TT Torrez of iPower 921 Radio interviews Sheek. Louch talks to fans, speaks on Puff, Obama, future plans and of course the new album "Silverback Gorilla" (OUT NOW lol...cop that immediately!)
Part. 1
Performance
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Monday, 24 March 2008
[Video] Sheek talks with MTV’s Mixtape Monday
[Video] Sheek talks with MTV’s Mixtape Monday
I hope you all had a enjoyable easter weekend!
Heres Sheek talking with MTV’s Mixtape Monday about the success of his smash single "Good Love", the upcoming star studded remix & how the D-Block/Dipset joint came together. Make sure you go out pick up "Silverback Gorilla".
..
..MTV..Music Videos..MTV Shows..Entertainment News
"Fresh off the plane, into the Bent!" Is it safe to say that "Good Love" is probably going to be the biggest solo record Sheek Louch has ever done? We think so.
"It’s different," he told us with a grin. "I’m doing what I do. I’m boppin’ and it’s a feel-good record. It’s dope, man. Betty Wright [who is sampled on the song] is the truth. [Fans] from the midlife and on is gonna be like, ’Wow.’ The young boys is gonna be like, ’He’s killin’ it because of what he’s saying and how he’s stopping, and the beat is pausing.’ I’m not afraid to do that because [the people] know what we do in the streets already.
"I get the chicks. I get the chicks," he added. "I’m not saying [Jadakiss] and [Styles P.] don’t, but I get some chicks. They on me, baby. Get off me, ladies! So I tried it and said, ’Let me see what’s poppin’.’ It worked. This ’Good Love’ record, I’ve been getting calls everywhere saying this record is crazy from my thugs to the ladies. It’s feeling great. From here to the U.K., they spinning it crazy."
Sheek’s Silverback Gorilla was released last week, and he’s already in the middle of putting together a star-studded remix to "Good Love" with some platinum artists. Elsewhere on the album, he brought his D-Block faction together with the Diplomats for the first time on "D-Block/Dipset."
"Styles brought [Jim Jones] in here in the studio and said, ’Listen to this.’ At the time — this is how far back it goes — he brought him in to do the ’Kiss Your Ass Goodbye’ remix, and he happened to get on this. He said, ’This is gonna be nuts.’ That’s how it happened. I had the hook I had already laid out. That’s how it went down. We sat on it, and he brought one of his new guys in, which is Hell Rell. Kiss said, ’I’m getting on this.’ "
If you ever are lucky enough to visit Mixtape Monday’s secret hideout (we’re actually located three blocks down from the Legion of Doom lair and two miles north of Parts Unknown), you’ll hear us banging Silverback’s "Don’t Be Them." ...
I hope you all had a enjoyable easter weekend!
Heres Sheek talking with MTV’s Mixtape Monday about the success of his smash single "Good Love", the upcoming star studded remix & how the D-Block/Dipset joint came together. Make sure you go out pick up "Silverback Gorilla".
..
..MTV..Music Videos..MTV Shows..Entertainment News
"Fresh off the plane, into the Bent!" Is it safe to say that "Good Love" is probably going to be the biggest solo record Sheek Louch has ever done? We think so.
"It’s different," he told us with a grin. "I’m doing what I do. I’m boppin’ and it’s a feel-good record. It’s dope, man. Betty Wright [who is sampled on the song] is the truth. [Fans] from the midlife and on is gonna be like, ’Wow.’ The young boys is gonna be like, ’He’s killin’ it because of what he’s saying and how he’s stopping, and the beat is pausing.’ I’m not afraid to do that because [the people] know what we do in the streets already.
"I get the chicks. I get the chicks," he added. "I’m not saying [Jadakiss] and [Styles P.] don’t, but I get some chicks. They on me, baby. Get off me, ladies! So I tried it and said, ’Let me see what’s poppin’.’ It worked. This ’Good Love’ record, I’ve been getting calls everywhere saying this record is crazy from my thugs to the ladies. It’s feeling great. From here to the U.K., they spinning it crazy."
Sheek’s Silverback Gorilla was released last week, and he’s already in the middle of putting together a star-studded remix to "Good Love" with some platinum artists. Elsewhere on the album, he brought his D-Block faction together with the Diplomats for the first time on "D-Block/Dipset."
"Styles brought [Jim Jones] in here in the studio and said, ’Listen to this.’ At the time — this is how far back it goes — he brought him in to do the ’Kiss Your Ass Goodbye’ remix, and he happened to get on this. He said, ’This is gonna be nuts.’ That’s how it happened. I had the hook I had already laid out. That’s how it went down. We sat on it, and he brought one of his new guys in, which is Hell Rell. Kiss said, ’I’m getting on this.’ "
If you ever are lucky enough to visit Mixtape Monday’s secret hideout (we’re actually located three blocks down from the Legion of Doom lair and two miles north of Parts Unknown), you’ll hear us banging Silverback’s "Don’t Be Them." ...
Thursday, 20 March 2008
[Video] Vinny Idol Interview with Bronxrap.com
Bronxrap.com BigDee Exclusive Interview with the "King of Beats" Vinny Idol
[News] Sheek on Rap City today with guest host Styles P (5pm ET/PT)
D-Block takes over Rap City as Styles P guest hosts and Sheek stops by today @ 5 p.m. (ET/PT). Check it out!
[Video] Sheek Louch - Rap City Freestyle
Sheek was todays guest on Rap City hosted by S.P. Heres the booth freestyle! Bully up in there too.
Sheeks video "Good Love" is getting regular rotation on BET’s rap city and now he’s made the number 10 spot on 106&Park!! Shout out to those who been voting. To cast your vote for the video click HERE
SILVERBACK GORILLA OUT NOW!!!
Sheeks video "Good Love" is getting regular rotation on BET’s rap city and now he’s made the number 10 spot on 106&Park!! Shout out to those who been voting. To cast your vote for the video click HERE
SILVERBACK GORILLA OUT NOW!!!
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
[News] Def Jam A&R Sheds Light On Jadakiss Album
Def Jam has long been known as the hub for Hip Hop releases. With the industry dealing with tough times selling records, the label’s A&R sheds some light on new releases and lingering issues.
"Things at Def Jam are looking great," Lenny S said to HipHopDX. "We signed Jadakiss to Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam so that’s coming, we have another Fabolous album, another Young Jeezy album coming. And another Ghostface album by the end of the year."
