So, i have been sitting on this interview for quite some time due to my hiatus from Facebook, and not keeping up with people to be able to finish the interview but i am very glad that now it is complete and finally, fully put together. So no more waiting, here it is....
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MYSTI: To whom may or may not know the person who this interview is with, Edd Bundy is a Hip Hop Producer/Emcee from London, England who is a member of Dead Rabbits, Ill Of Writes & Region Of Kings.
So, i guess my first question is, how did you become associated with these groups?
BUNDY: Where to start? haha. Ok, well once upon a time i was working in a 'crew' called Ill Upon Arrival (shout out to everyone involved there) and this was back in the Myspace glory days, i personally got talking to TMB and we spoke about doing a Region Of Kings / Ill Upon Arrival collab which happened shortly after. Then after some time, for what ever reasons IUAR kind of dispanded, everybody had other goals and lives to resume, i said this to TMB who i was cool with by then and he said i would be welcome into ROK anytime i wanted. So there... i was in ROK.
Ill Of Writes originally was the "supergroup" so to speak of Me (from Region Of Kings) and Samuel Tafari, formerly Supreme The Truth (from The Brotherhood), and put the two names together to come up with Hood Kings, ive spoken about how me and Samuel came to talk and work together so really the watered down version is, Myspace, then a forum i used to run, now, were super fresh, done.
DEAD RABBITS however, i think was down to TMB, Grim and a few others who decided to vouch for me to be in DR, then i got a message from Grim the same night i was hooking up with TMB. Enroute to his studio i got the message asking if i would be down with DR, obviously i said yes, the rest is history. So peace to everyone who wanted to work with me in all of these endeavors.
MYSTI: You mention you met a few people on Myspace, how do you think things have evolved, or not, from those days? BUNDY: Myspace was glorious, it was basically Facebook & Soundcloud rolled into one. Really it helped a lot of dudes get where they are now, but things evolve, things change, for the better or for the worse these things just happen. The death of Myspace wasnt so much as a bad thing for artists, instead it gave them a platform to go and prove themselves elsewhere. Musically though i feel everyone i knew those days have evolved and elevated to a whole other level, easily.
MYSTI: Ok, so as a whole, what do you make on the state of Underground Hip Hop right now?
BUNDY: We live in a particular age and culture that anyone with a computer (or even a phone right now) can illegally download some form of production software, or they can pick up a Microphone for next to nothing that usually comes with recording software that makes "being a rapper" or a "producer" the easiest thing in there world. On top of that, you put into the mix someone new to Hip Hop can message whoever they want, buy a verse or a beat from really really well known artists and instantly be catapulted into the scene like "yo did you see who that new cats working with?". Yeah most of the time you know this person has bought his way into the scene, but if you follow the circle, next up another new guy sees this guy is working with all of these dudes he then thinks "if I buy this dudes beats, I can then have that level he's at".
Which to me is a shame, because myself and a good 90% of artists I know struggled their way to where they are, doing shows, trying to compete with the more household names and actually getting props from their verses or beats and getting to work with their favourite artists in turn out of love and not money. I know times have changed, I cant hate on change, it is what it is, but you put most of these so called up and coming rappers buying verses and beats to get shine up against the vets of the years past and its a complete miss match, young bols wouldn't get the time of day. So if I had to say my opinion on the state of underground Hip Hop now, ill say it wasn't what it once was BUT at least you got a section of true people trying to do it the right way and we got a few key players trying to change the game for the better once again.
MYSTI: Who are those "key players" and section of people helping to change it?
BUNDY: 30 and Over League are doing good shit to help Hip Hop, they're part of a bigger circle of things that really helps the scene go back to what it once was. In essence they are a bunch of emcee's/producers/family members/friends/associates that have come together with the idea that no matter if your younger days are behind you, you can still make an impact, to me thats a dope thing, i guess im just waiting for a 29 and Under league haha.
Steve Sxaks & the Cypher Circuit + Marsten House, thats having a BIG impact right now, a lot of good things coming out of that venture and shout out to Steve who is the most down to earth dude i have ever spoken to, its of no surprise to me that he is making all of this work.
