HHP Exclusive Interview: John Robinson

I had the opportunity  to send a few questions by John Robinson for an interview. If you don’t know who he is, you are missing out. JR is a dope NY emcee that has been rocking the mic steady for over ten years. He represents real hip hop, none of that “Soulja Boy off in this hoe!” shit you hear on the radio. Check him out…

So for those readers on the blog who aren’t fully acquainted with you yet, could you give us a brief description of yourself?

JR: Yes, Indeed Peace to all the readers out there in the virtual world. My name is John Robinson aka Lil Sci of the Scienz of life crew! I have been professionally releasing substance and integrity Hip Hop independently for over a decade. I have worked with the likes of MF DOOM, J Rawls, Madlib, Talib Kweli, and many others during my journey. The best way to put you all in tune with who John Robinson truly is check the discography here.

 I have always wondered about the meaning(s) of your stage name(s). Where did you get Lil Sci and are “Lil Sci” and “John Robinson” meant to represent separate personas?

JR: Lil Sci or Lil Scienz describes my style of rhyming and approach to doing music. I spoon feed the masses by giving them want they want, so that they will want what i have to give. It means “A little bit of science at a time”. John Robinson on the other hand is my given name that I recently decided to begin using professionally in my music career. DOOM actually was the one to inspire me using my real name to do music. Now he is here for all of you to bear witness “John Robinson”!

The main distinction is Lil Sci rhymes in a live and direct fashion usually whether on stage or in the studio. John Robinson rhymes with more of a personable tone. He rhymes to the entire world one person at a time.

 I Am Not For Sale sounds great from what I have heard so far, I look forward to buying that. While making the album what was the main message that you wanted to get across to readers?

JR: First off thanks for your praises, kind words and support. My main message with “I Am Not For Sale” is that this music is sooo much bigger than money and record sales and all that other biz and politics. Music saves lives and inspires people to do things that they probably would not have before coming to certain realizations, so with this title I took a stand saying “I Am Not For Sale” you can’t buy my soul nor will I compromise my integrity or my perspective for commercial gain period.

 What do you make of the current state of hip hop? Do you think hip hop is dead?

JR: Hip Hop will never truly DIE! The energy that is has been creative from will exist forever, it is boundless! My take on the state of the culture is pretty straight forward. I don’t hate everything this is being played on the mainstream level. I just feel that there is a huge lack of balance of the sound and perspective that closely represents the principles that have been put in place since the foundation was layed by the wise pioneers of this culture in the South East Bronx, NY 34 years ago now. KRS said it best “We will be here forever!”

 Who were you supporting in this year’s election?

JR: OBAMA all the way man. I can’t remember the last time we actually had a candidate in place in the running that feels as articulate, intelligent, charismatic, knowledgeable and more inspiring than right now! This is truly history right before our eyes! Let’s change the world yall!

 I know you have worked with some great producers like MF Doom and Flying Lotus, who was your favorite so far and who is one producer you might want to work with in the future?

JR: Hard to truly pick a favorite but if I had to it would be my brother and partner in Scienz of Life – I.D. 4 Windz! The chemistry we have naturally is unmatched in terms of how we are able to work together and although it hasn’t been displayed much in my other works outside of Scienz of Life definitely stay tuned to hear a lot more gems!!!

Now don’t get me wrong though all the producers I work with give their own unique level of brilliance. Especially Flying Lotus he has this young inspirational insight that he shares when we build and work together that makes it feel automatic. I know we have a lot more work to accomplish in the near future! DOOM lends another form of insight and perspective that is full of experience on many levels from writing, to delivery, to word choice and cadence on down to the outlook of the approach on the mic to the people. Definitely learned a great deal about my craft from DOOM and it has helped me become a better writer in the last several years.

 While you were growing up, who were some of your biggest musical influences?

JR: This list is soooooooo long man! I will just name a small amount that comes to mind!
Stevie Wonder, Brand Nubian, KRS, SLick Rick, Chaka Kahn, Anita Baker, Miles and Trane, Charlie Parker, Archie Shepp, J Dilla, and sooooo many more… this list is boundless!

 What tracks/artists are getting heavy play for you right now?