One of the more interesting deals has to do with Jadakiss signing with Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam. Many are curious what to expected from Jada’s Def Jam debut.
"It’s hot! No seriously it is," Lenny jokes. "We’re like 8 songs deep. He’s been working in D-Block studios in Yonkers knocking out joints. He knows what he’s doing so it’s not like a daily hands on over the shoulder kind of thing."
"It’s hard. It’s definitely hard and it’s definitely street," he continues "You won’t hear anything out of the ordinary. He’s got a record on there called ’Letter To B.I.G.’ and he’s telling B.I.G. everything that has happened since he’s been gone. Very hot."
There’s no firm release date on the album as of yet but expect it to be coming late spring/early summer.
Dunno if everyone saw Kiss’ Come Up DVD or remembers but he mentioned the ’Letter To B.I.G.’ track in the juice bar...
"Dear Christopher "Frank White" Wallace, yeah its ya boy ’Kiss i jus wanna holla"
cant wait for that!
...oh yeah "SILVERBACK GORILLA" out NOW...cop that!
"Things at Def Jam are looking great," Lenny S said to HipHopDX. "We signed Jadakiss to Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam so that’s coming, we have another Fabolous album, another Young Jeezy album coming. And another Ghostface album by the end of the year."
One of the more interesting deals has to do with Jadakiss signing with Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam. Many are curious what to expected from Jada’s Def Jam debut.
"It’s hot! No seriously it is," Lenny jokes. "We’re like 8 songs deep. He’s been working in D-Block studios in Yonkers knocking out joints. He knows what he’s doing so it’s not like a daily hands on over the shoulder kind of thing."
"It’s hard. It’s definitely hard and it’s definitely street," he continues "You won’t hear anything out of the ordinary. He’s got a record on there called ’Letter To B.I.G.’ and he’s telling B.I.G. everything that has happened since he’s been gone. Very hot."
There’s no firm release date on the album as of yet but expect it to be coming late spring/early summer.
Dunno if everyone saw Kiss’ Come Up DVD or remembers but he mentioned the ’Letter To B.I.G.’ track in the juice bar...
"Dear Christopher "Frank White" Wallace, yeah its ya boy ’Kiss i jus wanna holla"
cant wait for that!
...oh yeah "SILVERBACK GORILLA" out NOW...cop that!
SILVERBACK GORILLA INSTORES TODAY!! | New Sheek Bombin’ Mag video interview
The 18th has finally come around & sees the release of Sheeks 3rd solo album "Silverback Gorilla", go support by picking that album up.
Heres a new interview by Bombin’ Magazine with Sheek, alot of topics are covered from the new album to the the situation between Fat Joe & Papoose.
PART 1
PART 2
Monday, 17 March 2008
[LISTEN] New music from Sheek & Styles P
A few new D-Block joints off the latest Big Mike tape...enjoy.
Styles P - This The Life (sounds like an unreleased track, reminds me of some 02/03 Holiday shyt)
Sheek Louch freestyle 1
Sheek Louch freestyle 2
Don’t forget that Sheek Louch album "Silverback Gorilla" is out tomorrow, go out pick that up!
Styles P - This The Life (sounds like an unreleased track, reminds me of some 02/03 Holiday shyt)
Sheek Louch freestyle 1
Sheek Louch freestyle 2
Don’t forget that Sheek Louch album "Silverback Gorilla" is out tomorrow, go out pick that up!
[INFO/TRAILER]How To Be An MC/Phantom Ent 354 DVD - D-Block/Dipset...(Available Now)
The Long awaited How To Be An Mc/Phantom Entertainment 354 DVD
Dipset/D-Block
Featuring Jewelz Santana, Styles P, Jadakiss, Poobs, Diamond formerly of Crime Mob, Jody Breeze, Lil John, Chary Ary of D-Block Latino, Jr Writer, 40 Cal, Hell Rell, Duke Da God, Buck of the Black Desperado’s Hemi, RMG, ME aka the Maine Event, J Skaytz, King Tuh, Ferenzikz, Tony Bone, Mon Pill, Paid N Cash, Snyp Life, Hard Whyte,Large Amounts of D-Block, B.E.Z.
TRAILER
The How To Be An Mc DVD is now available online at the Gangster Chronicles Store...
Sunday, 16 March 2008
[Interview] Sheek - Exclusive Q&A with Rhapsody.com [Responds to Prodigys comments]
Exclusive: Sheek Louch Q&A
One of music’s greatest triumphs is when an artist comes out with a totally left-field song that actually works. Sheek Louch, who’s always been known as the enforcer of legendary Yonkers crew The Lox, achieved exactly this, celebrating life’s simple pleasures over a nostalgic Betty Wright sample on the unexpected, upbeat single "Good Love." Long-time fans fret not. Louch’s third solo album, Silverback Guerilla, featuring collaborations with Jim Jones, Bun B, The Game and Fat Joe, packs plenty of his signature jailhouse anthems. Rhapsody caught up with Louch to talk about the concept and video behind "Good Love," working with The Notorious B.I.G., getting publishing rights back from Diddy, and being mentioned in Prodigy’s infamous blog.
Rhapsody: Did producer Red Spyda bring you the beat for "Good Love" and present the concept, or did you go to him with a something in mind already?
Sheek Louch: Red Spyda is a genius. He told me that 50 Cent’s "U Not Like Me," he made for me. He just couldn’t get in touch with me at the time. Spyda brought me "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" and "2 Turntables & a Mic." [For "Good Love"] he was like, "Check this out. It’s different. It’s not hardcore." Then he played it and I was like, "That’s some O.G. sh*t. I’m familiar with the original Betty Wright song." Spyda was like, "Yo, you gotta let it breathe. When she says, ’Good Love.’ You gotta let her say it. Don’t talk over it." I did it monstrous. Top 10 record right now. I ain’t shoot no one on the record, and it’s working. I’m out here in Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis. They love the song. I’m just thinking the chicks are gonna go crazy. What!? N*gg*s are like, "That’s my sh*t." I got a remix coming with Keyshia Cole and LL Cool J. Keyshia is going to sing the sample and everything Betty Wright was saying. Me and LL are gonna flip the lyrics.
Was the video for "Good Love" inspired by the commercials Wes Anderson’s directed for AT&T?
