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HS: G.O.O.D. Music has a laundry list of heavy hitters on their roster. Line up aside; what sold you on signing with the label?
H: Um, I don’t think I had much choice. Did I? In honesty, I was a little bit lost at that point. I had made the first album. Didn’t know what I was going to do and it just made a lot of sense. Going through G.O.O.D. Music was really just a formality because Kanye was like (in so many words) “look, I’m going to look out for you, I’m going to produce your record. You make the music and I’ll make you famous.” It was simple. Even when we were talking about production and who to bring in for different pieces of the album he said – you just sing really well and I’ll make some beats. That was the plan. End of conversation. Just starting another cookie here… It’s got some walnuts or something in it. It’s weird. Some kind of nut.
What are these nuts? Pecans? I dunno. They’re dry and gravely. A bit gritty.
HS: I’m not a nut-oriented cookie fan myself.
H: Have you seen the film stranger than fiction?
HS: I have.
H: Is that one with Will Ferrell and Maggie Ghylenhal?
HS: Yes.
H: Do you remember the scene when he’s doing her tax stuff and she’s baking cookies in her shop downstairs? She insists on him eating a cookie and he says the cookies are amazing. He’s drinking the milk and he says he’s only ever had store bought cookies before. I’M THAT GUY.
HS: That’s how you feel right now?
H: Yeah, but even these are not the same as having a cookie fresh out of Maggie Ghlylenhal’s oven.
HS: I’m sure Maggie makes a good cookie.
H: Yeah. Who Knows. It could happen. I’m on The Blueprint 3. That’ll hopefully open some doors… and some ovens.
HS: Kanye has been quoted as saying “I believe Mr. Hudson has the potential to be bigger than me. He is one of the most important artists of his generation.” What are your sentiments about that?
H: Um. Just shear embarrassment. I’ll give it a go. You just have to wake up and do it. I hope to give this opportunity justice. I try and focus on the little things; play each show like it’s my last and put the hours in at the studio, be creative and try to stay up and keep surprising myself. It’s not up to me whether I’ll be Jim Morrison of whatever. It’s up to the people. I try not to worry about that. I’m not running for President.
HS: Switching gears a bit, what is playing in your car/stereo/iPod/etc right now?
H: I’ve been listening to Drake quite a bit. That’s been pretty much on loop, that So Far Gone mixtape. I really like it. Generally, I like listening to stuff people send me. There’s a lot of stuff coming through now. Whether they’re things people want help with or just want me to hear it. People hit me up on Twitter and say listen to this. It’s a huge compliment that people care what I think.
HS: Aside from music related interests, what else have you been up to?
H: I’ve been renting classic cars and driving around. I haven’t been drinking recently so instead I spend my money on renting funny little classics.
HS: What’s your favorite classic you’ve rented? Or one you wish to own someday?
H: Jaguar E-Type.
HS: What Year?
H: I actually prefer the Mach Two in the late sixties. The Mach Three V-12 has a better top speed but it’s more of a cruiser. It’s not as fun to drive as the Mach Two. I drove a ’67 the other day in Brooklyn. Beautiful Car. One of the finest they’ve ever made. I wish I could afford to own. I’ll have to ship some units for that. Then I can race Drake. He’ll be in his Phantom and I’ll be in the E-type.
HS: What can we expect next from Mr. Hudson?
H: I guess you’re going to see me working with other people. I love being in the studio and helping other people. I’ve been working with Estelle in the UK. I’ll be back over here soon. I just want to be busy and stay busy. I’ve waited long enough to get here so I should keep getting work done. I’m not going to just hang around now or muck about.
HS: You’re a stylish dude. What are some brands in the UK we should be on the lookout for in the states?
H:Yeah man. You should checkout the new Dunhill stuff by British designer, Kim Jones. His new collection is sick. Vivian Westwood is a gangster too. She’s sick. Victor & Rolf – just bought a nice suite from them. I still feel kind of ignorant. I’m constantly getting educated to the ways of fashion at the moment. Previously, it was whatever. I’d be in charity shops and getting hand-me-downs from my brothers and my Dad.
HS: Tough question. The Air Yeezy or the LV?
H: I have a pair of Air Yeezys. Haven’t worn them yet. Actually I wouldn’t even know what to wear them with and I’d be terrified of getting anything on them.
HS: What colorway?
H: Taupe or whatever it’s called over here. Beige I guess, with some pieces in orange and pink . I don’t have a pair of the Mr. Hudson’s yet. I think they might be prohibitively expensive at around $1000 dollars. But I’ll try and save up. Sell some records maybe.
HS: Finally, people compare you to Sting, vocally. Are you cool with it?
H: It’s a compliment. I love The Police. We actually played with him and supported them at some stadiums. I’ve been at his house, played his piano. It’s definitely a compliment. He’s a lovely guy.
Mr. Hudson’s new album Straight No Chaser will be available for purchase October 5th 2009.
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