Petey Pablo is coming back, helping local talent

"I'm going to release some hell fire to the world with music," Pablo said in a phone interview Thursday. The rapper, who was born Moses Barrett III, is planning a comeback that includes a new music, a book, a reality TV show, directing and a competition talent show at downtown Raleigh's Imurj next month.

"It’s like I’m working more so than ever because I have someone that has pushed me and motivated me to work as hard as I have ever worked," Pablo said of manager Rich Williams. "He believed in me to the point where it has made me want to do it again."

Pablo met Williams two years ago when the latter was working on a treatment for a TV series about a local independent record label. The show didn't progress, but their friendship grew. William said he was struck by Pablo's dedication and desire to tell stories through his music.

The Greenville, N.C., was coming off of five years in federal prison when he met Busta Rhymes and Black Rob. The connection led to him being signed to Jive Records.

Pablo burst onto the music scene in 2001 with his first single "Raise Up," which incorporated the sounds of the UNC Tar Heels' marching band. The chorus "This one's for North Carolina! Come on and raise up/ Take your shirt off, twist it 'round your hand/ Spin it like a helicopter" made Billboard's Best Choruses of the 21st Century list.

His debut album, "Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry," went gold and was Grammy-nominated for best rap album. A second successful album featuring the hit single, "Freek-a-Leek, followed. His collaboration with Ciara on "Goodies" topped the Billboard Hot 100.

Then in 2006, Pablo took a break from the industry to care for his ill mother, who had often referred to as his muse. She died in April 2014, but is memorialized in Pablo's "Never Imagined" video.

"It's not like music passed him by. He is someone who stepped away," Williams said of Pablo's hiatus from the industry.

Pablo's "Carolina Colors," released in January 2016, is a staple at Carolina Panthers football games.

Pablo's connections have led to his appearances in the 2002 film "Drumline," where he played himself. In 2015, Pablo appeared on Fox's "Empire." Star Terrance Howard offered him the part, remembering him from a chance meeting years earlier at the premiere of the film "Hustle and Flow." Pablo's music was used in the movie.

Pablo is continuing his small screen aspirations by filming a reality TV show. The show, which is being shopped to networks now, will focus on Pablo's career and the "grind and the hustle" of getting back where he wants to be.

In addition to acting, Pablo is also moving into directing. He is specifically interested in drama and humor, but wants to steer clear of violence.

"People watching too much violence. It takes the element of worrisome away from people, so when tragic things happen people aren't able to really protect themselves. They are so used to the craziness," Pablo said.

He is working now on a film about friendship and "how to not allow yourself to live and die where you were born and raised."

Pablo wants to see new artists give more during performances.

"This new generation is, sad to say it, they don't have what the older generation had," he said. "There are no more Michael Jacksons, no more James Browns, no more Temptations, Ray Charles."

Pablo says the "attention spans of the public have deteriorated so bad that they don't push artists to who they should be anymore."

"It's kind of scary for me. These people that we are bringing to the stage, I don't know if they are going to realize how serious this is for me," Pablo said. "In my eyes I am preparing to show to the world greatness. I am hoping these people don’t me down."

A perfectionist, Pablo is never satisfied. "You can never be. You can never think you have done a great job because once you think you have done a great job then that's where you have ended your mark. I can never do the best I can do."