Big Shug: Street Champ

The Gang Starr Foundation representative talks about his new album, working with Premier, Guru's M.I.A. status, and Boston sports.

Audio Big Shug
Street Champ

Big Shug: What's good, man? MP3: Chilling. How you doing? Good. Good. Right on. So let's talk about the new album, Street Champ, coming out soon. This is your second solo joint. What can you tell us about it? Basically it's just a body of work that's, you know, more Big Shug. I was able to use MoSS, a new producer, and touch on some things that I might not have touched on in the past. Growth as an emcee, too, because I believe you're always growing. Can't stay complacent. So it's probably a little more lyrical in certain instances. It's just a good body of hip-hop music, man, you know. Not old school, not new school, just pure, like on a hip-hop level, you know what I mean. Take you through that trip, you know. That's what's up. Now, your first album, Who's Hard, took a really long time to come out, and then there was two years between that one and this one. Was putting this new album together, was it easier for you or was it harder to come back after such a shorter time? I mean, it was easy, because the reason why I took so long before because I wasn't really at the forefront. Cats wanted me to come out but, you know, sometimes people's focus isn't there, and the energy isn't right. And then so many things was going on with Gang Starr and things we were doing. So, it took a little while for that. But it was a lot easier because I've always wrote songs. You know, I just took my time and put that together, and kind of spearheaded it myself whereas Who's Hard we did some new joints on there but we also had some older joints on there, too. Because they were basically made for the time when that came out. So it was easier. And you got Premier on a few tracks again. Yeah, about three. You guys have been doing stuff together for a long time, going way back to the Gang Starr stuff and what not. How is that working with him again? Is it just always good or what? Well, with us, we're always constantly involved. Even when we didn't have records out together, we're always involved. You know, we've got a radio show together, [on] Sirius Satellite. We're always in communication weekly, you know what I mean. So it's not like it was something new. It's like when it was time to go do it, I went to New York, got with him, you know what I mean. We banged that out rather quickly as we usually do and, you know, keep it moving. Because we're always going to be working together, man, so it's like my brother in that regard, you know what I mean. No doubt, you guys definitely have a great chemistry. How did you connect with MoSS? I know that you've worked with him a couple times in the past, but how did you guys first link up? Well, Dan Greene from Clockwork Music was submitting me music when I was putting together Who's Hard, and he had this one guy MoSS who was, like, honored to be doing it, and he had a ton of beats. You know, I listened, and I picked—on the last album "We Gangsta" and "Militant Soldiers" was produced by him, and he had a lot of other good joints that I didn't use. I was like, you know, if I did a new album or whatever I would do it with this guy because he had a lot—like, his beats was all in different areas and able to pull different things out of me in that regard. So that's how we hooked this up. He sent me mad beats, and I picked out ones that I liked and wrote to them. Nice. Now, on one of the tracks, on "Play It," one of the Preemo tracks, you talk about how there needs to be more of a balance in hip-hop, a balance in the music. It definitely seems like the past few years especially, rap music has kind of gone to whatever has a catch phrase and sounds good on a ringtone or whatever. Do you feel like real hip-hop is sort of on the comeback? Or what do you feel about the kind of state of the music right now? I feel it's on a comeback because I don't feel like if somebody's doing, like, some real pure hip-hop, that's old school or anything like that. It's just a fact that, you know, artists have to be true to what they're doing. And you want to stake your claim. I've been on many tours around the world, and, you know, you see old jazz cats still touring, funk musicians still touring because they made that music that was different, you know what I mean. And, you know, you don't got a whole bunch of artists from those eras and those genres touring, like, sounding the same. Whereas now you might turn on the pop radio or whatever, and you hear about four or five songs that you could actually switch emcees around or put other emcees on there, you know what I mean, and still got the same record. You can't even tell them apart. Yeah, I feel you. And on top of that, a lot of these guys had this hit record on the radio and then, you know, people buy their album and they're disappointed, you know what I mean? So it's like, you know, it's like that's not true to me, you know. With us, the ones who stay true to their music. Even Common, when he got more exposure. You know, even doing it with Kanye or whatever, he was still the same emcee, you know what I mean? He just had some more exposure. He didn't change. Because he could rhyme, so, you know, he could be rhyming on the pop tracks or whatever, but he kept it true. And as long as you've got emcees coming like that and the veterans and then even new guys really challenging it and being like, "I'm going to be an emcee and do some hip-hop," then it definitely will make its comeback, you know what I mean. No doubt. And DJs helping, too. Now DJs want to floss. Before, the way they flossed was playing the music, you know what I mean. And now they want to be the one with the trucks and the big necklaces hanging down and