Delusionists Interview

Certified Banger: Can you tell us your necessary background details so we can build on basics for the rest of the interview? For example: who you are, projects you have worked on, people you have worked with.

Ben Black: Ben Black aka Beanz aka that rapper/producer out of Delusionists. We dropped our debut EP 'The Prolusion' earlier this year, which was a strictly in-house production. Off the strength of that we're starting to link with some other heads so we've got a few remixes and collabos bubbling beneath the surface... Some of it has come off the back of being on OTR4 so big up to Certified Banger for that!

CB: What are your current or upcoming projects? ie albums, singles, tours, guest spots…

BB: At the moment we're still pushing 'The Prolusion'. We're pressing hard copies of it and trying to get 'em in people's hands at shows and when we're out and about. There'll be a few bonus cuts on there too - remixes and a couple of other things we've been working on lately, like 'The Movement' which we dropped a couple of weeks back. Oh, and a remix of 'Parallel Worldz'.

The album is also well and truly in the works and I'm enjoying writing it and piecing it all together. I've produced all of our stuff myself so far but I'm taking a bit of a backseat this time and my boy Slim Pickens (UK All Day) has stepped up to handle a lot of the beats. He did The Movement and it instantly just seemed to fit, so we're using that as the blueprint for the way forward. We're also trying to hook up a few suprise collabos for the project, which should get people excited if it comes to fruition...

CB: How would you describe your sound? Is there any one track that would best define your style?

BB: Difficult to say, man! 'The Prolusion' was all about finding our sound really so you'll find a mix of styles on there. Fast, slow, happy, sad, clever, ignorant... It kind of shows the full repetoire of what we could do at the time.

I suppose 'The Evil' sums us up best though, because it deals with two sides of a coin. It's like a message to females saying "Look, I am a twat, I will do twattish things. But I KNOW I'm a twat and I intend to change'. A lot of hip hop deals with the first part, in that it puts a spotlight on the negative behaviour but doesn't always acheive a balance by showing the other side. I suppose we're coming from a similar angle to someone like Common - he's said some pretty ignorant s**t in his time, particularly in his early career, but it's always tempered with the conscious, insightful stuff. Some people would say that's contradictory but humans aren't one dimensional, so music should reflect that.

But yeah, you'll hear a lot of cocky, bragging stuff from us because that's what we enjoy, but you might just hear some deeper stuff if you listen close enough. I like the type of Hip Hop where you won't necessarily pick up on things until you've had a few listens, so we try to make stuff that has a little something beneath the surface.

CB: Who have been your biggest musical influences and which Hip Hop artists have inspired you? Which are your favourite albums? What music were you brought up on?

BB: I was chatting about this to DBF (fellow Delusionists MC) the other day and we agreed that pound-for-pound Jay-Z has probably been our biggest influence over the years. Can't say I'm too impressed with BP3 though...

Other than him, I'd say De La, Tribe, DOOM and Jehst have all been massive influences at various points in my development as an emcee. De La and Tribe because they showed that you don't have to be "hard" to make proper Hip Hop. DOOM because I love the way he just seems to be having a laugh without being a corny punchline rapper. And Billy Brimstone because he's consistently proved that a Brit can be up there with the best in the world, and that gives you belief!

I could write a huge list of my favourite albums but the ones that spring to mind? 'The Score', 'ATLiens', 'The Chronic', 'Midnight Marauders' and more recently Q-tips' 'The Renaissance'. And now I feel bad because I've left out loads of classic albums... '36 Chambers'! Oh, and just to avoid being a complete cliche, 'Illmatic' probably isn't in my top ten.

CB: What is your earliest memory of anything Hip Hop related? First rap track heard? First time you rapped?

BB: My earliest Hip Hop memory was my brother playing 'The Show' in the mid-80s. Inspector Gadget was my s**t at the time and when I heard that theme music mixed with that beat I was hooked from then on. I've got to thank my big bro really, for letting me watch them breakdancing movies with him and letting me 'borrow' his Eric B and Rakim records. Yep, I've still got 'em and no, you ain't gettin' 'em back!

I did fanny about with poetry for a bit but I wrote my 1st rap when I was about 10. It was for a school project about tbe Tudors. Henry VIII was the original gangsta! "F**k a pimp slap, cut that bitch's head off!" Me and a few others performed it to the class and when i realised that I could get away with doing that instead of proper work there was no stopping me. Our next one was about Ancient Egypt and I've been writing gradually less educational rhymes ever since.

CB: Where are you from? Can you tell us a bit more about the Hip Hop scene there?

