MC K~Swift – “Nu’ Ol’ Skool”
MC K~Swift – “Curtains” feat. The Boys & Girls Club
The titles and affiliations are too numerous, but here’s our feeble attempt at boiling it down: Emcee, producer, DJ, mentor, leading Hip-Hop scholar + educator, Universal Zulu Nation representative and more – NYC’s MC K~Swift is the first cat we knew (in like, real life) that did this whole music thing forreal forreal. An habitual gem dropper, you’d be hard pressed to find an artist in NYC as respected, or as supportive of the work of other artists, than he. Read the following, and then get your backslash game up, sun!
***
AS: [Now that we're in] 2010, how would you define the first decade of this millennium? What is its sound? What school of art represents it best? Who are its icons? World leaders?
The first decade of this millennium… to define it is a serious challenge. But to me, it sounds like Hip-Hop. All kinds of music are fusing together, which is the impetus of Hip-Hop music. I never thought artists like Santigold and Major Lazer would be getting play on stations that play so-called “commercial rap.”
AS: As a native New Yorker, give a list of some of your favorite experiences that can only happen in New York?
Only in New York!
I remember back in high school, I met a dope emcee named Many Styles on the R train coming home from Brooklyn because I was freestyling with my boys and he jumped in the cipher. ONLY IN NEW YORK!
I met Immortal Technique in a writing workshop that I was a youth mentor for at Youth Speaks NY (now known as Urban Word NYC). ONLY IN NEW YORK!
At the Rock Steady reunion in 1997, when I was 15, I jumped in a cipher and held my own among heavyweights such as Breeze Everflowin & Percee P. ONLY IN NEW YORK!
AS: Tell us about your most recent album. What sparked the inspiration for it?
My latest album, The Proper Gander, was inspired by the mass media assault on the collective (un)conscious. Every piece of media we encounter is propaganda. So the inspiration for the record and for my music altogether is to represent for Hip-Hop as I understand it and to push our agenda.
AS: How much has the lessons of religion influenced your concepts of life?
I’ve never been a part of an organized religion. As a child, my parents weren’t religious. My mom is a part-time atheist. My father believes in a higher force in a non-religious way. As an adolescent, some of my family members who were a few years older than me became involved with the Nation of Gods & Earths. The lessons I got from them were the most impactful on my development at the time. While I was never a member of the NGE, the foundation I got from them & students of the Moorish Sciences (MSTA & Nuwapians) has stuck with me.
AS: How do these ideas shape and form your music?
If you listen to my song “G.O.D.” which features my uncle, Q-Storm, you can hear the influence on my music directly.
AS: Nike or Adidas?
I wear WAY more Nike sneakers than Adidas. It’s the standard. I like Adidas though.
AS: What is the source of your single most influence of manhood? Womanhood? Childhood?
Manhood & Womanhood, easily my parents. They gave me the framework or window through which I see myself and others. Childhood… the young people I work with as a writing & performance mentor.
AS: When you are not creating music what other outlets do you use for channel your creative expression?
Creatively, writing & beat making are my only outlet. I’ve started to learn to cook though, so we’ll see.
AS: Who are your favorite women in Hip-Hop? In music? Why?
Erykah Badu is my favorite at the moment. I’ll always love Lauryn Hill’s first album. My homies TreZure the Empress, Queen GodIs & Bless Roxwell are artists that I admire and that push me to greater heights.
AS: What album best captures New York City in the 90’s? What album best captures NYC’s millennium essence?
New York City in the 1990′s is captured by Nas’ Illmatic in my opinion. For the new millennium… it’s hard to say. New York City was hurt badly by the WTC attacks in 2001. I really think it damaged the spirit of the city. There has also been a lot of people moving into NYC from other places changing the vibe. I remember in Hip-Hop when so-called “consciousness” was the predominant mindset, even among those artists who you would describe as “gangster.” So the album that I think best reclaims the essence of NYC is “The Breaking” by my brother, Cavalier.
AS: Consider the phrase “most iconic image of a musician or album” – which image is as poignant to you today as when you first saw it? Why?
It’s tough for me to recall my initial reaction to this photo, but one that comes to mind is the photo of 2Pac with two middle fingers up, his THUG LIFE tattoo showing and a gun tucked into his belt. It’s an image that says as he oft did, “Fuck The World!”
AS: What’s next?
I’ve got a project coming out with Scott Thorough. I’ve got a project coming out with Black Cracker. I’ve got a project coming out with Willie Green. I’ll be making some Hip Step moves with True Frequency (formerly known as TC Izlam). New Rap Order. Universal Zulu Nation. That’s about it.
***
-=Stream and purchase The Proper Gander by MC K~Swift here=-
Photo:
Nandita Scillitani
Jasmine Solano – “Coco Puff”
Jasmine Solano – “That’s Not It”
“..Punanny, Electric” that is, NYC party promoting connoisseur, poly-rhythmic femcee, phenomenal, crazy dope DJ, producer of illyness – Jasmine Solano. Her resume makes you want to sign up for the next Boston marathon, if only to not feel like the fckin slacker you can be.
