This is a very special day for us here. I am pleased to announce the online release of a previously unreleased Spectac & 9th Wonder album, entitled The Corner of Spec & 9th. This is a kevinnottingham.com exclusive… you got it here first! The tracks on this album were recorded around 2002-2003. A few tracks have leaked around the Internet in some form, but never has the final, finished album in its entirety been unveiled to the world… until now. You can thank my man, MIDMarc, for his hard work and dedication in working with Spectac to put the final touches needed to release this project. Spectac has been involved in every step of the way and even sat down for an interview with yours truly. The album’s cover art was designed by our ultra-talented resident graphic artist, Krome, and this project also has the final approval from 9th Wonder himself.

I can’t tell you how great this album is, you’ll just have to download it yourself. All tracks were produced by 9th Wonder, with the exception of the last track which was produced by MIDIMarc. Read on for the tracklist, download link, and my interview with Spectac.

1. That’s Us
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
2. When I Rock
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
3. Lounge
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
   • Featuring L.E.G.A.C.Y.
4. Day To Day
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
   • Featuring L.E.G.A.C.Y.
5. Reasons
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
   • Featuring Phonte (of Little Brother)
6. War of The World
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
7. Bring It Back
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
8. Mama Say
   • Produced by 9th Wonder
9. Mama Say (Remix)
   
   • Produced by MIDIMarc

Download The Corner of Spec & 9th

This Is Hip Hop Exclusive Interview with Spectac

Kevin: What’s up Spec? Thank you so much for taking time out with me and letting me get first dibs at your album, Corner of Spec & 9th. You’ve been in this game for quite some time. Some even say you’re a legend throughout the Carolinas. For those that are unfamiliar with who Spectac is, do me a favor and break down your resume for ‘em. Who is Spectac?

Spectac: What’s good Kev? First let me thank you for this opportunity to talk with you and everyone else out there that has their ear to the street. Basically I’ve been in this game since the early eighties, and although there have been plenty of ups and downs I have never lost my love for the music. I grew up in a small town located in South Carolina called Eutawville. As you might imagine, hip hop was quite rare in these parts during this time, but thanks to some family members from the Bronx I was fortunate enough to be exposed to it. Early in the game, I developed my skills in the art of freestyling; which at the time was pretty rare in rap period. Like many freestyle artists, being good in this particular area gave me a handicap when it came to writing songs. You can say it was both a blessing and a curse. I have been fortunate over the years to work with artists such as Large Professor, Tribe Called Quest (Phife Dawg), Akaneleye, Dana Dane, Big Daddy Kane, Amiri, The Scientist (Ying Yang Twins), DJ Shakim (Bow Wow), Ninth Wonder, Little Brother, and a host of other music artist and executives. The strange twist in all of this, which I personally hated for a long time, is the fact that I was in college to become a school teacher. However it came to a point where my education was my bread and butter and music a hobby and that which I was most passionate about. Over the years I’ve released several singles, one that charted Billboard’s Top 100 Hip Hop and R&B. Basically I’ve been blessed to be able to support my family and still enjoy the music.

Kevin: So tell us a little bit behind the making of Corner of Spec & 9th. How did the hook up with 9th Wonder come about? How long ago was it recorded? Any other producers contribute or is it strictly you and 9th?

Spectac: So I’m out riding one night with a good friend of mine (Troy) who happened to be good friends with Ninth. By this time Troy had a good understanding for the type of music I was into and felt like hooking up with Ninth would be beneficial to the both of us. At first I was like, “cool whatever”, but then we met him in person, and he actually started playing some of the tracks he was working on. Simply put, I went bananas! I must have called several friends before leaving his place telling them that I had met the “Next Pete Rock” (true story). One person was a powerful executive (working for Virgin at the time), who basically told me to send the demo and they would check it out. However I never heard back from her until almost a year later when Ninth was featured on a MTV special for his work on Little Brother’s first album. She called me the next day and I was like, “TOO LATE” LOL.

After sharing some music with Ninth he volunteered to remix a song I had done with Amiri called “Mama Say”. Less than a week later, he hit me back with the finished product and I was like, “word!” Needless to say, the joint was hot and we decided to do the Spectac On the Corner of Ninth project. This must have been 2002-2003. Ninth was the only producer on the project but it did feature Legacy. “Day to Day” was and still is my favorite.