It wasn’t inspired off of that. I gotta ask [director] Todd [Angkasuwan]. You know what I didn’t wanna do? The average ice-grill-in-front-of-a-project-building. Even with Omar from The Wire [who is in the video], he was ice grilling me and it wasn’t nothing. It just felt good.
So, the director came up with the treatment and everything?
Everything. That’s all his credit. I just okayed it. It was all green [screen]. Everything was some old technology sh*t. With a video like that, to make it look like I just left here and left here, you just gotta play with it a little and really show that it’s digital. It was at this sh*t in Long Island, at this damn near warehouse. It was big. It wasn’t like one little green screen right there. It was like here’s the hotel set-up over here. Then the stewardess sh*t is gonna be over here.
Was that one continuous shot?
Yeah, that was the other catch about the sh*t. I couldn’t stop. It was one continuous shot. I’m drinking Courvoisier. I’m like, "Let me pick it up from the outside part." [Todd’s] like, "Nah, you gotta keep going. Now we gotta go back to the beginning." I was getting heavy nice. I was getting wired. So, eventually, I got it together. It was an all-day shoot.
You had said that Ice Cube would be on "Think We Got a Problem." However, on your album it ended up being Game. What happened?
Yeah, I tried for Ice Cube but he was working on Are We There Yet? He was like, "Yeah, Sheek, I’ll get on anything else for you down the road, but I’m caught up." But he himself reached out about getting on that. And I was like, "Hell yeah. Please lay something to that." I guess Koch played it for him. But later on when I was seeing if he did it or not, it was to the point of, "I had all intentions of doing it but …" And it was like, "Come on, Cube. I’ll catch you on another favor. Just put me in a movie." [Laughs.]
So, Jay-Z was really was serious about signing The Lox to Def Jam?
Yeah, he tried hard to get that. But he couldn’t because of Interscope and Ruff Ryders.
Diddy approached you around that time as well?
Diddy trying to re-sign the Lox a little before all that. This was back in ’05. We took a meeting with him.
So, were you seriously considering re-signing with Bad Boy?
Nah, but as a businessman, you’re going to go chop it up. He’s a powerful dude. You’re going to go see what he’s talking about. At the time it wasn’t no beef. It wasn’t no problems. So we met. He told us bygones is bygones and this is how much money I have [for the project].
Was he offering a lot of money?
Yeah, but no long-term money like that. It was more, "So, here’s an advance. Let’s make this record." We were more like, "Let’s work this different."
After that, you guys had conflict because he still owned your publishing. Was he literally getting all your publishing?
He gave everything back. 100 percent. We saw very little [before that]. I mean, come on, [we wrote] songs such as ["It’s All About the Benjamins"]. Motherf*ck*rs should have been rich. We good. But these songs was retarded still to this day. Let me get this straight. When he’s on the radio saying he didn’t have 100 percent, he’s right. But [he had] enough to where it was like, "Dog, aright enough is enough. You had our sh*t for too long." We know what we signed, but Diddy look, we made a mistake. We were too young for that sh*t.
Did he give you anything retroactively?
Nah, he didn’t give us a refund check. But now, for the most part, it’s like everything can flow smooth through the pipes. Like he has nothing more to do with that. That’s our money. After this next Lox project, everything is back 100 percent.
So, he’s still getting the same percentage he’s been getting from the next Lox project?
Hell no. All that’s worked out. But we just gotta deliver that record. And then everything is back. Those numbers are not the same. After that’s it’s a go. But even on this Lox project, we’re straight. Way straighter than we were.
So your recent solos … ?
[Diddy] has nothing to do with it. I delivered After Taxes. So everybody is pretty much in the clear. But we do gotta deliver this Lox project. And even that is on some O.G. sh*t. It doesn’t have to do with no young-boy stipulations. Diddy expressed how he didn’t like how [Jadakiss and Styles P] put him on the spot [calling him out on Hot 97]. That was the reason he called up.
When you guys were beefing with Beanie Sigel (in 2001), did that ever affect your relationship with Jay?
I think at the time, Hov wouldn’t have f*ck*d with us. Hov probably wouldn’t have given us the time of day. But really, me checking Jay out and knowing him, I think he really thinks it’s hip-hop. He’s really looking at everything like, "That ain’t nothing. We rapping. It’s healthy." I don’t think he ever took it to heart. That man had later asked us to come do "Reservoir Dogs" at concerts, like sh*t never happened. He don’t give a f*ck. He called us for the Nas-Jay reunion concert like it was nothing.
What was the session for Jay-Z’s "Reservoir Dogs" (1998) like?
Everybody was in there. It’s so funny because Sauce [Money] called me this morning. He said "Good Love" is his sh*t. Straight up. We recorded "Reservoir Dogs" somewhere in Manhattan. We went in and we writing to the beat. It was an all-night session. I think Hov laid his [verse] way after us. When we finally heard the song again, Hov’s verse was on it. He was there [that night], but he didn’t lay his verse down. But he was there even when I was in the booth like, "Do it from this point." And give me more swagger.
What was the session like for Biggie’s "Last Day" (1997)?
I had Bacardi Limon and some orange juice. Heavy drinking. Big buggin’ out with Cease and all them n*gg*s. It was just crazy. Big was in the same chair all night bullsh*tt*ng and telling mad jokes. Not on some comedian sh*t, but he’s a funny dude. It was like that all night. We were more ecstatic than they was. They was just doing them. We were like, "Damn, this n*gga asked us to get on his upcoming album?"
So, you guys were close to him?
Yeah, that was our man as far he would check on us and see if n*gg*s was hungry. Whoever he came to the studio with, you name the rapper all the way down to his homeboys like D-Roc and Gutter, he’d bring them in the room where we was at for us to spit to them like, "Listen to these n*gg*s. You gotta hear these three n*gg*s we got." It was like that.
What’s a favorite Biggie memory of yours that you haven’t told anyone before?
One was me and him downtown [Manhattan] getting twisted. And I’m bugging out, and he’s like, "Yo, Sheek, you gotta get in the video." They was shooting [Lil’ Kim’s] "Crush on You." He just threw me in that sh*t immediately because of how I was flirting with everybody and bullsh*tt*ng. He was like, "Come on, you gotta throw all that in the video." That was just my homeboy. He told [Lance "Un" Rivera], "Yo, stop the video. Put him at that table right there and have him bug out with that chick." Even if it was a quick shot.
