With a style and persona that definitely embodies all things representative of Harlem, their birthplace, the Black Money crew are poised and readying themselves to take the Entertainment Industry by storm. Consistently developing a buzz in their surrounding neighbors, the crew has set their sites on brand expansion and with it the opportunity to drop their sound and lifestyle on the masses. I got a chance recently to sit down with one half of Black Money, Money Ave's own McMan as we kicked it about his origins, stage name choice, influences, and goals as music is concerned. Check it out:
Jason Bourne: Please explain for our audience the significance behind your name?
McMan: My name is McMan, it's an acronym standing for Money Chasing Manhattan Ave Nigga. Basically represent my goals and ambitions at the same time.
Jason Bourne: You are representing Harlem correct? whereabout ?
McMan: Yes, I was born and raised in Harlem.118th and Manhattan Ave is most known as "Money Ave."
Jason Bourne: Money Ave, there have been a lot of acts to come out of that section of Harlem, do you feel pressured by the precedence that they have set ?
McMan: No, I don't feel any pressure at all. A lot of dope talent emerged from the hood. I'm just looking forward to making my mark in the game like those who came before and remained relevant.
Jason Bourne: You have named some of the greatest artists of our generation as influences; aside from the lyrics what else about these individuals inspires you?
Mc Man: Outside of lyrics, charisma, innovating style, and trend setting is what I most admired from each of them. Cam'ron and Ma$e were very influential as far as my style, fashion, and with music especially growing up in Harlem.
Jason Bourne: You mentioned that your goal is to bring a new dynamic to the essence of an everyday grind, elaborate please ?
McMan: My approach is simply no days off. Keeping your grind relentless till all goals are met even in hard times. So many dudes with talent, skill, and even the right resources don't have the drive to put their plans in motion because of fear, failure or both. My music is predicated on the grind.
Jason Bourne: If you had to say, who is McMan?
McMan: Mcman is a family man, go getter, opportunist, loyalist, and humble dude striving to be better everyday with my career and personal aspirations.
Jason Bourne: Where or when have your latest performances been?
McMan: I Recently performed in a "Spit more than 16 Cypher" hosted by Drop On Top Ent. where Fred The Godson also performed at the venue The Delancy. My next upcoming performance will be at Brooklyn Nights where Drop on Top Ent. will be hosting another artist showcase event judged by Compound Ent. A&R Santos Garcia.
Jason Bourne: Where can the people stay updated with your upcoming shows, new music, etc ?
McMan: People can stay in tune with music, news, and upcoming events by following my media outlets such as Twitter, Instagram, and Soundcloud
Jason Bourne: Any current projects that we should be looking out for ?
McMan: I'm currently working on a mixtape titled N.DO (No Days Off) which would feature mostly original music but will have remakes and freestyles as well.
Jason Bourne: lastly when all is said and done what will the brand, Black Money, stand for; furthermore how do you all plan to impact Hip Hop culture ?
McMan: When it's all said and done the impact Black Money will leave on the hip hop culture is continuing to be true to the roots of hip hop that inspired us and transcend it into the future. I hope to inspire and help others through my music as well as an