Kevin: That’s a great story! From what I’ve heard so far, it sounds like a really dope album. Why was it never released?

Spectac: The project was never intended for release. Keep in mind we were just a few guys in love with the art of making music.

Kevin: So, why leak it now? And why not distribute it through a label?

Spectac: Everybody knows the game is different now and the bureaucracy of working with a label seems to get worse by the minute. Personally I feel like some of the songs are already on people’s iPods but it’s good that they will finally get to hear the project in its entirety.

Kevin: Do you stay in contact with 9th Wonder?

Spectac: Yes, just spoke to him last week, but those conversations are quite rare now days. One thing I can say from being in the business for as long as I have been, is things change and that’s good. Musically, Ninth has reached a place that many never see and in order to step his game up, he has to keep looking up. No love lost; I’m just happy to say I know him.

Kevin: I hear you’re working on a new album. Can you tell us about the project? Who do you have working on it with you? Can we expect a release this year?

Spectac: The Superman For a Day: Clark Kent for Life album may never see the light of day (LOL). Those who have had the chance to hear it say it’s one of the best projects I’ve ever done. One song in particular called “Rain Drops” featuring an up and coming R&B singer by the name of Keisha Shontelle happens to be fire. It was leaked on MySpace several months ago and pulled countless hits and dope reviews immediately. The project does feature other artists such as Median (Halftooth Records) who happens to be a good friend and one of my favorite emcees; others include Big Daddy Kane, Little Brother, Ninth Wonder, Faten, Los, Sean Boog, and Khrysis. Although I would love to see a release of this album (courtesy of Principles of Entertainment) it all goes back to the politics of the business.

Kevin: Wow, I’m really sad to hear that about the album. Some may not know this, but this isn’t your only gig. You’re a principal at a middle school in North Carolina, right? How do you find the time to split your duties as both emcee and educator? What do your students think about your side gig?

Spectac: Let’s definitely not get it twisted; rap is the side gig (LOL). I am a middle school principal and was named Principal of the Year (in Chatham County Schools, North Carolina) after only one year in the district. I’m currently ending year two but I’ll be switching jobs after this run. I recently (just last week actually) accepted a job as the Assistant Director for AVID Eastern Division in Atlanta, Georgia. AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is a 28 year old program that was designed by a school teacher in San Diego to help students have access to a four year college or university. It’s aimed for those who would normally fall through the cracks and not have the opportunity to become college students. In my position I would be responsible for the administrative duties that govern AVID in sixteen states from Maine to Florida (guess you can say “the step up” for myself and my family–LOL). Music will always be a part of who I am. I enjoy the connections I’m able to make, using music as a foundation with people of all ages, religion, and racial background. Music is truly universal.

Kevin: That’s really inspiring… for real. Since you are a positive role model for our future generation, I’m sure you have to chose you words and topics carefully when you rhyme. How do you go about playing it safe with your lyrics? Do you think about the kids when you write or is that not an issue for you?

Spectac: I think about kids all the time, if I’m writing music or not. I wish I was more focused earlier in my career when I did songs such as “Lessons from the Ghetto” (the single that charted Billboard), but I wasn’t. That song had lots of profanity in it but that was then. It’s quite ironic but Rose Rock, mother of comedian Chris Rock, told me that too much cursing was a waste of talent and showed a lack of intelligence. She went on to say its okay to drop a bomb here and there but definitely try to show people that my songs are more than a bunch of four letter words and a hook– good advice. Now I work with others who have the same focus. I recently completed a second project with a group called Flocabulary (out of New York) who create hip hop songs that teach to a certain topic. Our first project last year, called Shakespeare is Hip Hop, gave us the opportunity to put on a live performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. I recorded two songs on the project, one called “To Be or Not To Be” (featuring Median) and another called “Loves Desire” (featuring Median and my man Blake). I got back in the lab with Flocab a few months ago and finished a second release based on World History. In short, music like anything else we strive to do should be about making the world a better place, telling your story, and having a good time while doing it. There’s enough sadness in the world already; no need to add to the problem.

Kevin: Speaking of writing lyrics, I hear you don’t write down your rhymes. It’s gotta be difficult to carry all those thoughts in your head. Is that something you’ve always done or is there any particular reason why you don’t write them down?

