Son Gypsy – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
Well shit…I’ve been writing rhymes since I was 11, sitting in class one day with the homie. I was in the marching band at Peary Junior High & our teacher taught us how to play mostly hip hop records…she was dope as fuck. That’s when I really picked up on rap, figured I could tell my own stories through it. From there I just never stopped writing. I got sent to live with a family friend in Long Beach when I was 13 after some troubles my first year in high school. Distanced from my family for a while, I really delved into the art of it, not to get famous or nothing, but just to free my mind…express myself.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
Originally it was just for entertainment. First album I ever bought was Chicken n’ Beer, Ludacris’ shit. You know back then he had hella wordplay & it just sparked something in me. Wasn’t until I was older that I started to sense the raw potential that lies in hip hop. I see it now as an opportunity to show something different, give a different perspective on who we are & who we could be. Be the ripple that becomes the wave.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
I’m not one to put too much effort into describing myself, I don’t really dwell on such things. I will say that my perspective is different from today’s norm….& that’s something I feel is evident in my work.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
As of late I’ve been solo musically, by choice of course. A couple of years ago I was in a group called 3Gz with TayF3rd & Trizz and we all did some work together but eventually we went down our seperate paths, creative differences…nothing serious. As far as future collabs? My brother Greedy Giddy soon as he’s released! Ab-Soul, this dude from Florida named Robb Bank$. What would BLOW my mind is collabs with Method Man & Nas though.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
Underground Hip Hop is underground LOVE. Love from the people, regardless if it gets acknowledgement from the “mainstream”.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
I pull production from a few sources really. I work directly with Digital Crates who’s based out of Philly right now. My G A1Fly back home in Long Beach. I want to work with Clams Casino…I really fuck with that airy sound, heavy bass. I’m also looking forward to working with my little cousin again Jimmy Spadez…he’s been producing since pampers damn near & I recently got back in contact with him.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
I just released my first official project “Metanoia”. Shot a video for the opening track “Writing on the Walls” which I loooove. After a couple more visuals from “Metanoia” I’ll start working on a follow-up. There are plans for me to be on the Rock n Flow tour next year thanks to my G Feo from Ziplock Music. Besides that I’ve launched a website PyramidCulture.com & working on limited merchandise…more on that soon.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Metanoia? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.
I’ve been working on a couple of projects over the past 2 years that really all just progressed into Metanoia. By definition it means a profound, usually spiritual transformation. To me, this project is the beginning of my reflection of the transformation I’m going through. I feel like I’m in a cocoon really. The golden, hieroglyphic cover art is just dynamic to me. It resonates with who I am & what I’m expressing through Metanoia.
Where can we find your music and info?
You can find pretty much everything through PyramidCulture.com. If you’re trying to link with me directly just hit my twitter @SonGypsy. I don’t deal with Facebook & Instagram really.
Any shout outs?
FREE MY BROTHERS DAVON & GREEDY GIDDY…& mad love to my right hand Mic Larry. S/O the homies at Murder By Day, Amnimal, Fatal Clothing & everybody down with Pyramid Culture. If you’re ever in Long Beach be sure to visit Shades of Afrika on 4th street too my G. Peace to the Gods & the Earths. Hetep
Gypsy Ali