BB: Well, I've lived in West London for the last few years but I was brought up in Lowestoft (Google it). There wasn't any sort of Hip Hop scene, other than a few of us who used to play basketball and listen to whatever The Source told us to. It was good though because it made me go out and seek Hip Hop culture and allowed me to have a fairly unique take on it without being influenced by friends or whoever saying this or that is what i should be into. I didn't really feel that peer pressure to be into any acts in particular, because nobody else really had a f**king clue about Hip Hop. I think you also value stuff more if it's hard to come by, y'know? Which is probably what's up with things at the moment - you don't even have to walk to the shop to get an album now, let alone pay for it! I can remember saving up for weeks just so I could go and get the Dogg Pound album when it eventually came out in the local record shop (about a year after it was released).

CB: What about the Hip Hop scene in general, UK or worldwide – where do you think it’s headed? Are things good/bad? What are your current philosophical thoughts on the current trends in rap music?

BB: Arrrgghhh! The current trends... Well, there is a lot of shit out there. That's my philosophical insight! But nah, there's always been rubbish out there, it's just that now the rubbish is getting some exposure. I'm a bit suspicious of big name DJs getting behind acts that have their ads all over telly and the internet, like "You really like that? Really!?!". Maybe I'm just being cynical but it's a bit strange that you want to co-sign something with a big marketing budget but you don't say f**k all about something of real quality like 'The A-loop Theory'. That's not supporting the scene, it's damaging it by making the general public think "oh, so this is what British Hip Hop sounds like...".

But I've gotta say, although it hurts to see hip hop bastardised and repackaged to suit the teeny boppers you can't be that mad. I can't lie, I liked Kriss Kross and MC Hammer as a kid - who didn't? As long as there's some balance I think Hip Hop will be okay, but if Gang Starr came back sampling 2 Unlimited I'd be worried. What's reassuring is that hip hop will always rebel against itself. For example, there's a lot of people trying to 'Push the boundaries' production wise and neglecting the lyrics a bit. But I think there's a lot of fans who just want to hear some no-nonsense music and entertaining lyrics, which hopefully is where we come in.

CB: What process do you go through when writing a track? Do you start with a beat, a concept, a lyric that you thought of in the shower? What happens next?

BB: It's any and all of those things! Quite often i'll just hear a word or phrase and think "I've never heard that on a record" and I'll think of something that rhymes with it and take it from there. That's one way to stay original I suppose. More concept-heavy songs can take ages to write though. Sometimes a beat conjures a certain emotion and you want to do it justice so you have to choose your words carefully. I've just started writing to other people's beats and that's much easier coz you're not thinking 'That bassline's a bit muffled" or whatever. You can just concentrate on the lyrics and let the producer take the blame if people don't like the beat!

CB: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years time? Is it an achievable goal?

BB: I want to be in a position where we can put out music from ourselves and others and have a fanbase that trust us to consistently put out strong product. If I can sort out the business side of things so i can do my bit for the artform and support my family, i'll be happy. I know it's gonna be a long, hard road but If I didn't think it was achievable I wouldn't bother.

CB: Any last words?

BB: Yeah, I haven't had a chance to do the whole cliched shout out thing yet so... Big up all the people that have got behind Delusionists so far; Certified Banger (obviously), Disorda, HHC, HipHopHypeDog and all the bloggers, DJs and heads who have let us know we're doing something right.

Also, shout out to the crew - DBF, Chantelle, Zombie Killer, PITMO, Mr Baker, Slim Pickens and King Hektah. Oh, and go cop 'The Prolusion' and keep in touch on Facebook or Twitter and check out the blog, Beats Laying About - it's not exactly Certified Banger but we do our thing!

Lunar C Interview

Certified Banger: Can you tell us your necessary background details so we can build on basics for the rest of the interview?

Lunar C: Yoyoyo, I’m Lunar C - an MC from Missing People and Sinoptic Crew.

CB: What are your current or upcoming projects? ie albums, singles, tours, guest spots…

LC: I’ve been working on quite a lot of projects this year. A few months ago me and Missing People released our debut EP ‘Glossop View’. I’m just about to release my debut solo project ‘The Lunar CD’ which should be out in the next two months and will only cost £1; so get your squid out! It’s gonna have roughly 20 of my best tracks on there and some sick features from West Yorkshire’s finest MCs and producers. Also the whole Sinoptic crew (Lunar C, EXP, JND, Angry Nik, WYdeboi, Neverlearn and Angela Bellis) have got ‘The Badger Sex mixtape‘ coming in the next few months too which is just gonna be all of us killing it. This year I’ve featured on JND’s ‘Working Classics’ ,Mastermind’s ‘Cut n Paste mixtape’ and I’ve just laid a verse down on a remix of Wu-Tang’s ‘Criminology’ track which is gonna be 6 MC’s: Me, Jack Flash, J Simple, Joker Starr, Spida Lee and Gen for Gen’s ‘Forbidden Jutsu mixtape’. Me and WYdeboi have been collaborating with a sick beatmaker from Leeds called Bridgens ,I’ve collabed with No Pretense, Adverse and Immranimal from Shedmen, Leady and maybe more which I might have forgotten. I’ve also got a crew of about 6 14 and 15 year old MCs that I’m kinda mentoring and they know all about Hip Hop which is rare for young UK MCs these days. I truly believe they are gonna shock alot of people with the skill they already have - they freestyle and write everyday and are about to do their first track soon so look out for Kontraband, Kid Nem and Sinister!

