I first encountered Hoverock Records in 2005 when they released their seminal compilation “Kite Crucifix Beyond: Valium 1.” Since then they have had a few releases but, coming into 2011, they will release a myriad of projects. I had an opportunity to interview Kems of Hoverock and here’s what he had to say:
Please state your name, and what you’re involved in?
My name is Carlito Brigante aka KEMS. I’m involved in a lot of stupidity, but I’m guessing your more interested in some rap exploits. I’m currently co-owner of Hoverock Records with my pleasantly plump homie PFM. In addition to that I DJ at various spots in South Florida and occasionally around the country.
What drew you into this field and how long have you been actively involved?
My first exposure to rap was from my uncle Al who used to DJ from time to time when he was younger. He used to get all the new music and mixtapes and that was really all the push I needed. Since then I’ve been involved in all types of local rap crews, including one with some kids named Chris and E. After that, the DJ bug hit and the even the occasional production may come out. I would say that this has now spanned just under 20 years of real serious dedication to one or several elements.
Where does the name Hoverock come from and how did it start?<!–
Hoverock was a name that my partner PFM actually came up with. It simply means a elevated music and the logo of a lamb with a push pin in its forehead is simply a play on us as a collective of musicians and creative people trying to lobotomize the sheep-follower mentality of the average music listener. We’re hoping to provide something different for the “sheep” to consume than the stuff that they’re force fed. I guess we’re like the cage-free chickens of the rap game.
Hoverock was actually started by a few other cats in 2005 by PFM, JES The Universual and TSE. Eventually JES went on to start his own label called Paramanu and I joined the crew. A few years later TSE decided to simply focus on being an artist for Hoverock and since then the label has been run by PFM and myself. Everyone is still cool with everyone, and none of it was ever based on animosity.
Who were your artistic/musical influences growing up?
Growing up most if not all of my artistic and musical influences were hip-hop based. I was such a hip-hop head that when I was a kid and in the late 80’s and early 90’s (yes I’m that old) there was so much variety in hip-hop that it really monopolized a lot of music listening. So I guess it would start off with the standard list of Rakim, Gang Starr, P.E., BDP, PRT, EPMD and all of the other masters with acronyms for names.
While in high school I began to get open to other kinds of music such as soul, jazz, punk rock, funk, etc. Becoming a DJ and digging for all the original samples really opened my mind up. Ever since then it really has just been a progression and then influences now are really countless and seem to change every few years or so. Right now I’m really on my jazz grind. Who knows where this beautiful journey will take me next.
So tell us about the JestoneArt album that’s been in the works and who other than Jest was involved?
As you know, Jestoneart is a really dope MC from Brooklyn who is part of the Atoms Family Crew which consists /or at one time has consisted of several underground heavy hitters like Alaska, Cannibal Ox, Cryptic One, and WindnBreeze to name a few. I got connected with him through my homegirl Alba and we agreed to have Hoverock put out a few of his projects specifically the stuff that he has done as TheParadoxicalState.
TheParadoxicalState consists of Jestoneart, Esq. and DekoyOkt. Jestoneart is the MC and DekoyOkt handles the production duties. The first album that was actually recorded circa 2000/2001 is titled Dark City and is available as a free download. You can visit www.pstate.bandcamp.com for the science. The free download is being used as an introduction to those not up on TheParadoxicalState and also to create a buzz for the recently completed LP entitled Dark City Dos (Dub Sessions) which will be out in the summer of 2011 on Hoverock Records. The vinyl is in the process being pressed as we speak and will also be available digitally at all digital music retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, etc. Both records are absolute heat and we’re really proud to be able to help put this music out.
There aren’t too many guest spots on each record, but some of the heads that made the cut are Alaska (on Dark City), Lord Basis and F.A.T.A.L.E. (on Dark City Dos).
Hoverock also has a new music project that’s about to drop, explain what that project’s about?
Immediately following the release of Dark City Dos, Hoverock will be releasing the Pomegranate Sunset LP from PFM and Iron Ora. This album features PFM and Iron Ora as MC’s and Iron Ora almost exclusively on the production. As you may know from our previous releases both of these cats can really hold shit down on the mic and this will really be the first time people hear the “jazzy” side of Iron Ora’s production which is a huge departure from his days in BDS with fellow Hoverock artist Orion Pax. Additionally, this project was executive produced by the homie Lumin which brings the quality of this release to another level. This is another banger that we can’t wait to put out but being that we are still small we have to move efficiently and more importantly successfully to ensure that we get both of these projects out. Heads ain’t ready……
Who are some of the artists and contributors on the label?
The roster of artists is small and we like it that way. The fam consists of PFM, Iron Ora, Lumin, Orion Pax, Astrea Corp., TSE, TheParadoxicalState, DJ Manipulator and myself when I’m not being a lazy bum.
How many releases have the Hoverock camp gotten out there?
To date we haven’t put out as much as we would have liked to but this is all going to change in the very near future. We’ve had 4 official releases so far. Our first release was entitled Kite Crucifix Beyond: Valium One and was a compilation basically made to introduce heads to the squad.
Our second release was a project from PFM and DJ Manipulator entitled Kill Ugly Remix and essentially was a bunch of really dope remixes that DJ Manipulator made of songs that PFM had in the crates. Kind of backwards since almost none the PFM tracks had been released, but if we made sense people wouldn’t think we were weird.
Our third release was a digital release of an instrumental project by PFM entitled DJ Planetarium & The Planetarium Funk Metronomes In A Whole New World Unlike Our Own. I know it’s the worst title ever, but the shit has banging beats throughout and more importantly allowed PFM to spread his wings sonically since he didn’t necessarily have to cater the beat to himself or another MC. He really showcases his versatility while keeping it fly.
Our latest release is a digi-single by TheParadoxicalState which includes 2 tracks (That Night / Holdin) from the Dark City Dos LP and a song that is exclusive to the digi-single entitle Prophet which features Lord Basis. Shit is banging all the way around and highly recommended. I’m sayin tho.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I really don’t have some fancy answer to give you man except that I love this music and it’s really my passion and the ability to be able to provide something else for consumption that can spread some light on sectors of the rap game that aren’t really getting any shine is really reason enough. Essentially come f*&% with us.
10. What future projects does Hoverock Records have coming up?
Honestly, there are a few things in the work, including some music by Hoverock’s only band The Astrea Corp and possibly some Orion Pax stuff, but you’ve been made privy to enough fly sh*t for one interview. With that said, thanks for showing us love once again. Tune in to www.hoverock.com for all info pertaining to the label and the crew. Easy.
interview conducted by C73
SHIT YEAH!