(Sonicman) Hey, we're getting ready to go here....

(Sonicman) It's all about flavor, y'all.

(Sonicman) Whassup whassup whassup y'all. PM Dawn'z in da LIMO heading yr way....

(Sonicman) Hey, we're getting started here with PM Dawn. Let your questions rip.

(Sonicman) Everyone read the Rolling Stone critics poll? "Jesus Wept" was number ten (highest rated rap record of the year).

(Sonicman) And this one's for LL Cool SJ -- who knows what's alternative? PM Dawn is an alternative to everything.

(Sonicman) Prince Be or TAFKAP -- who's the real king?

(Sonicman) Everyone -- go to ya CD player and put in the record. If you don't have JESUS WEPT yet you better get to Sam Goody pretty quick.

(Sonicman) Words everyone uses to describe PM Dawn: TRIPPY, GENIUS, POP, VISIONS, HIP HOP, DRIFT....

(Sonicman) One more SonicNet joint for the cybertribes......

(Sonicman) By the way, for all of you crossover rock critic types out there -- tomorrow night we're bringing AC/DC in the house -- same time, same channel.

(Sonicman) But now it's time for some tripz from the masters of psychedelic hip hop dreams, 90's style.

(Sonicman) As the huge velvet curtain starts to slowly part....

(Sonicman) and we bring you their Majesties of the drift.

(Sonicman) Live Online On Prodigy

(Sonicman) SonicNet Presents

(Sonicman) The Mighty

(Sonicman) P

(Sonicman) M

(Sonicman) Dawn!!!!

(Sonicman) OK, let's see what they've got to say. Welcome to our house.

(Sonicman) (stop the applause, people)

(Sonicman) First questions. Here we go....

(Mase19) How did you guys meet?

(P.M. DAWN) My mother spit me out then she spit him out. I guess it was inevitable. That's the usual way brothers meet.

(LL COOL SJ) UMM HELLO???????????????

(P.M. DAWN) Hello?

(LL COOL SJ) IZ ANYONE THERE????????????????????????????

(P.M. DAWN) Sometimes.

(Mase19) With all the critical acclaim, do you feel that any core audience is gonna dis you?

(P.M. DAWN) I don't think I have a core audience. Some people like me and some people don't. Nine times out of ten, people don't, but there are one billion people in the planet.

(Sonicman) Looks like we got a couple 1 out of 10 people right here in this room.

(Sonicman) Oh, here's that rape rumor again...

(Space Grrls) So I heard a rumor that one of you raped someone and got away with it. Is it true?

(P.M. DAWN) No, not true. Prince Be would like to say for the record that my brother didn't rape anyone, but my family is highly dysfunctional. Which is the reason why I like to deal with the spiritual rather than the realistic.

(Sonicman) Check it -- all of my families are dysfunctional too!

(Sonicman) Damn, that's a nasty rumor to carry around. Let's get to some musical questions now.

(Space Grrls) So how is your new record coming along?

(P.M. DAWN) I think it's great. A lot of people think it sucks. I like the growth that's in all the songs. A lot of songs on this album aren't like any that anyone expected.

(Sonicman) Who would be able to imagine those tracks much less expect them?

(Sonicman) Let's bring it to hip-hop for a moment...

(Space Grrls) What do you guys think of WU TANG and their success?

(P.M. DAWN) I think Wu Tang should have been a lot bigger than it is. At the time when Wu Tang came out it was sort of a slow building thing, I guess with the next Wu Tang record, they'll get the respect they deserve.

(Sonicman) I don't know. Here on Prodigy it seems like Wu Tang is LARGE!

(Sonicman) OK, here's a hard one:

(LL COOL SJ) WHAT IZ ALTERNATIVE????????

(P.M. DAWN) I think alternative is a group of musicians or songwriters who nobody in pop, rock or reggae gave two sh*ts about. Which is why it's called alternative, alternative to everything and everything.

(Mase19) Do you feel that the "rap" and "alternative" people are not into you -- making you guys come off as conservative?

(P.M. DAWN) I don't think there's really anyone into me. There are people who love alternative who love PM Dawn. There are people into rap who love PM Dawn. I don't think there's one type of people into PM Dawn. Right now, it's a real hassle for us to get on pop, r/b, and hip hop radio. It's just a hassle for us period. But, me I'm making my music for me, because I think a lot of people will hear my music eventually. I try to give the best description of my spirit as possible, as real as it can be.

(Sonicman) That's what happens when you're "crossover" -- some people don't like it. But you guys have never been only one kind of music, except PM Dawn music....

(Space Grrls) What hip hop groups do you think are going over the top this coming year?