Obviously Dead Rabbits are doing good things and reaching out to new people, all my diabolical people. Basically anybody who is more about the scene than about themselves are putting out a good example.
MYSTI: Also, i'm 30 and Over now *cough cough*.
Right, here's something for you to answer truthfully, how did you end up being an emcee AND a producer? and do you think it hinders you or it helps?
BUNDY: I think i started out more seriously as an Emcee. Truthfully i see myself as an Emcee who produces on the side, thats my real passion, although i know other people see it the other way round. It doesnt really HINDER anything, but at the same time it doesnt help that people know me for my beats and those same people dont really know or pay attention to the fact that i rap, i guess it comes with the territory.
MYSTI: People see you more as a producer then? Does that mean more people want to buy your beats than your verses?
BUNDY: Realistically, im so diabolical that nobody wants to buy anything from me regardless of what it is. Hahaha, for real though people are more likely to buy a beat than a verse, i guess because im more well known as a producer. I still stand my ground that some producers aren't given as much shine though because people want to buy that Premo beat or the best for their price range, regardless of how good the beat is, for them its all about the name. If you have a Premo beat people are more likely to check the track, even if Premo made the best with his balls and some string, you are more likely to buy that than someone at the low end of the scale with some of the best beats youve ever heard, but nobody is likely to check the track because that dude hasnt got a name in the game. Its bullshit really.
MYSTI: How has it affected you?
BUNDY: You mean the whole artists not giving lesser producers money? It hasnt affected me at all, luckily for me i worked for Rolex for 4 years and now i have shares in the company, on top of that i invented cotton candy, and the Nerf gun so im pretty set for life.
MYSTI: We have heard a few Edd Bundy albums and ep's over the years, what has been your favourite?
BUNDY: For me, my favourite project to date was Ill Of Writes - Blue Van Music, it was recorded in one day, Jake One makes insane beats, and the cuts from TMB on that project were insane, but it was probably the most slept on project that ive ever done, which surprised me a lot. Second favourite is DIRT MERCHANTS which is due to be released in August, that was a lot of fun to make in my opinion, and everyone involved are cool as fuck.
MYSTI: What is "Dirt Merchants"?
BUNDY: I think you mean "Who are Dirt Merchants?" haha, all good. Basically Dirt Merchants are the collective genius of Words, I.N.F, Rated R and Edd Bundy. We discussed doing an album, we then actually did the album, and now we are releasing the album, digitally & physically, sometime in August. So definitely watch for that.
MYSTI: Personally my favourite records of yours were the Collectors Edition series, will we get a Collectors Edition 3.
BUNDY: I'm hoping so, TMB has a folder of lost vocal tracks, so im hoping he can put something together for them, plus a bunch of music i put out as singles in past years that never got a real release could be put on there, lets just wait and see.
MYSTI: What other music from you is in the works?
BUNDY: So, so much. Ill Of Writes we've got FMA3 coming out asap, and i have recorded 2 ep's worth of material just waiting for Samuel and TMB to stop being diabolical and finish some of them up. Dirt Merchants as i said is coming out in August. I'm producing an EP for Words called Sticks & Stones. I have a producer project finished waiting on mixes, and theres a lot of material i still have to record for various things. I think once ive recorded everything im taking some time out of music.
MYSTI: Do you have any favourite emcees/producers right now? If so who are they?
BUNDY: Look, i dont even listen to much music, honestly. I only really listen to a small section of people, i don't really know how i rap or produce because i know so little about music these days.
In all seriousness though, as much as i fuck around and say this dudes a diabolical bastard one of my favourite emcees is Samuel Tafari, and thats not me being biased due to us being Ill Of Writes, sometimes this guy will say the realest shit on the mic and it will get overlooked by so many people, dude amazes me with his rhymes sometimes.
All of my DR brothers and Dirt Merchants, I.N.F is a beast of a rapper, honorable mentions go to Kue The Vandal who's just raw, Godilla, Eff Yoo, Capo, Glomgold, Sosa, Tha Soloist, Lateb, Slant, a whole load of dudes i enjoy listening to indeed.
Producers... gotta by MoTioN, this dude CAN make some of the best shit you will ever hear without a doubt, only when he wants to though, you can't push this dude for shit haha.