CB: You’ve been busy. How would you describe your sound? Is there any one track that would best define your style?

LC: If I had to describe my style I would just say my name is quite self explanatory. I’m a bit of a lunatic and I just write whatever comes to mind and it’s usually either a bit perverted and a bit crazy but I can switch it up and be versatile when I want to.

CB: Who have been your biggest musical influences and which Hip Hop artists have inspired you? Which are your favourite albums? What music were you brought up on?

LC: I’m only 19 so I think in the beginning it was Wu-Tang clan that got me hooked on Hip Hop but I’ve always been into music; all different types. My dad brought me up on everything from Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Faith No More to Mos Def and Cypress Hill so I’ve acquired quite a varied taste. I go through phases of listening to different rappers though at the mo I’ve been listening to a lot of Rakim ,Sage Francis and MF Doom .

CB: What is your earliest memory of anything Hip Hop related? First rap track heard? First time you rapped?

LC: I must have been a sprog but I can remember the first time I tried to rap. All I used to do when I was like 13 was sit in my room and listen to Wu-Tang (I know I keep mentioning them but, f**k you; they’re dope) tracks over and over and memorize the lyrics so the first time I tried to write my own they just sounded like a weak version of them so I only ended up writing a couple of bars and didn’t try again till I was 16. Since then I haven’t gone a day without rhyming .

CB: Where are you from? Can you tell us a bit more about the Hip Hop scene there?

LC: I’m from Bradford, West Yorkshire. I personally think that WY has most of the best artists in the UK and I rep it to the fullest. Bradford is also making a name for its self too which is exciting ‘cause it’s been a long time coming. We used to have Breadbins and Stack Chedda which Dr Crobe and Miki B (Brutal Artistry) used to put on but they came to an end a while back and I only managed to make it to one of those nights ‘cause of my age. But now Bane and Miki B are putting on a new night in Bradford called ‘DISGRACELANDS’ which is fire and is really helping the Bradford and WY scene to grow!


CB: What about the Hip Hop scene in general, UK or worldwide – where do you think it’s headed? Are things good/bad? What are your current philosophical thoughts on the current trends in rap music.

LC: Obviously I don’t think the Hip Hop scene is in the best shape its been in but I think there’s hope for determined talented artists if we just push our product in the right way and maybe stop moaning and being depressed and bitching. I was talking to an MC called JSN who does Hip Hop and Grime and we was having a little debate. I said to him “You need to listen to more UK Hip Hop. Why don’t you?” and he said “because most of it is just people moaning and it’s not positive” and to be fair to a degree I agree with the dude. Qe need to stop bitching as much about what we’re not doing and actually give it a go, but also I see it from the point of view of a struggling artist where you can only rap about what you know and if you’re poor then most of your s**t is gonna be about that. I don’t know if real Hip Hop will ever be a lucrative business again, the media only ever dare steal watered down parts of our culture and capitalize on it; they aren’t interested in the raw form – it’s too risky.

CB: What process do you go through when writing a track?

LC: I’ve always got bars going through my head which I usually write down and make a verse out of but these days I’ve been trying to write to beats and make some proper tracks because there is a difference between good bars on a good beat and a good track, with a good track everything has to blend and be perfect and capture a vibe.

CB: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years time?

LC: I’ve got a lot of things cooking up for the future. In 5 years I hope I’m alive and living off music and have enough money to eat and smoke weed!

CB: Any last words?

LC: GET YOUR SQUID OUT! Lunar C

The Riddlah Interview

Certified Banger: Can you tell us your necessary background details so we can build on basics for the rest of the interview? For example: who you are, where you are from, projects you have worked on, people you have worked with.

The Riddlah: Cool, yeah, I grew up listening to many different types of music. From as early as I can remember I have been surrounded by music around the house, back when I lived at my mum’s, with my older brother heavily involved in the underground metal scene in Scotland and my older sisters’ love for musicals and plays. I’ve always had a passion for music and kinda wanted to do something. Once I got to the age of choosing a genre so to speak, Hip Hop was what I had grown to like the most. I grew up in Leith, Edinburgh, and went to a prominent Leith school, made lots of friends due to my outgoing side, and Leith became my ‘hood’. Once leaving school time came, when I was 16 (in ‘98) I started to show more interest in writing rhymes and I wondered if it was possible for Scottish people to rap. Things have moved on in massively over time, and I’ve now worked with a lot of the biggest names in the Scottish Hip Hop scene, and I continue to try and push our Scottish sound further south for listeners. I’m always contributing beats and rhymes to projects artists are working on, and you can find quite a lot of my work on local releases, but I also release my own UVBeatz Volumes, on free downloads and printed CDs with covers, these releases are proving to be quite popular with them getting downloads from other countries too, not just in the local scene, im currently putting most of my energy into the LP I’m working on. It’s gonna feature artists from all round the globe but still dominantly Scottish. Release details will follow in the near future with it being a more proper/professional release.

