DEAD PERRY x Casual - White Crown (Official Video) + 10 Questions
The pairing of rapper and member of the Hieroglyphics crew Casual and producer DEAD PERRY has returned with White Crown, a gritty track that features deft turntable cuts courtesy of Non Phixions DJ Eclipse.
This new single follows on the potent chemistry the duo demonstrated last year with the release of The Art Of Reanimation LP. Released on Below System Records (home to Trizz and the Estee Nack/Superior joint) and vinyl via Tuff Kong the project featured a whole host of top-notch spitters including Ghostface Killah, Killah Priest, Rockness Monsta, Phesto, Planet Asia, Tristate, Eto, Daniel Son, Celph Titled, Crimeapple and DJ TMB. We caught up with DEAD PERRY who answered the infamous 10 questions for us.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
The first element of hip hop was graff for me and that took off in 1994. That’s always been a major part and will continue. It wasn’t until 1999 that I started making beats though. I’d say the spark for me was a close friend of mine who was a break dancer in a crew called “The Wreck Crew”. He started making beats to pop and lock to and I took a serious interest in it. I bought my first sampler in 2001 (Roland SP-303). That sampler is pretty sought after now, but back then, it was basically just a poor man’s MPC 2000 XL.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My main influences are producers. Personal friends though that I’ve learned from through the years. Lil Jay, Tateron, DJ FLOW, etc.. As far as well known producers go I’d say The Beastie Boys, RZA, and all of Hieroglyphics. Unlike the members of Wu Tang, nearly all the Hiero members contributed beats to their collective projects they’ve released through the years and their beats are crazy ILL!! You can’t sleep on Hiero! When we’re talking about rappers though I’ve already worked with most of my favorites. To name a few, I would definitely work with would be: Cormega, Kool G Rap, Kool Keith, and Spice One.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
The next project I’m releasing is my album with P-Dirt. I’ve been working with Dirt sense I started making beats in 99’. This record is crazy! Some of my favorite production yet and I’ve got some dope features on it as well. I got Ill Bill and DJ Eclipse on a joint. Daniel Son, Raz Fresco, Estee Nack, and Al Divino, are on the album as well. I’m definitely looking forward to releasing that project. I’m also working on an album with Izrell and the homie Funk Lo.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is pretty dark. I don’t make happy beats. It’s not that I can’t, but that sound just doesn’t interest me honestly. You could murder someone to my music.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment would be working with Casual. I grew up listening to Fear It Self. I had that cassette on repeat while mowing lawn’s as a kid. It’s still one of my favorite hip hop albums to this day.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
The only advice I can extend is, make music for yourself. If what you’re making makes “you” happy, then that’s all that matters!
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
A few artists that have been on my radar that I can suggest to peep out are: Dirty Dike (UK), Lee Scott (UK), J-Spliff (DK), Fan Ran (US), and Funk Lo (CA). Producers to peep would be Final Boss (US), Futurewave (CA), L-Nasty (US), Rune Rask (DK), and AJ Munson (US).
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I don’t fuck with Spotify! Personally I still buy physical records and if it’s digital, I purchase the album through iTunes. I’m not really listening to any rap at the moment, but I definitely fuck with Sade!! Any 80s pop music gets play and I’m still a punk rock and metalhead for sure!
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I’m not making music I like watching movies, eat food/drink, or paint. I’m big on digging for records still as well. It’s not too farfetched for me to travel just to go digging.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
I’ll name 3 things I “can” live without! Your ego, your annoying freestyles, and rap in general! Life is bigger then rap! Get out and experience it because it can all end tomorrow. Peace.
Interview: Gavin Brown