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Interview
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Today we hit you
again with some more "Hood
Scripturez" . As the project was evenly divided between
Shabazz and Dj Extremediz, it wouldn't be fair to direct all our
attention to just Shabazz . Hence why we come with Chapter 2 of
our Hood Scripturez interview. While the focus on Monday was
more on the themes of the album and all things Shabazz, today we
dive into the world of beatmaking alongside DJ Extremediz. The
man behind the boards seems to have come out of nowhere, if
people knew his name at all, it was because they had seen the
announcement of the (back then still) collaborative EP with
Shabazz.
DJ Extremidiz is
an underground DJ / producer from Canada. Vernon, B.C is where
he got his roots in the hip hop world. Started djing in high
school and got some tech1200s and a mixer and began his journey
through dusty crates and moldy pawn shops digging for old vinyl
and collecting samples for his beats. Spending most his time
scratching and beat juggling with fellow DJ's he developed his
own style and approach to turntablism and production. While in
his earlier years he mostly made mixtapes, played clubs and
parties and occasional battles, now in recent years he has spent
most his time in the lab working on albums, collaborations with
other artists and building up his record label, Metal Barz.
An initial collaboration on the song "Hood Sellasie" with Sunz
of Man/Gravediggaz member Shabazz the Disciple some years ago
sparked a mutual respect and admiration between both artists
that eventually resulted to them working on more songs. More
songs led to a planned EP which inevitably lead to the full
album "Hood
Scripturez" which dropped in November 4th of this year. The
album is basically Shabazz at his best with his versatile rhyme
styles, deep concepts and metaphorical parables laced with DJ
Extremidiz grimey beats and cuts to fit the package to a great
result as this album is already nominated to be one of
Wu-Internationals "Best albums of the year".
Ex has also worked
with numerous MC's and producers worldwide such as: Hell Razah,
Freestyle & Dstroy, Gage and Click Animosity, Tame One, Krohme,
The Seekz Monster, LCOB artists, Beretta 9, Celph Titled and
many more. Currently working on his debut album "Weapon Ex
Project", numerous side projects for Metal Barz as well as the
second instalment of "Hood Scripturez" with Shabazz, you can
expect to hear a lot from The Exorcist in the next coming
years!! Find out how this DJ from Canada connected with Shabazz
from Red Hooks, New York, to create a master piece and much more
about the DJ, producer and visionary... Enjoy!! |
I like to say thanks first and foremost for
taking the time to answer these questions, highly
appreciated, and will also point out that nothing will be
altered, edited or changed when this is published online.
Wu-International: Hi Extremidiz, since you are
a lesser known half of this project, can you please tell us
a little about yourself, where you are from, what you do
etc?
DJ Extremidiz:
Well my name Extremidiz,
aka Ex comes from turntablism and battling, using your arms
as weapons etc. I’m originally from a town called Vernon,
B.C but currently live in Vancouver. I was born in Plymouth,
England in 1981 but moved to Canada when I was 3 and have
been here ever since.
Wu-International: It is safe to assume you are
a DJ as well as a producer, how long have you been djing and
producing?
DJ Extremidiz:
I started djing in
around 96/97 with my homies Seekz and Dj Illstylus. We all
had different names back then tho and I started producing
around 2000. I bought myself an MPC2000xl and the crew
started making beats and rapping etc. It was never really
serious tho, just us clowning around and making funny
tracks, mixtapes and scratch albums etc.
Wu-International: So how did you fall into your
respective craft?
DJ Extremidiz: Basically just the love of Hip Hop
kinda pushed me in the direction to learn more and discover
the elements etc. My homie Macro had a CD program back in
the day you could beat match and kinda scratch on, so we
were instantly hooked. I have to give props again to my
homies Seekz and Illstylus, since they are the ones that let
me hang out using their turntables etc and taught me a lot
about turntablism etc. I remember searching pawn shops for
‘direct drive’ tables so we could cut without the lagging of
the old ‘belt drive’ tables and borrowing vinyl from them to
take home and practice.
Wu-International: What would you say is the
difference between a producer and a DJ?