Dope Antelope, just ill, erm.. Grim Reaperz, Luka, Trilian, Demon, the list is endless, so many producers can pull that shit out the bag.
MYSTI: If you could do an album with a producer or an emcee who would it be?
BUNDY: I've worked with most of the people ive wanted to work with, fortunately, those who i would want to do an actual project with though, Dope Antelope for sure. Nico The Beast i reckon that could work, on my beats. Eff Yoo, Godilla, these guys i got the time of day for.
Tha Soloist & MoTioN............................................ hmm. You know what i could sit here all day debating this shit, but really if someone wants to build they know where i am, im down to work haha.
MYSTI: Whats the most difficult thing about being a producer?
BUNDY: Being this good, is a burden.
Hahaha, fuck, i don't know, sometimes samples can be a bitch, sometimes i want to play my own shit, then i do, and that pisses me off. Us producers are very temperamental.
Really though, to me the hardest thing about being a producer is the need to be a perfectionist and scrapping so many beats because i don't think they sound crisp enough and i can't do shit to make it sound how i want it to, its frustrating.
MYSTI: Who are your hero's?
BUNDY: Musically? Tay Zonday, obviously. Non musically? Paul Gascoigne, without a doubt.
MYSTI: If you had to give advice to anyone based on being a producer or an emcee what would you say?
BUNDY: 1. Don't do it, pick a different career, don't be a diabolical bastard. 2. If you didn't listen to 1, and you're adamant about being a rapper, at least don't be a dick and have an ego before you deserve it. 3. BUY A FUCKING BEAT FROM ME!
MYSTI: LOL, well thanks for that insight Bundy, it has been a pleasure to see your answers to these questions, finally, if you have any links you want to share here put them up.
BUNDY: Aye, it was fun, we're definitely have to do this again.
Links though:
The Grand Imperials is an EP being created by DJ TMB, Edd Bundy & produced entirely by JBL The Titan, which will feature a plethora of both well known Hip Hop artists and 'up-and-comers' alike through guest verses. I can only speculate on who will be featuring so trying to guess is pointless you will just have to wait and see.
The first single from this EP is going to be leaked in a matter of weeks by DJ TMB, so to keep up to date follow his twitter account and facebook artist page;
Twitter: @djtmb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJTMB.ROK
This is not the first time DJ TMB & JBL The Titan have worked together, and here's one from the vaults to get you anticipating what could be.
Godilla ft. Slim DSM & DJ TMB (Produced by JBL The Titan)
Want to keep up to date with Edd Bundy & JBL The Titan then here you go.
Edd Bundy;
Twitter: @EddBundyHK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddbundy
JBL The Titan;
Twitter: @JbLthetitan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JbL-The-Titan/423755661004805
Whether you have heard the name DJ TMB (most of you will have) or not, the sheer feature & collaborations list make him one of the most "celebrated" DJ's, not just in the UK, but of the whole underground Hip Hop scene. It is a great pleasure to be able to get his words & opinions for you all to see right here, and as one of my personal favourite DJ's around a lot of this will come over as a fan speaking to an artist instead of any old interview thrown out there. So, let's not draw this out longer than needs be... MYSTI: DJ TMB.. Its a name to remember really, but how did you come up with the name? TMB: It's kind of a funny story, many years ago, a buddy came thru for a session, we regularly got together to throw beats on, smoke a ton of weed and drink a crate of lager, this particular time we got wasted and I threw on some ragga beats, as my buddy was freestlyin over it in a ragga style (which was hilarious) he came up with this name 'KillaMans Biro' (kill a mans biro) and I jokingly replied with the name TerraMans Bookup (tear a mans book up) and after we sobered up we kept it and started rhyming under those names. I later shortened it to TMB. These days it can stand for many things, The Master Butcher, The Mad Bastard, The Mean Brother, The Master Builder.. etc... MYSTI: Whether you or anybody else knows I'm not too sure, but there is another DJ TMB mainly on Youtube who does competition entries & cut sessions. 1. What do you think about sharing the name? 2. If you already knew, have you ever been mistaken for the other DJ TMB? TMB: I am aware of the other dude, I don't mind sharing the name, When I started using the name I was unaware of him or another TMB. He has great skills and I have nothing but respect for him. I'm not into the battle scene and doing scratch videos, I don't really find the time for it, to be as good as some of these turntablist out there you need to practice and be on it all the time, I used to be on it all the time but these days I got a family and other commitments which take up my time. I do get the odd person on Facebook who thinks it's me but i do correct them, it doesn't happen too often. MYSTI: Ok, onto the more serious questions now lol.. Your feature/collaborations list is HUGE, I mean if you can imagine how big a list can be, it pushes the boundaries of that.. Now, instead of "who is your favourite person you've worked with", I'm going to ask who was the most interesting person you've worked with, who and why did it take you out of your comfort zone? TMB: Hmmm thats a good question, I like producers/artists that send beats that are always different, some are experimental and I appreciate that, because experimenting with music and pushing the boundaries are what makes it interesting. There are also dudes who have sent me beats that I have had to decline to work on because I don't feel it. There are a lot of interesting artists out there and I like a challenge..