***
AS: Of these few characters, which do you feel best represent an intelligent, fly, no nonsense, fun loving, down-ass, lady; Cat Woman, Olive Oyl, Wonder Woman, Storm or Betty Boop? Why?
Well I can tell you that Cat Woman is my favorite. I’m not sure she’d be considered “fun loving” though 
AS: As a femcee, DJ and shindig promoter you wear many hats. Being a creative undertaker of this magnetism gives way to many possibilities. Have you ever thought about competing in a DJ battle while performing in concert, filming and directing your own music video and promoting a series of parties all at the same time? =)
Ha! I feel as though I’ve actually done that! One night, at my monthly party, “Electric Punanny” that I do with Melo-X, Roxy Cottontail & Photo By Tone, I had to DJ then perform my two singles on the mic, organize my videographer to tape the whole thing and spent two weeks promoting with email blasts, tweets & word of mouth. Everything crosses over and these all-in-one crazy nights do exist.
AS: How important is your apparel to your artistic visual representation?
It’s interesting because my apparel is just as influential as anything else. It’s not a surprise that we are a world of visuals – and people remember what they see just as much as what they hear and feel. To me clothing has always been an art. My apparel allows me to express the eclectic hybrid of a person I am: a mash up of multiple generations and various cultures.
AS: Name a few colloquial terms that you want dead and buried, for example, grind, grinding, hustle, hustling, hustler or swagger, swagger-like. Just to name a few lol
“Twittah that.” But I do approve of “Tweet, tweet.”
AS: Your musical and lyrical agility is apparent via live performance. Tell us more about your visual production expertise. What role do you play as a creative force in the Trigger Happy production agency?
Wow, thank you. I love the way you word everything!
I worked for a production company called Triggerhappy since its establishment in 2006. I was the Production Manager and it was the best job in the world; coolest boss, most creative projects and got plugged right into the world of production. Kareem Johnson, the VP, became my mentor and taught me how to produce professional, industry music videos. And Aahmek Richards, the CEO, allowed me to have a ton of managerial control & input. One of my favorite videos that I produced was Va$htie’s CRS Video as well as her video for Kid Cudi’s “Heaven @ Nite” which was never released. The job was always 10-20 hour days, a constant grind and the time of my life <3
AS: How does your production work inspire other outlets of expression?
My production work inspires my other outlets of expression ENTIRELY. I’m always thinking of the music video while I write a song. Always thinking of the flyer when I create a concept for a party. Always thinking of a strategy to videotape while planning an event. I try to tap into my art form from all angles.
AS: What do you think the possibilities are of the Brooklyn party scene popping off to the same full throttle extent that the downtown Manhattan scene is?
It exists already! Brooklyn holds loyalty. There are a bunch of weekly & monthly parties that people attend FOR YEARS. Tuff Tuesdays @ Bembe is a great example. On top of that a lot of monster parties exist in Brooklyn, especially in Bushwick. Those are the parties that people flock to from out of state and reminisce on for weeks after; the warehouse rave parties, the rooftop magazine parties, the grimy loft house parties. Most of the BK parties are crazier because there are less restrictions on how the party goes down.
AS: What are you hoping to accomplish with your EP release? Are you creating a lane for a new sound, representing for a new breed of femcee? What do you envision?
I really just want to connect with as many people as possible + have my lyrics translate on a super, personal level.
AS: If the whole entire world were a record, and you were the DJ on deck, what noise would you fade out, what noise would you fade in? And what sounds would you scratch out completely?
I would fade out auto tune.
Fade in roots reggae.
And scratch in some Teddy Pendergrass.
<3
AS: Tell us more about your School Daze and its impact on your life’s work. How was your High School experience? College? In retrospect what are the moments, during that time, that have helped shape who you are now?
My school daze were amazing. In high school I was friends with so many different crews: the hippies, the break-dancers, the punks, the nerds, the bitches. I had a blast. I was never in band but used to get the band teacher to let me use the band room after school. I’d get my friends, Darren (beat-boxer) + Joe (drummer) to have sessions with me. We’d freestyle and mess around for hours. Then, we’d perform our freestyle mashups at open mics.
Into college, I was always freestyling with the boys. Attacking ciphers, spitting all kinds of shit. I also started DJing on the radio as soon as I got to school, age 17. I DJ’d at WERS 88.9FM for four years. First spinning hip hop and later getting my own show. I won several awards for my show, “The Secret Spot” one of them being “Best Female Radio Personality of New England” in 2006.
My youth has completely shaped who I am now. And I love to reminisce.
AS: This space in the interview is for you to leave your final thoughts. You can leave us with a quote, question, public service announcement or your super hero calling card. The choice is yours.