(P.M. DAWN) I think Busta Rhymes, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, will get all the respect they deserve this year, hopefully.

(Mase19) What's your favorite fast food restaurant, and do you have the limo park so you can go in or "drive-thru?"

(Sonicman) Too tough. Let's get to music again.

(Space Grrls) Do you listen to old soul? Who is your favorite?

(P.M. DAWN) Marvin Gaye and Sly Stone. I love old soul. I'm a sampling artist, I specialize in the old sound, representing that in the future. There is a lot less electronic (not that electronic is not good). I just deal with music electronically. It's just something about the old acoustic, the old microphones, the old way of recording that will never happen again. The best way to capture it is to sample it.

(Sonicman) Aw yeah. OK, spacegrrls you have to step off and let someone else in here.

(Rap H8tr) Is this really PM Dawn?

(P.M. DAWN) I think so.

(mrdestructon) How does it feel to be on stage?

(P.M. DAWN) It sucks, which is why I'm never on stage a lot. Me, personally, I'm not that much of a performer. When I'm on stage, I never get to be myself. I have to be what people want me to be. People want me to be everything I'm not. Because I ask a lot of spiritual questions, people expect me to be an expert. I'm not.

(Sonicman) It's all in the music then, y'all.

(mrdestructon) What is your biggest influence?

(P.M. DAWN) Y'all. How people feel about me is what influences me. When people hate me I hate myself. I know that's a f*cked up way to be, but that's how I feel.

(Sonicman) Lotta people love PM Dawn, though.

(fufjek) What's it like to be in the top 10?

(P.M. DAWN) It sucks, cuz once you leave you always try and come back. I just have to try first and foremost to honest with myself and in turn try to relay that to you.

(Sonicman) Stay real and stay true? Here's one on that level.

(CandiBonbons) A lot of crews bring up some rappers from the streets, what about you guys?

(P.M. DAWN) You should hear a lot music coming from me, because we watched everyone opening record labels and I thought it was clich�. Until recently, I had no need or want to do so. But, until recently...right now, I'm working out a deal for my own label, I have a couple acts on the side, people I grew up with. I'm thinking of calling it No B*llshit records, but I think a lot of people would have a problem with that.

(Sonicman) Y'all know PM Dawn have produced a LOT of people.

(Sonicman) Like Elton John, Jody Watley, Naomi Campbell, Shara Nelson, Phillip Bailey....

(fufjek) Do you think that you have ever given up credibility to be where you are now?

(P.M. DAWN) I don't think I've compromised at all. Just from the sound of my music, people think I have. Everyone who's an artist or musician is only a big giant ball of mush of everybody they've liked in the past. Every one's perception is different. Everyone likes something different. Everyone likes to call PM Dawn sell-outs. A sell out is someone who does something they hate to do for the purpose of making money. That couldn't be me, because I love my music.

(Sonicman) PM Dawn's getting big props from the Rock Establishment, though. "Jesus Wept" was number Ten in the Rolling Stone Critics Poll for 1995.

(CandiBonbons) What was your favorite rap and non rap records from last year?

(P.M. DAWN) I can't remember. In general, right now all I'm listening to is Erick Sermon and The Presidents of the United States of America (and not because it's President's Day). Eric Sermon is an institution. His style of rhymin' is very unique. His production and his beats are the best I've heard in a long time. I love the Presidents' originality, their melodies that they make with their lyrics and their instruments is incredible. Who do know you know who would make a song out of Peaches?

(Sonicman) Hey, Erick Sermon was on SonicNet chat last month!

(Sonicman) And Parrish Smith -- his former partner from EPMD -- is going to be here on Prodigy in SonicNet Chat on April 11th!

(Sonicman) I don't think Parrish has got love for Erick like Prince Be right now, though.

(Sonicman) OK, y'all go ahead again.

(CandiBonbons) How do you put on your live shows...full band/DAT?

(P.M. DAWN) In the studio, it's different. All my songs are about the imagination. On stage, I have to stay realistic, I'm not in Fantasia, I'm not in never never land, I'm not on Venus.

(Sonicman) OK, here's a reality question, bringing it to the political level...

(fufjek) Do you think that the Million Man march helped the African American man or hurt him in his stride to be more independent in today's society?

(P.M. DAWN) I think the March could have only helped in the individual who was there. In black and urban areas, we all need to feel a lot more unified than we are. I don't think anyone will survive in this world with an attitude that's 'me against the world.' But it's hard to have yourself open emotionally for scrutinization. Togetherness is always good.

(Sonicman) You KNOW it's always coming back to spirituality for this man.