JR: Lately I have been listening to a lot of old school Reggae Roots! Stone love vibes like Beres Hammond, Freddie Macgregor and Dennis Brown. also a great deal of Soul music like Patrice Rushen, Bobby Womack, Stevie, Anita and Sade.

Just hear the new Q Tip Renaissance album and I love it! Tip is definitely Repping the realness. Straight up grown man substance and integrity for the people!!!

A huge thanks goes out to John Robinson for taking the time to answer a few questions for us. Make sure to check out his latest release I Am Not For Sale.

JR’s Myspace Page

HHP Exclusive Interview: Now On

 

Hey what up Now On this is Mookie from TheHipHopost.com, for those
unfortunate readers who aren’t aquatinted with you guys, could you give us
a brief description of the group and your style?

Jackson – What’s good homey. Yes, you said it, those “unfortunate” readers haha. We’re Now On, the transcendent, post-futuristic, experimental music group hailing from the small town just 30 miles west of Detroit in great state of Michigan, currently residing in the metropolis known as Los Angeles, which we call home. Now On is comprised of DJ Haircut, IX Lives and Jackson Perry. Our music is soulful, electronic and probably not like anything you’ve heard before.

 How and when did Now On officially form?

Haircut – We formed circa 2004 – originally as a collaborative project
between two different groups. It worked so well, we decided to make it a
permanent thing.

 Are there specific artists that have influenced your music?

IX Lives- We definitely have specific influences. My biggest musical
influence is my Pops ,who was an original member of The Dramatics. The dope
thing about being a part of Now On is that we each have a unique set of
influences that fit together when we sit down to create. That is a key part
in the development of our sound.

 Ultimately, what did you want people to come away with after listening to Tomorrow Already?

Haircut – Hopefully they had fun. Fun is important. And I think almost
anyone who listens to the new album will agree that it’s different. We
wanted people to feel like they knew us after hearing it.

 When you are not writing or recording, what are you guys’ favorite pastimes?

Jackson – Running A-Side Worldwide. Living The New ModelT. Meditation,
eating bomb foods, working out, celebration, new business endeavors. Grown
man games.

Haircut – diggin for records, cooking, baking, eating, travelling.

IX Lives- Art, Grilling, Basketball(watching NBA or playing), Digging up
records, Building with the crew.

 Who were each of you supporting in this year’s election?

Jackson – Obama, although it must be noted that I don’t associate with any
political party.

Haircut – I’m voting for Obama – but the important thing is that I’m
voting.

IX Lives- Obama

 What would you guys say is your genre or classification as musicians?

I would say experimental Hip-Hop. I mean, the truth of the matter is that
we make Hip-Hop music, although we can’t name a single group in Hip-Hop that
we sound like. In that sense, it’s just music. It’s genre-defying and
genre-defining. It’s very New ModelT.

 I know that on Tomorrow Already you worked with some pretty renowned
producers such as Jake One and The Lab Techs. Which producer was your
favorite to work with?

Haircut – 14KT (pick up his new album “The Golden Hour”!)

 I noticed a lot of different things going on in the covers. Can you give
us some insight on the representations or meanings of the background in
each cover?

Overall the covers represent change, the passing of time, movement into the
future, letting go of the past, celebration, fun, and beauty of the human
race. There are a lot of meaningful symbols in each cover, but it’s up to
you to interpret them.

Huge thanks to Now On for taking some time out of their busy schedules to answer these questions with us. Props to Stephanie!

Check out more from Now On Here

HHP Review Of Now On’s 2008 Release, Tomorrow Already

HHP Exclusive Interview: Sha Stimuli

I had the chance to get up with Sha Stimuli for a quick online interview. From what he wrote dude seems mad cool, check it out…

TravisD: What up Sha Stimuli this is Travis from TheHipHopost.com, for those readers who aren’t familiar with you, could you give us a brief description of you and your musical style?

Sha: Well describing me is kind of tough. I’m not really someone that can be defined too simply but some would say I have a conversational style that sounds more like I’m talking to people rather than rapping. Maybe it’s because I don’t listen to too much rap anymore or maybe it’s because I’m inspired by Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder just as much as Biggie and Big Daddy Kane. I always try to make people feel what I’m saying to them and that is where my name comes from.