DJ Extremidiz: Well I would say that in the recent
years a lot of producers don’t have any history of music or
anything, they just have a laptop and software with
pre-programmed sounds and beats etc where as the Dj’s have
been putting in the work since day one. Digging for records,
doing the history of breaks and samples, learning techniques
to flip the samples and chop the drums, re-program the
sounds into something new. And as a Dj, you have to have
rhythm, understand beats and tempos and know how to please a
crowd, not just your own ear.
Wu-International:
What tools/equipments do you use for making beats?
DJ Extremidiz:
I’ve basically been using
the same old equipment for years. My trusty Tech 1200s,
MPC2000xl, EPS keyboard (off and on) and a few other little
things here and there.
Wu-International: Which producers will you credit to
be your foundation as far as inspiration go?
DJ Extremidiz: Well I’m a big Wu fan so definitely
people like Rza, Tru Master, 4th Disciple, but also the
legends like Dj Premier, Pete Rock, D.I.T.C. Also all the Dj/Turntablists
that paved the way for us like Q Bert, Mix Master Mike,
Xecutioners (R.I.P Roc Raida), A-Trak, there are way too
many to name. If you’re a Hip Hop head you already know!!!
Wu-International: Let’s talk about your recent
release, “The Hood Scripturez”, is currently out as download
and soon on CD, please give us the releases dates and also
let us know how well received this project has been so far
from the fans who have been screaming for a Shabazz album?
DJ Extremidiz: Well the album is out now on
iTunes.com and CD’s should be in stores January 2011.
We’re still trying to figure out distro for the CD’s but
they will definitely be available thru myself and Shabazz,
online stores and pretty much anywhere else we can plug the
album. If anyone is interested in physical distribution for
this album holler at us!!!!
 |
Wu-International: How did you and Shabazz meet and
what prompted this collabo?
DJ Extremidiz:
I got his email from
a friend (Al Kaaliq) and hit him up to do a track. So we
worked out the details and decided to record a single
track to try and boost my name/credibility. The track
turned out pretty dope so we decided to turn it into an
EP which then turned into an album. We hit it off from
the get go and kept the relationship going further than
expected, which also prompted us to record a number of
unreleased tracks and eventually form a group.
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Wu-International: Was this the first album you have
ever produced solely for an artist or well known artist?
DJ Extremidiz:
Yes, I had only done
singles and mixtapes until this album.
Wu-International: What was it about Shabazz
that made you want to collaborate on a full album with him?
DJ Extremidiz:
I’m a huge
Gravediggaz/Sunz of Man fan so when I learned I was able to
get in contact with him I jumped on the opportunity! Shabazz
is one of the most underrated MCs in the game!
Wu-International: Did you have to alter your
sound/style to adapt to Shabazz’s style or wishes ? If so,
how?
DJ Extremidiz:
Definitely! I sent him a lot of beats and we built on them,
or scrapped them all together! I learned a lot working with
him! We would choose the ones that fit the project and take
it from there. There were a bunch of beats that were instant
choices, like “Brimstone & Fiyah” but also ones that needed
work like “The Savior” etc. Some had too many samples, or
the drums weren’t quite right etc. So it was definitely a
challenge for me to try and make bangers!
Wu-International: So what has it been like working
with Shabazz for this project, any highs and lows, memorable
moments you like to share with us?
DJ Extremidiz:
As I’m sure it is for any
artist, there are always highs and lows, but that just means
you’re on the right track. I would say the most memorable
times would be when I went to Brooklyn and stayed with him
for a week. We filmed the video for “Brooklyn Niggaz” and I
got to record the track “Page 2” with him and even
contribute to one of the verses, lol. That was hella fun,
got to go to Red Hook and meet a lot of real nice people and
some legends also like Hellrazah and Supreme! Those dudes
are ill.!
Wu-International: Why has it taken this long
to complete this project though?
DJ Extremidiz:
The album has actually
been complete for quite a while, but just never had the
resources to release it. Politics of the business I guess.
Like I said before, we’re still trying to figure out distro
etc. Plus the album was ahead of its time and we wanted to
make sure it was just right. Each track is different and
offers something unique to the album but still keeping the
concept in tact and not straying from that boom bap hip hop
sound.
