Clap Cognac talks Co-Op City Section 5 and his musical influences with Jason Bourne

Bronx based MC Clap Cognac is one of the more seasoned acts on the indie scene. Working in the business for a good amount of time he has been able to soak up a lot of information, now applying it to the focus of himself as a solo artist. We sat down recently to talk about that and more. Check it out:

Jason Bourne: You are from Co Op City correct which is often times considered its on island as it pertains to being apart of the scene. Talk to us about the measures u have gone through to stay connected to the indie market in the city ?

Clap Cognac : Sold mixtapes out of my car to be perfectly honest. That helped me d eveloped a fanbase within Co-Op and the Northeast Bronx.  I then took it to putting on at local performances for the community because maintaining that connection was important.  Within my resume, are countless mixtapes as well. Thanks to DJ's like Superstar Jay, FIYAA and BedTyme 357 (Remy Ma DJ) I was able to build a relevant buzz.  Right now I have this series I do every February called Clap History Month where I drop an exclusive track everyday in February.

Jason Bourne: You are from Section 5 that has always been a notorious place. Talk to us a bit about your upbringing in section 5:

 Clap Cognac:  Section 5 is isolated by nature. We have our own unique style. We definitely are considered the livest section in Co-Op. There are a few notables that have come out of Co-Op from Big Tiger, to Chi-Ali and Christopher Williams.  Growing up, the section was always known for a lot of  different things. I was a kid coming outside seeing some crazy stuff. Dudes getting chased with bottles down the street. Shootouts. Drugs. Dudes beating up police. 5 was crazy. Not to glorify it however, just painting the picture for you. But fortunately, it has calmed down, like the rest of NYC. Don't get me wrong it still goes down but nothing like how it was in the 80's and 90's. I grew up with my aunt, uncle, grandmother and 2 cousins. They were basically my brothers and they taught me the ropes. Glad I grew up in sec 5 wouldn't want it no other way.

Jason Bourne: What or whom were your musical influences as a youngster ?

Clap Cognac: Kool G Rap, KRS-One, and NWA. Gangster rap was the greatest thing to me.  You can hear their influences in my music, when it comes to the content and topics that I speak on.  Also other influences were The Lox, Jay Z, Nas, and Pac as I got a little older.

Jason Bourne: Is it safe to say you are a student of the entire Hip Hop culture ?

Clap Cognac: Of course. I listened to all kinds of Hip Hop growing up. De LA Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, X Clan, Fugees and more. You can ask me any question about Hip Hop and 90% of the time I can answer without Google (laughs). But I love and respect the culture of Hip Hop.  I studied it. Today’s music is up for debate. This new sound is something I’m learning to adapt to. The younger guys have become commercially successful with very little skill (word play). Heavy bass beats are driving sales and rappers tend to hide under tracks. I prefer an East Coast style where lyrics come first. Where rappers have a Story To Tell  Like my man B.I.G said.

Jason Bourne: What led to your pursuit of a career as an MC ?

Clap Cognac : Well my cousins used to play music in the crib when I was younger. They would play me their music as well and have me play A&R kind of. I learned early what was or was not trash! I started putting my own bars together and I always thought that I wanted to be big.  My favorite rappers made me want to be an MC. Hip-Hop is in my blood.  My parents had soul, jazz and caribbean influences. Mine was Hip Hop. I did mix in a twist of the other genres to find a unique sound.  I really thought about making a career out of it once I went to college and saw the impact I could make with the ability to tell life experiences.

Jason Bourne: Talk about the role that college life played in rounding out your craft and the opportunities presented ?

 Clap Cognac : College gave me the platform to deliver my message. I was also able to perfect my lyricism. There are a lot of talented people on campuses. My rap name before I went to college was Ladji-Cal (like logical and Ladji is my real name) but when I got to Buffalo State I met my brother that also rapped and his name was C.L.I.P (Certified Lyricist Invading Places ) that's how I got my name C.L.A.P. ( Camouflage Ladjical Attacking Problems ). We were group out there doing talent shows and stuff. Our freshman year was crazy cause we were so deep and we all flowed. We had dudes from all 5 boroughs, plus Rochester and Buffalo. We called ourselves MTS ( Millennium Team Status). It sharpened my flow and made me a better performer. I also met Super Star Jay in Buffalo State and he got my first single played on the radio out there.

Jason Bourne: How is your relationship with Super Star Jay currently?

Clap Cognac: We have a mutually beneficial relationship. Both business and friendship ties. Jay is my brother. Whenever i need something Jay is rite there.

Jason Bourne: Talk about your experience on 106 & park

Clap Cognac: Super Star Jay got me the opportunity to do the Freestyle Friday. The first week I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous but I still won. The 2nd week I was confident and smashed my opponent. third week, the same. By the fourth week for some reason I forgot my flow and I froze up like dude on 8 mile. (laughs). I hated myself for a long time thinking I let Jay and my block down. I never gave up. I always continued to do music. 106 and Park was a great opportunity for me and I got to meet Free! What's up Free! Lol

Jason Bourne: Talk about some of your work behind the scenes, learning the business of music

Clap Cognac: I was an intern for Interscope Records and G Unit Records at the same time after 106 and Park. I met some great people at Interscope but they closed the NY office and kept everything in LA. I went over to G Unit.  I was doing promotions there around the time Mobb Deep And M.O.P got there. On Mobb Deep's Blood Money project I was the product manager. I learned a lot following them around to see how an established artist really moves and promotes their body of work. Highlight of that time was when they performed at Summer Jam and I got to go on stage with them. It felt magical.

Jason Bourne: What is Moguls in the Making ?

Clap Cognac: I am Co-Founder of a music talent agency. Besides being an artist myself I scout and consult with other talent. Always looking for those who are willing to put in the work to make a difference in the industry. Our business ventures include: production, publishing, marketing and media.  While interning at interscope I met Gilat Weiman who was my manager at the time. We use to always talk about old school rap until I told her one day that I rap myself.  I gave her my music and she has been on board ever since. She said she was gonna get me signed. We started the company and we have an R&B singer Monique Baines who also was working for SRC records. So we all came up together.

Jason Bourne: How have you matured with each project ?

Figure Getter Clap: Better beat selection and delivery of concepts. As more things happen in our lives, we share. That's where I am at with my music. I've grown, wisened and my music reflects the evolution.   Traveling the world has helped as well.   I shot a video in Aruba . I lived in Israel for 4 months, recording music.  Each of my projects shows growth in me as an artist.

Jason Bourne: Talk to us about your current project Better Late Then Never. 

Figure Getter Clap: Easily my best body of work. I  took my time on this one, and I feel that I got it right! Got the features/collabs right, production right, mixing right. Got the paper work together now I’m just looking forward to promoting this album.