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underling at the real hip hop hour

The Real Hip-Hop Hour // 07.04.09 // Underling Exclusive

Alright guys, after a bit of hard times Underling have anounced that they are together and will continue doing music so I have invited them to com to the show for an interview. So dont miss The Real Hip Hop Hour on the 7th of April with Edinburgh band Underling.

Posted at 11:19, 1st April 2009

nine leaves interview: exclusive for the show

The Real Hip-Hop Hour // 17.03.09

This is an exclusive interview with New Jersey based hip-hop group Nine Leaves for The Real Hip Hop Hour. Make sure to check their tracks out in the episode aired on 17th March. This interview is taken with the groups lead MC Zack Hemsey and their manager Abran Maldonado on the 11th of March.

1) Although "Peace in Death" is your second album you are a relatively new group to most listeners so would you care to tell something more about the group and yourselves. Shape the image by how you want your group to be percieved by listeners.

ZH: Nine Leaves is a hybrid of hip-hop and dramatic / emotional music. There are no meaningless song concepts. Instead, listeners will always find purpose in the music - it's not that every song has a "message" or anything, but rather, that every song is expressing something specific. It may be a fictional narrative; it may be a re-telling of a true account; it may be a social commentary... Whatever it is, it's always engaging.

AM: I think listeners gravitate towards our music because of the emotional depth underlying each song. For the most part people don’t expect songs to strike a chord within them the way our music does. Our lyrics are vivid and poetic and unfortunately that’s a stark contrast from most music today, especially Hip-Hop, so when people hear our songs it usually stops them in their tracks. As if they’re hearing something that is more than just music but a message meant just for them.

ZH: Basically, we don't follow any formulas. When I write music, the only requirement on my part is that it moves me. If that means the song doesn't end up fitting into a nice radio format, then so be it. I'm not concerned with any of that.

2) How did you come about - when did u decide to form the group?

ZH: Without boring readers with too much detail, the basic story is that the lyricists of the group had been regularly working with each other, when Abe wound up hearing some of my music. He approached me with the proposition of working together to create a fusion of sorts. At the time, I knew nothing about rap music, and from the little that I had heard I was not a fan... but the concept intrigued me. And it didn't take long for these guys to expand my horizons so to speak, and for me to see that hip-hop can be just as diverse as any other genre.

AM: Nine years ago we were just kids realizing our abilities as emcees, we all had a true appreciation for lyricism and Emcees out there that mastered the craft. I met Zack and once I heard his music I knew that he had to be a part of our collective. As much as we all loved Hip-Hop, there was something special about the music he composed. Rap beats make me wanna write songs about the block and things of that nature, but Zack’s music makes you want to write songs about life, where I’m going and where I’ve been. His music had a similar affect on the rest of the crew, and the rest is history.

3) Your music has recieved many labels, what do you think is your place in the hip-hop world?Where do you take inspiration for the sound of your music?

ZH: I'm not entirely certain that our music belongs in the hip-hop categorization, believe it or not. Obviously, it is hip-hop... but the reason I say this is because there are such heavy stereotypes associated with hip-hop, and while they obviously don't apply to everything in the genre, the fact remains that before people even hear us, an assumption is made as to what we're about. But at the same time, where else would you put us? Pop? Experimental? To be honest, it doesn't really matter to me how people categorize us, nor is it important to me how we are perceived in the hip-hop community... all that matters is that people are open to something unique, and that our expression connects with listeners.

AM: I’ve seen Hip-Hop grow from the beginning and its very much a part of who I am as a person - the same goes for the other emcees…but the music we make is exactly that, just music. We’re not trying to make Hip-Hop. You hear those elements because it’s the language we speak as emcees and it’s in our roots. We are the evolution of Hip-Hop; we are the existence of Hip-Hop in a non-Hip-Hop realm. Hip-Hop is very compartmentalized and the tendency is to place a label on you to make sense of where you’re from or who you rep’, but the fact of the matter is that we don’t belong in any existing box in Hip-Hop… not with the underground cats, not with the conscious rappers, and definitely not with gangster rappers. But they all can relate to our songs and nod their heads just the same. We’ve essentially made our own lane and we’re cool with being different. Because at the end of the day…Real recognize real.

ZH: As far as what inspires us, that is different for each member. Personally, film score and heavy metal have been my biggest influences growing up (and still today). Composers like James Horner and Hans Zimmer, and bands such as Tool. I currently listen to a lot of Ray LaMontagne, and I think he might be the world's next messiah. I've also recently gotten into Colplay a lot too. But it's interesting that all of my biggest influences come from artists outside of hip-hop... I suppose that makes sense.

AM: Honestly, Zack’s compositions inspire me - they already have the emotion embedded within them. All we have to do is give the songs a voice and a means to articulate what you’re feeling when you hear the music. Real life has a funny way of showing up on paper though… What you’re going through in life always finds a way of dictating your music. Zack’s music doesn’t allow you to ignore your emotions - if anything, it brings them to the surface.

