By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Following years of struggle, the New York hip hop scene has returned to the forefront. The New York renaissance has been led by French Montana, who signed with Bad Boy Records, A$AP Rocky, and Fred the Godson. There are still many other New York rappers who are emerging in the game.
A-Mafia is among the new breed of New York rappers, hailing from Harlem. Recently, The Source caught up with A-Mafia, speaking with him about his background and the Harlem hip hop scene. Before being known as A-Mafia, the rising talent was known as AB. He informed The Source that the ‘Mafia’ part came because he was connected.
Representing Harlem, A-Mafia is from 140th and Hamilton Place. He is from the area where drugs were often sold. A-Mafia and his movement are representatives of the “Real Harlem.” The “real” Harlem to A-Mafia is the rappers who do not wear skinny jeans. The “real” Harlem sticks together and they represent.
While A-Mafia told The Source he is happy about the other Harlem movements, he is keeping his own movement as Harlem is possible. In late 2007 through 2008, A-Mafia was a part of Cam’ron’s crew, but he soon disappeared. A-Mafia explained how he returned to the underground scene.
Inspired by Big L, much like other Harlem rappers, A-Mafia said the people in Harlem feel about L, the way Brooklyn does about The Notorious B.I.G. A-Mafia is also a businessman, as he his the head of his own record label. Deep in The Game Entertainment is the name of the label he started, with Born Dibiase, and was launched in January 2011.
Coming up next from A-Mafia is more mixtapes and more music videos, as he hopes to be the next breakout artist from New York.
