OK Looking at this from semi outsider I have some thoughts.
First I want it clear I mean no disrespect to Canibus and I can understand maybe how Phara looks at him with different views from me.
Canibus may not be underground because he likes the freedom or the other reasons some artists who don't need jack from the industry become underground. Many are there cause they want no chains no rules, total freedom and they can afford to be there, They don't even want distribution or industry money, they were born with golden spoons in their mouths. Not all but enough for there even to be an underground of anything to begin with. Every "underground" Ive been introduced to anyway.
As I understand it Canibus because of his own actions got put on a list of artists that industry pros are not to work with.
In RnB, it reminds me of Sly Stone. Of course I heard of that from exwife and him well after it first happened.
It put him in a type of underground. He became untouchable, like someone with plague. All for mistakes he knew he made, but all the talking in the world would not change the facts.
OK now with Canibus, he watched his best friend fall in line , talk the right crap, and over the last ten years has had success that even some "rich college kids" dream of.
What did/does Canibus did/do that causes this, I don't have a clue, well after the podcast maybe.
But I feel he is in a place now which must feel like he got left behind. Desperation in his voice is opposite of what I expected.
Talent will never be enough. And the more you need to "make it" the more barriers will be placed in your way.
For me , to know that a man with so much talent as Canibus is still playing clubs in the city , makes me dislike the entire
"industry machine" which controls lives cold heartily. man, Id love to slap them.
Now the Spotlight. Why not have a jewel like Canibus?
Yes I did say he may not have dreamed of being "underground". but right now, today. HE is. And he don't cry about it.
I respect him for that. He moves ahead. I love his strength, especially when shit gets thrown his way, he wipes it off
and comes out fighting. eloquently and learned. Not with fifth grade American middle school education and behaviors. which others only know and believe a paycheck suddenly makes them charming.
Canibus is a man.
