“Gotta Let Her Go” is the latest album released in February by Madman JP of 2 Fat Productions. The project is a collaborative effort that showcases different artists and gives them the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone of singing Konpa and experiment with a new genre. In the process, it allows them to explore their vocal range and songwriting skills.
After listening to the album, Cheyna sat down with singer, songwriter, producer, and bass player Madman JP to get his perspective on the release and address a few other issues.
Cheyna: I would like to congratulate you on your recent album release, “Gotta Let Her Go.”
Madman: Thank you, I appreciate that.
Cheyna: I understand there has been some confusion about the title. Many people, myself included, thought “Konpa Soul” was the title. Can you clear this up?
Madman: Konpa Soul is simply the style I chose to call this album because it’s different from what’s out there. It’s Konpa with an R&B twist. “Gotta Let Her Go” is the actual title of the album.
Cheyna: Wasn’t this album a little risky? Considering that a lot of our listeners aren’t used to this style, what made you think the formula would work?
Madman: Actually, it’s not that I thought it would work, it’s just who I am. I’m Haitian-American, and I couldn’t think of a better way to represent both of my cultures. I’m amazed by the responses and how people can relate. You know how our people are… Haitians, that is.
Cheyna: I found the album to be very explicit and unapologetic. Was that “take that” attitude intentional?
Madman: Honestly, yes. After 13 years in this industry, my overall attitude is take it or leave it. I know I can’t please everybody, but if even one out of ten people can relate, then “mwen fè moyenn mwen” I can live with that. When you’re a pioneer, you have to take chances. Time will tell. In the near future, you’ll see how many artists will try at least one or two tracks of that nature on their albums.
Cheyna: How was it working with the artists featured on the album?
Madman: It was great, very exciting. Everyone understood the direction I wanted to take, and it gave them the opportunity to record something different. That experience I will cherish forever. I want to thank each and every one of them for trusting me enough to take the leap when I asked. Most of these guys are superstars in the HMI, but when it was time to work, everyone left their egos at the door and walked in with an open mind.
Cheyna: Who was your favorite artist to work with?
Madman: They were all different, but the studio sessions were a lot of fun.
Cheyna: And your least favorite?
Madman: On this project, I didn’t really have one.
Cheyna: Why is “Gotta Let Her Go” only available in New York?
Madman: I’m not the distributor, so I can’t sincerely answer that question. But I’m certain Antilles Mizik is doing everything possible to make sure the album is available worldwide.
Cheyna: When will it be available elsewhere?
Madman: Hopefully, very soon.
Cheyna: You’ve been working with Shirley for what seems like forever on her album “24/7.” What’s the holdup?
Madman: The album is complete and should be in the market very soon. I’m simply waiting to finalize negotiations with Kayanou Productions. Definitely by May 2004 the album will be in stores.
Cheyna: How did you enjoy working with Shirley?
Madman: It was great. She’s a workhorse, and that makes her special.
Cheyna: What message do you want to convey with this album?
Madman: None whatsoever. Just good music for people to enjoy with their non-Haitian friends.
Cheyna: What can people expect from “24/7”?
Madman: More of the Konpa Soul genre. Shirley will also be heard on some urban tracks that are different from what she usually does.
Cheyna: Will there be a Konpa Soul III?
Madman: Yes!
Cheyna: Who will be featured on the project?
Madman: I don’t want to give away too much right now, but there will be a crazy track with Carlo Vieux, as well as Krys (an artist produced by Eddy St. Vil). Michael Benjamin is making a comeback, and so is Tantan.
Cheyna: Let’s step out of the music zone for a moment. Can you hang, Madman?
Madman: No diggity, no doubt! Ha ha ha.
Cheyna: (Jokingly) Boxers or briefs? Just kidding, but you can still answer if you’d like.
Madman: (Looks surprised but answers anyway) I’m a big guy and I like to be comfortable. Boxers, but not just any. Definitely not Fruit of the Loom.
Cheyna: Why did you choose the name Madman?