Have you had a chance to read Prodigy’s blog? He called you one of the worst rappers ever.
Yeah, talking about all the rappers he don’t like and they garbage. I don’t know. I’m hotter than him. He’s bugged out. I did make comments before when I said on a verse, "Ya’ll was way more hotter before you got with 50." It was during the beginning of the diss records with 50. I did throw a dart back then myself. But it wasn’t nothing bad. I felt the music was hot. I just liked the old Mobb Deep shit before. I didn’t like it when they started singing and all that shit. The new music they got with 50, I just didn’t like that. I’mma keep it all the way funky. When I see them, I f*cks with Havoc. That’s my n*gga. We’ll chop it up. He’ll hit me up and all that sh*t. I never really f*ck*d with Prodigy. I just never got the little n*gg*’s swag. I know he’s doing his time right now, right? Go ahead, do that. I ain’t thinking about homey like that.
Were you surprised he brought your name up?
Nah, not at all. He’s a clown. Dudes like them, you let them go. I noticed Nas and none of them never answered nothing about homey. Sometimes they’ll say whatever back. But for the most part, [Prodigy’s] harmless. He’s a f*ck*ng puppy. Any rapper that’s running their mouth, I think a lot of them are straight p*ss**s. Not their homeboys. Not their crew. The actual rapper. I’m not talking about nobody in particular. As far as the tough talk, the actual rapper that gets in the booth, he p*ssy. Come on, dawg. I know your man and the work he put in. But you yourself, n*gg*s will frog you up. Give you noogies and sh*t.
LMAO, Sheek is that dude!
See what the folks over at SOHH forum had to say HERE.
One of music’s greatest triumphs is when an artist comes out with a totally left-field song that actually works. Sheek Louch, who’s always been known as the enforcer of legendary Yonkers crew The Lox, achieved exactly this, celebrating life’s simple pleasures over a nostalgic Betty Wright sample on the unexpected, upbeat single "Good Love." Long-time fans fret not. Louch’s third solo album, Silverback Guerilla, featuring collaborations with Jim Jones, Bun B, The Game and Fat Joe, packs plenty of his signature jailhouse anthems. Rhapsody caught up with Louch to talk about the concept and video behind "Good Love," working with The Notorious B.I.G., getting publishing rights back from Diddy, and being mentioned in Prodigy’s infamous blog.
Rhapsody: Did producer Red Spyda bring you the beat for "Good Love" and present the concept, or did you go to him with a something in mind already?
Sheek Louch: Red Spyda is a genius. He told me that 50 Cent’s "U Not Like Me," he made for me. He just couldn’t get in touch with me at the time. Spyda brought me "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" and "2 Turntables & a Mic." [For "Good Love"] he was like, "Check this out. It’s different. It’s not hardcore." Then he played it and I was like, "That’s some O.G. sh*t. I’m familiar with the original Betty Wright song." Spyda was like, "Yo, you gotta let it breathe. When she says, ’Good Love.’ You gotta let her say it. Don’t talk over it." I did it monstrous. Top 10 record right now. I ain’t shoot no one on the record, and it’s working. I’m out here in Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis. They love the song. I’m just thinking the chicks are gonna go crazy. What!? N*gg*s are like, "That’s my sh*t." I got a remix coming with Keyshia Cole and LL Cool J. Keyshia is going to sing the sample and everything Betty Wright was saying. Me and LL are gonna flip the lyrics.
Was the video for "Good Love" inspired by the commercials Wes Anderson’s directed for AT&T?
It wasn’t inspired off of that. I gotta ask [director] Todd [Angkasuwan]. You know what I didn’t wanna do? The average ice-grill-in-front-of-a-project-building. Even with Omar from The Wire [who is in the video], he was ice grilling me and it wasn’t nothing. It just felt good.
So, the director came up with the treatment and everything?
Everything. That’s all his credit. I just okayed it. It was all green [screen]. Everything was some old technology sh*t. With a video like that, to make it look like I just left here and left here, you just gotta play with it a little and really show that it’s digital. It was at this sh*t in Long Island, at this damn near warehouse. It was big. It wasn’t like one little green screen right there. It was like here’s the hotel set-up over here. Then the stewardess sh*t is gonna be over here.
Was that one continuous shot?
Yeah, that was the other catch about the sh*t. I couldn’t stop. It was one continuous shot. I’m drinking Courvoisier. I’m like, "Let me pick it up from the outside part." [Todd’s] like, "Nah, you gotta keep going. Now we gotta go back to the beginning." I was getting heavy nice. I was getting wired. So, eventually, I got it together. It was an all-day shoot.
You had said that Ice Cube would be on "Think We Got a Problem." However, on your album it ended up being Game. What happened?
Yeah, I tried for Ice Cube but he was working on Are We There Yet? He was like, "Yeah, Sheek, I’ll get on anything else for you down the road, but I’m caught up." But he himself reached out about getting on that. And I was like, "Hell yeah. Please lay something to that." I guess Koch played it for him. But later on when I was seeing if he did it or not, it was to the point of, "I had all intentions of doing it but …" And it was like, "Come on, Cube. I’ll catch you on another favor. Just put me in a movie." [Laughs.]
So, Jay-Z was really was serious about signing The Lox to Def Jam?
Yeah, he tried hard to get that. But he couldn’t because of Interscope and Ruff Ryders.
Diddy approached you around that time as well?
Diddy trying to re-sign the Lox a little before all that. This was back in ’05. We took a meeting with him.
So, were you seriously considering re-signing with Bad Boy?
Nah, but as a businessman, you’re going to go chop it up. He’s a powerful dude. You’re going to go see what he’s talking about. At the time it wasn’t no beef. It wasn’t no problems. So we met. He told us bygones is bygones and this is how much money I have [for the project].
Was he offering a lot of money?
Yeah, but no long-term money like that. It was more, "So, here’s an advance. Let’s make this record." We were more like, "Let’s work this different."
After that, you guys had conflict because he still owned your publishing. Was he literally getting all your publishing?
He gave everything back. 100 percent. We saw very little [before that]. I mean, come on, [we wrote] songs such as ["It’s All About the Benjamins"]. Motherf*ck*rs should have been rich. We good. But these songs was retarded still to this day. Let me get this straight. When he’s on the radio saying he didn’t have 100 percent, he’s right. But [he had] enough to where it was like, "Dog, aright enough is enough. You had our sh*t for too long." We know what we signed, but Diddy look, we made a mistake. We were too young for that sh*t.
