By: Todd “DG” Davis
Rapindustry.com

 

In the late 1980’s, during hip-hop’s golden age, a formidable underground duo emerged—Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud. Riding the momentum of legendary pairs like Eric B. & Rakim, they brought a raw, streetwise edge combined with sharp hooks and energetic flows. Their 1988 album, Girls I Got ‘Em Locked, has become a sought-after cult classic—rare and highly regarded—featuring clever sampling, gritty rhymes, and a roguish charm that set them apart from more mainstream acts. 

 

 

First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop — what exactly does that mean to and for you? 

Casanova Rud: It is a pivotal mark in history, for a culture that was developed by the impact of an inner cities effect on a part of the population that was often forgotten, overlooked and undervalued. A diverse community of languages, fashion, art, music, that created a long lasting impact that has reached to every culture throughout the world.

To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far!” — was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?  

CR: That it will be this impactful so many decades later to reach so many cultures all over the world, but unfortunately still manipulated by those that don’t deserve it. 

What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called hip-hop? 

CR: All memories are foggy unfortunately at this point in the timeline, but to know I meant a lot to many makes me grateful I’ve ever been involved, regardless of being viewed that successful or not. 

 

That said, what are your future plans and / or goals for the 2026 season?   

CR: I have evolved and developed into more than just someone that’s goal driven; I’m more in the present at this point, and I’m grateful to be able to reflect when needed. Art has many paths. 

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?        

CR: Any form of expression should be received as a perspective of someone’s connection to the divine, as it is a point of creation, and most creation comes from the ingredient of love, so why not choose to always want Love to be received?

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?      

CR: Nah, because I don’t think I would relate to the message they would want to convey, and I’m conscious of what energies I align myself with, and at this point I have nothing to entertain with, but rather enlighten.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?    

CR: This place would have to be out in the open, with nature, celebrated barefoot in on the grass. 

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of hip-hop?

CR: No, only because there’s more clones and copycatting as opposed to individuality and originality. And, they allow too much cutting corners with AI and technology and lost the soul to what the purpose of hip-hop and its culture was for; to bring insight to much deeper meaning to life than what was presented to us. 

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

CR: Knowing I need no validation and just being is enough, as nothing can save you but yourself, so why not be the best version of that?

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

CR: I plan to share what I know with those that can receive it, without too much influence, without too many answers given, but rather posing a question. This world is made up of many things that is all based on a construct of illusion and when you’re able to see through the deception, what seeing that was believing may turn into a truth that doesn’t sit well in the heart. All truth comes from the heart, there is only one true truth. The only true answer comes from that. 

What’s an average day like for you?  

CR: Meditate daily and I try to share as much love as possible with those that can receive it. That version of me that is celebrated now is dead and long gone. For many, many years now to be honest, but to know that I meant a lot to so many for so long, maybe remembered by those who have forgotten, shows what I had to offer at that time, still is valued. 

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

CR: True value for me comes from the love I feel, so I try to interact as much as possible because I feel it. Do most of my interaction on IG some on Twitter, very rarely on any Facebook and I don’t really consider people as fans but rather family that experience a time that was really great for all of us. That we try to connect with things now, because it was so great and magical. 

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why? 

CR: Well, work is labor but music is a labor of love, so is one truly working when they’re doing what they love? The only thing that I dislike about it is we lost control of it. 

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

CR: Don’t! …every path should be like a field of snow, untouched. And only when you reach back to the point of where you started, should you veer off of that path.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?    

CR: As someone that has lifted this realm’s consciousness and has projected an energy that is Christlike.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?     

CR: I have ventured into the realm of art. I draw sacred  geometry, and create keys to open the mind. 

Any “parting” words for our readers? 

CR: I love you.