What happens to a dream deferred?                                Does it dry up                       like a raisin in the sun?                          Or fester like a sore–                                And then run?                  Does it stink like rotten meat?                        Or crust and sugar over–                           like a syrupy sweet?                                                                Maybe it just sags                                                                 like a heavy load.                                                               Or does it explode?                                                                                -Langston Hughes “Just A Moment” served as Quan’s passport to critical acclaim. But, what has happened between 2004 and 2011? Once upon a time, he stood atop Hip-Hop’s mountain of success, his fingertips almost caressing stardom. Is “A Dream Deferred” the personification of Quan’s story? No. The Virginia veteran explains, “With this, Struggle [mixtape], I’m celebrating where I’m at. I’ve been through a lot of sh*t, [like] losing my son, and cases, and doing time.” A solemn pause snatches his words before he continues, “My record deal didn’t go the way I wanted. In that aspect, to really have to face your dream, and ask for a release, that was a scary moment. I’m still here. I’m happy and I’m living a good life. My kids is straight. I’m not out this b#### broke and dirty. I’m good. I got money in my pocket; I’m aight. And I’m still doing music. Every time my pen touch the paper, or I go in the booth, I’m going to give you my best.” The dream has not been deferred; it is still being carefully-shaped. The journey has been arduous, and the rewards will be appreciated. In this exclusive interview with, Quan, the MC talks Hip-Hop, Success, and the Struggle: AllHipHop.com: What’s up with you? How are you doing? Quan: I’m good, loving life, [and] taking it one day at a time. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyZ0Ce3Gico&w=560&h=315] AllHipHop.com: In 2004, you made your global debut on Nas’ album, Street Disciple. From then until now, how has Hip-Hop’s importance impacted your life? Quan: My love for Hip-Hop is still what it is. It has impacted my life greatly. I was put in a position to make a living off of my music. So, it gave me a broader aspect [on life] than just depending on the streets, or turning to the streets in general. It’s been a blessing. It’s been a savior, put it that way. AllHipHop.com: Do you like it, or do you love Hip-Hop? Quan: I love it. I love the culture and the craft. I don’t agree with some of the politics. But the culture and the craft and what it does for our community—the good that it does—I love that. What it’s done for me, I love it. I’m a music lover, period. I love Blues, R&B, oldies but goodies, and I love Hip-Hop. I’m a music lover. AllHipHop.com: With your encompassing love for music, do you feel that you convey your message best when you’re emceeing or when you‘re singing? Quan: Both. AllHipHop.com: Both? Quan: Yeah, it’s all about the message that I’m trying to send. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiueK4736m0&w=560&h=315] AllHipHop.com: What is that message? Quan: It depends on what the song is and what I’m going through at that moment. It’s just not one message. I can be p##### off one day and my message might be, don’t f*ck with me. I might see something sad, and my message may be to bring attention to it. It just depends on what I’m trying to make you aware of at that moment. I just try to make sure that throughout it all that I’m saying something of importance. That’s my purpose. Nobody’s perfect; we’re all human. I just try to make sure that I’m not saying a bunch of nothing. AllHipHop.com: What’s essential for you to reinforce your voice as an artist? How do you show musical growth and different aspects of your personality without having your core audience abandon you? Quan: I feel like anybody who’s a core supporter of Quan, they understand me. They’ll understand my growth. You know what I mean? And it makes sense. First and foremost, it’s not like I deviate from who I am. No matter what I do, I’m always going to stay true to who I am. After that, as long as I’m staying true to who I am, those who are true to me, they’re going to follow. They’re gonna listen; they’re gonna hear it and check what I’m saying. AllHipHop.com: As a man, how do you define success? Do you view yourself as successful? Quan: As a man, I define success when you can make a living off of doing something that you love. Success is when you’re happy with what you got. Do I feel like I’m a successful artist? Yes, I do. I’ve had a great career thus far. But I […]