You can check me out as the Host/DJ of FRANK RADIO on www.frank151.com. Also stay tuned for my new tracks coming out produced by Chuck Inglish (The Cool Kids), Nire and Junior Sanchez. And a big, personal thank you to Attorney Street for wanting to Q&A the gyal 
***
Linkage:
Twitter // Web // Myspace
Photos:
Joseph Marconi
Gordon Voidwell – “White Friends” [d/l at rcrdlbl]
Magic, music and the social constructions of manhood are a few subjects that come up during our chat with Gordon Voidwell. His music might tempt you to draw comparisons to acts like Prince and Chromeo, but the whole steez is a very particular brand of subversive funk that’s all his own. The singer/songwriter/musician/multiple slash haver perceives the world through a very distinct lens, and whether its political statements, paper chasing, or psychedelic drug references, the Voidwell experience draws you into it all.
***
AS: What was your favorite illusion as a child – be it an imaginary friend, magical powers, secret underworld below your bed?
I never put much stock in magic or illusions. I guess that’s partially the result of growing up in the “shit is real” – often too real – section of the gangster-ass Bronx that I grew up in. At an early age, I was overly preoccupied with the “real” and so I’d always look to ruin a magic trick or illusion. As I got older, I began to put more stock in magic, but only as it pertained to things like coincidence, fate and LSD flashbacks.
AS: What intrigued or amused you most about adults as a child?
Adults are essentially larger-bodied children with more money and more evolved psychological disorders. As such, they’re equally temperamental. As a child, I’d get a lot of joy from seeing adults’ moodswings and cranky behavior. It’s sort of amusing to think that no matter how old we are, we are still subject to irrational ass behavior. I still celebrate that.
AS: Who was you all time favorite person as a child? Movie star, relative or otherwise.
I really liked Shawn Kemp, the power forward for the Seattle Supersonics, but I also liked Bruce Lee and I also liked this one G.I. Joe named Stalker. It’s kind of creepy that my favorite G.I. Joe was named Stalker. It’s also kind of racist that the G.I. Joe named Stalker was black and wore essentially a cat burglar’s costume. So it goes. Never cared too much for Michael Jordan, aside from his sneakers. I was, however, wholeheartedly charmed by Michael Jackson and did sincerely love Andy Rooney. I’m extremely embarrassed by how male-centric my list is…major props to society for that! You were successful in erasing all my favorite females from my memory!
AS: From the looks of it, you completely let loose on stage. Do you find supreme freedom in your performance?
Supreme freedom is an interesting concept. I’d find supreme freedom if my performances paid a little more and if my loan officers at Sallie Mae and Citibank forgave my student loans. Then I could really let loose. But yea, performing can be quite liberating. The stage is one of the few spaces where I feel comfortable letting go. Part of what you’re seeing, however, is me simply trying to outperform other bands. In that way, I’m not letting loose as much as I’m calculatedly “going in.” Consequently, I perform my entire show on level 10 and feel exhausted by like the 3rd song. Then I go to sleep. Then I wake up and spend the whole day trying to find my phone so I can read what people said about me on twitter.
AS: If your freedom had a texture what would it be? If it had a smell and/or taste what would it be? Why?
My freedom would be green and smell like my leather wallet. It would be tasteless. Its texture would vary from crisp and rigid to soft and worn. It would put my kids through college and buy my girlfriend expensive shit. It would allow for my parents to finally own their own home. It would tell stories of blood and mayhem. It would do all this for me because it’d feel so happy to have finally met someone that appreciates it.
AS: Why music? You could have chosen any media outlet to express yourself.
Oh, this ones easy. I have perfect pitch.
AS: As a representation of the inner workings or your creative expression, how important/necessary is preparation prior to a performance for you? How important is the placement of your band mates, their visual aesthetic, etc?
I believe musical performances are best when they pay close attention not just to the aural, but to the visual as well. Eventually I’d like to play shows where each of my band mates are wearing ornate costumes and there is live video triggering and animals onstage. I care a lot about visual aesthetic. I think everything from clothes to facial expressions are equally important to the actual music being performed.
AS: While peeping your performance at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC this past summer, some of your followers heard a track ["Be A Man"] that declared, “I’ve never learned how to be a man.” That’s not verbatim, but that was the vibe of the song. What was the inspiration for that track? How much does the inspiration for that song has to do with race, class?
That’s a song about my father. I have a strange relationship with him. Even though he didn’t raise me I find myself inheriting traits of his that I really don’t want to inherit. Real shit like how I treat women and how I treat myself. I wonder sometimes if I’ve properly learned to be a man. I also wonder what exactly it means to be a man? These are things I struggle with. I ultimately believe manhood is constructed, but I still sometimes find myself subscribing to these normalized ideas of manhood. It’s not a song directly about race and class, but I think anything I do – by default of my center – is about race and class.
AS: Some of your music deals with race relations. How has the issues of race and class touched you – in your school daze, community, personal relationships and otherwise?
Race is a construct. It’s never affected me…
I wish that were true.
I grew up with these polar ideas of white and black and rich and poor. I think American youth are educated/socialized to think along polar lines. If anything, that is the failure of our society/school systems. I grew up in a middle income house. Neither of my parents made six figures, but both valued education. I grew up with really rich kids and really poor kids of varying ethnicities. I’m hyper-aware of race and class but I also realize neither are telling of an individual’s character…unless they’re white males. We can pretty much assume the worst about white males. Jusst kiddddddding…
AS: Finish these sentences:
Black men are..