TD: What is going on right now in the life of Sha Stimuli?

Sha: Sha’s life is interesting because he only exists part of the time. Mostly in the studio and on stage he appears and right now he just completed Vs. The World, a new cd dropping this week and the election edition of March On Washington dropping November 18th on Traffic records. I am currently writing a script and a book and deciding what moves to make next since I set myself up to drop 12 cds this year. It’s been pretty fun and scary. I’ve been doing a lot of interviews and talking to a few labels but mostly i’ve just been planning. I took a break from recording to focus on how I’m going to market this EP called Never or Now. Other than that just shooting guns, selling drugs and boning chicks like the normal rapper stuff…i’m joking.

TD: I recently learned that you had the honor of being in the studio for the recording of arguably hip hop’s greatest album, Ready To Die, how would you describe that experience?

Sha: It was a great experience for me. I was into being an artist but at the time I just wanted to get better. Hearing and seeing Big work made me comfortable just being a fan of music. Big was amazing to me, his wordplay, his modesty and his work ethic was nuts. I remember him picking out beats for what I thought would be his demo from my brother’s tape. Some of those records really just stuck with me and reminded me that rap was highly influential.

TD: Who are you supporting in this year’s election? Any particular reasons?

Sha: I’m a fan of Obama for his views towards the American family. Well I shouldn’t say I’m a fan but I support him. I think a black president would be wonderful for the country to show its growth but we still have a bunch of hurdles to go before racism is buried. I don’t get caught up in much politics because i’m not the most knowledgeable when it comes to the government policies. But I am a human that believes in God so this election to me isnt as big on a spiritual level. I can get behind a candidate that may fight for some things that will make my life easier but in the grand scheme of things I have to take responsibility for my own actions and deal with whatever life throws me. Obama isnt paying my bills. Unless he wants to then I would gladly become his friend and support him.

TD: I have read a couple of your bios and saw some hints that you play basketball, be real, can you ball?

Sha: Be real? lol. I cannot tell a lie, I was decent in high school, ok in junior college, I went to Delaware state after juco and decided I didn’t love the game anymore. Now I try to play a few times a week and i’m not as good as I was but I can still run and jump and play defense. I’m gonna film some of my hoop dream moments and broadcast em to the world. Let the people decide.

TD: Do you have any projects in the works that we should know about?

Sha: I think I mentioned most of them, just be on the lookout for me. Next year I hope to drop official LPs Cinderella Man and if everything works out Thee Emotion Picture that was supposed to come out when I signed to Virgin records 3 years ago.

TD: Other than Biggie, who were some other artists that were big influences for you when you were growing up?

Sha: Big Daddy Kane, Lauryn Hill, Masta Ace, my brother Lord Digga and Nasir Jones.

TD: Do you have any close friends in the industry?

Sha: Nah I dont have any friends. I’m not even cool with my family. Well DJ Victorious and I work well together on these CDs i’ve been dropping so we’re almost friends now. I’m cool with a few producers, I speak to some rap guys from time to time but all my friends that I do business with end up disappearing if the biz dont work out. I’m not too fond of that. I think i might just get a dog…or a cat. Yea, cats are cool.

TD: What tracks/artists are getting heavy play with you right now?

Sha: T.I, Jazmine Sullivan, I still play Gnarls Barkley and umm my Hotter Than July Stevie Wonder tribute is back in rotation. It just made The Source magazine too.

Thanks Man

Travis D

HHP Exclusive Interview: Granite State

Had the chance to hit up Granite State, a dope hip hop group out of New Hampshire, for an online interview. Check it out…

TravisDubz (Me): Hey glad to have you here BUgs. For those who aren’t fully acquainted with Granite State, could you tell us a little bit about yourself or the group?

buGS: Well there’s a lot of history behind the group but for a long story short we’re a family of hip hop music fans that evolved into the sound you hear today.

If you’re reading this and don’t know shit about us, i’d suggest you check the myspace page and click through songs; you might like it, you might hate it but you will respect it ’cause honestly, its honesty, and we’re pushing ourselves and the sound to the limits everyday.

