Written By Renda Writer

Game recognize game. It takes one to know one. The best know how to pick 'em. However you put it, it confirms why DJ Maseo, of pioneer rap group De La Soul picked a Bronx-to-Broward transplant by the name of Butta Verses as the first artist to sign to his independent label, Bear Mountain Entertainment. After signing with Maseo, Butta soon went on several world tours, and was a featured guest on the track, "No" which appeared on De La Soul's 2004 commercial release, "The Grind Date." Butta and I spent an afternoon together, discussing everything that led up to - and everything that followed - that day in 2003 when mutual friend Stevie D got a CD with a few Butta Verses songs over to DJ Maseo, and he asked to meet the hard-working rapper whose debut release, "Brand Spankin'," is available now at www.myspace.com/buttaverses.

RW: Professionally speaking, what was your most memorable experience while touring with De La Soul?

BV: The very first show I did with De La Soul was at the Las Vegas House of Blues…filled to capacity. I was nervous as hell…thinking of excuses as to why I shouldn't do this first show…why I shouldn't open for De La. And I went out, and I did my thing. And I got off stage…did like a half hour set…I got off stage and went in the back. I didn't know what to expect. People were telling me I was dope, and then I heard the crowd shouting…"Encore! Encore! Encore!" I didn't have any more music to do. I just went out there, and Maseo just dropped a beat, and I just busted a freestyle. That was a big affirmation. I was like, "yeah, I am in the right place."

RW: What are your two favorite tracks on "Brand Spankin'?"

BV: "The Moment" and "The Outro."

RW: If you could collaborate with any artists, who would they be be?

BV: Andre 3000 from Outkast, Black Thought from The Roots, MF Doom…already did the De La thing.

RW: How often do you write?

BV: Everyday

RW: More in the day? More at night? Or equally?

BV: Equally.

RW: How do you feel about hip-hop today?

BV: A little disappointed. I mean, there's still a lotta good stuff out there that comes out now and then…but it's kinda whored out right now…like in commercials…it's being made fun of. Hip-hop to me is like the new disco. And disco is dead. So where does that leave us? Too many things have come under the umbrella of hip-hop, and the actual hip-hop is not being championed or supported enough.

RW: And how do you feel about the local hip-hop scene here in South Florida?

BV: The scene is there. I know the scene is there. As far as artists go, we've got plenty of artists. We don't need to worry about that. The talent is there. We just need more fans…more regular people to come out to the shows… and more support from radio. And the artists need to come together a little more. Like yo, don't sleep on your backyard. We're right there.

RW: What's one of the most important things that you've learned so far in your career?

BV: "Perception is principle." What people perceive you as, and what you want to be perceived as, that's what you have to express. You have to be what you want to be perceived as. Like all my shit is me, but there's also elements in there that I want to grow to be. Speak of it, and it will happen. I also learned that you can do everything yourself. You can do it. Across the board…the business, production, promotion.

RW: When did you make the decision to pursue rap as a career?

BV: It wasn't really a decision. It was something I always did, and then I just realized that it was possible. I started out break dancing, moved to graffiti…then DJing, then rapping.

RW: You spent some time serving in the Marines. Tell me about that.

BV: I liked the marines, don't regret being in there. It wasn't war time…it was fun. I was still me in there – 100%. I was in the Marines, but I was straight hip-hop. I used to get in trouble for growing my afro out. My uniform was always wrinkled…my hat cocked to the side. They accepted me after a while. They used to make me rap for people and shit.

RW: Who are all the members of your crew, Glee Club Detention (GCD)?

BV: Butta Verses, DJ Shortee Bluez, Doc Sus 151, Lucien, Steesh, DJ SS1, and many others.

RW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

BV: Still in love with hip-hop.