I recently went through my gigabytes of new music from 2005 and uncovered an old MC Frontalot folder full of downloaded mp3s by the man who coined the term Nerdcore, which is a genre of hip-hop defined mostly by what it is like to be a nerd and Frontalot is the real deal.

After composing many of his songs over the Internet, he finally released his debut CD Nerdcore Rising in 2005 and has been reaping the nerdcore rewards ever since. Now he tours in support of his albums and played Sunday night at Solar Culture in support of Secrets from the Future, his second full-length album.

AZNightBuzz: What’s the story behind coining the term Nerdcore?

MC Frontalot: I was rapping into my computer and I thought it was kind of pathetic but that if I pretended it was badass to be that pathetic maybe I could trick people into enjoying it.

What does Nerdcore mean to you?

It means that I get to talk fast over rad beats without first having to prove that I am one of the cool kids.

Do you have any enemies in the Nerdcore genre?

None that I know of!

What would be the equivalent of a drive-by shooting for a nerd?

I don’t know. I don’t like the idea that rap is defined by gun violence (none of the best rap music has anything to do with that nonsense). Nor do I like the idea that nerdcore should be defined as a parody of those lamest elements of popular rap. I know you were just setting me up for a good line, but it’s not my angle. Sorry.

What’s the best rap battle that you have ever participated in? Have you ever had to diss someone in your songs?

I’ve only ever had to diss George Bush.

What kind of rap were you listening to while growing up? Who were your influences?

Public Enemy, Fresh Prince, NWA, De La Soul, Third Bass, Tribe Called Quest, Del. In college, Pharcyde, Das EFX, Nas.

Solar Culture is an art gallery, is that going to compromise your nerd cred?

I don’t know! If they have a decent sound system, we’ll be OK.

You’re playing one day after Kool Keith (a.k.a Dr. Octagon) hits Tucson. Where do you think Keith fits into the Nerdcore scene?

He’s done a lot of amazing songs that would fit perfectly under the designation. I don’t know how he feels about it. I’d hope he’s got a positive attitude about the weirdo nerd kids rocking beats.

And what about artists like Weird Al?

Al focuses mostly on parody. Most of the nerdcore kids are trying to make original material. But almost all of us idolized him in younger days and/or still do.

Fat Boys?

I always thought they were morons.

Del the Funky Homosapien?

Genius. He kind of blazed the way with the Deltron 3030 project. Plus he is an amazing MC.

Wu-Tang?

Obviously they are cool kids and not nerds. But they have strong dork appeal, with the kung-fu movie obsession and video gaming references.

Grand Buffet?

Have been hearing about them for a long time but have never gotten my hands on an album. Don’t know what they are like.

Do you feel that other “core” rap musicians respect you?

The nerdcore kids, for the most part, are very nice to me and give me props galore. Nobody else takes any notice. At least not so far.

What do you think about nerd rock?

I stand in favor of. TMBG are longstanding favorites of mine.

Have you ever had someone steal your lyrics?

Not that I’ve noticed! I don’t know what they could do with it if they did. It’s not like downloading an mp3 or something. Copyright protections are actual.

Where do you see Nerdcore going in the next ten years?

Maybe there will be a VH1 special.

What’s nerdier Star Wars or Trek?

Trek, for sure. I am much more of an SW fan, but I have no defense to offer for the recent films.

D&D or Magic?

D&D. I hate magic. Mainly because I get my ass kicked every single time.

YoYo or Dance Dance?

DDR, bizarrely, takes way less patience and coordination. Therefore it is for me.

XBox or Playstation?

So far, PS2 and PSP. But I am going to have to buy something when GTA4 comes out, and I suspect XBOX will still be 200 bucks cheaper.

_“Nerd for Life” or Nintendo controller tattoo?_

What? Neither! What am I, some kind of inmate at a nerd prison?

Did you ever play D and D?

Tons when I was younger. None lately.

How’s the production of “Nerdcore Rising” going?

It’s awesome. I think it will be out soon. I wish they were still in the van with us, actually. This tour has had a severe lack of people pointing cameras at us and telling us we are important and meaningful human beings.

What’s your role in the film?

That of celebrity superstar.

Are you still shooting?