TravisDubz: What is the typical day on tour for you guys?

buGS: Typical day?… Well i can’t really say, everyday is something new. one day we could be writing, recording, mixing, another day we could be practicing, and performing, or another we could be running around trying to handle our business. one things for sure though, we stay working.

TravisDubz: If you were to describe Granite State’s sound and style in one word, what would it be?

buGS: Intense

TravisDubz: I know you guys have worked with some amazing producers, Who was your favorite producer to work with?

buGS: I think our favorite producer(s) of all time to work with is a tie between, D.C. The MIDI Alien and Statik Selektah. the energy these guys bring to the table is unmatched plus there’s a comfortable factor because we’re all family.

TravisDubz: I hate to say it, but New Hampshire isn’t exactly Brooklyn in terms of affiliation and popularity in hip hop. Are you proud to rep the NH?

buGS: We can’t say that we’re not proud to rep where we’re from, without that we wouldn’t have the sound we have. Its been harder for us to get it out though because people tend to have a misconception of where hip hop should come from.

TravisDubz: Who were some of your biggest musical influences when you were growing up?

buGS: Anything and everything. We use wack muthafuckas as fuel and dope muthafuckas as inspiration.

TravisDubz: I saw on your blog that you are an Entourage fan. Yo, don’t even get me started, gotta ask, what do you think will happen to Vince now that Medeiin crashed and burned?

buGS: Ha, well the last episode looked promising. Vinnie will get back on top and the season is shaping up to highlight E’s career more; should be interesting to get that point of view. They need to get Billy Walsh back on there though, he’s the man. On a side note- yo you know they gotta put a Granite State joint on that show though.

TravisDubz: So since we are in election year, who are you supporting and why?

buGS: To be honest there’s only one dude worth looking at and its Obama. i’m not much into politics but from what ive heard he seems to speak my language.

TravisDubz: Last question, what tracks/artists are getting heavy rotation on your playlist right now?

buGS: At this second i’m listening to a lot of different shit but mostly, honestly, just GS. i was rockin out to The Wombats last night; they’re dope.

TravisDubz:Thanks BuGS, hope to hear more from you soon.

buGS: Goods looks on the interview! shout out to the whole TRAP! Be on the lookout for East Coast Avengers and our album The RE:Public dropping soon…

Granite State 2006 album ‘Breaking Point’- Click Here
Granite State Last FM Page- Click Here

And If Ya Don’t Know, Know Ya Know Nigga

HHP Exclusive Interview: Buff1

I had a chance to get up with Buff1 (Of The Athletic Mic League) for an online interview. Hit the jump to check it out…

T Dub: What do you think about the current state of mainstream hip hop? In your eyes, is hip hop dead?

Buff: Hip Hop is not dead. We just have to put in a little more effort to find whats good and to get good product out to the people. The good stuff isn’t bein forced down our throat like some other stuff, but its out there, just gotta find it. And thats not to say that all mainstream stuff is wack. There’s just as much wack non-mainstream stuff as there is wack mainstream.

T Dub: So now you have worked both solo and in a group. Which do you prefer?

Buff: I prefer them both, haha! Group because you can chill sometimes and work still gets done, solo because its all on you whether its wack or not. I like that pressure too.

T Dub: It’s election year!! Who are you supporting and why?

Buff: Barack Obama because he was not involved in the Keating 5 savings and loan scandal (unlike John McCain) in the late 80s and early 90s which helped lead to this financial crisis that we’re in right now. Amongst other things…

T Dub: As a kid growing up, who were some of your biggest influences?

Buff: Michael Jackson, NWA, Outkast, Nas, Common, Biggie, Heiro, The Roots, Geto Boys, MC Breed, just to name a few.

T Dub: While recording There’s Only One, did you ever think about the possibility of it not being as well received as your debut, Pure?

Buff: Yeah, I thought about how people would receive it because people can be closed minded when it comes to hip hop and “sophomore” albums. But at no point did I actually think it wouldn’t be as good or better.

T Dub: Do you pride yourself in being a “vet on the mic”, or is it a title you wish you could shake?