MYSTI: You have a couple of mixtapes/cd's out there including The Machine & I See Red People which both got a lot of acclaim from pretty much everyone who heard it, will you be putting together another collective project like this in 2015 or in the future? TMB: I am currently working on a series of EP's with different producers beats, 5-6 tracks each, the first will be 'The Grand Imperials' with JBL the Titan, and it will feature my good friend Edd Bundy on the verses throughout along with a plenty of guests i've roped in.. I have planned it out very carefully, from selecting the beats to hand picking the artists for each track. No set date for release yet. Mixtapes, I will be dropping more throughout the year so keep 'em peeled.
MYSTI: Region Of Kings, ROK Muzik, ROK LDN.. These are common names that you are associated with. For those that don't know, what is it & how did it get started? TMB: Region of Kings started around 2009 I think, It was my creation, I wanted to start a crew with actual heads I knew in person, originally the crew started off as me, KillaMans Biro, this dude named Carey the Lone Soldier and another dude called Breeve Eazy, then came Edd Bundy, we put together an album called Kingdom of Godz, which I made beats and rhymed on. I kinda lost touch with Carey and Breeve Eazy over time, and KillaMans Biro stepped away from the scene, So that left me and Edd. We are still making music under the ROK name, in fact the EP series we're doing will be under the ROK umbrella. MYSTI: Being a UK DJ first and foremost but with mainly a US collaboration list would it be safe to assume you like US Hip Hop more? If so why? TMB: Yes I pretty much only listen to US Hip hop, It was what got me hooked on it from day one, having said that, I do like a few UK artists, Task Force, Blak Twang, Stig and a few others and of course my team, Edd Bundy and Sam Tafari. But my heart is with the US, always has and always will. MYSTI: Who would you say are your favourite US underground rappers & UK underground rappers right now? TMB: Well UK would be Edd Bundy and Sam Tafari, I've been lucky enough to watch these guys flourish and grow first hand both here in the UK and in the US underground scene. As far as the US, right now for me I gotta say Skrewtape, his latest album with Us Natives 'No Filter' is my album of 2014. He also directs video's too, and is a real stand up guy, I met him at Marsten House recording studio last year. Also Vas is one of my favourite artists too, his flow and delivery stands out, I like everything he does and again he welcomed me into his home in Philly last year and fed me Krimpets. Pryme Prolifik, Tone Liv, Godilla, Adlib and UG all put in work and I enjoy all these guys music. MYSTI: A lot of people won't know, but as you have said, you used to be an emcee also, what made you stop? Is it something you would ever go back to? TMB: As I mentioned before, I used to rhyme and I enjoyed it, I see it now as a path I took to find where I fit in, I've loved Hip hop since I was 9 years old, Breakin' got me started, I used to bust moves with my piece of Lino, then I started DJing and scratchin' on my 'one deck one cassette' step up, then I started reciting Run DMC, LL, Beastie Boys lyrics which eventually turned into writing my own verses and recording them onto cassette, I also dabbled in the graffiti scene too so I have sampled all the elements of Hip Hop and found my lane. I enjoyed the concept of writing and recording tracks but it never really took off. I wouldn't pick up the mic again or go back to any of the other elements of Hip Hop but I do really enjoy them all.
