Sporting sneakers, baggy tees, three quarters and a huge smile was Kardinal Offishall, when we saw him rehearsing at the Hard Rock Cafe recently. Jason Harrow, popularly known as Kardinal, gets candid with Aanchal Kurmi on his journey to the hip-hopdom, his contemporaries and India
Sporting sneakers, baggy tees, three quarters and a huge smile was Kardinal Offishall, when we saw him rehearsing at the Hard Rock Cafe recently. Jason Harrow, popularly known as Kardinal, gets candid with Aanchal Kurmi on his journey to the hip-hopdom, his contemporaries and India
Canada is not much of a hip-hop place, then how did you manage to be what you are today?
The key, I would say, is nothing but perseverance. When I came to America, there were thousands of rappers and to get noticed, I had to work ten times harder than anybody else.
It is also true that I was sure of revealing my true self and say my own stories, which are unique. This is why I am where I am. It's also that I always had a 'yes' in mind because people always find an alternative to 'no'. I did not want that to happen to me.
How is your relationship with Akon?
There is absolutely no competition and absolutely no ego-issues between us. I believe that everybody has a distinct personality, which nobody can overshadow.
There are some areas where Akon has a certain energy, which I cannot surpass and there is something in me, which he does not restrain. We share an absolute mutual relationship. He will be there when I need him and I have to be there for him. Like you see, Akon features in my hit Dangerous and in turn I am in his Beautiful. We know what best we can do to produce explosive music.u00a0
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Post the Mumbai terror attacks, weren't you apprehensive of coming to India?
Terrorism is anywhere you go in the world. Personally, I feel God has plans laid down for me and I have to do it, irrespective of place. This is my job and I take pride in it. Besides, these attacks can happen anywhere, you cannot hide from it.
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So, how has your visit to India been so far?
It's amazing. I was told back home that I'd be overwhelmed by a variety of things, which will hit me the minute I land in India. While Mumbai has the rat-race feel, Pune is more kind of laid-back. I like the contrast. It's the same as Toronto and Vancouver. Also, it's good to see that Pune knows so much about hip-hop, which is quite wonderful.u00a0u00a0
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How do you define success?
Success is a word that has different perceptions. It could mean money to someone, or traveling around the world to another. It is up to you, how you perceive the meaning. For me, it's all about being comfortable and being able to be always with the people I love and care for.
Your future plans?
Right now, I am busy with the world tour, which has been on since January and will continue till May. It is only after that, that I will be able to devote some time to sit in the studios and do some recording for my up-coming album.
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