Interview by C73
Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain:
After the term was put out there I used to think it was, but the more I analyzed what was going on, it’s fine. What is dead in my opinion is talent, or the lack of talent being recognized. You gotta “grease somebody’s pole”, to get on. It’s sad when originality is considered wack and biting is part of what hip hop does; when it wasn’t about that, when the God fathers started it.
What is your vision of Hip Hop’s future?
Hip Hop is in a destroy/rebuild phase. Being that the music is so young compared to other genres; I see it going the way of rock and roll where now we are getting different types of music from the same foundation. In a few more years everyone is going to have their own lane or place in Hip Hops’ sub genres (ex. Underground, Southern Bounce, Horrorcore, Emo, etc). Artists, better get your live show on point tho’ ‘cause music is free now.
Do you listen to other forms of music outside of Hip Hop, if yes WHAT?
I used to listen to Rock and Death Metal, I vibe out to Soul mostly.
Who were your artistic/musical influences growing up?
Kool Moe Dee, Rakim, Nas, Mobb Deep, Da Youngstas and Shyheim are big reasons why I rap today. BCC, Wu, The Hiero Crew, Krs-1, DITC, Pete Rock and many more (you know all the typical influences).
What is your music background?
I just rap and occasionally make beats, I pretty much learned everything I know now on my own; music is beautiful like that sometimes.
How do you describe your music to people?
My music is real, it’s me. Nothing is really exaggerated beside the typical ego rap. Its music I personally like to listen to so, it is made it that way
What image do you think your music conveys?
It depends on the song honestly. Every joint is a different picture. One day I may want to talk about an ex-girlfriend, the next time I write I might talk about having fun at the bar, and the next time I might have no set plan to what’s goin’ on the page and just spit out random thoughts. I may have a grand vision for what I do but it’s up to the listener to interpret the concepts and ideas in their own way.
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
The record industry is in a transition period. Artists are realizing they don’t need labels to get on. Labels are making the artist do everything now before they give them a contract. No company is trying to actively make an artist unless they are already established. I see digital media becoming the norm and these companies just putting stock in websites that they have investments in.
What inspires you to do what you do?
When someone comes up to me I don’t know and tells me I’m dope, other musicians, and life in general.
What project or projects are you currently working on? When will they be released?
I just released my album “Zombie Skool” which can be bought physically through my MySpace page (www.myspace.com/shinobistalin) or www.cdbaby.com/shinobistalin and digitally on itunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody. I am working on the next album “The Invisible Man” which will be finished when… I finish it ha-ha. The Vets of Kin mixtape (some old tracks we never put out will be out soon). J Biz and I are working on an album together. The BeatMinistry Vol 2 compilation is underway.
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?
In the Hip Hop realm I would probably go with Primo and Pete Rock. Their production has had such a strong impact on my musical makeup. As an emcee there are not too many producers that artist want to work with. Personally, these two guys are the greatest at the sound I like. Rappers to collab with, I would have to say I would have loved to do a joint with Big L (RIP). As a youngster I always wanted to do a song with Shyheim and A+ and name it “Generation Next” but, that was like 13 years ago ha-ha. Buckshot is definitely up there on the list with Nas.
To hear and purchase Shinobi Stalin’s epic debut “Zombie Skool”, check out:
