By DJ YRS Jerzy
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
It’s no secret that this whole operation is based out of Charlotte. New Jersey all day and tomorrow, but Charlotte is the current city right now and there is a lot going on within the city. Power 98 is one of the leading stations in Charlotte and Mr. Incognito is one of the biggest personalities.
Mr. Incognito is from the DMV area, but he has found a nice home in Charlotte and a big following. He credits the Southern hospitality to his success and he has become one of the bigger personalities in the South. Always making moves behind the scenes, everybody always called him Incognito, so he made it a brand.
A very down-to-Earth person, Mr. Incognito kicked it for a while and discussed how he made it to Charlotte from the DMV. Crediting artists like Wale and Fat Trel for putting on for the scene, Mr. Incognito talked about his time in Charlotte, how he got on with Power 98, and a little of everything else. Mr. Incognito is definitely one to look out for.
Read the entire interview below:
Growing up in Washington, DC, were you big on go-go music? Of course, my aunt, Iris, who is like 10 years older than me, used to have all these Trouble Funk, Experience Unlimited, and Chuck Brown records all around the house and I used to listen to them all day and night! That’s all I heard on the radio in the DC area.
What is it about hip hop culture that you loved the most? I love to see the new cats embrace the old school legends. It’s the voice of the people! Hip Hop is how we dress, how we act, and how get that paper. Everywhere you look there’s a representation of hip hop. DJ-ing, graffiti, fashion, and music!
Why do you call yourself Mr. Incognito? Cause NO ONE CAN SEE ME!!! (laughs). I’m always quiet! No one knew I had so many talents. People used to say “You’re so incognito,” so I rolled with it!
How do you feel about Wale and all the others who are putting the DMV on the map? I think it’s very important because DC’s Go-Go music was another source for the blueprint of hip hop. Look at Salt-N-Pepa’s “Shake Your Thang” with E.U., LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells,” and Kid-N-Play’s “Rollin With Kid-N-Play,” which samples Trouble Funk’s “Live From Washington D.C. Part 2,” Chuck Brown’s “Ashley Roachclip” and Beastie Boys’ “License To Ill” samples the whole Trouble Funk catalog. Wale has a go go background, so we really never had a big hip hop giant until Wale came and killed it, that’s why I can relate to his “Love/Hate Thing” song. It’s an ode to the city! It makes me proud to see someone make it from my hometown! I’m waiting on Black Cobain, Phil Ade, and Fat Trel to shock the world soon. Can’t wait!
Can you explain how you wound up in Charlotte and working at Power 98? I went to a college down here, Barber Scotia College in Concord, NC and I got my bachelor’s degree for Mass Communications and had a internship at Power 98 WPEG, thanks to Nate Quick RIP, and I have been here ever since.
What inspired your famous parodies and which ones are fan favorites? Well, I used to rhyme back in the day, so I just made fun of the songs that kind of got on my nerves (laughs). Fans favorites are “Versa Vica” by Pastor Troy, “Panthers No Hands” by Waka Flocka, “That’s Not My Baby” by Usher, and “One Star Chick” by Yo Gotti.
How do you feel about the fan support you receive in Charlotte? I love it. That southern hospitality coming from the Carolinas is very special and Charlotte people will always keep it real with you! Trust me, If they don’t like you …they will let you know in a heartbeat.
When did you begin working with Doug Banks for his morning show? Well, it was back in 2002- 2004 and I got a phone call from Mr. Banks, and he heard about some of my parodies and I sent him some of my material and he aired them on his syndicated show! Went down there to Dallas for a job opportunity and met up with him and Dee Dee and they showed me so much love.
Seeing how far you came from, what do you feel every time you see how big your name is? I’m humbled by it, but that don’t really mean nothing to me. I’m just blessed to do something I love. Long as my family straight I’m good.
Can you leave us with your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for fans to follow you? Twitter @mrincognito98, Instagram @incognito98, and Facebook is Brian Mr-Incognito Robinson.
Follow DJ YRS Jerzy on Twitter @IAmDJYRSJerzy.
