The 411 Online

R.I.P. MC Breed

Eric Breed, a.k.a. MC Breed, died Saturday, Nov. 22, at a friend's home in Ypsilanti, Mich., roughly 60 miles from the city he put on the hip-hop map. The Flint native, who suffered kidney failure in September, was 37. "More than just an artist, we mourn the loss of a beloved father, son, brother and friend," his family said in a statement released to the media. "We are thankful and blessed to have been in his presence and want him to be remembered for his creative, talented and hardworking spirit."

The 411 Online had the chance to interview him 13 (!) years ago at George's Music Room in Chicago. It was clear at the time he was taking the title of his collaboration with 2Pac, "Gotta Get Mine," to heart, as he referenced making money often. But he also had another reason for wanting to go platinum: "Once I get a million sold, I can open their minds to some other sh--. I tried to do it every other album. When I know it ain't gonna happen, I go back to what I know." His debut album, MC Breed & DFC, surpassed that goal on the strength of the hit single, "Ain't No Future in Yo' Frontin'."

Breed also shared his love of performing. "Put it like this: It won't take you but one tour. You'll wanna go every other week. You wanna be on the road. If you're at home you're not sellin' records." Like many of the artists who took the time to speak to us in the early days, MC Breed was one of our favorites. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. Read the entire 1995 interview.