CB: How would you describe your sound? Is there any one track that would best define your style?

TR: Well I can cater for many different sounds and styles but lots of people have told me you can tell it’s one of my beats. I personally can pin point my sound, I like to make all different feelings through music, so I could come out with a soft almost R’n’B beat one minute, then the next day feel in the mood and end up making something banging or dark. Then these beats are normally chosen by an artist When I personally want to make a track, with me spitting on it (which I don’t do so much these days) I normally choose the hard beats.

CB: Who have been your biggest musical influences and which Hip Hop producers have inspired you?

TR: Wow, there are tons, dunno where to start so I’m just gonna shout a couple names that are big inspirations to me: Film maker - I like to listen to the emotion put into the scene of a film and make that work with music. John Carpenter was a massive influence to me; I just love his simple synths and melodies. RZA has a massive influence too; he lives the producer’s dream! The work he has done on film is amazing! Always gotta show respect to Dr. Dre too.

CB: Do you have a musical background? Do you play any instruments?

TR:Funny, ‘cause no I don’t really have any experience of playing any instruments, again lots of people have told me I should have done music at school or even college. I can play a keyboard for recording to make beats, but I believe if you claim to play an instrument, you should be able to just play it.

CB: How did you find out that you were handy when it came to crafting beats?

TR: When I started making music with Madhat in a group called Dark Rumours I began to make beats and I found it fascinating how many different things you can do and over time have learnt more and more techniques and nice touches that make a beat. Man, it ended up taking over from wanting to spit; I just wanted to make beats.

CB: Do you feel like many producers are overlooked or overshadowed by the MC's that rap on their beats?

TR: Well, I think it comes down to how into the music you really are as a fan, and how the individual single or album is marketed. If you really are a true fan of something, you end up checking the CD to see who produced what track but a lot of people just like the music and label it by the MC on it. On the marketing topic, some Albums have the MC and the producer as the main concept of the album - I like this and think it makes people more aware of the talents of individual beatmakers. I mean, check out the marketing put into Timbaland, Kanye West, DJ Muggs, Dr. Dre - they all try to put the message over to bring recognition to the producer. I don’t think its really a topic to worry about, in fact I think the beatmaker/producer profile is going upwards.

CB: What are your three pieces of equipment do you value most when it comes to production?

TR: Im a big believer in having the right speakers (or monitors), you gotta hear exactly what your end result is; no good using poor speakers. I got EDIROL MA-15D, my keyboard is a main player in my production, coming up with a melody naturally; an old Panasonic connected through midi, touch sensitive, running and connected through FL Studio 8 Producer Edition, on PC - very under rated programme, you gotta know what your doing.

CB: What other programs/equipment do you use?

TR: I got a copy of Sonar for recording and Sound Forge, an Allen & Heath ZED 14 mixing desk/console, a Behringer mic, Eltax Sub Woofer, deck and crossfader, and my ever amazing brother on Guitar - he loves his Les Paul.

CB: What process do you go through when writing a track?

TR: Well, I don’t really have a set course, more like a few different ways to go about it. So to get different sounding beats, if you start of with percussion or drums you will most likely end up with a drum orientated beat. Start with the music and it goes the other way around – I keep changing and switching.

CB: How do you prefer to work when collaborating with rappers?

TR: Again, it all depends on circumstances, some people record elsewhere and send me lyrics, some come to my lab, some ready written, and some chill and write at in the studio with me, that’s when I end up writing too, and dada! you got Riddlah on a track. It’s not often that I plan to be on a track or do a solo one, normally just an off the cuff thing.

CB: What tips would you give to an aspiring Hip Hop producer?

TR: You end up learning as you go yourself, with the technical stuff, like connections and quality setting on things, I like to chill and watch other beat makers doing there thing, I love chilling with Nasty P and learning more things he does that I don’t, but also things I do he doesn’t - so beatmakers out there, I’m watching!

CB: What can we expect from you in the future? Are you currently working on any exciting projects?

TR: Well yeah, I’m working on my LP as I said; really looking forward to getting it completed, dunno what’s planned for me production wise other than that, but I’ve always got other things I’m involved in with other artists on their projects, as long as Scottish Hip Hop is still pushing and making moves I'll be there doing my thing!

