Montell Jordan on "This is How We Do It", Crips, Def Jam, Cheating on Wife, IRS (Full Interview)

In this clip, legendary 90s R&B singer Montell Jordan looks back on growing up in South Central Los Angeles, comparing it to the classic film "Boyz N' The Hood. He goes on to reveal that gang violence was so prevalent in his neighborhood (an area dominated by Crips) his family would watch TV while sitting on the living room floor to avoid becoming victims of a drive-by shooting. Moving along, he reflects on growing up in South Central during the crack era before sharing his thoughts on Freeway Ricky's influence around that time. From there, he explains the role that his church background played in his development as a musician.

As the discussion moves along, he cites his favorite album by Stevie Wonder, "Innervisions" and how he has been influenced by the lyrics and subject matter. Montell later dissects his career as a high school basketball player and the defining moment that led to him focusing on music instead. Moving along, he talks about the hardships that he endured before he signed his first major record deal (for $160K) with Def Jam, collaborating with Coolio, and the making of his biggest hit, "This is How We Do It." He then talks about how sampling "Children's Story" by Slick Rick led to a friendship with the iconic rapper and how they're still very good friends to this very day. He also talks about getting a shoutout from Elton John shortly after dropping "This Is How We Do It" and what his religious parents thought about the success of his secular music.

To hear more, scroll up and press play.

Interview by: Shawn Prez
Check out his youtube channel at:    / powermovemakers