Guilty As Charged:
MIMS On Recession-Friendly Rap and T.I.’s Jail Sentence
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For a guy who burst onto the national stage three years ago with a
smash single called “This Is Why I’m Hot,” New York rhymer MIMS is
almost surprisingly humble. As he prepares the release of his latest
album, Guilt, ro
sat down with the emcee to discuss his album’s title, his views on
money and why the fans aren’t looking for floss in the current economic
climate.
Why did you name your new album Guilt?
The biggest reason was just … looking at my financial success and
looking at what the country’s been faced [with]. This album is more …
directed at the fans. I don’t think they want to hear as much
flashiness as they heard before, because people are going through hard
times. It seems as my success [grew], my friends and family were going
through foreclosures and losing jobs — while I’m sitting at the
dealership buying my fourth car or jumping into an 8,500-square-foot
home. I feel grateful for the things that I’ve received, but at the
same [time] you have to feel some type of guilt because you don’t want
people to go through hardships. I’m also not the type of person that’s
going to wave my money in people’s face. To me, that’s like kicking
someone when they’re down.
What’s been the biggest blessing that you’ve experienced in your rise to fame?
I love having an impact on children. That feels the best. …When I can
go into a high school and talk to a child … and they listen to me
because they think I’m cool — I think that’s what I do this for. And [I
love] being able to help my family out when they need a little bit of
assistance. If I felt like retiring and downsizing then I could live a
good life — but I continue to work so the people around me [can] feel a
sense of success.
As T.I. prepares to serve a year in prison, what are your thoughts on his situation?
I have the utmost respect for T.I. on many levels. Obviously, he’s made
some mistakes, but it takes a big man to [own] up to the mistakes. We
look at all these reality shows about sex and fighting and negativity —
and I know it’s entertainment — but I’m actually appreciative that this
brother got with MTV and put together a positive show that’s giving
back. I feel like that was needed.
A
sense of fiscal responsibility? A focus on the youth? MIMS’ agenda
sounds eerily similar to our current commander in chief. But he’s not
trying to save the world — he just wants you to nod your head. –todd
williams