CB: Any last words or plugs?

TR: Show support to Scottish Hip Hop, a growing scene full of talented artists, make sure and get your self a copy of my recent ‘UVBeatz Recordings Vol.2’ FREE DOWNLOAD LINK: http://rapidshare.com/files/236858968/UVBeatz_Recordings_Vol.2.rar , and keep up to date with: www.myspace.com/uvbeatz , lastly shout out to, Madhat at MCF Records, Blasfimasinna also on MCF, Wardie Burns one of the Twisted Methods and WERD at SOS for all his help! Alexis at Savage Sound System, Nasty P KFM Records, Jonny on the Guitar, Steg G at Powercut Productions and Jay at MCF Records also - all these people keep me busy and keep me involved, Thanks! Sorry if I missed you out, you know what these things are like, you always forget someone. UVBEATZ!

Leady Interview

Certified Banger: Can you tell us your necessary background details so we can build on basics for the rest of the interview?

Leady: My name is Leady and I have featured on Mixtapes such as UK Runnings, HHB Radio Mixtapes, Certified Banger "On The Radar", I have worked with the likes of Filthy Rich, JabbaThaKut, Beit Nun, Baron Samedi, Joe Gutta, Lunar C, WydeBoi, EXP, and plenty more.

CB: What are your current or upcoming projects?

L: Currently I'm working on my Solo Project 'Toxic Nonsense' as well starting possible joint projects with the likes of Manchester based Producer X-FIRE or Huddersfield producer Kegzi. Obviously I have a track featuring on the current Certified Banger 'On The Radar Vol.4'. Also I will be featuring on a project that will be released by E.L.D.E.R.S, a coalition of MCs from the states, Canada and the UK put together for working together, and promoting each other as well, so with that said, keep eyes open for the debut from E.L.D.E.R.S - 'The Black List'.

CB: How would you describe your sound? Is there any one track that would best define your style?

L: I'd describe my sound as very British. I think the track so far which best defines my style will be 'Remote Control' with Lunar C and Wydeboi taken from Lunar C's forthcoming solo project.

CB: Who have been your biggest musical influences and which Hip Hop artists have inspired you? Which are your favourite albums? What music were you brought up on?

L: My biggest Hip Hop influence would be KRS ONE, just for how much he has done for what we love doing today. Musical Influences would be Miles Davis(expect a few tracks using samples), Nina Simone, Guns and Roses, Van Halen and Meat Loaf. Hip Hop wise, my influences are as mentioned KRS ONE, Dilated Peoples, Roots, Method Man, RedMan.

CB: What is your earliest memory of anything Hip Hop related? First rap track heard? First time you rapped?

L: First album I listened to would have been an Ice T CD, can't remember the actual title though that would also contain the first real rap track I heard. First time I rapped I was terrible,but it's what got me started and to where I am now.

CB: Where are you from? Can you tell us a bit more about the Hip Hop scene there?

L: I'm from Leeds, West Yorkshire, the scene here is full of talented MCs, DJs and producers, just not enough people really working hard and pushing themselves properly. Obviously West Yorkshire is home to the massive Don't Talk To Strangers -
Leeds being home to a lot of the members.

CB: What about the Hip Hop scene in general, UK or worldwide – where do you think it’s headed? Are things good/bad? What are your current philosophical thoughts on the current trends in rap music?

L: Hip Hop at the moment in my opinion is being hurt with all this terrible autotune stuff out there now. However I don't think this is bad because we still have and always will have in existence a strong underground scene.

CB: What process do you go through when writing a track? Do you start with a beat, a concept, a lyric that you thought of in the shower? What happens next?

L: It depends on the mood really, sometimes I might have a topic or something I want to say in which case I get a beat to fit the tone, or for the most part I'll listen to the beat and let that guide me through everything from topic to how I want to approach the track and say things.

CB: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years time? Is it an achievable goal?

L: Still doing what I love doing, hopefully will be able to say I've been around Europe and so on to perform my music etc.

CB:Any last words?

L: Shout outs to Missing People, Freyed Knot, Chief Wiggum, 9 Lives, all DTTS, DS Fam, Alphabetix, Jack Dans, Crack House, Organised Mess, E.L.D.E.R.S, Blessed House, Snafu, DBO, wiz, IrnMnky, ESSDEE, everybody repping for Leeds and West Yorkshire haha, Big up JabbaThaKut, Megamouth, Jack Flash and the rest of Groundwurq, and obviously Certified Banger - the greatest blogspot going, anybody else, if I forgot you, then sorry.

Also check out:
www.myspace.com/mrleady
www.reverbnation.com/leady
www.youtube.com/leady
www.youtube.com/Illuminatielders
www.myspace.com/illuminatielders

SubSpecies Interview

Certified Banger: Yo! This is a first for me… tell the people why:

Chris Hughes: We are Subspecies, an urban/streetwear label that was formed by a troop of talented designers who were tired of the poor quality that mainstream brands were banging out and selling out to the sheep of society.

