On the last episode of "The Road to Stardom," Missy Elliot decided that lovable singer Marcus was definitely going places -- but not with her! The decision to cut Marcus from the show came only days after he found out that his brother was killed in a car accident. I chatted with Marcus about the unexpected tragedy, his new friends, and one "funky" tour bus! Here are some excerpts from our interview:
Do you think the death of your brother affected your focus?
I don’t know. I think that was one of the reasons why my mother didn’t want to tell me. The way it looks on TV is like "maan, he lost his focus," because just when I found out my brother died I get put [up for elimination] and the next show, I’m gone. In a way, it looks like I just really lost my focus but I wouldn’t say so. I was distracted a little bit. I had a lot of things on my mind, but I am not going to use that as an excuse. I lost. That’s all there is to it...I didn’t come through with the performance challenge, but I am still talented!
What did you learn about the music industry during your time on the show?
How it is on the road. It sounds glamorous to be on tour and everything. But everything is not the way it sounds...I feel like you can only make it on the road you’re a strong person.
How bad was the first bus you guys had to ride on?
The bus stank, maan! Like everytime someone flushed the toilets, you could smell it through the vents, maan. It was funky. Sometime I lay in my bunk at night and just slept with my shirt over my nose, or slept with my nose in the pillow.
It must have been so hard living in such close quarters with so many other people.
I’m a big dude so I had to maneuver myself around folk. But I made it work, baby!
Did you form any lasting friendships on the bus?
I talk to everybody on the regular basis. I think it’s important to network. We’re going to do a lot of collaborations.
If you were judging this competion, who would get your vote?
I feel like Jessica is going to win. She’s good. She’s off the chain!
Do you agree with the way you were portrayed by the people who edit the show?
...They could have saved me a little bit better on the [battle challenge]. They edited a lot of good parts that I said, but I still sucked. But it’s all good.
Do you think "American Idol" would be walk in the park compared to competing on "The Road to Stardom?"
I would rather be singing songs that Missy and them gave us than singing songs that American Idol would give me. I tried out for American Idol. They didn’t pick me though. They thought that I was like another Ruben or something...Some of those songs that they pick for American Idol contestants to sing are some corny songs. I’m glad I did this and not American Idol.
What was the best part of being on the show?
Before I was on this show, it was like I was in a dark tunnel and now I can see the light. I thank the Lord for this show because I think its going to open a lot of doors for me.