Madman: It was a nickname given to me by a colleague. When I’m in the studio, my personality changes. I mix weird things together, so the name stuck.
Cheyna: What gets you out of bed in the morning? What inspires you?
Madman: I don’t usually go to bed until about 3:00 AM, so I wake up around 1:00 PM. I like working at night, it’s really quiet. But seriously, my children inspire me, especially my daughter. She’s an 11-year-old autistic princess who people say looks exactly like me. Every breath I take is for her.
Cheyna: Name three things you can’t live without.
Madman: My family, including my dog Chichi, my music, and sex.
Cheyna: What do you look for in a woman mentally?
Madman: A sense of humor, because I’m crazy, I think. She has to be very smart, business-oriented, and a good human being.
Cheyna: Physically?
Madman: I’m what you call a “butt man.” My woman has to be bootylicious. Gotta have something to hold on to… hello!
Cheyna: Do you have a significant other?
Madman: Yes!
Cheyna: What makes the Madman smile?
Madman: A very sexy woman with a bootylicious backside.
Cheyna: What makes you frown?
Madman: The situation Haiti is in right now after 200 years. To me, that is really sad.
Cheyna: What role does music play in your life?
Madman: Aside from my family and my dog Chichi, music plays a major role in my life. If you asked my family, they’d tell you music comes first, Chichi second, and then maybe they’d get considered.
Cheyna: How long have you been in this industry?
Madman: Thirteen years. My first album dropped in 1992, titled “Kou Sa Boule.” It was a collaboration project with the Papash Gang.
Cheyna: What other albums have you released?
Madman: In 1992 I released “Kou Sa Boule.” In 1997 I released “Bad Boy.”
Cheyna: Who’s your most influential artist in the Konpa industry?
Madman: Ronald Felix is a superb bass player. Welmyr Jean-Pierre is an awesome keyboard player. In terms of business and understanding the HMI, I’d say Fabrice Rouzier knows the industry very well.
Cheyna: And in the American industry?
Madman: My mentor is Lionel Richie. I grew up listening to him. R. Kelly is a powerhouse producer and singer. And in terms of business, Sean P. Combs is the man.
Cheyna: Name three major artists you see breaking into the American market right now.
Madman: 1. Jun Porter, 2. NIA, 3. Sharon Button.
Cheyna: What do you think about the lack of female artists in the industry?
Madman: It’s really sad that we don’t have more female artists in the HMI. I believe they make a big difference in the game. What’s strange is that although there aren’t many, some of the women we do have are more talented than most of the men. I truly encourage more women who are “in the closet” musically to step forward.
Cheyna: Is your work mostly targeted toward the Haitian market?
Madman: No, no, no! The Haitian market at this time is still like a grocery store, a bodega. Our sights are more on Costco and BJ’s. You feel me? Meaning the international market, with major distribution, hopefully a P&D type of agreement from a major label. Production and distribution.
Cheyna: Do people fail to take you seriously because you mix Konpa and R&B?
Madman: I don’t think anyone takes me seriously, but that’s OK. I like being the underdog. My time will come.
Cheyna: When all is said and done, what do you want to achieve? What do you want people to remember about the Madman?
Madman: I want my name to be mentioned among the top Haitian producers in both the HMI and the AMI. I want to be remembered as a producer with no barriers, someone who takes risks, cares about his fans, and will never sell his soul to get where he wants to go.
Cheyna: Final words to the fans?
Madman: Thank you, and my family thanks you. Without you, the endless studio hours would be meaningless. Keep supporting, and know that your voice matters. If anyone has suggestions on how Madman JP and 2 Fat Productions can improve or please them, don’t hesitate to contact me at JP2fatproduction@hotmail.com. It may take me a minute, but I’ll always reply. Again, thank you and God bless!
Right now I’m working with Xplicit, mixing about six tracks on Michael Benjamin’s upcoming album, which will hit the market this summer. I also have two tracks on Tantan’s album coming soon, plus a couple of gospel projects in the works.
Cheyna: We know how busy you are, so on behalf of the entire staff, thank you for this opportunity.
Madman: Anytime!