Spectac: (LOL)…and the legend grows. Absolutely not true. I do make up songs on the spot but once I spit it, if not recorded, it’s probably lost forever. I actually enjoy writing songs and wish to become a better writer. For anyone wishing to sell records this is an area you should concentrate on tremendously. My stepson, who goes by the alias King Strick, is a gifted writer. At age 22, he’s only been in the game for a hot minute, but I’m most impressed with his ability to take a topic and paint a vivid picture using words and music. It really reminds me of the thought that Median puts into his music when writing songs. Strick just graduated from High Point University with a degree in English and is set to join the U.S. Air Force in the near future. Again, he is a good example of a young black male preparing himself for the work world while continuing to pursue his passion for music (check for his Take Me To Strick-Land mixtape on a website near you).

Kevin: Thanks again for taking time out to talk. I wish you the best in life and your future projects. Is there anything else you wanna add that we did not touch on?

Spectac: I just want to take time to recognize a host of cats who never gave up and always believed in what I did as an artist:

MIDIMarc (thanks for making this project possible),

Demond Pearson (all those free trips to New York City during college),

Tri-S Crew, BWS Crew, Lamorris Sumpter (Mr. Malik ), Rodney Wilson and Tony Green (The Foundation), The Renaissance, Large Professor ( for remixing my first demo), Phife Dawg (sad how it went down), Shadow Runnaz, Geechie Rob, Carolina Dirty (little sis), Amiri and Scientist (way before that ying yang crap), Big L (hold ya breath), Vern Large, Chuck, Dj Shakim (chumps still pulling guns), Un-Known, DJ Eclipse (a true godsend), Shakeese The Beast, Curtis Lowery and family (CJ… it’s yours), Spence and Shrimp, The Rocks…Chris Rock, Andre Rock, Brian Rock (my best friend), Tony Rock, Andy Rock, Kenny Rock, Jordan Rock, and Rose Rock (my second mom), my man Hi-lite Bruton (Harlem Globetrotters), Comedian Howie (BET Comedy), Stanley Roberts (former NBA player), Big Daddy Kane, Dana Dane, Median, Ninth Wonder and family, Little Brother, JD (they waiting for that rain drop baby!), Flocabulary (Alex and Blake), Billy Sanderson, Barbara Hairfield, Mary LaRoche, Carlos Adams and family, Wally B. (for all those shows at the House of Blues), Just (Bartholomew and family), Travis Beverly, Dave Black, Julie Price, Qwest, Dr. Pat Bower, Dr. Martha Watson, Dr. Clerico, Dr. Cunningham (for all the prayers), KB, Maurice/Vince/Jamar Ellis and family, Cessie, Tone Da Backbone, Brice, Thad at Sprint, Dre Ferguson, Foushee (my tax man), Rasmi, Abdul Gibbs, Point, Sanford Greene, Troy, L in Japanese, Shawn and Terrance Handy, Charles Hearst/Darryl Goodwin, Bernard Jenkins,Tracy, Mark, Wesley (and all those peezy headed cousins I grew up with), Crystal Hill, Tyrone Hunter, Prince Ice (one love always), Uncle Charles/Aunt Sharon, Frank Jenkins, JoAnne M., David Menconi, Van/Aaron Miller, Angela Palmer, Yvette (if you ever need a place to stay), Shay, D-Tech, DJ Jamad (let’s do it in the ‘A’), Kim/Hope Williams (I love you guys), P. Winn, Dr. Mary Ann Hardebeck, Pat Harris, Jeff Thomas, Karla Eanes (the original admin team), Terry Greenlund (my white daddy), Dr. Ann Hart, Dr. Robin McCoy, Mary Gunderson, Dr. Garrett and Family, Sally Sloop and Family, Aunt Betty (My ATM before it was even invented), Malcolm (baby brother-get that ass in school), Dexter Ladson (big brother) and family, my wife Chiffon and son Strick, to mama Eva Mae and Aunt Joan, my man Fabian and his wife Octavia and newborn Kennedy, To all my uncles and aunts, grandparents, great grandparents, Mary and Melvin Jenkins (Mom, Dad, Thank you!), and last but certainly not least, the almighty creator.

P.S. Yea I know I left out a hundred names but we’ll do it again soon!

• Spectac’s MySpace Page
• 9th Wonder’s MySpace Page
• MIDIMarc’s MySpace Page
• Krome’s Official Web Site

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