(fufjek) How does MTV affect your band? Do they harm it?

(P.M. DAWN) MTV can only help any band with exposure. The only thing that can hurt a band is the lack of MTV. I love making videos. All of our videos in particular are always far far away in an imaginary place.

(Christine7) I love your vibes! Keep on jammin'!

(P.M. DAWN) Thank you, Christine.

(Sonicman) Nothing like true fans online to warm a genius' heart, huh?

(fufjek) What inspires you to write a song?

(P.M. DAWN) Normally, it's whatever affects me emotionally. The last experience that inspired a song was " 96 cents." It was inspired when I forgot what I was getting from a store about a week ago. It was the year 1996 and it was a pound of cheese that was 96 cents.

(CandiBonbons) What is your favorite kind of meat?

(PR101) To whom am I speaking? :)

(P.M. DAWN) You're speaking with Astro Stephen Cortez Junior III Prince Be the Nocturnal Reasons.

(Sonicman) Aaaaawwwww shit! Everyone write that one down so we can make sure to mail our letters to the right address.

(Sonicman) Alright, moving back to the spiritual tip like Prince Be always seems to do....

(Darmstadt) So is God number one in your life?

(P.M. DAWN) God is number one in my life, which is why my life is so confusing. I can't understand God, I can't understand life, I can't understand existence. I don't exist because I'm not afraid to die.

(Sonicman) We all need some time to think on that one. Moment of silence.

(PR101) Are you currently working on a new album?

(P.M. DAWN) Yes, my very last PM Dawn album, because I no longer want to display my emotions under the name PM Dawn, because if my emotions continue along the path that they have been, I no longer want them represented under the name PM Dawn. I wish for PM Dawn to remain pure. I've been feeling this way since before I went into silence, which is before Jesus Wept, which is why Jesus wasn't the only one weeping.

(Sonicman) Wow. So you heard it here first on SonicNet folks!

(Sonicman) One more PM Dawn record and then out!

(Sonicman) Ya know, last year Speech announced he was through with Arrested Development on SonicNet. Maybe there's a trend going on.

(Sonicman) So here's a new project:

(gbee64) Hi guys -- I heard that you recently did work with the Bee Gees in Miami. Can you tell us about that? What was it like working with them?

(P.M. DAWN) It was awesome. The Bee Gees have always been larger than life to me and a lot of people. It was interesting meeting the individuals behind the madness. That's all they are. They're very down to earth, very fun to be around. It wasn't like even working, it was just a lot of fun, a lot of fun. We produced a couple songs for them, one they wrote, and one we wrote all together. Songs for their record.

(Sonicman) That's the old school of pop, alright.

(Cereal Killa) Hey guys, love the new album. Big Fan. Anyway, since you did that article in Blender magazine CD-ROM, would you consider doing more CD ROMs like what Sting and Peter Gabriel did??

(P.M. DAWN) Yeah, I'd love to. We have our own CD ROM coming out this summer, called "PM Dawn According to the World." It's a CD Redbook, which means you can play it in a normal CD player. There's an unreleased song called, "Holding You From Eventually" that has a Zeppelin sample, which is cool, because it's the first time in history that Zeppelin allowed themselves to be sampled. We sampled "Ramble On."

(Sonicman) Cool! Led Zeppelin is the hip hop of rock.

(Darmstadt) What can we expect from PM Dawn in '96?

(P.M. DAWN) Not a damn thing. Silence. I don't want to be seen nor heard of nor felt, I don't want to be anything. I want to oblivious to everyone. Of course, that's not going to happen, because it's already 96 and I'm doing this interview. I haven't been doing interviews, because interviews always misconstrue things. But this one is interesting, because you have to write down everything I say. I don't think I'll ever be doing interviews again.

(Sonicman) Wow, this is the last PM Dawn interview ever??? Here on Prodigy. More news for y'all.

(PR101) How long have you been in the music industry? I mean, is this something you've always been into?

(P.M. DAWN) My entire life I can't remember my life without music. My Dad was in Kool and The Gang. My Mom was a gospel singer. My uncles were DJs. I have 5 Uncles, that's a lot of parties. I can't remember my life without music.

(CloggedDrain) When are you planning to make another video?

(P.M. DAWN) Next week. I think you guys will see it a month after that. It's for "Superstar" I don't know who the Director is, but I've been looking at Anthony Michael Hall. This might be his debut. That would be cool because me and Michael have a good relationship.

(CharlieDarts) What kind of questions can I ask?

(P.M. DAWN) Anything you want.

(Darmstadt) Can we just get a little sample of what will be hearing?

