It’s been a minute since we’ve talked, but it’s been great hearing all your new music. Stoned Genius is the new album. How did that come about?
You know, the Ox City motto, we try to keep our foot to the pavement. I’m a bit of a workaholic with music. I’m all about it. I try to keep the fans with what they need, I try not to get to the point where they ask where I am or what happened to me. I try to give cats at least a project a year and hopefully with each project they’ll see how I’ve grown and I at least try to branch out and do different things but still stay Roc C throughout the whole movement.
Do you think that’s one of the keys to your success today, not taking time off?
I think what gets me by is that people see that whatever the movement is at the time or whatever the mainstream vibe is at the time, I tend to go to the left, to go to the opposite. I think that by me being relevant, All Questions Answered came out in 2005 and I’m still here doing my thing and it’s a blessing. A lot of people haven’t heard of me and to a lot of people I’m still a fresh, new artists and to the fans that have been riding with me, hopefully they haven’t gotten tired of me because I try to give them something different each time.
Stoned Genius features a lot of talented producers and MCs, from Madlib to Chali 2na. Do you think you do better working with a mix of other artists or a focused project with one producer like Transcontinental with IMAKEMADBEATS?
I think both ways work for me. With IMAKEMADBEATS, he was an up-and-coming young producer and not too many people have heard of him and I was really digging him. Mic Geronimo put me onto him and I was just digging his whole grind and what he was about and the best thing that I could do instead of just telling people about him was to do a project and get it out so people could actually hear him as opposed to doing something that’s just Roc C, each album, I work with a lot of the same people, but each album, I bring somebody new to the table and I like the challenge of my style and being featured with the producers. Each feature, they’re all my family. I don’t just do features because someone’s hot or they’re the most popular person at the time. These are people that are family and that I have day-to-day’s with.
You’ve worked with Madlib and Oh No for awhile. Do your styles change when working with them or do you feel they adjust their styles to you?
You know, each person is different. You have some producers that are just…I’m the type of person that doesn’t tell a producer exactly what I want. I like a producer to surprise me because if you don’t, they’ll always give you the same particular sound and the same type of beats that they think are good for you as opposed to you never know what you may hear me over. I like for people to do them. Whatever you think is butta, send it to me and whatever the beat tells me to do, I’ll do. That’s the beautiful thing about it.
Madlib is known for not doing interviews, so the only time we really hear about him is through other artists. What’s it like working with Madlib?
Aw, before there was a Stones Throw, there was Lootpack, myself, Oh No, Medaphoar, Dudley Perkins, God’s Gift, a whole bunch of people. We were already working. We had studios and we were already making albums together before we ever knew what Stones Throw was. Once they came along. we were already making the music a bit ahead of the game because dealing with such producers as Kankick to Madlib to Oh No all at once and dealing with all the rappers, you really had to come with your a-game to get that one beat and get the studio time. I think that work ethic kind of groomed us for when we actually got our record deals to keep us pushing.
What was it like recording with so many talented artists before the notoriety came along?
Even back then, we all had a plan. We knew Lootpack was going to be the forefront and let them set the groundwork and then have the trickle down effect. It just so happens that God blessed it that it worked out that way. Even back then when we were doing the songs and the albums we were doing it for each other and we were our hardest critics on one another. It was like, “All right, if I can impress Madlib or Oh No with this verse and this song, now I can get in and I might get two beats and so on and so forth.” We all did the same things and if you catch someone’s attention and if it’s the right time, you might record a whole album. You’ve got umpteen rappers and not so many producers. What are you going to do to stand out to get your time? Everybody works hard to stand out and you can’t be the cliche group where everybody pretty much sounded like each other. If you go down in our group, nobody sounds the same but we all have the same tendencies and we all like the same things but everybody puts their own stamp on what they do.
Was it more fun back then?
Honestly, I still feel like it’s still back in the day. I feel like no matter how many songs I may put out, I couldn’t even tell you. I couldn’t tell you about that because I don’t look at it like that. I look at it like when I finally hang up my microphone, then I’ll sit back and look at all of the accolades, but until then, I’ve got work to do so I’m trying to turn this 15 seconds into 15 years. THat’s the mission I’m on. Back in the day, it was fun. Now, it’s just as fun. I’ve just upgraded and I’ve had to make the relationships to be heard where back in the day it was just my group who I had to keep their attention. It’s all the same thing, just a different scale.
You were around before the internet boom and are still thriving now. How have you stayed relevant?
