Interview by C73
Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain:
There’s many ways to answer this question but generally speaking, no, Hip Hop has too many identities to be dead. It reinvents itself. In fact, Hip Hop is still saving lives on many levels or at least in my hood. So I guess it’s what hip hop identity you’re speaking of specifically. From my vantage point, it’s progressing on every level. “Creation Don’t Stop”
What is your vision of Hip Hop’s future?
Nobody’s buying CD’s and Vinyl is becoming extinct. We’re crossing into a new generation of downloading and iTunes. Hopefully, that levels the playing ground and independent artists can to tap into a broader audience. Marketing controls the masses so I don’t expect any dramatic changes.
Do you listen to other forms of music outside of Hip Hop, if yes WHAT?
Reggae, Jazz, classic rock, alternative, etc. More specifically, in the now, the White Stripes, Little Dragon, Junior Gong & John Legend to name a few. I have kids so it’s important to have diverse music taste to broaden your perspective. It’s like traveling without traveling. You don’t want to be stuck in your city listening to what the local stations spin. That’s what they want.
Who were your artistic/musical influences growing up?
Run DMC, The Doors, Ultramagnetics, De La Soul, NWA, George Clinton, Led Zeppelin, Freestyle Fellowship, Jimi Hendrix, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Egyptian Lover, Ice T and many others. That was in no specific order.
What is your music background?
Growing up with vinyl collectors and band musicians. 80’s child, so my background was the exploration of music culture evolving including MTV. That was the pivotal decade for hip hop.
How do you describe your music to people?
Depends on who I’m talking to and the project I’m pushing really. Generally, I’d say, its conscious hip hop with a message.
What image do you think your music conveys?
Heavy consciousness, reality/relationships and a lot of times… darkness. I’m working with different producers to give my music more color. I definitely write with more color and have some diverse songs but often attract producers that like the sound we’re doing. So it’s a bit of a catch 22. Example; you’re not going to approach Kool Keith to do a serious record; Right? If he did, I’m sure he could pull it off but just doesn’t seem like that’s what people want from him.
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
Grim. It’s all for capital gain. That means exploitation at any cost. So it’s no different from yesterday.
What inspires you to do what you do?
Life, maturation, working with new artists and traveling.
What project or projects are you currently working on? When will they be released?
I’m currently working with our in house producer Mascaria on 2 different records. “The Void” which should be available on iTunes by the time this interview is published. It is an abstract record we did that expands on our take of the concept – The Void. Mascaria produced all of the music and also shared half the lyrics with myself along with some other guest appearances.
“Resurgence” is the long awaited 3rd full length ‘E Times 2’ crew record which should be released late this year. It’s entirely produced by Mascaria. We’re excited about this record.
A self titled solo “Gel Roc” album; produced by Xzcircles from Escape Artists. Hopefully this year but, don’t want to compete with other releases so we’ll make that decision when it’s complete.
And a couple other projects that are supposed to get started. One with Awol One and myself. And another solo project produced by Deeskee and Joe Dub of La2thebay.com. Those 2 will probably be 2010 releases. As well as a lot of guest appearances on other peoples records.
If you had an opportunity to collaborate with ANY artist or artists (dead or alive) in ANY genre of music/art, who would you choose? And why?
Producers; George Clinton, Egyptian Lover & Prince Paul on one record. Because they’re all the sh*t!
Please check out Gel Roc @:
http://www.myspace.com/gelroc
