The Rebelution is underway as one of Miami’s favorite native sons graced the stage at one of Atlanta’s most hallowed venues with his presence. In a stellar performance, Pitbull accompanied by Nina Sky and the smoking hot newcomers from Atlanta, Mullage, ripped doors off their hinges while performing to a packed house at Atlanta’s famed Tabernacle concert hall.
Prior to hitting the stage, Pitbull spoke to Hip-Hop Wired about his new album, new label, and one issue that is very close to his heart.
HipHopWired: What was the inspiration behind Rebelution?
Pitbull: The new album is something very international, very global, worldwide music. I represent Miami, 305 Dade County, and Florida as a whole; Miami would be the most international city in the state. So that is what I am applying to this album [an international sound].”
HipHopWired: How did your new deal come about with Polo Grounds Music/RCA music?
Pitbull: The deal came about because um…well first of all, there was someone named Brian Leach (former V.P. at TVT Records/ CEO of Polo Grounds/ V.P. at J. Records) that believed in me no matter what, but the thing is that we continued to make noise on our own. We put a record out there, “Krazy,” featuring Lil’ Jon, that sold over 800,000 independently and that helped. When a label sees all of this movement, they want to be taped into it. So anyone out there that is looking for a deal, you have to continue to hustle and make noise. You have to have the leverage in order to have a successful career.”
HipHopWired: So what’s the secret to your success on the digital charts?
Pitbull: I don’t have a secret. I don’t have a formula, no algebraic equations, no geometry behind it. It’s all about good music, and that is what people are looking for. It doesn’t matter about the color, black, brown, pink, orange, purple. If the music is good, people are going to listen to it.
HipHopWired: You’ve been very vocal on your old label TVT owing their artists money and filing bankruptcy. What’s the status with that?
Pitbull: TVT??? TVT is in the dirt! They are done. . . We are out of there, we are done, and more importantly we have our freedom. That allows me to go out there and not only make money but to be fulfilled.
HipHopWired: Despite that unfortunate circumstance, you made some strategic alliances from being on that label and some partnerships. You spoke on Brian Leach but what’s good with you and Lil’ Jon?
Pitbull: The thing with Jon and I is that Jon will always be Batman and I will always be Robin. We know what positions we play and sometimes what happens when people become too successful is that they forget those who helped them out. Jon has always helped me out and Jon has always been there for me and vice versa, so throughout the years, what this industry does is it allows you to create a true friendship. You see who is there for the long run and who is just there to ride the bandwagon.
HipHopWired: Switching gears for a second, what are your views on your native Cuba and their new relationship with the U.S.?
Pitbull: I think it’s great. I think it’s a step in the right direction. Will it open Cuba? Hopefully that will help. Do I think it’s really gonna open Cuba? No! Is it a little bit away? Maybe. We just have to wait and see what happens. It all depends on what type of interests the United States of America really has in the island of Cuba. That is what will determine Cuba’s freedom. I am hoping that it does happen. That will be a dream that I will be living for all my time.
HipHopWired: Any chance of you performing in Cuba or doing a benefit concert over there?
Pitbull: I can’t perform in Cuba. I have been before the whole Pitbull thing, but there is no way that I could contribute to a communist mentality. And if I did, all the Cubans on my end would heavily contribute to my demise.
