Alright Ladies and Gents. This is the last installment, loaded with great pieces of information. This episode starts off with a conversation with Nicolay regarding his possible pursuits of a Soul Survivor-esque and he delves deep into the “Valleys” one can run into if that album was attempted. Of course, we flip the tables on Phonte and ask him about a possible solo album with a dream team of producers. There is hope that both will eventually drop their own pieces like that. It’s crazy because here we hear Phonte say that he’s on a Premier track with Royce. WHAT. Speaking of Premier, we talk about him (it’s me… why wouldn’t we?) and his influence on Nic’s production style. Gangstarr came into the discussion and so did Guru’s most recent “Fastlane” track. Of course, Phonte and Nic both drop their thoughts on that record…it’s pretty funny stuff.
Once again, we are back with yet another one. With this heat rock, we dig in with one of KevinNottingham.com’s most popular posts, Phonte’s Top 15 Rap Performances [read here]. We get to dig in on my Phonte overdose for a bit and get to talk to P and Nic about what their favourite Phonte verses are and their opinions on the list. Moreover, we flip the switch and talk to Phonte about what his favourite Nicolay beats are and what Nic’s personal favourites are. The best part of the interview comes when it gets noted that Phonte actually had his chance to take on various Nic beats that either ended up on another Nic album or other albums i.e. EMC’s “What It Stands For.” Phonte on that beat? Damn. Lastly, we talk briefly about Nicolay’s creation of “Nautilus,” [check out his recreation here] comparing it to the original, the creation of it, and their favourite use of that sample. Enjoy.
A very, VERY touchy subject: Sampling. What we do on KevinNottingham.com is compile samples from classic albums or even modern classics, and put all the old joints out there for people to enjoy. Frankly, the question is raised on many occasions: “is it right?” Everyone will have their two cents. Here, Nicolay and Phonte drop their opinions on the situation and what sites like a KevinNottingham.com or a HipHopIsRead.com do. While the challenge should be raised to “find it yourself,” both artists seem to understand the meaning of what we are trying to do. Moreover, Phonte talks about a favourite sample of his, “Light My Fire” by the Free Design, and how a producer flipped the hell out of it. Nic further talks about using live instrumentation verses using a sample, and how a good sample really can’t be ignored. Indeed, a very critical part in this series. What up Keezy!
Ah, part 2 of the great series. One of my favourite moments of the whole shindig, where Phonte and Nic talk about the very interesting, romantic, and symbol-filled album covers of Connected and Leave It All Behind. A great part of the conversation comes with Phonte talking about one’s interpretation of one of his joints, hilarious ish. The guys also talk about what they “left behind” (baggy jeans according to Nic!) and go in depth with each topic. I also ask Nic about his album name connections from (T)Here to Time:Line, etc, and why they have have this distancing connotation to them. Essentially, we get inside the head of the artist away from the actual music and more behind the context about the product they are putting out.
Be on the look out for clip 3 coming up soon! And check out part 1, if you missed it. Peeeace
What you guys are about to experience is one hell of an interview. I’ve done my fair share of phone and email interviews, this is one I got to do in the most private and quiet of circumstances. Thanks to Aimee for setting this all up, she’s a gem (representing Nicolay Music) and thanks to Phonte and Nic for contributing a good amount of their time to drop some great answers. Over the next few days we’ll be dropping interview segments between myself (the brown dude talking), Keezy (the camera man), Phonte, and Nicolay. Thanks to Keezy for contributing his time and his camera for helping us out (big shouts to the Real Frequency!).
With that said, I’m super excited for all of this and for you guys to hear some of the juiciest of juicy details we have in store. An Elzhi, Phonte, Drake collaboration? Royce, Phonte, and Premier? What?! The meaning of the Leave It all Behind Cover and the origins of Connected? Phonte’s favourite Nic beat and Nic’s favourite Tay verse? So many great questions matched with equally interesting answers. So be on the lookout and stay tuned to KevinNottingham.com and the Real Frequency blog.
In part one, I ask the guys about the origins of the internet relationship and the uniqueness behind it compared to working in studio with another artist. Tay tells us about his musical endeavors and how Nic helped make those goals possible. I also venture into talks about blogs and the dudes let us know what they keep up on on the internet.