Really different in Ghana than they are in Bed Stuy.
Black women are..
Not a homogeneous sect…
The Black community is..
Sometimes winning the war, but also sometimes losing…
AS: What is your favorite season? Why?
Fall in NYC. Winter in Accra. Spring in Paris. Summer in Minneapolis/St.Paul.
AS: What can Gordon Voidwell listeners look forward to in the future?
Within a month, I’ll be giving away a lengthy mixtape for free. Listeners can also look forward to me legalizing gay marriage in each state. Also, if I’m ever elected president I’ll be giving out reparations to black people, native americans, women and tall, skinny supermodels. Also, If I sell a million records, I will give out reparations – but this time I will include racist, patriarchic white men aka my money managers. In fact, they will get the lion’s share. Why? Simply because that is the way business is conducted in this town. Always has been.
AS: This space in the interview is left for you to declare whatever you so choose, What do you have to say?
Thanks for reading this. Thanks for conducting it. Hi Ghostface Killah!
***
Linkage:
Purchase –> Ivy League Circus EP
Nikki NTU – “Muse”
New York City, one of the cultural epicenters of the world, is brimming over with young talented artists. For example, break out lyricist Nikki NTU is a facet of talent that represents this frontier of musicians. Her instrument of choice is her voice. NTU’s A History Of Dreams EP makes me think of one word, synesthesia, the neurological phenomenon that scrabbles the sensory pathways. NTU spits hourglass shaped rhymes that are delivered with X-chromosome femcee flows. A conceptual EP that is both aggressively feminist and feminine, yet the revolutionary content is not limited to the female gender, as it is more of an uplifting representation of the Millennial generation.
***
AS: Like the proverbial saying proclaims, it aint where you from, it’s where you at. Plus, we are very much interested in where you are going. So, where are some of the places you would like your art to take you? Why?
On a physical level, I’d love to be traveling and touring as much as possible. I don’t only make music; I also give lectures and facilitate workshops so I would love to incorporate that in with my travels. On a spiritual level I feel like my art and this process will take me to higher levels of tolerance, patience, and freedom. You can learn a lot from the challenges you face on this path so I pray that my art will take me to a place of self-mastery.
AS: Are you Haitian? As I can see you and your work is influenced by the Haitian voodou spirit of Ezili Dantò. The first track is an ode to her and you have a tattoo of her veve (sacred symbol) on your chest.
No, I am not Haitian. But I would say that I have a deep connection to “circles”, chanting, and mysticism. I got the tattoo a full year before I even knew who Ezili was. I researched Mary, Mother of Jesus and came across the famous image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I thought the symbolism was so “me” that I got the piece shortly after. A year later, I was on the phone with my boy (MEGA) and he told me I had a bluish light about me, that reminded him of his mom whom voodou priestesses said, had an aura of Ezili. I quickly researched Ezili and up pops her symbol; my tat. It was a chilling sign.
AS: Your reference to Ezili is very dope. Especially since she is said to be the inspiration behind the Haitian Revolution in 1791. As the story goes, Ezili’s spirit was invoked at a ceremony that was the precursor for the first revolts that lead Haiti to be the first Black independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. BUCK BUCK! =) What an illustrious legacy young Black women have to proclaim. With that being said, how would you define the new generation of womens movement that is comprised of young artists such as your self? Please elaborate in detail.
I can’t define it. Not yet. Maybe that’s a good thing…definitions keep us locked into a box when we are all so unique. I think it is taking us more time to get an authentic sense of ourselves than a woman who accepts the identity she is presented with by the media or what have you. This new generation of girls are strong and passionate, but we are still trying to come to terms with who we are in a culture that was not created by us. It makes us want to fight but the fight should not define us. This speaks to the plight of the whole Black Diaspora, but black women have our own unique struggle, in that we are told that sex is our greatest weapon and our only real asset. This belief could have us so boxed we couldn’t explore the range of possibilities available for each unique individual. But struggle is good. It is the first step toward revelation. And I truly believe that in this spirit, Ezili Danto rises up from the Black, out of the cries and wail of our foremothers, and jumps into us like possession. That’s the fire we feel when we rip a stage. That’s the heat we feel when we spit a sixteen. That’s the reason we shed a tear when we’re writing and don’t know where the words are coming from. Why when we dance our soul remembers moves our bodies have never done before. The Holy Ghost is really the feminine energy. The Catholics say, “Father, Son, Holy Ghost” and we say, “Man, Woman, Child.” That is the true holy trinity.
AS: In your opinion which is the ideal couple: The Huxtables, Beyonce and Jay-Z or Barack and Michelle Obama. And why? (Notwithstanding the fact that the Huxtables are a fictional couple. lol)
Honestly, it wouldn’t be right unless I said the Huxtables. They were living the dream! They had successful/accomplished careers, mad children, lived in a Brownstone, and still found time to crack jokes and have sex. Plus they are the only couple out of the three that I ever got to see behind closed doors (never mind if they’re fictional, the others could certainly be too, lol).