Did he give you anything retroactively?
Nah, he didn’t give us a refund check. But now, for the most part, it’s like everything can flow smooth through the pipes. Like he has nothing more to do with that. That’s our money. After this next Lox project, everything is back 100 percent.
So, he’s still getting the same percentage he’s been getting from the next Lox project?
Hell no. All that’s worked out. But we just gotta deliver that record. And then everything is back. Those numbers are not the same. After that’s it’s a go. But even on this Lox project, we’re straight. Way straighter than we were.
So your recent solos … ?
[Diddy] has nothing to do with it. I delivered After Taxes. So everybody is pretty much in the clear. But we do gotta deliver this Lox project. And even that is on some O.G. sh*t. It doesn’t have to do with no young-boy stipulations. Diddy expressed how he didn’t like how [Jadakiss and Styles P] put him on the spot [calling him out on Hot 97]. That was the reason he called up.
When you guys were beefing with Beanie Sigel (in 2001), did that ever affect your relationship with Jay?
I think at the time, Hov wouldn’t have f*ck*d with us. Hov probably wouldn’t have given us the time of day. But really, me checking Jay out and knowing him, I think he really thinks it’s hip-hop. He’s really looking at everything like, "That ain’t nothing. We rapping. It’s healthy." I don’t think he ever took it to heart. That man had later asked us to come do "Reservoir Dogs" at concerts, like sh*t never happened. He don’t give a f*ck. He called us for the Nas-Jay reunion concert like it was nothing.
What was the session for Jay-Z’s "Reservoir Dogs" (1998) like?
Everybody was in there. It’s so funny because Sauce [Money] called me this morning. He said "Good Love" is his sh*t. Straight up. We recorded "Reservoir Dogs" somewhere in Manhattan. We went in and we writing to the beat. It was an all-night session. I think Hov laid his [verse] way after us. When we finally heard the song again, Hov’s verse was on it. He was there [that night], but he didn’t lay his verse down. But he was there even when I was in the booth like, "Do it from this point." And give me more swagger.
What was the session like for Biggie’s "Last Day" (1997)?
I had Bacardi Limon and some orange juice. Heavy drinking. Big buggin’ out with Cease and all them n*gg*s. It was just crazy. Big was in the same chair all night bullsh*tt*ng and telling mad jokes. Not on some comedian sh*t, but he’s a funny dude. It was like that all night. We were more ecstatic than they was. They was just doing them. We were like, "Damn, this n*gga asked us to get on his upcoming album?"
So, you guys were close to him?
Yeah, that was our man as far he would check on us and see if n*gg*s was hungry. Whoever he came to the studio with, you name the rapper all the way down to his homeboys like D-Roc and Gutter, he’d bring them in the room where we was at for us to spit to them like, "Listen to these n*gg*s. You gotta hear these three n*gg*s we got." It was like that.
What’s a favorite Biggie memory of yours that you haven’t told anyone before?
One was me and him downtown [Manhattan] getting twisted. And I’m bugging out, and he’s like, "Yo, Sheek, you gotta get in the video." They was shooting [Lil’ Kim’s] "Crush on You." He just threw me in that sh*t immediately because of how I was flirting with everybody and bullsh*tt*ng. He was like, "Come on, you gotta throw all that in the video." That was just my homeboy. He told [Lance "Un" Rivera], "Yo, stop the video. Put him at that table right there and have him bug out with that chick." Even if it was a quick shot.
Have you had a chance to read Prodigy’s blog? He called you one of the worst rappers ever.
Yeah, talking about all the rappers he don’t like and they garbage. I don’t know. I’m hotter than him. He’s bugged out. I did make comments before when I said on a verse, "Ya’ll was way more hotter before you got with 50." It was during the beginning of the diss records with 50. I did throw a dart back then myself. But it wasn’t nothing bad. I felt the music was hot. I just liked the old Mobb Deep shit before. I didn’t like it when they started singing and all that shit. The new music they got with 50, I just didn’t like that. I’mma keep it all the way funky. When I see them, I f*cks with Havoc. That’s my n*gga. We’ll chop it up. He’ll hit me up and all that sh*t. I never really f*ck*d with Prodigy. I just never got the little n*gg*’s swag. I know he’s doing his time right now, right? Go ahead, do that. I ain’t thinking about homey like that.
Were you surprised he brought your name up?
Nah, not at all. He’s a clown. Dudes like them, you let them go. I noticed Nas and none of them never answered nothing about homey. Sometimes they’ll say whatever back. But for the most part, [Prodigy’s] harmless. He’s a f*ck*ng puppy. Any rapper that’s running their mouth, I think a lot of them are straight p*ss**s. Not their homeboys. Not their crew. The actual rapper. I’m not talking about nobody in particular. As far as the tough talk, the actual rapper that gets in the booth, he p*ssy. Come on, dawg. I know your man and the work he put in. But you yourself, n*gg*s will frog you up. Give you noogies and sh*t.
LMAO, Sheek is that dude!
See what the folks over at SOHH forum had to say HERE.
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
[Interview] Sheek Louch - The Silver Lining [Soundslam.com Interview]
The Silver Lining
Artist: Sheek Louch
Interviewer: RJ Walker
The year is 1998. The radio is filled with the sounds of "All About the Benjamins" feature Puff Daddy, Lil' Kim, and then unknowns The Lox. The Lox were at the top of the rap pyramid right out of the gate. They seemed destined to be the next big thing in rap or a blip on the radar, depending on your perspective. The de facto assumption where that The Lox, Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch, were to fill the void vacated by Notorious B.I.G. sudden departure.
Ten years later and the Lox, a by extension, their own silver backed gorilla, Sheek Louch, are a thought of as veterans instead of the upstart newcomers. Neither a supernova nor bomb, Sheek has led an interesting career, as a member of Lox and as a solo artist. He has been a part of the difficulties on the business side of the game with former mentor P-Diddy and been accused of similar sins by his own protege, Jae Hood. He made hit dance songs, but is more comfortable dropping gritty street gems.