everything. So they need to get focused, too, and just look at this music and look at the state of it and just give everybody, like, different choices. You know, everybody can't have Sugar Pops, you know what I mean. You've got to have some motherf***ing Cheerios and sh*t like that, you know what I mean. So that's what's up. Right on. Now, you also got a line on "It Just Don't Stop." At the very end of it you talk about, "little man come back by the crib, you need Preemo." Is that directed towards Guru? What's that about? Well, basically of course it is, because, you know, he's been making music without Premier, and he can make music with other people, but, I mean, as you probably even seen or heard or whatever, it hasn't been the same quality. And therefore it's like, you know, he's a good emcee. I always felt he was. But, you're kind of watering down, you know, the product and what people are used to from you. And, of course I say "come on back through" because, like, when you're ready to get it right, you know, they go in there and make another album, we get this thing poppin' and continue the legacy. Right now, he's not doing too well in that department, so, you know, that's his thing. Now, I wanted to ask also about Guru. I know that you guys go way back, waaaay back. You came up together and are tight from back in the day. Are you guys still in touch or is he just off doing his own thing? He's basically doing his own thing. You know, we haven't spoken to him, Premier and myself, we haven't spoke to him in about three years. Oh, really? Yeah. So he's just doing his thing. And, you know, I never wish bad on anybody, but I always believe that one day he'll wake up and see what it is, man. And get himself together. But in the meantime, you know, we have to keep on doing what we're doing. Keep on moving forward. Absolutely, man. So are you still living in Boston? Yeah, I live in Boston still. You know, it's always been cool for me here. I travel a lot, so that's good. But I'm still based in the hometown, you know what I mean. That's what's up. Do you feel like—I mean, Boston, obviously it's not as big nationally as New York or whatever, but I know that there's a couple of other younger artists that's coming up. I'm thinking of Termanology specifically. That dude is nasty. He definitely is. I feel like he's definitely got what it takes that he could break through. I know that there's a lot of talented people out there that might not get as much shine or exposure. Do you feel like Boston is sort of on the verge of a come-up or is still going strong and people just aren't recognizing them? I mean, you know, it's kind of on the come-up but a lot of things...it's like chess. It depends on the moves that people make, you know what I mean. And you've got to make the correct move. If guys like Termanology, he's grinding, he's hustling, he's getting around like he needs to. And as long as guys keep doing that, then yeah, it'll come up. But a lot has to do with the moves that you make and associations that you have, you know what I mean. Because, you know, after two or three years being told locally that you're nice or whatever and then you go outside of that and you see that you ain't really known or whatever, then it becomes frustrating to cats. So you got to go out and get it, you know, which I did a few years ago and which I'm still doing. So, when cats really make that commitment to get down like that, then it can work. So are you going to be doing a big tour once the album drops? No doubt. You know, of course because of my affiliation with Gang Starr and people knowing me and my thing, you know, I'm internationally known. So with me it's not even just about you come out with a record and you tour the States to see what's good and whatever, whatever. I mean, there's people overseas waiting for me to come through. Yeah, you do a lot of stuff in Europe and Japan. Oh, yeah. No doubt. You know, so when I drop, there's already sh*t waiting, you know what I mean. So of course I hit the road, you know. Do some sh*t West Coast, East, Midwest, all around. And, you know, do the overseas thing, and just keep it going. Nice, man. And are you going to be doing shows with Preem or do shows with MoSS? Some with Preem, some with MoSS, you know what I mean. So it will be both, you know, here and there. Me and Premier will be doing sh*t, and me and MoSS will break new ones on the world with that. Because we also got another album in the works, too, so. Really? Yeah, you know. Same formula. A few joints from Preem. My man Karnage, in-house dude from Team Shug. And then my man MoSS. So, we got sh*t in the works, so I can keep it coming. And one of my artists, Singapore Kane, got him coming, too. You know, just keeping it poppin', man. That sounds good. I also wanted to ask, you sing as well. Even though you're known as this very grimy hardcore dude, you've also got a real mellow, very melodic singing voice. And I know that you've talked in the past about maybe doing, like, a bigger all-singing project. Is that still on the horizon? Oh, without a doubt. I mean, my man D'Angelo's on the comeback, so once he finishes doing what he's doing and a couple others behind the scenes, I'm going to get together with some cats and do that project. And people probably going to be shocked on that because—well, there's a whole contingency of fans out there that do know me for singing, and that's because of the Jazzmatazz sh*t, you know what I mean. And I sing on joints and did a lot of live shows with that. And actually a single from Jazzmatazz, the last one, called "Where's My Ladies." That's what it is. I get, like, mad royalty checks from that on the regular. So overseas, you know, overseas they kill that, still. And that was me mostly singing and doing one verse along with Guru.

