Artist Spotlight: Tek (of Smif-N-Wessun)

With the release of Tonz of Gunz [The Bootcamp Clik Remixes] [read] last week, we had the opportunity to catch up with one half of the Boot Camp Clik’s Smif-N-Wessun — Tek. Tek is gearing up for the release of his solo LP 24Kt Smoke next month, so we talked about that, his other half General Steele, the current state of hip hop, and a new Smif-N-Wessun album on the horizon. You’ll never guess who’s producing the whole thing! Tek’s a real interested dude and this interview is a great read. Check it after the cut…

What’s up Tek? What’s good with you?

Tek: Ayo what it do. I’m blessed. How are you?

Good man, thanks for asking. Both you and Steele are releasing solo albums this year. Why did you both decide to go solo? Are there things that you wanted to do as a solo artist that you couldn’t do with Steele?

Tek: First and foremost we did not go separate ways. We are still a group, Smif N Wessun. He has a solo album and I have 5 mix CDs. That’s all and no its never something we can’t do as a team.

The name of your new album is 24kt Smoke. Tell us who you worked with and what type of sound/content we can expect from it? How is it different from past Smiff-N-Wessun/Boot Camp Clik releases?

Tek: Yeah 24kt Smoke is all me. Of course I have my brother Steele on it and a few other artists like B.O.B, FREEWAY & JACK FROST my Philly fam.

What’d you think of Steele’s new album?

Tek: I love Steele’s new album. I been told him he should have done it. My Brother goes in fo real.

What was your involvement with the new Tonz of Gunz mixtape? Can you talk about what went into the project?

Tek: The Tonz of Gunz mixtape was fun. We hosted it. My man Chong hit me up asked if I wanted to do it. So, I jumped on it.

How did Roc Beatz do on the remixes? Would you consider him an honorary Boot Camp Clik member now?

Tek: Roc Beatz did his thang and of course he now a full fledged Boot Campion.

You’ve been in the game for sometime what keeps you going….what motivates you to contiue to make music?

Tek: Yeah I have been in the game for a good run. What motivates me is my thirst and quest to do bigger n better thangs, songs, collabs, travel, my hunger for new money and of course my family. Its like being the first one out of your fam to go to college and graduate. Its a honor plus I’m still a student and fan of good timeless music.

Is there a new Smiff-N-Wesson album on the horizon. And if so when can we expect it, what label is it dropping on, etc?

Tek: Yes a new Smif N Wessun album is in the works. It will be a full length album entirely produced by the Choc Boy Wonder, Pete Rock of course released on Duck Down my dude.

That sounds really dope. Who are you feeling in the rap game right now?

Tek: Its a lot of people out there doin they thang and a lot that ain’t. I just enjoy great music be it hiphop, R&B, Rock, Soul, Gospel, Techno, Ballads, Jazz or whatever its all hoodie.

Alright, I’m going to name a few up and coming rappers and get your take on them. Just say whatever comes to mind: Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, Wale, B.O.B. or Bobby Ray, Charles Hamliton, Drake.

Tek: B.O.B, Wale and Drake. I’m fans of their music. I also heard Kid, Asher and Charles. I have nothing against none of the names you named. They each swerve and swagg in there own lane. I would do a collab with any of them.

What do yo like about Hip Hop now? What do you dislike?

Tek: I still love the music as a whole from performing it, to writing it, and living it. The Business is really all I dislike bout it. Oh and I love the perks that come along with it.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what one hip hop album would you want with you?

Tek: Stranded on a island? Are you serious? I wouldn’t want no fuckin Hip Hop album or any album for that matter. I’d want to get my ass off of there and to where ever my ass belongs. No damn album. Shit, which album would you want?

LMAO… ok, I feel you on that… What’s next for you? Any other projects we should know about?

Tek: Stay busy doin 160 in my lane. Yeah go get my whole collection of mix CDs. That UGP joint and my brother Steele’s album WELCOME 2 BUCKTOWN and keep supporting that whole Duck Down movement. We really appreciate it.

Yo, thanks for taking time to chill with us. Any closing words?

Tek: It’s all hoodie. WE HERE STILL SHININ!!! BIG UP KENNETH MONTGOMERY!!!!!