Soundslam had the pleasure of talking to Sheek Louch. Much like in his rhymes, Sheek never held back on answering any questions. He seemed to have a comfort label not enjoyed by others in the game. He talked about his new upcoming album, Silver Backed Gorilla, and the plans for D-Block and his homies in The Lox.
Soundslam: I wanted to ask you a little about your place in the game. In rock music you have prestige acts, or acts that are there for their cultural cache or importance. Do you feel like you are there now?
Sheek Louch: I feel like one the greats right now. One of the pioneers, one the best who did it.
Soundslam: Why do you feel you, and by extension The Lox, have not gotten that acclaim?
Sheek Louch: We got that respect in the street and in the industry. In the underground, we got the respect no matter where we are. Now it if you get to where it's financial or as far as it get to making moves, we growing. We're growing a far as publishing and knowing what's going on. You got songs that they're still playing to this day.
Soundslam: You still can't escape "It's All About the Benjamin's" right now?
Sheek Louch: Exactly. Once you get to that part of the game, some artist get in the game and made 58 million. I'm exaggerating of course, but you know what I'm saying.
Soundslam: Do you think that is just an issue with rap, that they don't respect rap as a music?
Sheek Louch: Everyone from white media, to white America, put rap in everything from everything to cereal ads to car ads. They respect it, they no that it's very marketable. They know it gets that money. We just have to look out for our behalf.
Soundslam: What's the name of the new album?
Sheek Louch: Silver Backed Gorilla. They call it the concrete jungle out here and I'm one of the biggest dudes in that jungle.
Soundslam: How did you come up with that name?
Sheek Louch: You watch the nature channel or Geographic, the silver back isn't bothering anyone, he has his kids jumping around him, but mess with him and he going to get you.
Soundslam: What are some of the people you got on the album with you?
Sheek Louch: I got my man Big Bully on the album , an up and coming D-Block artist. Of course, my Lox brother Jada and Styles P. We got a mean Lox joint on there called "Get It Stronger", it's retarded. I got Dipset on the album, Jim Jones and Hell Rell. That's going to shut down everywhere on that straight hardcore. I got my man Bun B on the album, I got The Game, I got DJ Unk from the ATL, and Fat Joe.
Soundslam: Do you think you got all these guest on the album because of the respect you got in the game right now?
Sheek Louch: Yeah, definitely and those was the people that I wanted to work with. But definitely as respect level. All these people, we didn't do no work financially. They didn't ask for a nickel. They came to our studio or we came to theirs and we cleared it down. A lot of these people we speak even when it's not about music.
Soundslam: Who are some of the producers on this joint?
Sheek Louch: My man Buckwild, I got Bennie Idol, Red Spyder, shout out to Red Spyder, he's got my single "Good Love". We got my man Dame Grease, Divine. I always miss a couple of people.
Soundslam: What kind of records sales do you expect from this album?
Sheek Louch: My swagger on this new album, I know what I'm doing is fire. I don't have a joint to get on Hot 97, this music is crisp and has that swagger as far as the productions and the concepts.
Soundslam: This album is being released through Koch. Do you see that as an advantage or a disadvantage?
Sheek Louch: Advantage, advantage big dog. No disrespect to any other majors, but right now it's down on sales. I'm not going into SoundScan and all of that. You got people with million dollar budgets selling one hundred thousand. We got these hard working labels such as Koch with quality artist over there and they're all over one hundred thousand because the streets are loving it. It's crazy when you got all that money behind you and you can't do nothing. I can't blame the majors or the indie, it's hard. That doesn't mean people don't love your music. They not going to the store to buy it when they could get it on a quick download or by LimeWire.
Soundslam: Does this bother you?
Sheek Louch: It bothers me a lot. I wish we could knock all this out, but this has been going on for a long time. I wish it was a little different.
Soundslam: With all the downloading, are you investigating other revenue streams?
Sheek Louch: No, I just keep going for my core audience and the people who are going to support. I keep it in the streets. I trying my hand in movies, I trying open some car washes. I'm just learning man. But I'm still going to keep that music coming and sign new artist. We have a strong relationship with a lot of new artist.
Soundslam: Talking about artist on D-Block, there was a little problem between you and Jae Hood. Could you touch on that situation a little bit, man?
Sheek Louch: A little problem came up with why we didn't put the album out. It was delayed a long time and that was what it was about, rightfully so. It can be frustrating, especially as a young man with your friends in your ear and all that. They go "oh, you would've sold a million records and all that". The way he went about it was cowardly and he's a sucker for that. Honestly, we never argued with Hood, no beef, no tough talk. Then I seen the little video, packing all crazy. He's really trying to see me.
Soundslam: So he put you on front street a little bit?
Sheek Louch: Hell naw, not at all because everything was true. At the beginning, I was like man it has been on it for Hood. Jae Hood know it and every brother around him know it.
Soundslam: You and your cohorts from the Lox have been in beef with G-Unit and others in the industry. How do you feel about these challenges?
Sheek Louch: You ain't hiding if you ain't coming out. I'm not talking about the Hood situation and all that. You got to have room for that. People have always been battling.
Soundslam: Do you feel like people have to challenge you to get to that next level?
Sheek Louch: I think some people make it like that, instead of making great music. I got to talk about someone, I got to do a 50 diss. Every time I go out I have to have someone else's name in my mouth. It's better to start out with a hot joint. But controversy, I guess it sells.
Soundslam: You know what they say, any press is good press.
Sheek Louch: But a lot of these guys in the middle of this controversy they got to show their face. You're going to be seen.
Soundslam: What are the plans for D-Block?
Sheek Louch: The plans are to drop this Silver Back Gorilla album immediately, after that we're coming with D-Block compilation album, No Security. We got a lot of new artists, Big Bully, Don D, PY, AP. We got to support the dudes we're trying to put out. We started to record a new Lox album Lift Up and Celebrate, we going to mash you with that one, finally. I apologize for the wait. We're going to keep it moving.
Soundslam: As far as the Silver Back Gorilla album, what do you want to do as far as record sales.
Sheek Louch: Really, I would love to do a hundred thousand. I more than great with those sales. More than anything, I want the fans to love it.
Soundslam: It seems like you're gone back to the essence of who you are as an artist. Everything seems to be a hard hitting street tale. Are you forgetting about trying to do club songs or does that just not interest you anymore?