CB: So tell us about your product a bit more. What did you set out to achieve with it?

CH: We want to create something that is a little different from the rest of the brands that are out there, using good graphics on quality fabrics. All our tees are limited edition and there are only 450 of them per style/colour worldwide, so if you’re in a club with someone wearing a Sub tee the same as you... that's just fate!

CB: Who does the designs and what is the inspiration for them?

CH: The design team consists of General Thade, Ceasar & Nim; Three wise monkeys who all come from varied backgrounds who can influence each other in their areas. We get our ideas from the depths of our minds and try to stay away from trend direction too, that stuff’s for the catwalk cats and the la-di-das of this world. I mean who makes these trends up? Someone trying to sell you a book for £600 per season, thats who. That’s why we made ours limited edition, there are no boundaries, you’re guaranteed to be different - a Subspecies. There are No Gods, No Masters!

CB: How are you different to the average garm pedallers?

CH: Did I mention quality?! We get lots of mail from our customers telling us "they get the graphic now!" People buy things ‘cause they look good, but at Subspecies there's usually a hidden meaning or message in the graphic - you know, propaganda.

CB: You support the local music scene here. Who did you hook up with from the Hip Hop crowd?

CH: We hooked up with Bane from No Pretense who is a local Hip Hop artist up in West Yorkshire and we just respected each other’s talents. We are all about supporting local talent!

CB: Are you a Hip Hop fan? Who do you rate musically at the moment?

CH: Yes. Obviously we like the music our sponsors produce, but on the treehouse studio turntables this week are Cypress hill, New Kingdom, The Goats, Talib and a bit of Fushniks. We're a bit old skool!

CB: Who else do you sponsor?

CH: We sponsor Monsieur Phil Kyle, a s**t hot tattooist from a programme called London Ink, UK Hip Hop artists Jack Flash, Chief Wigz, 9livez, Spida Lee, No Pretense, Brutal Artistry, Knew Jeru’slum, Dr Syntax, we have a BMX team and we collab with Plug and his team - one of the UK’s top graffiti artists.

CB: Would you be open to expanding your sponsorship of artists outside of the local Hip Hop scene? Who would you like to see modelling your threads?

CH: Of course, we want the cream of the crop reppin’ our garms, be it a hip hopper or a body popper, if you got skillz to pay tha billz we got the garms to slide on your arms!

CB: How do you hope to grow as a business? Will there be a bigger range? Different items of clothing?

CH: We got a whole range of things to be released; the next drop consists of more limited edition tees, some hoodies and a polo shirt. We have belts, underwear, bags and we're getting a lot of girls asking when we're bringing their range out, so that's what’s happening at the mo.

CB: Is there anything you’d like to say before we finish? Any plugs etc?

CH: Yeah, get on our website www.subspecies.co.uk and www.subspecies.bigcartel.com and buy some garms off us!

Truth Interview

Certified Banger: Yo Truth! For the peeps who don’t know, who are you and what do you do with your time?

Truth: I refresh a lot of internet pages whilst looking for a job. Ain’t NOBODY hiring right now. I’m also an MC, an inactive beat maker since my MPC broke and I promote the Rapsploitation Sessions nights in Ipswich (www.rapsploitation.co.uk)

CB: You just released your EP ‘Prorastinat(K)ing’. I think I know the answer but how did the name come about?

T: Yeah, no clues in the title homeskillet! I’ve just been meaning to release something for time, and last three years being at uni I’ve been hella lazy so when people asked what I was doing online I’d just type procrastinat(k)ing to style s**t out. Cus I’m a fly mothershutyomouth. Badaboom. It was originally meant to be called ‘61 Grace’. But I wanted to use that for my first proper album. Hence why on your download half the tracks are apparently named that so I probably won’t use that now. It also says there’s a track 8 missing, that was supposed to be a cut with Ezra and Respek BA but we couldn’t get it all recorded in time. Professionalism is the objective sir. Professionalism.

CB: Have you had a good response to it so far? Will that give you more ‘get up and go’ for an album maybe?

T: Yeaaaaah. People have been real generous with their feedback, maybe it’s my overpowering muscular physique that makes ‘em say that, but it’s still nice to hear. Truth be told I haven’t really been writing or making music for a couple years now so to just drop some naughtys on some nuggets and them be feeling it is inspiring. I’m very grateful for the kind words, or even if you just took the time to check it at all, I know there’s a lot of s**t being thrown at you online.

CB: How difficult is it to be as independent as you are as an artist? Would you like to be signed to a label?