A few things. The first thing was I was a fan of the music since day one. Prior to even getting into the game, everybody that I looked up to, I watched the documentaries and read the books and saw what situations happened to them and where their luck fell hard. Once I got to that point, I knew what to look out for and what not to do. As far as staying relevant through all the booms and whatnot, I told you in our first interview, I don’t make music for the record labels. I make music for the people who feel they have no voice but have something to say, just the average, everyday cat. That’s who I do my music for and that’s who I rep for. I think they’ve grown with me and understand that I’m genuine in my quest and supported me.
How would you describe your growth as an artist through the years?
Let’s take it back before Stones Throw. I came from the era of lyrics and beats, not so much lyrics and not just beats. The lyrics had to be as banging as the hook and the beat and everything had to be on the same level. With a banging beat and a banging DJ, your A-game had to be super, super, super. I’ve always gravitated towards artists that told stories about them and what it may be and with my music, I try to do the same thing, but at the same time, I try to keep the elements of rawness and hip-hop in it. I try to keep it rawcore! (laughs) I still got the story rhymes and all that stuff, but people say if you got good stories, you’re not a good battle rapper. They say if you’re a battle rapper, then you can’t make good songs. I try to show all of that. That’s what I think I really work hard at.
You and Chali 2na traded verses on “Bar Catchers” off Stoned Genius. The chemistry sounds pretty natural.
That’s what’s up. I’m a fan of this music and at the end of the day, I want to feel like I didn’t cheat myself out of anything and to do a song with somebody is cool, but I’m not really into that. It really has to be something that I believe in from the person to the whole situation. As far as the “Bar Catchers” joint goes, me and Chali 2na was just chopping it up one day and I was telling him, other than Jadakiss and Styles P, who do you really see going hard back and forth like the stuff we grew up on? Nobody! I told him I thought we should go in at it. “Bar Catchers” is what came out of it. A couple of blunts later, there you go! It just felt like that hip-hop feel as my homie Chino says, the Golden Era, when everything was real intense. That’s how “Bar Catchers” came about.
And you guys have a full-length project you’re working on, right?
Yes! It’s called Ron Artiste! I feel everybody has a little Ron Artest in them. The man is very intelligent all the way down to where he can let you know what it is. I thought it’d be a fun project to do because I respect him as a man, not just as a basketball player. We know a bunch of people who have a little Ron Artest in them. We came up with the theme and got some homies down. That’s how the project came about. We leaked out a song on DJBooth called “I Will,” so that’s been floating around and “Bar Catchers” is the first introduction to us. From here on out, it’s go-time. 2012 is ours.
How’s the project coming?
We’re like 25 songs deep! We’re going to keep going and shoot some more videos. You’ll probably hear a song with Krondon on it soon. That’ll probably be the first official single. We’ll probably run out with that one and you’ll probably have the album out or at least a few songs by the end of the basketball season because we’re trying to capitalize on everything but at the same time we really want to make sure everything is right and potent and catches the theme of things. We have everybody on there from Rapper Pooh to LMNO to Edo G to Oh No. I can keep going! (laughs) It’s real crazy. I think it’s something that people wouldn’t expect but at the same time, I think it’s something that hip-hop needs.
Where did you guys shoot the video to “Bar Catchers”?
(laughs) Out in Camarillo, there actually used to be a mental hospital that burned down. The story is when the mansions were going up, that’s one of the areas where they used to hide out at. It was a real crazy mental spot with a lot of abuse and it burned down and they say it’s a haunted spot so I thought it’d be ill to capture that effect and try to have that ‘80s, ‘90s video look to it and do something that most people wouldn’t do. A lot of people wouldn’t even go into that spot. Just to break the stereotypes and do something fun.
In the past you’ve talked about albums with Oh No and Pete Rock. How’s those coming?
It goes back to the same theory of before we had the record deals. Sometimes we make albums just to listen to with each other. That was the beautiful thing about music. There’s projects that I just give out for free. There’s albums for sale. There’s albums that i just do for myself and there’s albums that I do for the homies to enjoy and there’s albums that I do strictly for the fans. That’s the beautiful thing about it through the years is that I”m still able to create music and hopefully it doesn’t sound like the last song that I did. The Pete Rock album is done. That’s just something that we listen to amongst each other. Me and Rapper Pooh, we have an album. We’ve been leaking songs but that’s going to be an album that’s going to end up being free. The Ron Artiste album is definitely going to be out. The album with Chino XL and Oh No, the Street Crucifixion stuff that we’ve done, we play a couple jams at parties and here and there. I’m trying. I’m trying, brother.
What are your plans for 2012?
