Different interviewers interview artists for different reasons. Some want celeb scoop. Some want deeper insight into their creative process. Some want access or the appearance of access. Some just going through the motions. Whatever your intent is, it’s clear.

Me, I’m preoccupied by process, by inspiration, by the sources and manifestations of creativity. But not every artist is interested in or capable of articulating that side of their work in an interview setting. I keep trying because sometimes it just takes the right prompt.

I didn’t interview Kool Keith to get him to talk about Dan The Automator. But when he did offer critique of how their last Dr. Octagon project went down, his grievance with Dan was very much about the process. I came away from the chat better understanding how Keith creates.

billy woods and I spent like ten minutes talking about illegal fireworks in NYC before he began to attempt to explain the unexplainable in his collaborative synergy with Armand Hammer partner ELUCID. We were relatable and human with one another before talking art and magic.

Sometimes it’s easy. Ishmael Butler of Shabazz Palaces and Digable Planets explained succinctly how he works and, even more importantly, how he thinks about how he works. I walked away from our interview with a short list of books to read.

I love reading a meaty celebrity profile, but I’m generally not interested in writing them. Case in point: I had an hour+ on the phone with Juicy J. I saw it as an opportunity to get context for his incredible career, from pre-Three 6 Mafia on. He gave me anecdotes galore still!

Ask yourself as the interviewer why you’re doing the interview. It’s more important than any question you’re going to ask. It also helps to insulate you from talking points, charismatic redirects, and other manipulative bullshit. Know your purpose going in.