WESTUP - A.R.A.B , whats good homie? How you feelin these dayz?

A.R.A.B - Im feelin like 2 million bucks family. God has blessed me in so many different ways this past year that I'm just really grateful and ready to hit the next level.

WU - A.R.A.B., that name just gives me a controversial vibe, break down to our readers what that stands for just so every one is clear.?

A.R.A.B. - "Always Rise Above Bullshit"(A.R.A.B.) is my rap name if you want to call it that but in all actuality it's the theme of my life and it's the message I try to send through my music.

WU - Is there a story or event that led to you having that name?

A.R.A.B. - Well, a couple calendars ago I was involved in a situation that resulted in me being confined to my place of residence with an electronic device attached to my ankle to monitor me. During this period I realized how much bullshit it was and all the bullshit I was involved with and made a motto to live by to make sure I never ever get caught up in a situation like that one ever again.

WU - So, whats the deal, whats goin on. Are you a producer or artist or what? Wats all this the streets have been hearing about you being a triple threat in the game?

A.R.A.B. - Im jes a creative person. I like to be artistic. Whether it be music or designing or taking photos, I just like the ability to alter peoples perceptions by giving them a piece of mine.

WU - Many would say the hip-hop/rap game is over saturated these days. With cats jumping on and off the bandwagon and all. Were does this put your self, and do see the over saturation of the game being a threat to the success of any future projects?

A.R.A.B. - I agree, the rap game is the new sport that any and everyone wants to try to "make it" in. To me its always been therapy. Just a way to talk about the fucked up shit I was going through at home and with "friends" but in a creative way. I think it makes me shine brighter that cats jump on bandwagons cuz it makes me stand out. Its like everone in one room wearin throwbaks and come thru in a pinstripe suit. I mean Ima shine brighter cuz im taking a different approach. I don't see it as a threat. I see it as a blessing.

WU - Its official, hip-hop/ rap is not going anywhere. Seeing where it come from in the past, everything from Run DMC to NWA to the present, were do you see this game headed? Do you see it going more into the mainstream scene or taking back its underground grimmyness? or some thing else?

A.R.A.B. - I mean I think the games gona stay mainstream because no matter how wak a trak is, you put it on the radio its sell and as long as it sells they'll keep playin it. But the underground movements gota get bigger and more supportive because that's what's gona keep it creatively alive. Rap is no longer a culture to many. Its jes a market. A genre. I could really care less how the rap game ends up cuz ima still live it everyday till im six feet beneath your nikes.

WU - Nas recently came out with hip-hop is dead. What does that mean to you, do you see any truth in that statement?

A.R.A.B. - I mean to me it means that the creativity is dead. The ability to not just talk about women, wealth, and weed is gone. No one talks about real issues anymore and if you do your history you will see that that's where this music came from. I see a lot of truth in it. But to me it's a good thing because it makes me value real music even more.

WU - Are you a religious cat? Does that play any role in the music you put out?

A.R.A.B. - Not religious. Spiritual. I believe in God I jes don't have a name for him. And it plays a large role in my music. Somebody once told me that God gave me a gift of making music. And that making music is my gift back. But not jes any music. Inspiring music. Thought provoking music. Music you don't get tired of.

WU - Theres a unspoken presumption by all that Sacramento has always been a 2nd hand scene in the rap game, compared to the bay and LA. Do you agree with this and whats your opinion of this?

WU - What would you say are your major influences of your musical expression?

A.R.A.B. - My experiences. The God in me. The devil in me. My love for it. My desire to reach people on a deeper level.

WU - What keep you busy these dayz? are there any projects coming out we should be on the look out for?

A.R.A.B. - Life keeps me busy. My daughter...lol. I got Roadtrip Tha Mixtape Volume 2 dropping in November. And my debut album should be ready to drop by Jan 2008...I also have a few other side projects that might or might not happen but please believe Ima be at you soon.

WU - Any shout outs last werds?

A.R.A.B. - Just wana thank Westup for all the blessings it has bestowed upon me. I wana thank everyone that stays on that grind with me. I jes wana thank anyone that's reading this and made it to the bottom of my interview because you are who I do this for. Peace and much love.