I started my Cash Roc Ent label two years ago and Fine Print Ent. My Cash Roc is for more established artists and Fine Print is for artists I’m trying to up and groom and get to that point. I’m trying to do my projects and I got the boxer Victor Ortiz signed to my label. I got Lee Bannon, a young producer from Sacramento that’s real crazy, coming out with a joint venture I did with Plug Research. I’m just on my grind and trying to be here. This is what I’ve done before I even knew I could do it. It’s me!
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
My web site – vapor 123 e cig reviews
I simply want to tell you that I’m very new to weblog and really liked you’re web page. Likely I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You really have wonderful writings. With thanks for revealing your website page.
I¡¦m not positive where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or understanding more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a great site.
Hi there, I found your site via Google while searching for a comparable subject, your web site got here up, it appears great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
You could definitely see your skills within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
Very efficiently written information. It will be valuable to everyone who utilizes it, as well as myself. Keep doing what you are doing – i will definitely read more posts.
I¡¦ve learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you put to create the sort of excellent informative web site.
I have been examinating out a few of your posts and i must say pretty good stuff. I will surely bookmark your website.
Magnificent site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you in your sweat!
I truly wanted to send a small message to be able to say thanks to you for all the splendid steps you are giving at this site. My extended internet research has now been honored with really good content to go over with my colleagues. I ‘d assert that most of us visitors actually are very much blessed to be in a useful site with many marvellous individuals with very helpful tips. I feel very grateful to have discovered the webpage and look forward to plenty of more pleasurable times reading here. Thanks again for a lot of things.
As a Newbie, I am continuously searching online for articles that can aid me. Thank you
Thank you for any other wonderful article. The place else could anyone get that type of info in such a perfect means of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such info.
obviously like your website but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth nevertheless I will surely come back again.
Generally I do not learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
whoah this blog is fantastic i really like studying your posts. Keep up the great paintings! You realize, lots of persons are hunting round for this information, you can aid them greatly.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
Valuable info. Lucky me I discovered your website unintentionally, and I am stunned why this twist of fate didn’t came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
I precisely desired to thank you so much all over again. I’m not certain what I might have undertaken in the absence of the actual ideas contributed by you relating to my question. It was actually a real frightful problem in my circumstances, nevertheless being able to view the well-written approach you resolved the issue took me to weep with joy. I’m grateful for this advice and even hope you really know what an amazing job that you’re getting into instructing the others via a web site. More than likely you’ve never met any of us.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
I simply intend to reveal to you the fact that I am new to posting and pretty much admired your webpage. Likely I am likely to save your web post . You absolutely have impressive article material. Love it for telling with us your domain information.
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Wow! Thank you! I continually needed to write on my site something like that. Can I include a fragment of your post to my blog?
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
I do believe all of the ideas you’ve offered to your post. They’re really convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too short for starters. May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
une cigarette electronique Ego T et deux recharges d’e-liquides. Seulement voil
Hello there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
I am not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
I was just looking for this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.
Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you¡¦ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and simply could not come across. What a perfect site.
Awsome info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thx 🙂
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
You can definitely see your skills within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
Excellent blog right here! Also your website so much up fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink to your host? I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
It¡¦s really a nice and useful piece of information. I¡¦m satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I’m really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today..
you are truly a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is incredible. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a magnificent activity on this subject!
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is fantastic, as well as the content!
I simply wanted to develop a simple note to be able to say thanks to you for some of the marvelous points you are showing at this site. My time consuming internet investigation has finally been paid with awesome content to write about with my company. I would suppose that most of us website visitors are unquestionably blessed to be in a superb site with very many marvellous individuals with insightful principles. I feel very much happy to have come across your webpage and look forward to so many more fabulous moments reading here. Thanks a lot once again for everything.
I have been examinating out many of your articles and i can state pretty good stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your website.
10 pnt: Vous conniss
You’ll find it nearly extremely difficult to encounter well-educated parties on this matter, however you look like you fully understand what exactly you’re covering! With Thanks
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
It truly is nearly impossible to encounter well-advised individuals on this niche, however you seem like you understand the things that you’re talking about! With Thanks
Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
You made some fine points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found a good number of persons will consent with your blog.
I’m just writing to let you be aware of what a extraordinary discovery my wife’s princess had reading through your site. She came to understand plenty of things, which included what it is like to have a great giving character to have many more without hassle know precisely specified extremely tough subject matter. You actually did more than our expectations. Many thanks for presenting those beneficial, trusted, educational and easy tips about your topic to Tanya.
I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
I will right away clutch your rss as I can’t to find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognise in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.