AS: How important is the support and inspiration of Black men-platonic or otherwise in your life and work? What is their role in your definition of this new women’s movement?
Wow, black men play a huge role in my life and my work. I admire my brothas Melo, Quan, Claude, MEGA, Kesed, Dorjan, and the list goes on. I wouldn’t be doing half of what I am, at least in this capacity, if it were not for the love and support these brothas have shown. It’s powerful to know what it feels like for a man to truly love you. Sex/Romance aside. Just truly love you and wish for you the best. My boys treat me like a Queen, really. It is the type of support most of us black girls miss out on because many of us grew up without a male figure to give us that kind of support, love, and security. But true brothas are the men so that we can be the women. Again, it’s about creating that balance of male/female energy to keep everything in harmony. It frees up a lot of space so that I can go further.
AS: What are the laws/rules of self-development and preservation that you promote for young women?
To me, there are no rules. Each person is different. But what I can suggest is that we as young women continue to challenge ourselves. Not just as far as goals are concerned but quite literally, challenge the perceptions others or we have of us. I like to put myself in really uncomfortable situations. It’s practice. It teaches us humility. It challenges our ego and continues to make us ask, “What is identity?” I feel like once you define yourself with a set identity then stagnation sets in and the growth process slows down. Do your research, find a place in the world you’re really curious about, and commit to going. And if at all possible…go alone. That may sound crazy but you’ll be surprised at how many young girls are out there rollin’ dolo. I’d like to see the amount of young, female, travelers of color rise.
When I started to hang around a lot of men I realized how much more fantastical their imaginations were. I’d say that girls can sometimes limit their imagination to aesthetics and abandon the sciences, philosophy, spirituality, etc. Traveling is a great way to get all these things wrapped up in one adventure. Self-exploration is a big thing to me. I would also suggest that young women explore the images of the female. I literally collect pleasing images of female archetypes and look at them everyday. I’ve got ancient images, native images, goddess images, etc. It’s a great way to create positive visualization.
AS: If you could transcribe all of the emotion and ideas of your EP into one color, what would that be? Why?
Indigo! It is the third eye chakra, which represents higher communication and intuition. It is a mixture of electric blue and Royal Purple; very high vibratory colors that together create a great portal through which information is uploaded and downloaded.
AS: What color is it that you would like your future projects to represent? Why?
I am mostly a purple and blue sorta girl but I must admit that I do love yellow on odd days. It is very much an “identity” color. But I would have to say that much like my fellow female artist, Lichiban, who was the director of art design for the project, turquoise is a mesmerizing shade. I can’t say what tone the future projects will be or whether they will be just one. I like to take folks through the whole system.
AS: This space in the interview is for you to leave your final thoughts. You can leave us with a quote, question, or the rhyme scheme of your silence. The choice is yours.
Hmmmm, I can say anything huh? I’d really like to touch on the support I’ve received in these past few days following my EP release. I want to thank everyone for braving the rain to pack out the release party. I want to thank the folks who supported and helped spread the word about A History of Dreams. I appreciate the fact that people are listening to the music, researching information I spoke about, and asking questions. Even the fact that people have been really on me to perform inspires me to get over whatever hesitations I have and do it. Sometimes it’s bigger than we imagine and when we release what we create it’s not ours anymore. Thanx, Janine for the wonderful questions! Everyone should keep a look out for live shows this summer!
***
Linkage:
Nikki NTU Blog // Twitter // Myspace
Download –> A History of Dreams
Photo credit: Melo-X
Have you heard this EP? OD. Plus there’s just something about the way Mapei says “you put in work? yeah? I wanna see your resume!” that has had the whole astreet extended fam goin’ nuts. She fin’ to set this whole ish on fire in a minute. Interview below soon as you click the red line my friends…let’s get to it.
AS: What’s your favorite time of day?
4 in the afternoon, earlier depending on what country I am in. The warmer the earlier.
AS: What was it like growing up in Providence, R.I.? What was your household like? Were your folks hella strict?
I grew up with my moms friend! I called her Aunt Edie, a bunch of kids lived there so order was needed in the court if I can say so: [she was] strict with humor. My mother spoiled me since I didn’t get to see her that much.
AS: What kind of stuff were you and your friends into?
Watching movies; analyzing; joking; sarcasm; throwing parties by Swedish lakes….talking talking talking; dancing for each other.
AS: Granted you were young, but do you remember finding it hard to leave for Sweden? If so, what was it that you were hesitant to leave behind? If not, what didn’t you mind getting away from?
No it was nice since I got to live with my moms and see new culture but when I got there the language barrier killed me. I didn’t speak to anyone for 2 years that’s why I’m weird.
AS: How fly was Lisa Turtle from Saved By The Bell?!? How much of a leading question is that?
I just want to eat her up. Where is she?
AS: Wish we knew. But yo, the cover art for your EP is ILL!! Wait, we guess that’s not really a question…Oh ok – got one. Who’s the dude doing your hurr?
DJ Carli – a very special person in life. My boy. My best friend.