T: I don’t know man. I don’t really think about it strategically when it comes to making music. It’s never been a career objective to be a professional musician, it’d be nice, but I have no intention of selling music. The traditional sense of selling records is dying quickly which to me is cool. There’s a whole lot of new means and medias to get your music to people and I’m excited to see business become creative now too. Actually, that’s probably the thing that would want me make to wanna try and make something from this s**t as it’s a challenge and would be fun to try and release it uniquely. But it’s more a hobby for me. From a promoters perspective as well as an artist - I think a lot of artists in England are too desperate to make it a career instead of taking time out to build a fan base and often try to overcharge and expect a lot more than the scene makes viable. Big rock bands charge less than independent Hip Hop artists and who’s got the bigger fan base? But at the same time, there’s not really that next level to aspire to without switching up your style in England so I guess trying to get the duckets now can be excused… I dunno.


CB: Which is your favourite track on the EP?

T: I like ‘Sideview’, as a listener I actually enjoy that. That was written a few years ago and it’s the first track I did with my good friend Jimmy Green that I really felt, from a lyrics / vocal side of things. And ‘Take Time’ as well; Sivey made that beat for me a while back and I was two ways about recording on it as I didn’t know if I wanted to play on the ‘Truth’ thing much as I don’t even like it as a name. But that s**t’s got the Sivey midas touch.

CB: Are there any tracks on there that you feel need explaining in anyway?

T: ‘Pass That’ is about not smoking weed. Thank You. Also, my friend Fatty owes me a steak for name dropping him in a song.

CB: What’s the best lyric you’ve ever written?

T: I don’t know, I’m pretty underwhelmed by my stuff in comparison to a lot of people. Ask me what my favourite lyric I’ve heard is and I could reel a few verses off. I’m just a fan, man. I’m just doing this for s**ts ‘n’ giggles man.

CB: How did the hook-up with the other MCs on the EP come about?

T: Well Grimlok I’ve known for a while now. I met him through the other Colony members when I hosted a show we booked them for. Them guys have all been real good and supportive of my s**t for a while now, me and Grimlok have a similar appreciation for the observation of the art of MCing and had been meaning to do a cut for a while.

SonnyJim and Kosyne are real good people too. They’ve showed me a lot of love. I think I first had contact with them because of the battles we all did for Jump Off back in ‘05. I brought them over for a show in Ipswich a couple times too. But once again, they been real supportive of my stuff too and I’m fans of them as well so getting them on was an honour. SonnyJim was the first MC out my circle to compliment me on my beats, and I was pretty f**king geek about that. Make sure you check out Eatgoodrecords.com and Louisden.com and buy the Eat Good Records compilation - it’s ridiculous and I’m on it.

I’ve known Conflix for a few years also. We always spoke about doing something together and he started going on about how he was gonna stop rhyming and all that horrible stuff, so I said not before I got a verse from you. I put the track with him n sonny together originally for Archimedes (who produced it) mixtape or something, but I stole it for my s**t!

I mean, I’m flattered to have all the artists and producers on it; I was fans of them ALL before I got to work with them so it’s real humbling to have them on.

CB: Does it help to be in other areas of the UK scene (ie promoting shows) when it comes to putting together your own music?

Yes and no. I’ve been living in Manchester and London over the last 3 years when I started Rapsploitation Sessions so I wasn’t really living here in Ipswich. But it’s hard to promote the shows in Ipswich, we’re basically re-building a scene. It’s good for meeting other artists though and feels good when the city turns out for a show – like we’re doing something for the spot I was born in. Artistically, I love being from outside of the main “Hip Hop cities” in the country. Gives more space to develop ideas etc, on the flip there’s less people to bounce off but you know - ups and downs to everything I guess. Complaining about it ain’t gonna make it any better.

CB: Ipswich eh? In two sentences sell your town to a Hip Hop head!

T: Come on dude, make it difficult for me! I’ll give you a few combos for your money:
Rapsploitation Sessions
Reggie Rhythm
Arnie Sarnies
Roy Keane
Muddle’s Teas
Cathedral Cheese - you can get that anywhere, but that deserves a shout out. I’ve been into that a lot recently.
Oh my bad, I just realised you said two sentences and not two words – I must have roped you in anyway right?

CB: What’s next for you then? What are you working on?

T: I’m working on getting a job and a flal - real life s**t s**t sheun. Maybe an old school retro arcade machine and some gold fronts. I got a doctors appointment at 3:30 to get my ears syringed - imma have super hero hearing after that though – will be able to hear your thoughts.
Gonna just try make some good music and throw it out there. Try up my skills.
I don’t ever wanna say I got this n that project coming out, cus if I do, it’ll never happen. Just wanna make some good music and try and get out and do some shows etc. I feature on the Eat Good Records compilation, that’s definitely coming out as I’ve got my copy so GRAB THAT.

