Buff1’s sophomore album, There’s Only One, is set to drop next Tuesday, August 12th and we’ve got the inside scoop! He already has a classic debut behind him, successful National and European tours under his belt, and deafening buzz from the blog-o-sphere.  Buff1’s commanding presence on and off stage has earned him a die-hard fan-base ready to beat their speakers up with his latest release. Whether rocking a party anthem, a political burner or a soulful banger, one thing is certain - Buff consistently delivers. If you think there’s another Buff1 in the game, keep searching…There’s Only One.

Buff1 sat down with me to tell us a little about the album, about himself, and what else he has coming up this year.

Kevin: Hey man, what’s goin on? Thanks for takin’ time to chat with us. So your name has been making the rounds all over the Internet lately. How does it feel to be getting this kind of attention?

Buff1: It feels great to have the internet goin nuts, I’m happy with how things are goin.

Kevin: How about a brief introduction for those people that aren’t up on Buff1?

Buff1: Buff1 was born in Atlanta, raised in Ann Arbor and was, is and will always be a member of the Athletic Mic League.

Kevin: And for those that have been following you for a minute, what single moment do you think really brought the people’s attention to Buff1?

Buff1: When my first solo album “Pure” dropped in June of last year.

Kevin:  So the new album is amazing; your sound is really refreshing to hear in today’s hip hop. Was there a concept behind the album? Do you feel you’ve grown at all since you put out your debut?

Buff1: Unlike “Pure”, the thought process/theme and title for “There’s Only One” came before most of the songs were made/conceived. I don’t think there’s really a concept, but the theme is definitely cherish each and every single moment because u only get one life to live.

Kevin:  Tell us a little about your influences. Who did you listen to growing up? What inspires you when you write? What emcees today keep you on top of your game?

Buff1: My first influence was definitely Michael Jackson. Influences growin up included Nas, Outkast, The Roots, Common, Goodie Mob, Hiero, Biggie and many more. Of course soul music that my mom listened to. At the time I didn’t really appreciate it because it was my mom’s music but you realize how much of that stuff sticks with you once you get older.

Everything inspires me when I write.

Emcees that keep me on top of my game are my group, OneBeLo, Guilty Simpson, Elzhi, Jay Electronica, Blu, Nas, Black Thought, Ghostface, Andre 3000 and TONS of others.

Kevin: I see you worked with Black Milk on the track “Never Fall”. He’s an amazing producer. What was the vibe like in the studio? Who else did production on the album?

Buff1: There was no studio vibe, haha! Black is my homie so I told him I needed a beat and a verse. He sent some beats, I picked one, I wrote and recorded, sent that to him via the world wide web, he wrote and recorded, and there u have it.

Black did one beat, the rest was in-house, the Lab Techs.

Kevin: Ah, the infamous Internet studio!  How do you select your production? Is it the general “the beat just calls to me” type of feeling or do you go for a particular sound to fit the theme of the album or lyrics?

Buff1: Mostly the beat calls me. Occasionally I’ll go for a sound but not often, just so happens that the Lab Techs have such a variety of sounds that I can get what I need without really searchin too much.

Kevin:  What does Buff1 have to bring to hip hop? How do you expect to change or enhance the game?

Buff1: I’m bringing the New Model.

Kevin: Here’s a question I ask everyone.  You’re deserted on an island…. What one album would you want with you and why?

Buff1: ATLiens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because its the greatest album of all time.

Kevin: No doubt; a lot of people pick that album.  So what’s after There’s Only One? Can we expect any other projects or collaborations this year?

Buff1: Me and DJ Rhettmatic of the World Famous Beat Junkies are workin on an album right now. Then AML gets back in the lab.

Kevin: Any advice for upcoming artists? Is there one single thing that they should tackle to try to make it in this game or is a combination of things?

Buff1: Be humble, study, work hard, play hard, and pray.

Kevin: Aight man, thanks for taking time to chill with us. Any closing words or shout outs?

Buff1: “There’s Only One” August 12th, Mic League, Lab Techs, A-Side Worldwide.

• Buff1 on MySpace
• Athletic Mic League on MySpace

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