4) The tracks on your new album sound quite diferent from one another. What is the general message behind "Peace in Death"? How would you like the album to be remembered?

ZH: Yeah, the tracks off this album are quite varied, but they all work very cohesively with one another. The basic idea behind "Peace In Death" is that most things in life are out of one's control... there's nothing you can do to stop that hurricane from destroying everything in its path.. nor can you redirect the tornado that is headed for your house... nor can you stamp your feet and demand that the cancer that is consuming a loved one reverse its course. It doesn't have to refer to concepts as grand as these, but the essence of the idea is hopefully clear enough - it's being faced with something outside of your control and not being afraid to look it in the face.

AM: I’m not afraid to say this is a classic album and will be around for a long time. The concepts and messages transcend across boundaries and is appreciated by people young and old alike. The idea of being at peace with a death in your life, either literal or figurative, is a scary yet all too familiar concept, and it touches people around the world. These songs have the power to touch your life deeply, and music fans know you can never forget a song or album that has that affect on you. It stays with you forever…

5) Can you name some of your inspirations for taking up hip-hop as a field of expression?

AM: When you grow up with Hip-Hop in your life, it becomes very much a part of who you are as a person. For the emcees, a pen and a pad, and an instrumental were our only means of expression. Our styles as emcees come from a variety of influence. We all bring a different dynamic to the equation and we all have a great deal of respect for lyricists who take the art seriously, such as Jay-Z, Mos Def, Common, Pharaoh Monche, Black Thought, Lupe, Kanye and Aesop Rock. Ultimately, our drive comes from each other… We’re very competitive and try to beat each other out for spots on songs. We challenge each other and have high expectations of one another. It’s made us all better and we’ve all come into our own as men as well as songwriters.

ZH: Obviously for me, I come from a different place than the rest of the lyricists. But while I don't consider myself to be a part of hip-hop culture, I do obviously utilize its lyrical form of expression. It's quite ironic actually - a guy who never listened to or enjoyed rap music grows up to spearhead a hip-hop collective and winds up adopting a significant role as a lyricist himself. Life is certainly unpredictable... And the most poetic aspect of this is that the inspiration that led to me embracing this lyrical form of expression predominantly stems from the other lyricists of Nine Leaves... I was being inspired by their expression as we worked together in those first 5 or 6 years.

6) What is your opinion on mainstream hip-hop?Has it gone too far away from the true sound and purpose of this type of music? What would you name as real hip-hop?

AM: I think Mos Def said it best when he said Hip-Hop is the reflection of the people. If we’re at war then Hip-Hop is at war. If we’re materialistic and fixated on sex, money and drugs then the same can be said about Hip-Hop. Once we change our priorities for the better, then I assure you it will have a residual affect on Hip-Hop. Our music is the result of who we are as people. Hip-Hop is family to me and when you love someone unconditionally you learn to look past the phases they go through and accept them for who they really are. I know Hip-Hop all too well to be swayed by what’s going on right now… it will pass. Someone who’s caught my attention recently is Joell Ortiz - look out for him. You feel the essence of real Hip-Hop in all of his music; he brings me back…

ZH: I'll throw in my two cents here... I don't think one can attach an ultimate purpose to any genre of music. Music is music, and hip-hop is no exception. To me, the very definition of music entails only the basic requirement that it express something on the part of those performing and creating it. So, this is to say, that whatever one's opinion of mainstream hip-hop, it cannot be in virtue of some higher purpose beyond what I've just stated. It's purpose, or more accurately, the way it's being utilized may have changed significantly over the years, but that's to be expected... music evolves... cultures evolve...

7) Tell us more about your European tour - when and where?

AM: We're currently putting together a publicity tour throughout Europe, to be followed by a more extensive performance tour this fall. It's a little too early to pinpoint exact dates, but it will all get nailed down in the coming months.

8) Where do you guys see yourselves 5 years from now?

ZH: Hopefully in a position where I'm making more music. I've never been one for the life of the rich and famous, but I do hope that things progress such that I can continue to do what I do... that's really all I care about.

AM: This is what we’re meant to do, so this is what we should be doing. We should all hope to be secure, stable and self-sufficient, not only as artists but as businessmen.

9) How does your music reflect your lives? Do you support the notion that hip-hop should come from real-life experience?

AM: Most definitely, music should reflect life’s experiences, whether it is yours or an experience the listeners can relate to. I wrote “Apt. A9” not based on a personal experience, but based on an experience that is very real and heartfelt. The song wrote itself, and it felt like it was supposed to be written. There are some amazing storytellers in this group and we pride ourselves on being creative and imaginative, something I feel is missing in Hip-Hop today.