AS: Do you talk to yourself? And are we crazy for talking to ourselves like, all the time?
I laugh to myself on the subway and in the street. People think I am crazy and then I start laughing even more. I haven’t talked to myself in a long time though. I sing and rap to myself though.
AS: We read a bit about your experiences in music class as a young student in Sweden (particularly how you may have been looked at like a martian for singing with soul). We have some culture shock experiences of our own, which leads us to ask, did this experience or any others lead you to doubt/question what was innate within you, and just, who you are in terms of identity in general? How do you think you were impacted as a result?
It did but now I just embrace all sides. When I was with black people they called me white and vise versa…THAT just turned me into an individual representing diversity. I just try to keep myself balanced its more about culture than color. I am Liberian and can feel different from for instance a Somalian.
AS: How long have you been doing visual art (we saw some of it on youtube – yah, we’re nosy lol). Any plans to share it via an exhibit, book, etc?
Not [as long as] it’s just drawings. They mean a lot to me though. I want to get better at it. I have so many plans we will see when it all happens though.
AS: Is there a distinct smell you find yourself coming across from time to time that correlates directly to a very vivid memory or a particular person perhaps? Even a person you definitely want to forget?
The smell of unfiltered cigarettes, sweet cakes liquor, nickelbag salt and vinegar chips and all that unhealthy bullshit. THAT’S THE OLD ME. I’m trying to stay healthy.
AS: Have you ever had to break out some “martial arts on the dancefloor” on a rude gentleman or gentlelady? (Ref: “Charlie Brown”) Sidenote, we know we butchered it a bit but we love the line. Brought about visions of K-os doing capoeira in the club in loose fitting red glowing velour and catching bullets with his teeth.
Yeah I use to get into a lot of fights. Violent and acrobatic hahah.
AS: How does the experience of being a woman of color compare between Stockholm and the states? Where do you find differences and parallels, if any
I feel exotic at the same time as I feel out of place…the mixed emotion just weighs too much so I don’t think about it. But I as I said on the youtube clip I have telepathy with other people so I think I speak for other people in my music, not only myself.
AS: What’s the very last song you listened to (or the song you’re listening to right right now if one is playing)?
Crisp Tees & Nike Airs Jay-Z.
AS: What’s the last thing that offended you?
Rude people in Paris. I love Parisians but sometimes they are mad rude.
AS: What’s the last thing that you recommended to someone?
Eat with your mouth closed.
AS: [Finish the phrase] The rain makes me…
blossom as I await for the water that will plant future seeds. Does that make sense?
AS: Affirmative. Now a question from our homie Janine (we kinda lack the sophistication to come up w/ this one right here): As far as love as a concept and an inspiration – be it of self, friend, fam, mate, place – how does the sound of love manifest in your music? How does it paint the melodies? Are we zoning right now or does this make any sense to you?
I don’t think it does yet…I don’t think Ive fallen deeply in love enough to write love songs. Growing up the way I did just makes a person detached we will see though. My old songs had lots of mockery, jokes, history and sex but I really want to make love songs at least one. DJ Carli only listens to techno and italo so where our ears meet are in dancehall. My music is dark green black red and peach I would say.
AS: Now, we ask the “yo so when’s your album droppin’ son” question. So uh…when’s your album dropping son? And while we’re on typical questions (but we most certainly do want to know!!), what can we expect, both from the album and from you on a whole in ’09?
AS: Late ’09 hopefully. I’m hustlin’ with my brain man trynna zone out in my fantasy world I just want to make a dope record. I’m going to stay a bit low key now but in the fall spring next year you’ll be sick of me mohahah
Attorney Street Closer (drumroll for dramatic effect…):
What question has no one ever had the good sense to ask you? Think about it, and then answer your own question.
Do you love me or hate me? Both
ONE LOVE
Mapei on Garage TV (2007)
***
Purchase Cocoa Butter Diaries EP now on itunes
Main photo credit: Zach
We learned a couple of key things chatting it up with Spankrock recently for this latest Astreet feature: one, we learned who Spankrock is (you’ll have to keep reading to see what we mean by that exactly – in the meanwhile, we await the onslaught from music/hipster snobs). Secondly, we learned that not all artists like being interviewed, and will tell you as much, but are polite nonetheless – fair enough Naeem!
That being said, we managed to pry some info from the surprisingly soft-spoken artist concerning dookie ropes, the fine line between tight and too damn tight jeans, and more. Peep gizzame.
—–
AS: What are some of your favorite shows from your childhood? Who was a character that you always wanted to be?
Theo Huxtable
AS: You wanted to be Theo Huxtable???
He was such a fuck up!
AS: [You wanted to be him] when he had the shagback thing going or when he got that hair situation fixed up when he was older?
Yo everything with Theo Huxtable was just amazing. When Cockroach pierced his ear and his ear blew up?!
AS: Oh wow – that was the super obscure reference that I’m not getting, but I don’t doubt that it happened (laugh)
Aight! Now what do you think about the resurgence of dookie ropes. Do you think they’re still dope? Do you think they were dope, like, 2 months ago? Or do you think cats are being too nostalgic?
