AMOEBLOG: I know you have your new solo album, Wanderlust,  which is available at Amoeba just out. But can you tell me how long have you been in the hip-hop game and can you break down your overall hip-hop history for those who don't know about you?

CELSIUS:  I have been freestyling since '89. Around that time, and before we had real production, we used to make tape splice beats and rap over them on a Karaoke machine. I would hand out some of those tapes.  Made my first real tape/Psychokinetics song in 1995 ("Losta Glue"  Strength in Numbers). Since then,  two tapes, three vinyl releases, various compilations, two Psychokinetics CDs, and now my first solo CD (Wanderlust).  I grew up in Alameda and have lived all over the Bay since.  East Lake in Oakland is my home now.



AMOEBLOG:  How much - in your eyes -has hip-hop changed? And how exactly has it changed- especially from your perspective as a Bay Area artist.

CELSIUS: I guess the biggest thing I notice is that its become a business, and more of a pop sensation now.  A money maker rather than pervasive voice of the streets. The heart and soul that was so evident when I fell in love with the music is now very much subversive. Also, now, with the advent of the internet and home studios, its changed because everyone is an eff'in rapper !  It used to be an accomplishment to have a CD.  Now everyone does and they all think they're dope. I guess its just way more saturated now. Also, dudes can never have done a live show and have tons of fans because of the internet.  I think that in a lot of ways, the quality has gone down, even though there is still greatness out there. You just have to look harder these days.