CB: Any last words to wrap this up?

T: Much love to Certified Banger for supporting - the illest Hip Hop blog in the country. Umm, just keep bugging me for a real life exclusive Cee Banger big dawg freestyle when my studio’s set up. You’ve read enough for today children – go play in the sun, but use suncream, or wear an astronaut suit if you’re truthey-albino.

http://www.rapsploitation.co.uk/

www.myspace.com/reggierhythm

www.twitter.com/reggierhythm

ABD Interview

Certified Banger: Yo ABD, congratulations on the Golden Mic Challenge win! Before we get into this, let us know about yourself, give us all the info we need:

ABD: Ok I’m 23 and been rhyming since I was 14, so 9 years at some point this year. My main crew is Alphabetix, I’m also in Northern Hostility, and I usually have the odd live band side project here and there (not at the mo!) I come from York but I've been living in Leeds about 4 years. Alphabetix have our own label – 30Tonne Slug on which we plan to release our own stuff. We put out a 12” of my old crew 118SoundSystem in 2006.

CB: What were your prizes for winning the GMC?

ABD: I got the mic (a gold Shure SM58), £150, some LRG tees, Jumbo Records tees, and supposedly a Mr Thing beat and a support gig (watch this space!)

CB: How important to you was it that you won? Did you feel like it was deserved recognition for your time on the Leeds scene?

ABD: I didn't actually feel I deserved it! Not cos of time on the scene – that's irrelevant compared to skill – but just cos I choked in some of the battles, which no one else did.

CB: What did you think of your adversaries? Were you confident?

ABD: All sick. If I had judged it I reckon Jack Dans would have won and Fourney P would have been runner up. I had a feeling Fourney had pre-written a lot of his battle rhymes, and I'd like to hear Jester Jacobs in more of his own style than Orifice Vulgatron's, but they were all heavy. I was pretty confident though.

CB: Which line against you in the battles did you like best?

ABD: I thought it was well spotted when Fourney P likened me to Jurassic Five – a lot of my own mates haven't clocked that similarity, and it makes a nice change from Bob Marley jokes and ripping my dreads out or strangling me with them (yawn!)

CB: Tell us about your pre-written track, that went down really well. What’s it all about? Will it be recorded and released?

ABD: I'm not a Bible basher or nothin’! Haha! It’s about how all the different religions are saying the same thing and praising the same God. Separation is an illusion. Everything is everything; God is part of everything and everything is part of God. God isn't the owner of the planet who tells us what to do and punishes us for disobedience. It's the creative force that keeps life going. Doesn't matter if you're a Christian, Muslim, Rasta or Jedi, you naturally have an awareness of ultimate truth whatever your culture. We have to start believing in ourselves! Yeah I'm planning to put it out there.

CB: You really pulled the crowd into your performance and they reacted with a great show of support. How do you make sure you get that?

ABD: Eye contact, getting down with the people, trying to maintain a good vibe, believing in myself (how can you expect others to if you don't?). I visualize light too and imagine everyone getting hyped and having a mint time.

CB: Are you working on any recorded material at the moment? Will we see an ABD or Alphabetix LP anytime soon? What’s next for you?

ABD: The Alphabetix EP ‘Alphabetix Anonymous’ is pretty much finished and coming this summer. Me and Jack Dans are collaborating on a little EP, plus I've started planning out my first solo EP. That's gonna be strictly conscious tracks – I'm sick to death of rappers who only rap about rapping!

CB: How does performing live differ to recording music for you? Which do you prefer?

ABD: Well you don't get two bites of the cherry on stage! It's all about the live thing. I take ages to record cos a take's never quite perfect, but in front of a crowd you have to just rock it! And once it's gone it's gone – it doesn’t matter how well a performance went cos it served a purpose at the time and hopefully at least someone had a good time! I like how no one owns live music – the last note sounds and it vanishes leaving just the vibe.

CB: Who are your influences musically and who would you recommend to people? Who on the Leeds/UK Hip Hop scene do you rate?

ABD: My influences include Phi Life Cypher, Mos Def, Talib Kwali, Canibus, Jurassic Five, Blak Twang, Sage Francis. I would recommend Pep Love from Hieroglyphics and Pumpkinhead. Matter's the one to watch in Leeds. I actually believe he's gonna revolutionize the whole scene one day! Also D.S. Fam rep hard and deserve all the success they get. And obviously Mr Ris and Angelesk from Alphabetix – both massively inspiring MCs.

CB: Thanks for taking the time to do this, any closing/self-promotional/wise words?

ABD: Yeah everyone should read these three books: Conversations with God by Neal Donald Walsh, The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, The Holographic Universe by Michael Tablot. You can get them all for pennies from the 2nd hand section on Amazon, and I reckon if everyone reads them it'll improve the state of affairs on the planet.