MYSTI: As a DJ/Producer & 'retired' (so to speak) Emcee, which one do/did you have more fun doing? TMB: I enjoy the creative side of things the most, being creative is mad fun, but the DJ side of things has always held my interest the most, I love doing cuts and being in my studio but I also really enjoy the live sets and being able to DJ for artists too. Being a DJ is great because I'm a fan first and foremost, so I love listening to Hip hop, and being part of the scene however big or small is a blessing and I'm really enjoying it. I've been collecting Hip hop vinyl since around 1984 which is another aspect of being a fan and a DJ I love and enjoy. MYSTI: On the production topic, you produced a few amazing beats for Dead Rabbits projects and a lot of other places, what has been your favourite tracks you have heard created over your beats? TMB: I don't make many beats, maybe 4 or 5 a year, not many artists out there have my beats, I would say Edd Bundy is my favourite artist on my beats, we've had a few bangers, he gets first dibbs on 99% of my beats.
MYSTI: What is the most difficult thing about being a DJ, and what is the best thing about being a DJ? TMB: The most difficult thing is vinyl storage, my studio is full and I won't stop buying! There are many 'best things' about it, the creativity, the fun, the buzz of playing live, meeting great people, travelling, the diggin', it's all good! MYSTI: You have had a lot of success as a DJ, do you think it would be something you could do full time if you put enough into it? TMB: Yes I'd love to give up the day job and become a full time DJ, but having a family and responsibilities means I need a guaranteed income every month, If I became a resident at a nightclub playing Hip hop very week then yes i'd love that and would discuss it with my family. But for now it's a hobby, a passion that puts a few more pennies in the pot. MYSTI: What do you prefer, performing live or featuring on a very reputable emcee's album? TMB: Hmmm, I think performing live has the edge, because you cant beat that buzz and meeting/networking with people is always good. But I do love spending endless hours in my studio on my turntables too. MYSTI: If anyone wanted to start DJ'ing and doing cuts, if you could give anyone any advice off the bat, what would that be? TMB: I'd say make sure it's what you want to do before you spend money on the right equipment, you gotta be hungry and have a passion for it, and put in hours of practice to master it and not give up when it's not going right. I'd also say use turntables and vinyl too, before you go digital, do your research and have fun!.
MYSTI: What music can we expect from TMB in 2015? TMB: The series of EP's I mentioned will happen, more cuts and features, more live shows, my weekly radio show 'Throwback Thursdays' on audiobunker.co.uk just more DJ TMB for your ears! MYSTI: If you could do cuts for anyone in Hip Hop dead or alive who are the top 5 you would want to work with? TMB: I don't know to be honest, there is too many, I enjoy every track I do whether it's an upcoming unknown or established artist. MYSTI: Vinyl is always a DJ's first choice but if that wasn't an option, CD's or Digital? TMB: Digital MYSTI: What would you say keeps you going & gives you motivation in what can sometimes be a very headache inducing scene? TMB: I stay away from the politics of the scene as much as possible, it can be very demoralising and negative. The support of my wife and kids keep me moving forward when im low, also a little acknowledgement from peers and people i'm cool with is a great pick me up. MYSTI: If you had to sum up your thoughts about DJ'ing in 5 words, How would describe it? TMB: Fun, enjoyable, late nights, friends MYSTI: So, its that time again, we have come to the end of another interview that I would have loved to last for days but alas, it just cannot be lol, if anybody wanted to hear more from TMB where could they find/buy your music? TMB: Thanks for having me on your blog Mysti, I really appreciate all your constant support and love you show me. FOR BOOKINGS, CUTS and ALL THINGS DJ TMB you can find me at the usual spots. Facebook TMB.ROK Twitter @DJTMB Instagram @djtmb Email djtmb@me.com MYSTI: Well thanks for the interview it definitely crosses one thing off my "to-do" list, and hopefully people are as interesting in reading this as I was conducting it. I hope you have a great 2015 and you achieve everything that you want to achieve. Also many thanks to anyone who takes time to read these interviews, a little interaction goes a long way, so thank you. Mysti.
