what we come here for. As long as you have any in respect, that me in aspect. (As of now) so far; so good.

How did going to West Chester University influence your career?

It helped me with socializing and understanding people. I don’t know if West Chester University necessarily showed me who I am as a human being. But, it definitely gave me 2-3 years to act up and learn a few things about life and human beings and it helped me in this journey.

Online it said that you majored in elementary education. What made you interested in wanting to become a teacher? What stock out to you in this field?

As far as I am concerned, were really moving in a point where if you’re a statistician or a something like that, a lot of the work that you are doing is irrelevant. It is just busy work and teaching gives you an opportunity to really change and influence kids for a long time. And kids are our future. So that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to be one of those teachers and I still do. There is definitely a direct correlation between teaching and hip-hop music. The kids are really paying attention and they are hanging on to every word someone says. They really do have an opportunity to be an influence and an inspiration.

What was the transition like from moving from Pennsylvania to Georgia?

The transition was (like) starting a new life over. Obviously, there are different cultural influences as well. (But) I had a blast and there is just really great people down there and a really good scene. There is good people, good music, and it was nice to get out of Pennsylvania for the first time in my life and see what was going on in the world. Just in the states for that matter, you know?

I’m just about to start college. Does Mr. I Love College himself have any tips for surviving freshman year?

All I can say is have fun and step out of your comfort level and figure out who you are as a person. Its (going to be) your first time that you’re out on your own and really stepping outside of the watchful eyes of your parents. So, you have an opportunity to make some mistakes in life now that you’re away from them (your parents). Don’t binge drink. Don’t drink and drive. But have fun. Take your opportunity to figure out who you are as a person.