ZH: Everything a person creates comes from somewhere. The idea that one can create a body of work that doesn't stem from something inside of them I think is false. Yes, a person can create fictional accounts that seemingly have no basis in their real life experiences (as we have done in certain songs), but such conjecture is only possible, and will only be moving, as a result of something in the creator that connects with that conjecture. You know what I mean? There's no way around it... specifics may change, but emotion is consistent. So it's not that hip-hop, or music in general, should only talk about circumstances that actually happened to the writer in question, but rather, that the writer must empathize with those circumstances... because if he or she can do that, then it's the emotion that is driving the work, and that will always be genuine.

10) What is your opinion about hip-hop in the UK?

AM: It’s free of the many labels we deal with in the states, and it’s free to just be Hip-Hop. I’m feelin Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Roots Manuva, and of course M.I.A. People recognize the diversity within our group and I think it will be embraced in the UK along with our unique sound.

11) Finally can you tell our listeners why should they choose your album instead of any top 10 album?

AM: Simply put, you will never hear anything like it in your life. Its real music made for real people. Like I said before, this album will go down in history as a Hip-Hop classic, but most of all, it gives people hope to know that there are still artists out there who refuse to compromise their art for fame and fortune. We’re not concerned with fame, we just want to tell you a story…

ZH: I don't know that management will like my response to this question, but here it goes.... Listeners should choose whatever album moves them... if that means choosing another album to purchase instead of "Peace In Death", so be it... they have my blessing. This is not a contest, and I take no pleasure in the thought of individuals being coerced into picking an album up to find that they've been deceived. Now I'm being overly dramatic here, but the point remains the same... Here's where the listeners stand... If they want to play a CD that is going to make them smile from ear to ear, jump up and start dancing...and go across the street to their neighbor's house to tell them that they're great human beings and that they should come join the party taking place inside their house - then don't buy "Peace In Death". Similarly, if you're looking for that feel-good upbeat type of music, or music with a smooth and sultry vibe that you can put on in the background while you try to entice another person into having sex with you, then don't buy "Peace In Death". But.... if you want to have 59 minutes of music that will move you in ways that I can't actually predict...music that will expose feelings in you that you may not have realized were there....and music that will inspire and uplift you in unconventional ways... If that sounds like something you would want, then I say go out and pick up "Peace In Death" on iTunes or CD Baby, and then shoot me an email and let me know what you thought.

Posted at 15:51, 15th March 2009

have you got it???

One thing I want to launch from now on is my talent search. If you thing you have what it takes and tracks recorded at least on a semi-proffesional level or even better if u have an album out and want to promote it send samples to me (wow89@abv.bg) and if they match the concept of the show you will get your air time. Afterall with the best from the oldschool now gone,the roots retiring and most of the mainstream hip-hop being complete shit the world needs some real hip-hop so dont be shy, show'n'proove to your buddy Rad.

Posted at 16:18, 6th March 2009

the roots tribute episode

The Real Hip-Hop Hour // 10.03.09 // The Roots Tribute

Hey guys. As you might or might not have heard the legendary roots crew has officialy retired bringing an era in hip-hop to an end. In honor of their paramount carreer next weeks episode (17th of march) will be a full-hour tribute to the roots, airing some of their most notable tracks as my way of saying farewell to them,as well as a small bday present from me to myself :)

Posted at 16:15, 6th March 2009

before they were famous ep.2

The Real Hip-Hop Hour // 03.03.09 // Before They Were Famous 2

Since a lot of people enjoyed the first ed. of before they were famous this week I'm gona dedicated the whole show, once again, to tracks of some of the biggest names in hip-hop before they came to popularity. You will hear the baby steps of Lupe Fiasco, KRS ONE, Dr.Dre and others.

Posted at 11:24, 2nd March 2009

fm

Hey Guys! As you may know Subcity radio is going FM as of the 20th of February. The Real Hip Hop Hour remains at the same time so now you can all choose whether to listen on-line or via our FM frequency. For the next month I have prepared only the best of hip-hop for you to enjoy.

Posted at 09:27, 23rd February 2009

january news

First things first: The Real Hip-Hop Hour likes to extend its holiday greetings, wishing you all a Happy New Year and may 2009 be a better one for you in every aspect of life.As everything the holidays have an end to and now its time for second semester to start and with it the return of The Real Hip-Hop Hour.Unofortunately I would not be able to make it to glasgow in time for the first scheduled episode for 2009 (13th Jan) and would sadly have to skip it.Having said that The Real Hip-Hop Hours' regularly scheduled programm will return a week later pn the 20th og January with an episode entitled "Before They Were Famous" with the tittle speakin for itself.I hope you enjoy it and the rest of the good hip-hop,and guest appearances I have coming for you in 2009.

Posted at 08:52, 6th January 2009

next weeks ep. - on the down side

The Real Hip-Hop Hour // 25.11.08 // On The Down Side..

Next tuesday The Real Hip Hop Hour will be givin you the other side of hip-hop.It is not all about cars and bling you know.Hip-hop can be very dark and sad an that is only because it represents a reflective image of life itself......

Posted at 00:03, 23rd November 2008