Sheek Louch: Naw, I mixed it up. I hit you up with a straight hip hop "Two Turntables and a Mic". One of my favorite joints on there is "Don't Be Him". I'm not dissing anybody, but I'm telling people that we don't need another Sheek Louch, we need you. My single, called "Good Love" is on fire right now. We're bumping right now, the Silver Backed Gorilla.
Soundslam: I was listening to an interview you did on XXL last night. You were talking about ring-tone rap. But you have DJ Unk on the record, who could be considered a ring-tone rapper.
Sheek Louch: I was talking about people who strictly come out with one song, who don't think about a whole album. They just want that one song. What happened to the other 12, 13 songs?
Soundslam: Why do you think kids don't put that much into their craft anymore?
Sheek Louch: Because they're lazy. If B.I.G was here or a lot of other people, motherfuckers would have to be one their A-game. Also, I blame the labels have created the culture of these one lane dudes, we don't care about anything else.
Soundslam: Do you think that kids don't respect the game?
Sheek Louch: Whoever is with them aren't steering them in the right direction. I'll write a dance pop song, get a ring-tone, and I'm good. They respect that other people are listening and judging their actions.
Soundslam: You've been in the game almost ten plus years. Do you think these kids have any concept how to keep a career as long as you have?
Sheek Louch: I know for a fact they don't. They don't plan to have longevity. That's very important. The same people, you check their next song, it's not all that.
Soundslam: How do you think you have stayed relevant in the game so long?
Sheek Louch: On the strength of being out there, touching the people literally. Putting out mixtapes, jumping on songs, going to the radio. It's being seen and being hot. You got to feed the streets and got to feed the people.
Soundslam: Were do you see your career going from here?
Sheek Louch: Putting out so much music I can't think no more. I going to put out a lot of good music and bring out more good artist. This is all we do. I going to look at scripts as we speak.
Sheek Louch: To do them. I don't want them to be afraid to try a different kind of record. Don't be afraid to switch that pattern up.
Soundslam: What do you want your legacy to be?
Sheek Louch: That Sheek was a stand up dude. That he put it down heavy. He never let it down when it came to making good music.
Artist: Sheek Louch
Interviewer: RJ Walker
The year is 1998. The radio is filled with the sounds of "All About the Benjamins" feature Puff Daddy, Lil' Kim, and then unknowns The Lox. The Lox were at the top of the rap pyramid right out of the gate. They seemed destined to be the next big thing in rap or a blip on the radar, depending on your perspective. The de facto assumption where that The Lox, Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch, were to fill the void vacated by Notorious B.I.G. sudden departure.
Ten years later and the Lox, a by extension, their own silver backed gorilla, Sheek Louch, are a thought of as veterans instead of the upstart newcomers. Neither a supernova nor bomb, Sheek has led an interesting career, as a member of Lox and as a solo artist. He has been a part of the difficulties on the business side of the game with former mentor P-Diddy and been accused of similar sins by his own protege, Jae Hood. He made hit dance songs, but is more comfortable dropping gritty street gems.
Soundslam had the pleasure of talking to Sheek Louch. Much like in his rhymes, Sheek never held back on answering any questions. He seemed to have a comfort label not enjoyed by others in the game. He talked about his new upcoming album, Silver Backed Gorilla, and the plans for D-Block and his homies in The Lox.
Soundslam: I wanted to ask you a little about your place in the game. In rock music you have prestige acts, or acts that are there for their cultural cache or importance. Do you feel like you are there now?
Sheek Louch: I feel like one the greats right now. One of the pioneers, one the best who did it.
Soundslam: Why do you feel you, and by extension The Lox, have not gotten that acclaim?
Sheek Louch: We got that respect in the street and in the industry. In the underground, we got the respect no matter where we are. Now it if you get to where it's financial or as far as it get to making moves, we growing. We're growing a far as publishing and knowing what's going on. You got songs that they're still playing to this day.
Soundslam: You still can't escape "It's All About the Benjamin's" right now?
Sheek Louch: Exactly. Once you get to that part of the game, some artist get in the game and made 58 million. I'm exaggerating of course, but you know what I'm saying.
Soundslam: Do you think that is just an issue with rap, that they don't respect rap as a music?
Sheek Louch: Everyone from white media, to white America, put rap in everything from everything to cereal ads to car ads. They respect it, they no that it's very marketable. They know it gets that money. We just have to look out for our behalf.
Soundslam: What's the name of the new album?
Sheek Louch: Silver Backed Gorilla. They call it the concrete jungle out here and I'm one of the biggest dudes in that jungle.
Soundslam: How did you come up with that name?
Sheek Louch: You watch the nature channel or Geographic, the silver back isn't bothering anyone, he has his kids jumping around him, but mess with him and he going to get you.
Soundslam: What are some of the people you got on the album with you?
Sheek Louch: I got my man Big Bully on the album , an up and coming D-Block artist. Of course, my Lox brother Jada and Styles P. We got a mean Lox joint on there called "Get It Stronger", it's retarded. I got Dipset on the album, Jim Jones and Hell Rell. That's going to shut down everywhere on that straight hardcore. I got my man Bun B on the album, I got The Game, I got DJ Unk from the ATL, and Fat Joe.
Soundslam: Do you think you got all these guest on the album because of the respect you got in the game right now?
Sheek Louch: Yeah, definitely and those was the people that I wanted to work with. But definitely as respect level. All these people, we didn't do no work financially. They didn't ask for a nickel. They came to our studio or we came to theirs and we cleared it down. A lot of these people we speak even when it's not about music.
Soundslam: Who are some of the producers on this joint?
Sheek Louch: My man Buckwild, I got Bennie Idol, Red Spyder, shout out to Red Spyder, he's got my single "Good Love". We got my man Dame Grease, Divine. I always miss a couple of people.
Soundslam: What kind of records sales do you expect from this album?
Sheek Louch: My swagger on this new album, I know what I'm doing is fire. I don't have a joint to get on Hot 97, this music is crisp and has that swagger as far as the productions and the concepts.
Soundslam: This album is being released through Koch. Do you see that as an advantage or a disadvantage?
Sheek Louch: Advantage, advantage big dog. No disrespect to any other majors, but right now it's down on sales. I'm not going into SoundScan and all of that. You got people with million dollar budgets selling one hundred thousand. We got these hard working labels such as Koch with quality artist over there and they're all over one hundred thousand because the streets are loving it. It's crazy when you got all that money behind you and you can't do nothing. I can't blame the majors or the indie, it's hard. That doesn't mean people don't love your music. They not going to the store to buy it when they could get it on a quick download or by LimeWire.
