We cornered Malverde to ask him algunas preguntas and what we got were incredibly insightful and intelligent answers. Realmente, Malverde is a force to be reckoned with. Read on to find out more about his views on politics and immigration, his place within the hip-hop scene and, oh yes, even what he looks for in a woman!

At what moment in your life did you become interested in politics and pro-social organizations?

My mother worked in agriculture for 26 years. She was a Mayordoma (crew leader) in the grape harvest in the Coachella Valley. Early on she taught me the meaning of being a humanitarian through her example and actions. She would always provide shelter and food for gente that would just show up at the fields looking for work. Some of these gente had just crossed the desert or hopped off a railrod car and were hungry and weak yet still ready to jump at the chance to start making a living. She would give them work if she could or point in them in the right direction. I understood at an early age that there was injustice and inequality I just didn't understand their mechanisms. I set out to gain that understanding and do something about it.

Why does the story of Jesus Malverde have a profound impact on you?

The story of Malverde is a story of faith. His is the tale of a man who stood up to the injustices of his time in pre-revolutionary Mexico in Culiacan, Sinaloa, MX at the turn of the last century. As the story goes, he stood up against the system of corruption and oppression that afflicted his Pueblo. He would hide in the greenery or "Verde" of the forest and pop out and rob the wealthy. With the warning to be weary of the bad green or "Mal Verde" his Legend was born. A Mexican Robin hood figure, he stole from the rich to give to the poor. As his fame or infamy grew, the Pueblo was emboldened. If one man could rise up against tyranny, what could a "Pueblo Unido" do? He was finally captured and assassinated. His captors tried to make an example of him but only succeeded in making him a martyr. There is no historical documentation that a Jesus "Malverde" actually existed. Some claim he is the culmination of various actual "Bandido" figures of the time such as Heraclio Bernal and Joaquin Murrieta. Whatever the case, the Legend of Malverde continues to inspire and move gente to this very day.

What makes you different from most hip-hop artists?

I believe it is up to the listener to make that observation. I can only account for myself and speak on what I bring to the game. My music is a reflection of myself and my life experiences. My intent is for the listener to gain the perspective that comes from sharing those experiences. My lyrics are essays on my quest for progress, for love and for glory. I set out to make music that both entertains and inspires - "Musica del Pueblo." "Hay que dejar buen corrido" my Tata would say. My songs are my corridos.

What do you feel are the most important issues facing Latinos today? Do you see a good or bad outcome?

I believe my generation's biggest task and greatest responsibility is harnessing the power that is now within our reach. Socially, culturally, economically and politically we are on the cusp of coming into our own. We must continue the mobilization of our Pueblo. It is up to each one of us individually to do our part to effect positive change within ourselves, our Familias and our communities. We need to educate ourselves of issues that negatively impact our Gente. "El Pueblo Unido Jamas Sera Vencido!" The outcome is in our hands.

What do you do to relax from all the stresses involved in politics/news?

A good read, a long jog, the gym, the studio are all ways I can release tension or balled up energy. I believe in balance. Work hard, play hard! We can't forget to celebrate life. "No es prometido mañana!" Some good quality time with the Familia, friends and loved ones always recharges the battery as well. Laughter is important. You have to find humor in what life brings you. "La risa cura el alma."

What was the reaction from the people towards you during your video shoot at the "A Day Without Immigrants" March?

I had written the song "Marcha" to be included as a new track on the Mi Palabra Special Edition CD/DVD project released in February 06. I wrote that song paying homage to our Gente's plight, the legacy of our Abuelos. Three months later, as fate would have it, millions of our Gente mobilized across the country as a show of solidarity for immigrant rights. With our good friend and talented filmmaker Joel Juarez, we shot the Marcha video. We couldn't have prayed for a better backdrop for that song. It's a day we won't soon forget. As we marched in the midst of millions we were able to capture their essence and spirit. Our Gente showed us so much love. They joined in on my procession and sang along. It's as if the song was written for that historic day. Marcha!!

How has your life experiences and surroundings influenced your music?

I am a product of my life experiences and surroundings and my music is a product of me. They are one and the same. The fact that I witnessed first hand the struggle and plight of our Gente from a campesino perspective instilled in me a disdain for injustice and inequality. The fact that I made it out of the stereotypical circumstances too many of our Latino youth face gave me a sense of empowerment. "Mas sabe el Diablo por Viejo que por Diablo." That basically means that some things can't be taught they must be experienced. True wisdom comes from the accumulation of those experiences. It gives one the foresight not to make the same mistake twice. Throughout my life's journey I've loved, I've fought, I've won and I've lost. I'm blessed to still be here to tell the tales. Malverde stole from the rich to give to the poor. In paying homage to Malverde I offer those lacking in experience, the richness of mine.

How do you feel when you hear stories about people who are anti-immigration or people who have hate for Latinos?

A lot of that is really the product of misinformation. It is very easy to scapegoat the immigration "issue" through the fear-mongering tactics employed by our current administration and right-wing media. The images and sound bites fed to the masses linking a failing economy, crime and national security to "illegal" immigration is overwhelming to the discerning observer. It is easy to look at the surface of the problem, people crossing a border, and point the finger. We must educate ourselves on the bigger picture. What economic and political conditions in Mexico and other Third World countries lead someone to risk life and limb for the chance at a better life? What role do our country's economic and political foreign policies play in creating those conditions? We must hold our government accountable. It's much more complicated than someone crossing the border. No human is illegal and we all have a right to justice, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We must reach a civil, humanitarian solution in dealing with the more than 12 million undocumented Gente in this country. We must let our voice be heard.