I’m not really into any sort of uber throwback copying genres. I think when you get people all psyched about the 80’s and all psyched about the 90’s I think it’s kinda corny. And when they’re all decked out in high top fades ‘n shit like that…(laughs)
But honestly, if Slick Rick walked in here with his dookie rope on I would think he’s the freshest dude alive.
AS: Is there a gauge as to how tight is too tight when it comes to jeans?
(laughs) I don’t know…I wear pretty tight jeans. I feel like if you can pull it off you can pull it off. But you know it’s kind of gross when you can see a dickline. (laughs)
AS: Pause!
So what brands are you feeling at the moment? Are you into streetwear? You feelin’ the 10 Deeps and that kind of stuff?
10 Deep’s kinda cool, [but] I haven’t really been doing too much streetwear right now, even though Mishka’s kinda hot too. But I’m trying to tone down everything. I’ve been wearing a lot of buttondowns lately.
AS: Oh, I forgot to ask you – this might be posted as an audio interview, would that be cool?
SR: Uh, yeah. I don’t think I’ve said anything embarrassing yet.
AS: (laughs) Yet! I’m working on it though.
“Dicklines” was close
AS: I paused it though! I think you good.
Aight, so my homie Cambridge wanted to know, if you could scream on anybody right now, who would you let have it and why?
Aw man…I think I would scream on Dick Cheney
AS: Interesting. What makes you say that?
Because he’s fucking shit up for not just me, but for the whole entire world. I think if you’re going to scream on anyone, you should scream on someone who is really having a strong impact on culture. I coulda picked some rapper…but [it would be more worthwhile to] scream on someone who has a strong influence on how we live our lives day to day.
AS: Were you a fan of the whole pen and pixel era of album covers? I was looking at the cover of the Bangers & Cash joint and it looks very No Limit/Master P mid-nineties. Was that an influence?
That was a slight influence. We definitely copied the 2 Live Crew, but then we rubbed in all the bling around it, [which is] very Master P. I remember when it first was coming out, I was like this is the most low budget thing I seen in my life! (laughs) But when Mos and Kweli did a knock off of it in the Blackstar artwork, that’s when I was like that style is actually kinda fresh.
AS: Aight, so I’ma be honest here. I’m a little confused in terms of membership. Is it yourself and XXXchange? Or is it more of a collective? Is there a main Wu-Tang and then there’s Killarmy and all these auxiliaries on the side? I’m putting my ignorance out there so that you can clarify.
Nah that’s a very good question. I’m not one to show off often, so I decided under the rap name Spankrock…I figured I would bring all my talented friends along, and these are people I’ve known over decades. So, it gets a little confusing because every time I did an interview or every time there was a photo op, I’d put my DJ’s Devlin & Darko in there, I’d put XXXchange in there – who definitely helped me really really define the sound of Spankrock. Even with The FADER cover, I was like “can I have Amanda [Blank] and Benny…” and they were like what the fuck are you talking about? No you can’t have all those people on the cover!
It’s important for me to support my friends, especially when they’re very talented and humble as well.
AS: Are you not working with XXXchange so much anymore? Are there new collabos on the horizon? What’s the current status?
Oh no XXXchange definitely has a huge, huge role in the next full length album. [As it turns out] every time you bring more attention to yourself you have other options to work with different people, but I can see him getting executive producer on the next record.
AS: What are some hobbies that you might have that people might not assume you have based on your style of music. Do you have a tennis club membership? Do you read up on thermodynamics at 8AM?
Um, I’m pretty obvious.
AS: (laughs) Is it a what you see is what you get kind of thing?
I be on the same bullshit I talk about.
—–
Bong Bong
Lost Valentinos – “17 Deaths”
Goose – “Bring It On” (The Knife Machine Remix) [exclusive]
Yeah – so Pat Santamaria from Lost Valentinos is now officially one of our favorite people. Oh, just in case you might not be up on them, here’s a quick rundown: ill indie band from Australia, was formerly called The Valentinos but was forced to change their name because of soul band Bobby Womack & The Valentinos, the picture above is not them, The Knife Machine is Pat & Jono from Lost Valentinos on their techno tip, and the Miles From Nowhere EP is now available on Kitsuné.
Whew! Dope. Introductions aside, Pat chatted it up with Attorney Street concerning style, the hot teacher at his school, y mucho mas compadres. Read on!
—–
AS: Firstly – are you a Wu-Tang fan by any chance? I only ask because you jokingly (I think) said “peace to the gods” in one of our email exchanges so I was just wondering. If so, which member would you say you are most like?
You caught me out there, I love the Wu. If Lost Valentinos were the Wu-Tang Clan, then that would make me the RZA.