(P.M. DAWN) Do you know what alternative rock is? Do you know what alternative rap is? Do you know what alternative pop is? The new album will be the alternative to the alternative. There will be no way to describe it.

(Sonicman) Let's stay on that tip -- tha new shi###.

(DaPapa Bear1) What do you think it's gonna take to shake up the music industry into a new direction for the year 2000?

(P.M. DAWN) A massive earthquake or tidal wave that will wipe out 90 percent of the United States. Or perhaps a pole shift.

(Sonicman) Then we're all dissed cuz it ain't happening.

(PrincesAlana) I loved your latest album. Are you due out for a lot more?

(P.M. DAWN) I'm due for one last album. It'll be a double album, called "Fin." I don't know when I'll be finished with it.

(Sonicman) Fin = "End" for those who don't speak French.

(PrincesAlana) Are you friends with any "alternative" bands?

(P.M. DAWN) Me and Alanis get along very well. Me and Stereo MC's get along very well. I met the guy from Red Hot Chili Peppers, he was pretty cool.

(PrincesAlana) Where did you get the art for your latest album, Jesus Wept?

(P.M. DAWN) We sent the music to a bunch of different computer graphic artists, cuz we figured that would be the road to take if we wanted something genuinely imaginative. There was this guy who had such a slammin perspective of what was going on that we used it.

(Sonicman) Yeah that art was amazing: trippy/dreamy like the tunes.

(DaPapa Bear1) How do you feel hip-hop and rap will weather against the trend to have un-plugged concerts, and do you feel that it is okay to have to enhance your voice to be popular?

(P.M. DAWN) I think hip hop, especially rap can survive in any atmosphere, because when it started it was a lot of drums and a lot of vocals and it was pretty easy to do that live. As things get complex, that will get harder. Depending on how creative you are, you can create your sound on instruments.

(curt1877) What does it take to make it in tha business?

(P.M. DAWN) A lot of luck, a lot of balls. Me right now, I'm just a person who got really, really lucky. You hit number one and you tread water from there.

(DaPapa Bear1) Do you ever write something you think would sell but dump it cause it's not your normal style of music?

(P.M. DAWN) Never.

(Sonicman) Owww!

(Sonicman) That's pretty much the last word on that one!

(curt1877) Have you ever considered the "gangsta" rap world?

(P.M. DAWN) I love the gangsta rap, that's what I'll be doing next. I have a solo album coming out in a couple months that is quite interesting, called "Reasons." The name of the album is "Epiphany."

(Darmstadt) Is being real making music that people like or music that you like?

(P.M. DAWN) Being real a lot of times is making music that only the person writing it can understand. You have to be really lucky for a lot of people to enjoy it. Really lucky, like me.

(Sonicman) Lucky but still searching seems to be the theme.

(curt1877) P.M. Dawn is tha bomb!

(Sonicman) Word.

(TruLuv) My friend also thinks you are sooooooo fine and she wants to know if you're single because it is her dream to meet you!

(P.M. DAWN) Oh boy. I used to be single, then I got married and had a son. Sorry.

(Sonicman) Sorry TruLuv! Try again tomorrow night with AC/DC....

(ATODEM 1) I was just wondering spiritually what was up with you guys. I love your music and was curious of the new album title!!

(P.M. DAWN) Well, what do you do when you're in love with something you know nothing about. I am completely in love with God. People always put God at the opposite end of it.

(ATODEM 1) What's up?

(Sonicman) What's up, is Prince Be finalizing on a superb chat?

(SUniversal) Yo kid what's your true feeling about KRS? You still buggin' offa him?

(P.M. DAWN) Well, not really. Everyone else is, since I'm a bitter individual now, I guess I can be bitter at him, but it doesn't make sense to. I've seen KRS-One on numerous occasions and on numerous occasions I could have whupped his ass. See, KRS came on stage with him and 20 guys from Zulu nation. KRS respects me now because I run into him all the time and I never take it out on him. I just told him how I understood what he did, because he took my statements the wrong way.

(Sonicman) Prince Be is a teacher. Enough said.

(Sonicman) OK y'all we got to most of the questions but not all of them!

(Sonicman) Stay tuned we're getting PM Dawn's final remarks!

(P.M. DAWN) I did my part. I did what I was supposed to. I showed everyone what it's like to be positive 360 degrees or at least attempt to be. It was fun, but I resign. I'm sorry if people looked at me to be a certain way, this spiritual person or whatever, but I have to be the person who I'm going to be. I'm always going to have sympathy for you, apathy, love, hate. I'm always going to live in cycles. Bear with me. It is as it is, even if we don't like it.