The Zoneby Origix
(May, 19th, 2010)
What’s up readers of The Zone? I have decided to take this column in another direction, I still will be writing exclusive pieces on artist’s but I also wanted to open my write up’s to Q & A Interviews.
The Column will now run every other week and on the off weeks I will be posting shows, reviews, new releases and other news.
This weeks subject is on one of the hardest working groups in Michigan; Inkster’s “Street Justice” Fresh from opening the Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek show at the Crofoot, a new video and free download project is now on the streets. Redd, Ketchphraz and Jypsy have a lot on their plate to talk about.
Origix: So what’s going on with the crew right now? What do you all have in the works?
Redd: We just dropped “Follow The Drip”. It’s not a mix tape. It’s not an album. It’s a collection of music.
Ketchphraze: We got the album “GO H.A.A.M!” coming up next! Yes, we're finally dropping the official album, lol.
Jypsy: We’re building inspiration for the making of the project after “GO H.A.A.M!” because it has to be, if not better, just as incredible and phenomenal as the last one.
Origix: How was the Talib Kweli show for y’all? What where some of the highlights of the night?
Jypsy: To keep it 100 with you, everything happened so fast, it’s hard to remember. I remember sound check, smoking a blunt, and then literally rushing to the stage. After that, just enjoying the show.
Redd: The Talib show was awesome! I think that was one of the best performances we've ever had. Shouts to THEE STREET JUSTICE BAND: Sax, Amir, RJ, Big O, Jeff, Kamau, Duminie, and my sis Ideeyah!
Ketchphraze: The show went great! Despite me performing with pneumonia and the smoking law wasn't in effect yet, it was an amazing show and good times man. I think the highlight was our homie, Duminie on the guitar solo. Killed it!!
Origix: How long have you been working on the new project? Explain, "Follow The Drip". What’s the meaning and who is on it?
Ketchphraze: We started working on "Follow The Drip" in January. The concept behind it is simple: it's a leak album. It's something to keep the streets buzzing. We did ALL ORIGINAL material to silence the critics about us being mix tape crazy. It gave the people something new and refreshing to listen to ‘cause -lets be honest - it's been a lot of BULLSHIT MUSIC in the last two years. We just make that contribution to Detroit Hip Hop and keep the movement going.
Jypsy: We’ve been trying to make an album since “Out 4 Just Us”. But, the name, the vibe, the substance of the album wasn’t there. So we did a ton of brainstorming and finally came up with the right vibe and name and went H.A.A.M! (Hard As A Muh’fucka! No homo.) Our Frat House/Varsity Club brothers are the only ones featuring.
Redd: Yep. What they said. “Follow The Drip” is available for free download at www.streetjusticehiphop.com. Shameless plug. Shameless plug.
Origix: You guys now have enough material to have an official album. Why have you not put out an album? What are you waiting on?
Redd: Waiting till the time and money is right. We gotta make sure the buzz is strong. No point in putting out a million dollar project with a thousand dollar budget.
Ketchphraze: Money. We could just throw something out here but why? We are independent as FUCK! We pay for everything out of pocket and your album has to be right. Can't just throw some shit out there for folks to judge you on, mixing, mastering, packaging, promo, etc. The wait is well worth it! We got our shit together and people will definitely respect the way we put this record out.
Jypsy: If you don’t load your ammo properly, your gun is liable to jam. I’ll be damned if we put out an album this incredible and it does nothing. We’re taking foolproof steps to make sure it comes out the right way.
Origix: Who have y’all been doing rhymes and beats with lately? Anybody in particular you can name that might be a surprise?
Ketchphraze: Man, everybody! On the album just Saxappeal, Ideeyah, Apollo Brown, Peace Of Mind, and Nation.
Redd: I’m really digging the joints we’ve been doing with Nametag and Black Bethoven. I think we have a crazy vibe together. Got a couple joints from The Labtechs, too: 14KT and Forekast. Salute!
Jypsy: Don’t forget about 4mulaone and Oznoh from Spain.
Origix: What kind of shows you got going on?
Jypsy: Ask Redd.
Redd: LOL May 15th is the “50 for 5E” concert. It’s a fundraiser to help 5E Gallery move into their new building. May 30th is the DetroitRap.com People’s Choice Awards. (Make sure you vote for SJ at www.detroitrap.com) Lookout for your boy singing (yes, I said singing) the National Anthem June 5th at the Detroit Derby Girls game! “New Era Redd”. I wear SO many hats!
Ketchphraze: We have an unplugged style show being set up before we drop the record. That's about all that's set in stone.
Origix: You just released a video for “Breakin’ Rocks”. Can you explain the song?
Ketchphraze: "Breakin’ Rocks" is a song for the average American out here grinding for their family. It's a recession; we all are feeling that shit and we are all doing what we must do to get by. It's a motivational song for folks to get by too.
Redd: The song is all about your hustle. It’s about whatever you do to make sure you and yours eat.
Jypsy: It’s the soundtrack to getting money. Check it out on www.youtube.com/SJHipHop.
Redd: Street Justice is your favorite group…ever!
www.streetjusticehiphop.com.