Interview with Ken Richardson (Duddy Ken), September 3, 2016

Partial Transcript: Can you tell me where you were born and where you grew up at?

Segment Synopsis: Richardson mentions that he was kicked out of his family home at a young age, and he recalls living with a friend in the Nelly B neighborhood of Athens. He explains that there is a small town feel within neighborhoods, but that there was once conflict between neighborhoods on the east and west side of Athens.

Keywords: Eastside; childhood; the block

Partial Transcript: When did you get into the music?

Segment Synopsis: Richardson discusses his early musical influences, including the Beastie Boys and Outkast, and he talks about meeting fellow rappers Lo' Down and Pretty Face at school.

Keywords: Between the Hedges; Cedar Shoals; Clarke Middle; Underground Sound; influences; writing

Partial Transcript: What year would you say that it was when you and Lo' Down got together and was putting out those mix tapes around Nelly B?

Segment Synopsis: Richardson describes producing, distributing, and marketing his music with Lo' Down.

Keywords: GA Mobbin'; colleges; commercials; performances

Partial Transcript: So, okay, I know at one point you was writing or working with Bubba Sparxxx- how did that situation come about?

Segment Synopsis: Richardson talks about collaborating with southern-style rapper Bubba Sparxxx.

Keywords: Country Folks; Hungry; Undisputed; albums; studio

Partial Transcript: You're working with Bubba Sparxxx- what was going on with the Lo' Down and Duddy situation at the time?

Segment Synopsis: Richardson discusses the end of his professional partnership with Lo' Down, touring with Bubba Sparxxx between 2001 and 2009, and the Athens music scene during that time.

Keywords: Tasty World; partnership; stereotypes; tour; venues

Partial Transcript: Have you been hearing any new artists around and what do you think about the scene going on in Athens now as far as hip hop?

Segment Synopsis: Richardson comments on talented new Athens hip hop artists and the need to transform local music into a business.

Keywords: capitalizing; industry; profit; venues