Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Playdough with Lloyd


Playdough isn't a rookie with the mic. Known for his work with acts like Ill Harmonics and Deepspace5, Doug Krum - aka Playdough - released his debut solo project Lonely Superstar in late 2002, easily making it one of the best hip-hop records in Christian music. We recently had the pleasure of having a brief Q & A session with the lonely superstar...
This interview took place on: 11/7/02.



  • Jesus freak Hideout: Why the name "Playdough?"
    Playdough: He's the potter and I'm the clay (playdough). I want to be molded into what I was made to be.

  • JFH: How did you get started as an artist?
    Playdough: I started rhyming when I was 12. I just really liked it and it came really easy so I just kept writing and developing everything.

  • JFH: Who has greatly influenced your sound and who you are as an artist?
    Playdough: De la soul, tribe, roots, blackstar, lootpack, sade, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley. There's a lot of stuff.

  • JFH: Your new solo album Lonely Superstar is really amazing. You express a lot of your frustration towards trying to make it in Christian hip-hop but you stick to what you believe. That's really awesome. What was your main goal and focus when recording Lonely Superstar. What did you feel you needed to say and do that you couldn't with your previous work?
    Playdough: I just wanted to speak on things that I was feeling at the moment. Show who I am and what God's layed on my heart. I can express the same things with my crews, just not the same style.

    lonely album cover

  • JFH: How would you say your solo work differs from your previous experience with Ill Harmonics and Deepspace 5?
    Playdough: I just had the final word on everything. I played guitar and sang and just wrote about whatever I wanted. Basically there was nobody else to bounce things off of. It was kind of scary, but it was refreshing at the same time.

  • JFH: What do you think is keeping the Christian hip-hop scene from blowing up and rivaling the secular scene?
    Playdough: Support. There are still "Christian" magazines doing articles about "Christian" hip-hop and why the kids shouldn't listen to it. Until it's embraced by radio and youth pastors aren't scared to play it for their kids, it'll still be where it is now.

  • JFH: Controversial and vulgar rapper Eminem has reinvented hip hop in a lot of ways over the past couple years. How do you feel about his popularity and effect on the genre?
    Playdough: I think he's popular because of who he is. So many people are fake and do what it takes to sell records even if it's not who they are. I think that he's not afraid to be real and himself, and that's respectable, which is why I think kids like him. His content isn't the best but his skills are leaps and bounds above anybody doing TRL rap.
  • JFH: What inspired the honest yet fun "5 Cent Needleheads?"
    Playdough: Playdough I figured if every other rapper rhymes about their money, I'll rap about not having it. It's just about the struggles I come across doing what I do. I know that God has something for me that's better than money or anything it could buy. So through the frustration of my flesh and wanting to take care of my family, I know God will take care of me.

  • JFH: At the end of your track "Simple 1," you express your frustration about your experiences with your '91 Ford Escort. What is the story behind "Ode to an Escort?"
    Playdough: That car broke down that day and I loved it. I was really mad, so when I finally got home, I just wrote a really long verse to express my frustrations.

  • JFH: What is your favorite track on Lonely Superstar?
    Playdough: I really like "verbal tea." Something about the beat and the way the rhymes just ride the beat.

  • JFH: Did you have any highlight experiences while recording your new project?
    Playdough: Working with the emcees that I did was super fresh. They're all dope and it was really cool to work with them.

  • JFH: What do you do when you're not busy rocking the mic?
    Playdough: Play basketball, video games, walk my dog, and take my wife to the movies. A lot!

  • JFH: Favorite artists to listen to?
    Playdough: That's really hard... probably right now... it's Lauryn Hill. I don't know why, I'm just really feeling her at the moment. It'll be different in a week.

  • JFH: What has been one of your all-time favorite on-the-road moments?
    Playdough: One time the mic flew out of my hand and knocked a kid out in the first row. It was so funny!

  • JFH: What is your favorite movie?
    Playdough: Fist of Legend with Jet Li

  • JFH: If you could trade your Escort in for any car, what would it be?
    Playdough: My Escort is no more. I had to get rid of it after the infamous break down. But I really like the Jeep Liberty.

  • JFH: I really appreciate your taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?
    Playdough: No doubt! Thanks for the support! God bless.

    downhere

     

    go to main Interview page

     

  •                  
    Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

    Search JFH




    This Friday, November 15, 2024
    ALBUMS
    Aaron Cole OMARI - EP [RCA Inspiration]
    The Dan Damon Quartet I Saw Three Ships (independent)
    Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
    The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
    Jameson McGregor A Terrible Gift (independent)
    Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
    Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
    Matt Redman In Excelsis - EP [Integrity]
    We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
    Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

    SINGLES
    Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
    Blanca Worthy (Spanish + Spanglish Versions) - Double Single [Curb]
    Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
    Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
    Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
    Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
    Jeannie Ortega Letting Go - Single [Syntax]
    Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
    PRXM & Mell Omii Gangway - Single [Syntax]
    Rapzilla Freshmen Faithful (ft. JusRzd, Solachi Voz, Will Kellum, & Opto Music) - Single [Syntax]
    Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]
    Zippy, EJ Swavv, & OnBeatMusic Image - Single [Syntax]

    VINYL
    Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]

    Next Friday, November 22, 2024
    ALBUMS
    Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
    for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
    The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
    Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
    NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
    NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
    Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
    Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

    SINGLES
    7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
    Cory Asbury Still The One - Single [BEC]
    Ashes Remain Don't Let Go - Single [BEC]
    Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
    Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
    Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
    Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

    VINYL
    NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
    NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]



    For all release dates, click here!
     



    Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



    Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

    Check out depositphotos for royalty free images