“10 + 5 Ways To Get Rich Vol One”, the third effort by the Sta-Tic Crew’s Platinum member, has been in the works for 365 days and counting.  The concept and design of a new era it seems has suddenly unfolded in front of our eyes.  The name of the album had me wondering about the Stamina Man and after two months we finally secured an interview with “The Long Lasting Brand”.

 Melrose: When I first heard about you in 1997, you were always performing.  What happened?

Stamina: The last party I was performing at got shot up.  When I came outside and saw people that I knew bleeding in the streets and that was crazy.  I had to evaluate what I was doing, rethink the game, and get a hold of my life.

Melrose: Did you feel threatened or on the edge because of the environment you live?

Stamina: Yeah, being in the hood is a risky life and they say that Black men have a lifespan of 24 years, so when things like that happen you start wondering about ending up a part of that statistic.

Melrose: How did you go about doing things after that?

Stamina: I quit promoting house parties and backyard events.  I realized the time had come for bigger and more secured events “Think Big” became my new motto.

Melrose:  How was the transition?

Stamina: Well things gradually happened.  By 1999, we had already released two albums (Jam 96X and The Rebirth) so now I had a new role to play and that I did.  Along with Aziatic we ventured into promoting and supporting Punta Rock Music like never before and this as we expected would take up a lot of time, money and effort so I step back from the rapping thing and became the “hustler”.

Melrose:  What do you mean by the hustler?

Stamina: Making money, no pride no shame.  Selling cd’s outside of night clubs, recycling, doing temp jobs, cutting hair, helping other people to promote their events while working towards getting a 9 to 5 you know I wasn’t looking for the best excuse, just getting that money.

By the year 2000, we were ready.

Melrose:  What is your role within the Sta-Tic Crew?
Stamina:  As one of the founding members of Sta-Tic Crew, my role is more of a Visionary/Entrepreneur/Promoter/Producer.

Melrose:  How many concerts have you guys done so far?

Stamina: About twelve in the past six years.

Melrose: Sounds like a lot of work in a short time.  How has all that been going?

 Stamina: It’s been fun; it’s been crazy, a lot of stress, money and sleepless nights.

Melrose: And do you guys plan to continue dong this?

Stamina:  Yes, because it’s a lot of people out there trying to do big things and we’re just trying to provide an avenue for them to get to the top.

Melrose:  What’s the most stressful thing about promoting a concert?

Stamina: Knowing that you can loose 20 to $25, 000 in one night.

Melrose:  So why put so much money into an event?

Stamina: We are trying to make a difference in our community when it comes to promoting Belizean events.  We strive to produce Belizean talent to the outer world as best and as glamorous as we can afford.  It’s basically making a choice, either you keep your little bit of money and stay in the back yard or risk all you have and go for the sky. 

Melrose: So what is your ultimate goal?

Stamina: To retire in a better position than which I was raised.  I want to be able to continue employing people even if it’s just for one night cause all we ever need is one chance.

Melrose:  Why an album now?

Stamina:  As you might know the time has come for me to do something that I’ve never done, but have the capability of doing.  I’m usually low key but this album is gonna let people know a little bit more about me, its personal.

Melrose: Whom can we expect to hear on this album?

Stamina: Well that one I will leave for a surprise, maybe 10 people you’ve heard about maybe none.

Melrose:  What’s your favorite record on this album?

Stamina:  “Is This Tha Life”.

Melrose: Will this be the first Reggae album produced by Sta-Tic Prod?

Stamina: Yeah, this is the first but not the last.

Melrose: In all, how many albums have you guys released?

Stamina: So far we’ve released one for the first six fingers, JAM 96X, The Rebirth, The Scripture, Punta Danger, The Standard and -the finale-.

Melrose: Ok, what about the next four?

Stamina: Well those are DVD fingers ya heard mi. Best of The Best Vol 3, BelizeanArtistist.com Vol 4, Best of The Best Vol 5 and one coming soon.

Melrose: Why name your album “10 + 5 Ways to Get Rich”?

Stamina: Because money runs the world and when you mention money people listen.

Melrose:  What is so important that you want people to listen to?

Stamina: I want people to remember how important it is to use the life they live in a positive way and how they have a chance to fulfill their dreams with each and every day.

Melrose:  So is that what the album is all about?

Stamina: Well it’s not as straightforward as that.  You have to listen to the album and then figure out where you stand and which position you play in this life we live.

Melrose:  What would you like to say to the people who have never heard your music?

Stamina: It’s what I rep. Everyday experiences, from love to money to politics.

Melrose:  Has there been any type of set backs that would disallow Sta-Tic productions from taking risks?

Stamina:  Definitely, because its been times where we’ve loss big amounts of money and contemplated quitting but at the same time if we gained enough knowledge that will help us to make double that money in the future then we look at today’s loss as an investment. Its crazy but only time will tell.

Melrose:  When do you plan to come out with an Album?
Stamina:  I’ve been saying this for years but my album is finally about to drop.  2006-2007 is going to be the year for a lot of Belizean Artist.

Melrose: Do you think that before you retire you will be a part of history?

Stamina: Of course, cause I’m already a part of history (noted or not).  Now if you’re asking what have I done that would make people in the next century look back and trace my physical and notable accomplishments then that remains to be seen, but today, this time, this era I am a part of history.