HipHop.com.au Interview with Double K

Interview by: Flagrant

Date: 2004

Flagrant talks to 1/2 of People Under The Stairs

How did you guys form?
Double K: We formed thru the love of music. I was DJing with this guy and he hooked us up to make some beats together - 1995.

How did you hook up with OM records?
Double K: They heard the album we did and were digging the songs on and through a connection in London, they got in touch with us and offered us a nice deal and we took it. It all sprouted from there.

OM isnt really known for being a straight hip hop label, why did you decide to go with them?
Double K: We were hungry and wanted to do our music, make some cheese and get exposed. We weren't worried about the other music that was already on the label, we just wanted to make our music.

What equiment are you using?
Double K: I use the 2000 and Thes uses the 3000. I started on the SP1200.

What do you think about hip hop producers at the moment?
Double K: I think everyone is coming with something new. There are a lot of producers out there, but unfortunately there are a lot producers that are coming with the same thing that's been done. There are some that have their own sound like 36MAFIA cats who are bringing back that westcoast flavor and as much as I don't listen to the Neptunes, they have their own sound. Theres a lot of guys with their own sound like Madlib and Jay Dee etc.

What MC's are you feeling at the moment?
Double K: I havent been paying attention to MC's right now, I've just been listening to a lot of old music. I couldn't even tell you who's fresh right now. I still listen to O.C. and Big L.

There is talk of an underground movement to release as much quality product as possible to try and balance out the crap that's being released. Do you feel you are part of that movement?
Double K: Yeah definitely man. We are definitely trying to flood the masses with what we're putting out and what other people are putting out. Like that old hardcore shit with the hard drums and fresh basslines. We're definitely a part of that.

How long did it take to make Or Stay Tuned?
Double K: That had a lot of old songs from the last two albums. It was basically compiling old songs with a few new ones. So it didn't take too long.

Are you guys going to be touring at all?
Double K: Hopefully we will be coming to Australia and let you know we're still here. Last time we came to Australia was lovely.

Did you hear any Australian hip hop while you were here?
Double K: Yeah and I was digging it. I can't remember the groups that I heard but it was some good stuff man.

Do you have a favorite track on Or Stay Tuned?
Double K: Mine is Outrun man. That was recorded for O.S.T.

So are you working on any other projects at the moment?
Double K: Yeah man I got my crew I'm working with like Brotherload and DJ Spliff. We're all working on stuff with people in the neighbourhood.

What would a day in the studio consist of for you?
Double K: A lot of laughing, joking, some drinking, some smoking and just hanging out which brings good vibes. Its just a big party man, that's how we do it.

With the fame you have received from working with PUTS, do you feel that you are still the same person? Do you still roll in the same circles?
Double K: No matter how big I get, I going to be the same person. I've been kickin it with the same dudes that I came up with. A lot of people let that fame take over and they become a whole new person. I'm still a human being and I'm always going to be.

Do you think you guys will ever work with an outside producer?
Double K: Nah, I'm trying to do everything in house. One of my favorite groups is the Beatnuts and they have done every beat on their joints and Pete Rock never let anyone make any beats on his album.