As a freelance journalist, I’ve been fortunate to develop solid relationships with seriously talented artists. Black Silver is without a doubt one of those artists that I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. Check it out and spread this info:
C73: You’ve always and still have dropped some of the dopest projects I’ve heard in a minute. You also seem to perfectly pick complimentary artists to work with. Please explain the process in creating this sort of vibe and what’s your mind frame like in the studio with these other artists.
Black Silver: Whenever I record with other artists I visualize the outcome prior to even giving them a call to see if they are interested. Recently I’ve been focused on collabs that haven’t been done and will still mesh conceptually.
C73: I meant it when I wrote in the review of “Slang Banging (Return to Analog)” that you were/are a severely underrated emcee. What has stopped you from conforming and selling out and writing about the same stuff that everyone else is spittin’?
Black Silver: I’ve never been the average MC. However I have some records out there that some would say are an attempt to sell out or are not real Hip-Hop. To me it just establishes my well-rounded ability and flexibility as an MC. I have been referred to as underrated so much in my career that at this point as long as people still feel that way I’m doing my job.
C73: I don’t know if you’ve been asked this ad nauseam, but why was there no Ice-T on this project and why was there only one track featuring Kool Keith?
Black Silver: Simply because it’s a Silver Synth LP, not an official Analog Brothers project. Every body that participated still believes in the Analog Brothers legacy. Whoever was not involved are most likely on some other sh*t.
C73: Kiew Nikon, like yourself, is an underrated lyricist as many know, what is it like working with him and how did you guys become friends?
Black Silver: Kiew is like a brother first. We met by chance when I was on tour and my telephone was tripping. I called my service provider to resolve the issue and he was in the management department. He reached out on a personal note later and we became friends since he had previously been a fan of The Analog Brothers. Over the years I got so many requests to put out some new Analog material and getting everybody involved was a headache so I just did me. Adding Kiew to the circle was just a no brainer.
C73: Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain:
Black Silver: No, Hip-Hop isn’t dead, it never died, and it will never. Unfortunately Hip-Hop suffers just as much from these so called Hip-Hop purist who feel like if it doesn’t sound like it dropped in 1995 it’s not real Hip-Hop and are to closed minded to allow room for it to grow as it does from the actual garbage being put out by all of these band wagon monkey see monkey do types.
C73: What is your vision of Hip Hop’s future?
Black Silver: Skies the limit. As long as there are creative individuals out there who are dedicated to making a consistent flow of music. We will be just fine.
C73: Do you listen to other forms of music outside of Hip Hop, if yes WHAT?
Black Silver: Of course. Let’s just say I can’t get into Country. My list of listening pleasures is very extensive.
C73: Whom were your artistic/musical influences growing up?
Black Silver: Prince, Michael Jackson, Sade, James Brown, Dr. Dre, Afrika Bambaattaa, Barry White, Hiroshima and the list goes on…
C73: What is your music background?
Black Silver: My first involvement with Hip-Hop in general was when I was like 11 when I got my first DJ set and simultaneously started break dancing. I later taught myself how to play keyboards by ear as a necessity for production purposes.
C73: How do you describe your music to people?
Black Silver: I don’t. I just push play or hand them a CD.
C73: What image do you think your music conveys?
Black Silver: Thought provoking, Positivity and fun. Definitely a creative angle. Not the run of the mill. Something you need to listen to a few times before you categorize it.
C73: What’s your outlook on the music/recording industry today?
Black Silver: As far as the industry goes it’s almost non-existent to an artist of my caliber because everyday I’m finding new ways to re-invent or re-establish my brand. I don’t deal with a quarterly report or schedule; I don’t have someone handling marketing and promotions so I can focus on what I need to do as an artist. Basically I’m my own industry in a sense.
C73: What inspires you to do what you do?
Black Silver: My fans. Putting food and clothes on my family’s back. Waking up with the GOD given ability and talent.
C73: What project or projects are you currently working on? When will they be released?
Black Silver: I’m working out the details for another Silver Synth LP as we speak. I have a new group project I’m working on. [Undisclosed for now] A new EP from myself and Ras Kass. My new solo “Forbidden Slanguage.” My new mixed tape “Coffee Shop Millionaires” and another tentative EP with producer Kwantize.
C73: If you had an opportunity to collaborate with ANY artist or artists (dead or alive) in ANY genre of music/art, whom would you choose? And why?
Black Silver: Refer to my list of inspirations…
*** Head to http://blacksilver.bandcamp.com/album/slang-banging-return-to-analog-feat-kiew-kurzweil to pick his latest releases and other solid material. ***
