Vegas & McLovin – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourselves. Where you are guys from? How long have you been making Hip Hop together?

Vegas: I’m from Brooklyn NY. I’ve been working with Mclovinbeatz off and on for the past couple of years. This is our first exclusive project together. It’s coming out pretty dope.

McLovin: Yeah, Vegas and I started working on music together about 2 years ago.  “Testers” is a taste of some of that work.  I’m from BMore, us being able to link together was because of my Third Infantry peoples.  They put me in a position where I could work on music. This material with Vegas is a direct result of that.

What influences you guys in making Hip Hop?

 Vegas: For me, it’s just a love thing. It’s what I’ve done for years. I was a fan since the age of 2, I’ve dj’d, and I’ve been rhyming for years. It’s an overall love for the culture and the artistry attached to hip hop music.

McLovin: Idk, the simple answer would be, I live, eat, and breathe this hip hop shit.   To be philosophical and eloquent with my words n shit…I guess I always looked at hip hop as a way we communicate with each other.  “We” meaning, kids who grew up off this hip hop shit. I remember watching videos back in the day and the rock n roll joints were cool, but with the hip hop joints, I felt always like they were speaking directly to me.  So now I’m in a position to participate and contribute my expression to that same culture.

Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs & Producer’s?

Vegas: What separates me from other emcees is the fact that poetry is what drives my lyrics. I wrote abstract poetry before I ever wrote a rap verse. It’s the wordplay that comes front and center for me. Making a statement in a not so obvious way.   It’s all fueled by my passion to plant my own flag as an emcee. I can do party records, I can do conscious records, I can spit battle Rap’s… But none of it works for me if I don’t include that poetic wordplay.

McLovin: As far as producing goes, I work very hard to separate and stand out. All that shit depends on the listener tho.  Everything I approach is in layers. Everything.   Whether the audience picks up on some of the shit I do or even cares, only time will tell.  Regardless, tho, I work hard to have rich, layered production. The most critical layer to me in creating hip hop music…drums. The punch, the patterns and shit.    The second critical layer is melody and the third is spontaneity.  With that third layer I lean a lot on the emcee. Like for “Testers” I’ve made adjustments to beats just based on what Vegas says and how he delivered his verses. For example…with the song “Pipebomb”, all those soundbytes from CM Punk were placed after I heard what Vegas had to say in his rhymes.

Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?

Vegas: I’ve collaborated with a couple of independent artist. I have no real preference. I’m going to do my best regardless of the track or artist.

McLovin: Personally, this is my first official collaboration and project. On “Paid” we collaborated with a young lady by the name of @julesonstrings. Salute. I was really impressed with her string work and how she was able to tap into the undertone of the song. Once again…based on what she heard, she was able to adjust and turn up.

I mean with collabs, whoever trying to work. I don’t have any picks.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

Vegas: Underground Hip-Hop is Rap music UNCOMPROMISED. Every artist was an underground artist at some point in their career. It’s the music that you make… That’s important to you. Your identity, your views, your opinion. It’s the ultimate marketing.

McLovin: I agree with Vegas. Underground is untapped. That pure. No cut. No whip on it. Raw.

Any current or future projects you guys are promoting?

Vegas: Right now we are promoting this “Testers EP”. The official album is about done. It’s going to be really dope. Stay tuned.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Testers EP? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.

Vegas: “Testers” is exactly what the title states. It’s a precursor to the album. It’s a snapshot of the themes and tones on the upcoming album. A lot of rappers refer to their music as “crack”  or “dope” metaphorically. Addictive music. We want to tap into that notion, but one up them by providing more. They offer a cheap product. The label says “crack” but it’s no different from the shit down the street. What we offer is more potent. And our shit is “FREE”. The cover was influenced by the Lebron “powder” toss, and the drug from that “Dredd” movie. We wanted people to say, Wtf?! But, find it difficult not to see their curiosity through. Once you hit play, you realize this is better than what you anticipated. It’s not just the same shit.

McLovin: As far as the recording process, I will say that I made the beat for “First Ones Free”, staring at that cover lol!

Where can we find your music and info?

Vegas: Follow me in Soundcloud.com/Vegasworldinc

McLovin: www.mclovinbeatz.com @mclovinbeatz

Any Shout Out?

Vegas: Check out the Free Ep “Testers” and look out for the album coming soon.. You won’t be disappointed.

McLovin: Salute to UGHH Blog!  Thank you for having us!