Bruce Wayne and Born Ruler join forces as BLK CNN to deliver fresh Hip Hop flavor with a golden era twist. Bruce Wayne provides the soundscape for Born Ruler’s gritty, conscious, classic East Coast delivery.
I was able to grab the below interview with the group.
A review of their music will be coming soon.
Who is Born Ruler?
(Bruce Wayne) – Born Ruler is an emcee from the Bronx, NY who I met when I was living in Jacksonville, FLA. I consider him to be my little brother.
(Born Ruler) – A very passionate Emcee with that Golden era Bronx appeal. Very conscious and aware in all my music.
Who is Bruce Wayne?
(Bruce Wayne) – Bruce Wayne is a producer from Flatbush, Brooklyn.
(Born Ruler) – Bruce Wayne is Bat Man on the beats, He is the music behind BLK CNN.
When and how did BLK CNN come about?
(Born Ruler) – Well the name itself was inspired by the group Public Enemy, Chuck D said “ Hip-Hop was the black news of our time”.
(Bruce Wayne) – We have been together as a group for a long time, but early 2012 is when we decided to reinvent ourselves and also rename.
Your style of hip hop vibes just like the era I came up on. Something about that East Coast sound resonates with my soul. Who influenced you growing up?
(Bruce Wayne) for me..Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5, Treacherous 3, RUN-DMC, I’ve lived through every era of hip hop and I draw from everyone of them. This soul has history..lol
Who influences you now?
(Bruce Wayne) – J Dilla, Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Dj Premier, Nottz Raw.
What can you say about the differences in the scenes between NY and VA?
(Born Ruler) – Well the scene is crazy right now, I know a lot of hot emcees, the industry seems to just want ignorance, NY or VA it doesn’t matter, Real music will always rise to the top.
NY and FLA?
(Bruce Wayne) – I think for the most part you have artist of every genre of hip hop in every state. you have guys who do Trap style, southern sound, hiphop soul which is what 9th Wonder is doing so the major difference is right now a lot of NY artist seem to be doing what everyone else is doing
(Born Ruler) – I ended up in VA because of work, I been up and down the east coast, but found a good foundation in VA, I must say Peace to the Gods & Earths in RichMIND that is what we call Richmond, VA.
How did you end up in Cordova?
(Bruce Wayne) Ha!..thats a long story..lol..but here’s the short version..I was in the Navy..I came through Millington back in the days..I liked it..I moved..lol
How has the Internet / Social Media affected your music career?
(Bruce Wayne) – I wish these forums were around when we first started..I think it helps to raise awareness of what you have to offer as an artist and it also puts you in touch with those who appreciate what you do.
(Born Ruler) – Yes, the internet does help out like never before, being able to reach out to the world with a click of a button is amazing, With out it I feel this interview would not have happened just yet, so its a real plus.
Has it helped? How?
(Bruce Wayne) it has helped because you can be exposed to millions of people at the click of a button very quickly so social media is very helpful..hey..we’re being interviewed by you now!….lol..so I consider that progress and beneficial.
Any cons?
(Bruce Wayne) – There are some forums that change so much without informing you (because they can do that) and its actually frustrating and I won’t say any names but 2 sites come to mind..also some of those pay to have your music heard by an industry professional…uggghh!..frustrating..I’m done with those..
(Born Ruler) The only thing that bothers me is the free downloads, nothing is free in life, This puts a real strain on the artist.
What artists or groups are you currently working with?
( Bruce Wayne) – just a few local artist..3 R&B singers that like my beats..go figure…lol and a female emcee by the name of Cherokee The Lyricist from BK but lives in FT Lauderdale..this is what I mean by hip hop artist of every genre in every state..we are everywhere!
(Born Ruler) – Currently I am focused on BLK CNN, I also have a extensive catalog of music I produced and recorded over the course of time.
Is there anyone you would like to work with in the future?
(Bruce Wayne) I’d like to work with this cat named Skewby locally, Elzhi is another emcee I’d love to work with, Rick Ross, Sean Price, Skyzoo, actually..I’m not picky..lol..I’ll collab with anyone right now who can feel what I do..I don’t like request..just vibe to what I’m doing and lets work.
(Bruce Wayne) – Yes KRS-ONE, Rakim, and a slew of others artist, too many to mention…
Do you find it difficult to balance music (as a career) with family? How old are your children?
(Bruce Wayne) my boys are 22 and 17 so they take care of me..lol..jk..I’m recently divorced so it is hard for me and my 17 yr old to get together but we do when he’s not at football practice.
(Born Ruler) My family is included in my work so its fairly easy, I have three sons 8,9, and a new born. My studio is in the house so everyone is use to the boom bap of Born Ruler. lol..
Any tips for anyone that might be struggling to find that balance?
(Bruce Wayne) just put God first and he’ll teach you how to balance by making your goals clear.
(Born Ruler) Always put the one before the two, and respect your elders, this will give you a long prosperous life…
What’s one thing you would like to say to the younger generation of artists trying to come up
right now?
(Bruce Wayne) 1st..know the history of what you’re doing, who did it before you, and who’s doing it now.
Respect the history of hip hop..anything you do in life can come back and bite you if not done properly.
If your disrespectful to those who came before you….expect the same in return…
Stay true to who you are. If you want to do all styles of music then go all in.
Lastly..and most importantly…NEVER GIVE UP!
Just because one person says no.. doesn’t mean your story has to end. Go back and change their mind..keep practicing..keep putting out material and remember quality over quantity.
(Born Ruler) Bruce said it all, never give up, and read read read…… did I say read? lol