AS: In a lot of what I was reading about the band, as well as what my own somewhat novice ears can pick up, you seem to have a very diverse range of influences. Name a few cats that you don’t mind saying “yeah we take a lil’ bit from them”
Well there are 5 of us in the band, and we’re all music lovers who could never stick to one genre, so I could be here all day talking about that. I think the main influences which make their way into our songs are Krautrock bands like CAN and neu, Manchester guys like Happy Mondays and Stone Roses. But we also grew up around grunge, so you can’t deny the influence of bands like Nirvana and Sonic Youth. Also, you can’t forget that electronic music, clubs and drugs have been a huge part of what we do since the beginning. I guess we’re kind of lucky that this strange combination of influences is somehow working.
AS: Give us a little background on the band. How did you guys all meet?
Well, Andrew is my brother so I guess we never really met. Nik is a childhood friend of ours who we’ve known forever. We all grew up together but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that we finally got our shit together and started a band. We met Jono (guitar) playing in another band and poached him. When he joined us things started to really take shape, and most recently Jonesy has joined as our latest and greatest drummer. For me, the most important thing in our band is friendship – we’ve been through a lot together already and it’s only going to get better
AS: What’s the dynamic like between Andrew and yourself? What was your childhood like? Tell us a bit about the neighborhood you grew up in.
Andrew and I have been really close as kids, it was definitely good to have a big brother going to an all boys school (that’s where I met Nik). We grew up in the suburbs of Sydney, (2.5 kids, a swimming pool and a dog) – It’s a really comfortable place that can easily suck you down into a void of mediocrity. We grew up with a lot of kids in our area, some I have stayed close to, and many others have fallen into living average lives which I find it difficult to be around. I guess we were lucky to have parents that really encouraged us to follow our dreams. They always said “It doesn’t matter what you want from life, as long as you go for it 100%.”
AS: Who would you say is the weirdest in the band and why?
Nik’s an alien. We always say he’s like that guy in Men In Black who has a little alien inside his head controlling his body. Sometimes he disappears for days on end. I can’t be sure, but I think he’s saving the galaxy from alien terrorists or something.
AS: Any bizarre experiences from being on tour i.e. impromptu genital stapling or thumb wrestling with little people?
Once we were on tour with our home boys Van She in the middle of nowhere and our hotel room got broken into. We came home to a fucking crime scene after our gig that night – it was horrible. We were doing some detective work, looking for clues and evidence etc, when we discovered a trail of stuff that had fallen out of our bags as they fled – spare guitar strings, odd socks, a shoe, etc etc. Anyway, to cut a long story short, the trail of “evidence” ended in a pool of blood and a severed pig’s foot. X-file.
AS: Tell us about the teacher that you wish made you into one of those “oh that poor boy that was taken advantage of” cases that we see on TV from time to time. Mine, was my spanish teacher. But that’s another conversation…
[Laughs] I remember when my English teacher went on “long service leave.” When she came back, she had the biggest breasts I’ve ever seen. I was 15. That was the end of my English education. I remember my best friend actually used to fall into trances staring at those things.
AS: In terms of fashion, how you would describe your style, starting with maybe junior high school and charting the evolution from there. Feel free to note any awkward experimentation with polkadots and lizard skin pants if you would like.
I can remember it was all about Reebok pumps and Nike Air Jordans when I was a kid. I used to beg my mum to buy me cool sneakers but she thought it was ridiculous to spend that kind of money on sports shoes. Everyone had them! Even if your parents were on welfare there was still money for Nikes. In early teens grunge became a big thing for me and I had to forget about basketball shoes, it was all about cut off army green pants, flannel shirts, long hair and converse all stars. Around this time I started playing in my first bands with friends, and I felt like image and identity was everything – You had to be like Kurt! I think I started to relax a bit by the end of high school and experiment with music outside of punk and grunge. That’s when I discovered Public enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, Run DMC and so on. Of course sneakers came back into my life and I must have gone through a million pairs of shell tops at that time. I was never a home boy but i’ve always had a problem with sneakers.
AS: Whose style do you think is dope?
Anyone who isn’t a sheep. I really like the way the Horrors have just come out of nowhere with their full on Nightmare Before Christmas vibe. That kind of audacity I will always respect. I really hate when people think they’re originators when really they’re imitators – Kanye West I’m looking at you!
AS: In your opinion, what are the best shoes/sneakers ever created?
Hmmmmmmm that is a very tough one, and many sneaker purists would disagree with me, but I equally like : Puma Clydes (because in beat street, my favourite movie ever, all the kids are rocking clydes and they looked fresher than fresh), Nike Air Max 90s (when I was a kid that air bubble was the most amazing things I’d ever seen); and Converse All Stars (the greatest classic of them all).
AS: What cliche phrase or contemporary slang are you currently sick of hearing?
“Dope on plastic.” Only because I can’t stop saying it myself and it sounds ridiculous.
**Attorney Street Closer**
AS: What question have you never been asked in an interview that you’ve always wanted to answer? Now feel free to let us know the question and the answer.
I’ve always thought it would be a really obvious thing to ask “What’s it like being in a band with your brother?” but until now no-one ever has asked me that. Also, you let me talk about sneakers, so you’ve covered everything. Peace to the gods!
—–
Bong Bong.
p.s.: can’t get enough? download the megamix promo from missingtoof, and cop the ep here.