Buff: I take pride in it. If you’re a vet that means you’ve been making good music for a long time.

T Dub: What tracks/artists are you listening to currently?

Buff: Hmmm, Danny Brown, Santogold, Now On, T.I., Kenna, Giovanca, Hanne Hukkleberg, Raphael Saadiq, just to name a few.

Thanks Buff1

Check out Buff1’s 2008 release There’s Only One

Buff1’s MySpace 

HHP Exclusive Interview: GemStones

You might know GemStones as the Chicago based artist that is closely affiliated with Lupe Fiasco and has featured on many of his songs. The truth is, GemStones is carving a name for himself in the industry right now. I had the chance to hit him up via MySpace for a quick interview…

T Dub: What’s up Gemstones I know your busy but thanks for taking the time to do this, first of all, I have read on various places that you are not officially a rapper but rather an entertainer, what separates you?

Gem: Because I rap and sing at a level that no one is doing it in the music business right now.

T Dub: Who were some artists who heavily influenced you when you were growing up?

Gem: Jodeci, Spice-1, Notorious B.I.G, Tupac, MC Eight, Ice Cube, Bushwick Bill, Dave Hollister, Carl Thomas, and Ceelo Green…he inspires me now.

T Dub: I understand that you have been closely affiliated with Lupe Fiasco and are signed to his label, what is the relationship like between you two?

Gem: It’s love…its all love. He’s a great guy to work with in the studio, he pushes me as hard as I push him. He’s a nice guy to work with.

T Dub: The buzz around you keeps growing with each feature and even more with each mixtape. So, any hints on anything in the works?

Gem: This new album Troubles of the World, thats due to drop in early 2009 and one more mixtape Chicago 60617.

T Dub: Who are you supporting in this year’s election and why?

Gem: I’m supporting Obama because he’s black and from Chicago.

T Dub: What track(s) are getting heavy rotation on your playlist right now?

Gem: Gnarls Barkley, Gnarls Barkley, Gnarls Barkley!

GamStones’ Wiki Page
GemStones’ MySpace Page

Thanks to GemStones.

And a Special Thanks To KayCee for hooking this up

HHP Exclusive Interview: Wordsworth

eMC is a four man group of rappers led by Masta Ace. They came together far an album, The Show (Wiki), which was released in march of this year. That album has to be in the top five most overlooked albums of 2008. 

I had the chance to conduct a quick online interview with Wordsworth of eMC…

What up Wordsworth, thanks for doing this like I said I’m a big fan of your work. Here are the questions…

T Dub: Who were some of your influences when you were growing up?

Words: My cousin Elliot, his freestyle skills, Run-DMC, Kool G Rap, KRS-One,
and Eric B. and Rakim.

T Dub:  You have worked with some pretty renowned producers like, Da Beatminerz, DJ Static, and Ayatollah. Out of all of the producers you have worked with, who was your favorite?

Words: It would be between Curt Gowdy and Da Beatminerz because the time I spend with them making the records isn’t limited. I don’t just get the track and keep it moving, I actually go to their house and build on the song.

T Dub: You have released albums both as solo and group projects, which is an easier process?

Words: Solo is easier, you don’t have to worry about no one else’s view. You can write a song and be done with it, you don’t have to wait on no one else to write. Group wise you have less to write but various opinions.

T Dub: The members of eMC have been collaborating for years, but when and how did the group officially form?

Words: The group officially formed in 2005 after a good response for a song 4 brothers.

T Dub: So I saw your “battle” with George Bush video, thought it was a great concept, but while we are on the topic, who are you supporting in this years election?

Words: I’m supporting Obama because I agree with his stance on the war, healthcare, helping the common man and his propositions of actually correcting this flawed government.

T Dub: The Show is based on a day in the life of eMC while touring, although I know it can be a tiring experience, do you enjoy it? If so, what is your favorite part? If not, why?

Yeah I enjoy it, because you realize someone shares your views around the world. My favorite part is being on stage, allowing people to see you live that have only heard your music.

T Dub: Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Check out eMC Here (MySpace)

Check out Wordsworth Here (MySpace)

“And If Ya Don’t Know, Now Ya Know, Nigga”