Introducing… Roc Beatz

Hip Hop is international, baby. When a Canadian (DJ Chong Wizard) hooks up with an Italian (Roc Beatz) to remix some of New York’s Boot Camp Clik’s best tracks, you know it’s gone global. Producer Roc Beatz is definitely on the come up after the much talked about Tonz of Gunz (Boot Camp Clik Remixes) mixtape [listen here] hit the Net a couple of weeks ago. We had the chance to catch up with Roc and learn what he’s all about. Check it out…

Where You Reppin:
I rep Venice, Italy. The real one with the water, canals, big rats and all, no Vegas casino shit. Ancient traditions, new issues, immigration, locals who don’t like change. Tensions between old aristocrats and young cats from diverse backgrounds. In Italy everything is on a different scale but there are parallels with the US. The cool thing is that Hip Hop has reached every corner of the world, from Detroit to small towns on the Mediterranean. It’s all about your state of mind. The strength of this culture is truly incredible.

Introduce Yourself:
Matteo Roc Beatz aka Dj Shocca. 30 yrs old. 100% dedicated to that thick, wholesome sound. Funky beats straight out of an Emu SP and Akai. The good old way. Soul samples and bastard bass loops. Love to dig to find the top. It’s the cure when I am sad or pissed, find and steal sound from obscure, wonderful records. My crew is Unlimited Struggle Fam, we drop bombs that never fail, we have something to say, no bullshit, no ass kissing. The Hip Hop market in Italyis so small that going mainstream it’s not even worth it. You end up getting screwed with nothing in your pocket.

Current projects we should be looking out for:
I have this mixtape with Chong Wizard where I remix bombs by Boot Camp Clik, no mercy. Smif N Wessun participated with the hosting and also dropped an exclusive joint, which was great. Last year I produced Edo G and Special Teamz (“Classical”). In Italy I am always on the move with the best MCs in the game, tapes, album cuts and singles. Take a listen to what we do down here – you’ll be surprised. Some of our producers are no worse than the best US beatmakers. Big ups to my partner Frank Siciliano, Don Joe and Shablo.

Main musical inspirations:
Primo and Pete Rock, for sure. The whole East Coast sound of the 90′s has influenced me, as it did for one million other European producers. I think the way US producers do things these days hasn’t really worked in Europe, it doesn’t belong to us. Here people love that dirty, gritty booming sound. Club music here is no crunk, but Electro House etc. In underground clubs you still hear Large Pro, Hi Tek, Khrisys, Kev Brown, Lord Finesse, Alchemist. You know the others right?

If you had to pick one song that defines your career to date, what song would that be?
I think the intro for my first Italian record: 60 hz with a loop taken from Pink Floyd and cuts that fully describe who I am. We have used the same beat on Tonz Of Gunz, for the Crystal Stair remix. A sample full of struggle and hard rocking drums. That’s it.

Why should the readers and fans give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?
Because I proudly represent a certain type of sound and attitude that people are losing, a vibe that is hard to convey. Most times today’s boom bap beats have that nasty throwback, sound like they are imitating themselves. How did we get here?

What’s next for you?
I want to work more and more in the States and produce bombs for people like Termanology, Evidence, Bootcamp. Hit me up! This is the Hip Hop I love and what motivates me to make beats. As far as Italy is concerned, I have just launched our label to release monthly bombs in limited edition with incredible packages, special prints and T-Shirts to fully support digital distribution.

Desert Island Hip Hop: If you could only take one record on a deserted island with you, what album would that be?
Jeru – Wrath Of The Math

Any shout outs or last words?
Big shouts and respect to Chong W mixmaster champ, D’Angelo from 159 (mastermind behind this muthafucka), you and your blog, precious source of info and music not reviewed in printed HH media. Check www.unlimitedstruggle.com in a few days for new beats, songs and videos from my camp. For more info and collabos shoot an email to D’Angelo (en@159management.com).

• myspace.com/rocbeatz