Wu-International: How did you record the
songs living in different parts of the world?
DJ Extremidiz:
I would send him beats
and we would figure out which ones would work. Shabazz would
record in NY, send me his takes and I would do the post
production in my studio. We would then decide what needed to
be altered etc and take it from there.
Wu-International: So which would you say are
your favorite songs off the album and why?
DJ Extremidiz:
Well I love them all!!!!
But my absolute favourite is "Brimstone & Fiyah" because it
was one of those instant bangers. Shabazz murdered it!
Wu-International: What was the creative
process like, as in who came up with the concepts or titles,
did you have to make beats to suit the concept or already
have beats for Baz to choose from, please take us through
the whole making of this classic project?
DJ Extremidiz:
Ya like I said before I
would send him beats and we would choose the ones, then Baz
record and I edit. Shabazz chose the titles for the tracks.
Wu-International: How many songs were recorded for
this project and if there were some that were not used could
you please tell us why and what you will be doing with them?
DJ Extremidiz:
There are 14 songs total
on the album, with an Intro, Outro and each song has a skit
to open up the track and set the pace. We’ve also been
working on a number of other projects such as a follow up
album to Hood Scripturez as well as my producer solo album
“Weapon X”, which Shabazz is all over, as well as a ton of
other MC’s from across the globe. We’ve also been working on
a group project… more to come on that!
Wu-International: I think Killah Priest and Baz on
your beat or a full Sunz of Man line up would have been
sick, was there any one you wanted as a feature on this
project that didn’t work out?
DJ Extremidiz:
Ya that would be hella
sick, we had talked about getting Priest on there but it
never happened. Originally there wasn’t gonna be any
features, but after we recorded that track as a single for
me and Aslan with Razah on there, it had to be added. It was
right for the album.
Wu-International: The final track is “Page 2 (The
Sabath)” aka “Diary of a madman pt 2”. You also reworked
Slick Rick’s “Children’s story”. How do you start at
reworking such classic tracks, must be quite a challenge?
DJ Extremidiz:
Ya that was an honour for
me to do, since the original track is legendary, when we
talked about it and decided to do a part 2 I had to flip it
slightly in my own way to make it unique, which you can
hear. As for the “Headtime Story”, that was pretty much just
Shabazz’ doing. He surprised me with that one.
Wu-International:
Thanks, have you produced for any other Killa Beez, and if
so who?
DJ Extremidiz: I’ve only worked with a few
others like Hellrazah, Beretta 9, Solomon Childs, and
Holocaust but plan on working with more in the future!!
Wu-International: If you were to produce a full
album for any other artist, who would that be and why?
DJ Extremidiz:
As far as Wu-Tang, I
would love to work with any of the original 9. Rza, Meth,
that would be a dream come true! But outside the Wu,
probably someone like Rugged Man, Celph Titled, Sean P, Kool
G Rap. There are way too many to name.
Wu-International: Prior to “Hood Scripturez”, you
pretty much had a number of projects like instrumentals out,
can you please take us through you own catalogue of
releases?
DJ Extremidiz:
Ya there hasn’t been much
from me in the past. I did an EP called “The
Beat Butcher” which was just a promo CD we did that made
its way online. I did a few instrumental albums too which
didn’t really do much but float around Myspace etc. The Hood
Scripturez was meant to be the jump off!
Wu-International: Who is behind Metal Barz records
and which acts are signed to it?
DJ Extremidiz: Basically Metal Barz is my
label. I run the label with the help of my homies Seekz and
Gage. It was originally a song title from my homies Dialog &
Netik but I took the name and used it for the label name. We
had a warehouse which we rented and turned it into our
headquarters for a few months and that’s where it all began
for the label. We don’t really “sign” the artists but we all
work together for the greater good. Our current releases
include:
Shabazz & Extremidiz - Hood Scripturez,
Click Animosity – Feeders Of The Flamez,
Premium Plus – Fresh Out Tha Box,
Empire – Disciples Of Rap,
Gage – Dead Angel/The Gospel EP,
Seekz – The Seekz Monster Mixtape,
7th Circle – House Of Violence
and we have a HUGE line up of releases set for 2011
including my solo - Weapon X, Gage – The Desolate Lands, 7th
Circle – The Inferno, Deewuallah – The Dark Science Drifter
and a whole bunch more. We’re also doing a series of singles
which will come out monthly throughout the year called
“Smash Singles” and will feature label artists and guest
appearances. Lots to come!