Soundslam: Does this bother you?
Sheek Louch: It bothers me a lot. I wish we could knock all this out, but this has been going on for a long time. I wish it was a little different.
Soundslam: With all the downloading, are you investigating other revenue streams?
Sheek Louch: No, I just keep going for my core audience and the people who are going to support. I keep it in the streets. I trying my hand in movies, I trying open some car washes. I'm just learning man. But I'm still going to keep that music coming and sign new artist. We have a strong relationship with a lot of new artist.
Soundslam: Talking about artist on D-Block, there was a little problem between you and Jae Hood. Could you touch on that situation a little bit, man?
Sheek Louch: A little problem came up with why we didn't put the album out. It was delayed a long time and that was what it was about, rightfully so. It can be frustrating, especially as a young man with your friends in your ear and all that. They go "oh, you would've sold a million records and all that". The way he went about it was cowardly and he's a sucker for that. Honestly, we never argued with Hood, no beef, no tough talk. Then I seen the little video, packing all crazy. He's really trying to see me.
Soundslam: So he put you on front street a little bit?
Sheek Louch: Hell naw, not at all because everything was true. At the beginning, I was like man it has been on it for Hood. Jae Hood know it and every brother around him know it.
Soundslam: You and your cohorts from the Lox have been in beef with G-Unit and others in the industry. How do you feel about these challenges?
Sheek Louch: You ain't hiding if you ain't coming out. I'm not talking about the Hood situation and all that. You got to have room for that. People have always been battling.
Soundslam: Do you feel like people have to challenge you to get to that next level?
Sheek Louch: I think some people make it like that, instead of making great music. I got to talk about someone, I got to do a 50 diss. Every time I go out I have to have someone else's name in my mouth. It's better to start out with a hot joint. But controversy, I guess it sells.
Soundslam: You know what they say, any press is good press.
Sheek Louch: But a lot of these guys in the middle of this controversy they got to show their face. You're going to be seen.
Soundslam: What are the plans for D-Block?
Sheek Louch: The plans are to drop this Silver Back Gorilla album immediately, after that we're coming with D-Block compilation album, No Security. We got a lot of new artists, Big Bully, Don D, PY, AP. We got to support the dudes we're trying to put out. We started to record a new Lox album Lift Up and Celebrate, we going to mash you with that one, finally. I apologize for the wait. We're going to keep it moving.
Soundslam: As far as the Silver Back Gorilla album, what do you want to do as far as record sales.
Sheek Louch: Really, I would love to do a hundred thousand. I more than great with those sales. More than anything, I want the fans to love it.
Soundslam: It seems like you're gone back to the essence of who you are as an artist. Everything seems to be a hard hitting street tale. Are you forgetting about trying to do club songs or does that just not interest you anymore?
Sheek Louch: Naw, I mixed it up. I hit you up with a straight hip hop "Two Turntables and a Mic". One of my favorite joints on there is "Don't Be Him". I'm not dissing anybody, but I'm telling people that we don't need another Sheek Louch, we need you. My single, called "Good Love" is on fire right now. We're bumping right now, the Silver Backed Gorilla.
Soundslam: I was listening to an interview you did on XXL last night. You were talking about ring-tone rap. But you have DJ Unk on the record, who could be considered a ring-tone rapper.
Sheek Louch: I was talking about people who strictly come out with one song, who don't think about a whole album. They just want that one song. What happened to the other 12, 13 songs?
Soundslam: Why do you think kids don't put that much into their craft anymore?
Sheek Louch: Because they're lazy. If B.I.G was here or a lot of other people, motherfuckers would have to be one their A-game. Also, I blame the labels have created the culture of these one lane dudes, we don't care about anything else.
Soundslam: Do you think that kids don't respect the game?
Sheek Louch: Whoever is with them aren't steering them in the right direction. I'll write a dance pop song, get a ring-tone, and I'm good. They respect that other people are listening and judging their actions.
Soundslam: You've been in the game almost ten plus years. Do you think these kids have any concept how to keep a career as long as you have?
Sheek Louch: I know for a fact they don't. They don't plan to have longevity. That's very important. The same people, you check their next song, it's not all that.
Soundslam: How do you think you have stayed relevant in the game so long?
Sheek Louch: On the strength of being out there, touching the people literally. Putting out mixtapes, jumping on songs, going to the radio. It's being seen and being hot. You got to feed the streets and got to feed the people.
Soundslam: Were do you see your career going from here?
Sheek Louch: Putting out so much music I can't think no more. I going to put out a lot of good music and bring out more good artist. This is all we do. I going to look at scripts as we speak.
Sheek Louch: To do them. I don't want them to be afraid to try a different kind of record. Don't be afraid to switch that pattern up.
Soundslam: What do you want your legacy to be?
Sheek Louch: That Sheek was a stand up dude. That he put it down heavy. He never let it down when it came to making good music.
[Info] Sheek Louch @ Cop Shop fri. 3/14 6pm!!! signing copies of the new album "Silverback Gorilla"
D-BLOCKS SHEEK LOUCH BACK IN THE BUILDING !!!
friday march 14th @ 6pm
meet & greet D-Block's own ...
SHEEK LOUCH
signing copies of his new album " Silverback Gorilla "
dj mickey knox on the 1's & 2's
cd admission / all ages
only @ THE COP SHOP
77 west main street - smithtown , l.i. / n.y. 11787
www.CopShopMusic.com
DONT MISS SHEEK LOUCH'S SECOND COP SHOP APPEARENCE !!! YOU MUST BUY SHEEKS NEW ALBUM " SILVERBACK GORILLA " @ THE COP SHOP TO GET INTO THIS SPECIAL EVENT !!! THE ALBUM HITS STORES TUESDAY MARCH 18TH EVERYWHERE ELSE !!! BUT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO COP IT FIRST FIVE DAYS BEFORE STREETDATE AT THIS SPECIAL EVENT !!! BE THE FIRST TO HAVE " SILVERBACK GORILLA " & HAVE SHEEK PERSONALLY SIGN IT AT THIS EXCLUSIVE EVENT !!! DONT MISS COP SHOP / D-BLOCK EVENT 5
Thursday, 6 March 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
