Saturday 26 December 2009

Hip-Hop just got a bit more mischievous!





What's good Hip-Hop heads! Hope you had a good Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or just had a good time with the fam! The HipHopInformant had an amazing time with my people down in Egypt, trust me if you havent been you HAVE to go!

So, back to the Interview. I got in contact with my people down at audible treats, and we organised an Interview ahead of the release of their new album "Montezuma's Revenge" available on Feb 2nd on Hiero Imperium Records.

The HipHopInformant caught up with the pioneers of Hip-Hop to talk about, Hip-Hop today and what Souls Of Mischief have been up to. Check it!

HipHopInformant: How did you all get into Hip-Hop?

Tajai: We just grew up with it. It was something that was new, fresh and exciting when we were kids and we gravitated towards it.

HipHopInformant: What are your views on Hip-Hop at this moment?

Tajai: Hip-hop is experiencing a "hair band" or "disco" phase. It is being co-opted by the mainstream and a lot if vultures are in it for the money rather than for the love.

HipHopInformant: Has Hip-Hop changed since you got started in the industry, how has it changed?

Tajai: It is a lot more popular and reflective of corporate interests. It still spawns great music though!

HipHopInformant: Tell me about Montezuma’s revenge, how did you come up with the album name?

Tajai: We recorded the album on a street called Montezuma in Northern California. Plus we are in Hieroglyphics and from California, so the Aztec hieroglyphs and imagery are right up our alley.

HipHopInformant: You worked with Prince Paul, how was it working with him?

A-Plus: of course it was definitely an honor to work with a legend. He's a master at what he does. It was a great learning experience.

HipHopInformant: Does your music have a message, if so what is it?

A-Plus: No one particular message. We just keep it original, and in our format we can talk about anything, so there's not just one particular thing. We just make sure we have our own sound, and our own style, and aren't copying anybody else. We're just doing our own thing. But as far as a particular message, there is no one message.

HipHopInformant: If you had to list your top 10 hip-hop artists of all time who would they be and why?

A-Plus: I have favorites from every era, and it's way more than just ten. When I first heard The Message, that's when I decided I was going to be an emcee. I've been listening to hip-hop since '79 and I've had favorites throughout that whole time. It's difficult to just pick ten without leaving people out and it just doesn't feel right.

HipHopInformant: How would you describe your sound to people who haven’t heard you before?

Opio: That's a hard one. We definitely work with a lot different styles in the rap patterns. A complex, highly stylized lyrical style. Musically, we tend to lean toward more melodic beats – melodies and harmonies within the musical backdrop.

HipHopInformant: Critics have already said that Montezuma’s revenge is an instant classic that will go down next to “’93 Till Infinity” and “Focus”, how do you feel about that?

Opio: I feel like that's a blessing. I always try to stay humble and don't go toward the accolades. I can deal with constructive criticism, but avoid haters. Working with Prince Paul on the record, it had potential to be one of our greatest, if not our greatest record. I know people look at '93 'Til Infinity as a classic, but with Prince Paul this is on that level too. If people listen to it with open ears I think they'll realize it really is on that level.

HipHopInformant: Tell me a bit about what you’ve been up to, how was the tour? (Are you coming to the UK anytime soon? Can I get VIP Tickets lol)

Phesto: Just been working as well as getting re-acclimated with being home. Whenever you tour Europe and come home and just hit the ground running it takes a little time to read just. Time difference and everything makes it a little rough but it's a blessing. We will be back in UK in February of next year. Just hit us up for the list.

HipHopInformant: How did the name Souls Of Mischief come about?

Phesto: At the time we were all young and into a bunch of different things. Hip Hop being our common denominator, but also we used to get into a lot of mischief nothing really too malicious. When your young you have a lot of energy. If you find a conduit in which to direct that energy, positively, you can accomplish some good things when you really put your mind to it. For us hip hop is that conduit. We always said we like to reek havoc (make mischief) on the microphone and that's sort of where the name came about.

HipHopInformant: What does the future hold for Souls Of Mischief?

Phesto: I'm influenced by all music. Even music I don't particularly like drives me to want create an alternative. True musicians are fans of music in general and we do this because love music from a fans standpoint as well as from someone who creates it.

HipHopInformant: Are there any artists that influence you and your music?

Phesto: I think in the future we plan to keep doing what we've been doing. Putting out good music, touring and touring and putting out more music. Whether it's Souls or our solo projects or Hiero as a whole. We have a lot more to give because we are constantly growing as artist and have really just scratched the surface as far as what we can accomplish.







3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well I like have make mischief too :P, and i would like VIP tickets. Great review, keep up the great work.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

its also good theyhave their own style and don't copy other artists, like commercial artists do