Wu-International: You put out Gage One’s “Dead
Angel/Gospel” EP sometime back, when is the album
getting released and can you tell us more about the
features?
DJ Extremidiz:
Ya that was our first
release, and the follow up album is called The Desolate
Lands, which will be released early 2011. It features
Holocaust, Bombshot, Tragic Allies, Hellrazah, Vast Aire,
Click Animosity and a whole bunch more. That album is
bananaz!!!
Wu-International: We know you had a planned
project with Aslan from UK as well, can you tell us what's
happening with that?
DJ Extremidiz:
Ya we are still building
on that, but myself and Aslan have just been occupied the
past couple years doing other projects. We’re both busy as
hell but still plan on doing the album soon! He’s also
featured on Gage’s – Dead Angel/The Gospel and my album
Weapon X. Aslan’s my bro!!
Wu-International: Please tell us more about the
Midaz and Extremidiz project?
DJ Extremidiz: That’s the first I’ve heard about it.
Midaz is dope tho!! Get at me!!
Wu-International: Let’s touch on your solo projects,
if not wrong you are currently working on “Weapon X”, can
you please tell us a little bit more about this as in
featured guests, release date etc?
DJ Extremidiz:
This is my first concept
album where each track is full of guest appearances and 100%
produced by me. It’s a dark album with dirty samples, hard
hitting drums, insane verses and rugged cuts. The line up is
huge but features heads like; Shabazz, Hellrazah, Aslan,
Gage, Seekz, Rheto, Celph Titled, Holocaust, Solomon Childs,
Beretta 9, Tragic Allies, White Lotus and a whole bunch
more!!! Its planned on being released early 2011.
Wu-International: Ok, thanks for those, what
else do you have planned for 2011 and so on that has not
already been covered?
DJ Extremidiz: Ya tons of stuff for 2011, I mentioned
a few in previous questions but keep your ear to the streets
cuz we plan on hitting it hard!
Wu-International: Thanks for those answers, how would
you say the hip-hop scene in Canada compare to that of USA?
DJ Extremidiz:
Well just the same as any
other country we have a lot of really good music that never
gets any shine, but we also have a ton of crap that the
media pushes on us just the same as the U.S.
Wu-International: As far as Wu goes, the only people
I know closely or loosely related is you and White Lotus,
seems you know him and have worked with him as well?
DJ Extremidiz: Ya I know White Lotus, he’s on
Weapon X. He’s a good dude and a hella good producer!!
Wu-International: Thanks for those answers,
before we end this interview, do you have anything you would
like to add on that has not already been covered?
DJ Extremidiz:
Just to keep
listening to our music if you like what you hear, and try to
support the artists as much as possible. We’re all in the
struggle together! And thanx to all the people that have
been supporting us!
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Wu-International: Any shout outs, last words, sign
off etc?
DJ Extremidiz:
Shouts to Dark 7 and the Wu-international fam for
the interview and a great review on the site, my friends
and family for the support and the fans who like the
music. Shouts to all the artists I’ve worked with and
the whole Metal Barz team, all the dj’s in the world who
keep putting out mixtapes and getting the music to the
fans (djs run the world!!), mad props to Gage for all
the help and hard work he puts in, bigups to T.B.V
(keeping the trains looking pretty) and a mega huge
shout out to my man Seekz who does all my artwork and
helps keep me from going off the deep end at times!
Peace! |
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Keep up to date with
DJ Extremidiz
http://www.myspace.com/djextremidiz
http://www.reverbnation.com/djextremidiz
Related Interview
Shabazz The
Disciple : Hood
Scriptures: Chapter 1 [20th
December 2010]
<Read Other Interviews> |