What does the popular slogan, "Si Se Puede," mean to you? That phrase was coined by the U.F.W. (United Farm Workers) organization lead by Cesar. E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta in the 1960's. At the time, the thought of mobilizing and organizing Mexican farm laborers was considered unrealistic, if not impossible. Laborers were subjected to unfair wages and sub-human working conditions. It was a classic David verses Goliath scenario; a grassroots movement standing up to the collective might of the growers. Through peaceful demonstrations, strikes and boycotts one of the U.F.W's first victories against the growers was in the Coachella Valley. The U.F.W. was formed in the spirit of the phrase "Si Se Puede." Through their monumental victories, they gained the right to bargain collectively with the growers in the interest of the farm laborers. It's a testament to the fact that todo en la vida, con Amor, Fe y Ganas...Si Se Puede!

How does music empower Latinos?

Music is universal. It is universally empowering. Music in its truest form is art. Art defines culture. It is said that art is the language of God. True "Art"-ists give divine meaning to the realities of our everyday lives. That can be done negatively or positively. I chose the latter.

In Madrecita you talk about "sus advertencias no las escuche." What are some of the consejos you wish you had followed? And, what consejo/advertencia she gave you have you taken to heart?

Without the sacrifices, bendiciones and guidance mi Madrecita gave me; I would not be here today. She raised me single-handedly with the help of my Tata. She did her best to fill both my mother and father figure roles. I'm happy to state that my Father is now in my life; he lives in Austin, TX. Unfortunately, dealing with the obstacles and temptations of growing up a Latino male without him was hard. My Mother was stern, but boys will be boys. At the height of my adolescent rebelliousness, she sat me down and while crying said, "The day will come when you will cry. You'll cry tears of happiness for being a good son and listening to your Mother. Or, you'll cry tears of sadness and regret for not taking heed to her warnings." That experience stayed with me always and made me realize that my Mother's hardships in providing a better life for me would not be in vain. The first time I played her that song, she cried. I cried with her. They were tears of joy and happiness.

In Ahora Que you make reference to broken dreams littering the streets. What advice would you give to young Latinos so they can achieve their dreams?

A decision made in the heat of the moment can have a consequence that affects the rest of your life. Instant gratification can come with a high price. I am no one to tell you what is right or wrong. I can only suggest you don't allow your current realities to limit your potential. In most instances, a little hope is all that is needed. How many souls are now incarcerated, dead or worse, alive, but lost in their way? Esperanza es poder soñar! Our ultimate strength is the realization that within us is the possibility to attain anything we set our minds too. Many times, the harsh realities that affect our youth break their spirit before they are able to gain that understanding. Dream big and reach for the stars. The only limitations we have are the ones we impose on ourselves. Si Se Puede!

Who was the 'Eva' in Dime lo que quieres? Que paso con ella?

One of my biggest influences is Bob Marley. His songs have such profound meaning. I visited his grave in Jamaica to pay homage some years ago. I read up on him and found that one of his biggest songs, "Waiting in Vain" was not written literally about a woman. She was a metaphor for his relationship with the U.S. For three years he had been trying to break into the American market to no avail. We all know his call was answered. In Dime, I paid homage to that concept. Eva is a metaphor for the essence of what America was meant to be. I'm playing the role of the reality of what America has become. It's through no fault of our own. The few are ruining the relationship for the many. It gives a whole new spin to the song when you hear it with that perspective. Of course, it fits perfectly in line with the hardships of many relationships. There might have been one of those Eva's in my life as well. ;)

In one of your songs you talk about 'paying for your deudas'? Do you believe that happens on earth? Do you believe in heaven?

The law of the universe is action and consequence, cause and effect. Negative action will lead to negative consequence. In the end, all debts are paid in one form or another. I believe in God, Allah, our creator or whichever name or title makes people comfortable. To me, in essence they are all one in the same. It is humankind's interpretations and opposing views that have caused so much turmoil and crisis throughout the ages. I believe heaven and hell start here on earth and are the result of humankind's actions. The belief that one must be a victim of suffering and oppression here on earth to attain the glory of heaven is a misinterpretation. God helps those that help themselves and I'm not the "turn the other cheek" type. Call me old fashioned but I'm an Old Testament "eye for an eye" kind of guy.

Your songs make a lot of references about gang members or jovenes who have lost their way. Was this a part of your life growing up in Coachella? Do they have, as you say, el respeto y amor del pueblo?

I was never involved in gangs. Unfortunately, bullets have no prejudice. The barrio environment doesn't just affect those that have it tattooed on their chests. Too many Latinos fall victim to the socio-economic conditions that foster gangs and lost youth. How many "Gang-related" deaths caused the end to an innocent soul? I speak on it because I witnessed it first hand. Many of my childhood friends got caught up in the street life. It is romanticized as the Vida Loca. With mottos such as smile now, cry later, many realize too late that there's nothing wrong with smiling now and later. Amor y respeto are the result of noble action. It's never too late to change your ways.

What is one of the most important ingredients you look for from a woman?

A great sense of humor is very important. How can you build a relationship with someone if you can't laugh together? If she laughs at my jokes, she has it made. That shouldn't be too hard. I'm pretty comical, sometimes, okay I have my moments. Natural beauty in every sense of the word doesn't hurt either.