Play Pendergrass is the latest talented product of the American Roulette brand. While his labelmates Londn Blue and Bishop are know as producers-turned-rap artists; Play comes across alternatively as a director-turned-artist. We sat down with him to discuss his upcoming projects and goals as a director, as well as his upcoming EP, “Love Journeys”.
Limerence Mag: As one of the architects of American Roulette behind the scenes, how do you plan on presenting yourself as an artist now that you’re about to be the next face, and do you feel you’re ready for the transition into the public eye?
Play: I think it will be an easy transition being that I’ve been along the journey with the other label mates. I already carry myself as an artist, so it won’t be too much of a difference, I’m excited to be presenting more of my talent to the world.
LM: You recently launched your own media/film production company “Play Pendegrass TV”, what are the major things you hope to accomplish during the brand’s infancy?
Play: While in the building stage, I really just plan to work with a couple artist and directors to bring a couple visions out, I want to create material that’s different so it will separate me early in the game.
LM: To expound upon that last question, where do you see the company in 5 years?
Play: Hopefully working on projects that’s bigger! I see Play Pendergrass TV releasing our first full-length film, & working with major artists & directors.
LM: Do you plan on directing your own visuals for your upcoming project “Love Journeys”, or do you see yourself handing over that creative aspect to another director?
Play: I see myself directing majority of my visuals, but I actually wanna sit back and co-direct some, I know a few I will be handing the director chair to Londn Blue & Ande Bishop.
LM: Music videos for a while seemed to become a lost art, with people focusing more on quantity over quality. What are some videos of recent memory that really caught your eye?
Play: One visual in particular I still watch to this day is “Pharrell’s Frontin'”.
I remember that being a video that has always stuck out to me. Listening to the song as a director, I never would have painted that vision; I’ve always seen something totally different.
Newer age videos that stick out to me are Vic Mensa’s “Down On My Luck”, and Vince Staples’ “Nate”. Both were incredibly creative, yet to the point.
LM: Speaking on videos that caught eyes, your very first video you released under your imprint, Bishop’s “OLDJAYZVIDEO$” was premiered by Russell Simmons’ All Def Digital. How did it feel to have possibly the greatest rap exec ever recognize your art?
Play: Amazing! Russell Simmons’ appreciation of my art is very the most fulfilling thing ever! Him seeing my visuals and actually retweeting it was mind blowing!
Most of our culture, including myself look at Russell Simmons as a Hip-Hop founder and legend, so him noticing my work was the best feeling thus far.
LM: Your upcoming project ‘Love Journeys’ is an interesting title, especially after what we’ve become accustomed to hearing from OCEAN$ and False Hope. How does it differ from those two previous releases from your label?
Play: Different stories, I want to take the listener on a ride through my past relationships and experiences I’ve had with the four letter word “love”.
I want people to relate on this topic that rappers don’t talk about anymore, the downs and ups.
LM: What are some projects you have in the works currently that you can share, and where can we follow you online?
Play: Currently I’m starting the treatments for the upcoming visuals of Bishop, Tajee, and Londn’s next videos. I’m working with a great deal of artists from my home state, including talented guys like Mr. Class Act, The 1K Empire, Champ Da Dondada, and Raliek.
Follow me on social media @PlayPendergrass, and my official Tumblr seasonaloutbreak.com.