So, you know, in Europe they've always been—they've known in the forefront about the singing more than over here. People know because at my live shows I do acapella gospel thing at the end. And I always get the same response, no matter where, you know, everybody erupts into applause. And then always after the performance they're like, "Damn, I didn't know you sang like that." You know what I mean. Because a lot of times over the years sh*t was held back, so over these next years, you know, you're going to hear a lot more of, like, the real Shug and how it goes down. Yeah, it definitely shows versatility that's pretty uncommon, for a lot of dudes out today. Well, because a lot of people, too, they try to sing something and they're not singers, and they try to rap, and they're not rappers. Where I started with both, you know. I actually sang as a kid before I was rapping, so it's always been here. It's just that you have to work on it to get the crowd to accept it, and then when they do, then it's like now you give them more. Like, the next album I have a little more. So, you know, it's kind of a gradual process, but every time you see me live I'll blaze some sh*t out anyway like that, and it always goes over well, you know what I mean. Right on, man. Excellent. Well, I've got a couple more questions for you and then I'll let you roll. I know you're a big sports guy. I know you play and you coach, and you've been involved in that for a long time. Red Sox. What's your feelings on them? They're way up, but they had a little bit of a skid in Oakland. Although yesterday, you know, Schilling almost got a no-hitter. What's your feelings on them this season? To me man, the early part of the season is overrated because there be so many games. But the Red Sox are built for the championship, you know what I mean. So I expect in the end for them to be there, you know. Even though New York's going to give them a run for their money towards the end, you know. But I expect them to be there, you know, and they've got a pitching staff, good relief with Papelbon… Yeah, he's insane. And the other cat there, the Japanese cat, you know. So they look very good. Very strong. No doubt. I'm actually—I'm from Mass myself, and I'm out in the Bay but I went to two of the games this past week in Oakland. Dice-K looked good on Tuesday, but they just didn't…their bats just wasn't happening. It'll be all right. These cats will get it midway. Totally. It's still early. What do you think about [Randy] Moss going to the Pats? Oh, that's an excellent move, man. You know what I mean. And it's a great move, but Dante Stallworth is just a great move [too]. Just as great. People don't even really realize it, but they will when they start playing, you know what I'm saying. And you're going to see Randy Moss do his thing. Because the thing is, what people don't realize is, cats get to a certain part of their career where they get all that bullsh*t out of them. And Belichick and them know that. That's how Corey Dillon came in and succeeded. And, you know, losing breeds bad behavior. Almost getting there, never getting there breeds frustration. So Randy Moss is ready to just prove to Dallas but also do what he is, you know what I mean. You know, he'll have his thousand something yards catching this year. And they'll probably have 2,000-yard receivers. Might even have three. They might look like Payton Manning and them guys this year, you know what I mean. Because you've got Ben Watson underneath, you've got Wes Welker for the possession receiver, you've got Troy Brown if he comes back, you've got a couple other guys. So, I mean, you know, (laughs) it might look like… It's a deep lineup there. Yeah, they should be blowing muhf*ckers out this year, you know. And the defense, I mean, that's always been their staple. So I don't really worry about that. They've got a good mix of veterans, and getting Adelius, and Colvin is ready to come into his prime. And Vrabel and those guys. Harris is back, you know what I mean. You know, it's just that thing, man. You know, they're built for it. They should win the Super Bowl, so we'll see what happens. Even with a couple injuries they still should be able to win because they're that stocked. Absolutely, man. No doubt. Well, listen, I've got one more question for you, and this is something that I ask most people that I interview. Nowadays everybody wants to rap. Like, every kid, whether they're grade school kids or high school or college kids, everybody wants to be a rapper. Have a label, be a mogul, this and that and the other thing. You're somebody that's been doing it for a long time. You've been through your ups and downs with the business aspect and the industry and whatnot, but you've got a real solid fan base, people that love your work, across the world. What advice would you give to the young generation of kids, who see these rappers and want to be like that and want to get in the game? You got have originality, man. And you've got to have a work ethic. You know, you combine those things, and the drive, to know that you can make it. You might not be the richest or—you know, you definitely won't be the poorest, but you'll be consistent at least. And then if you're consistent you can make a living at it and still have an enjoyable life. But as an artist, man, you just want to be able to earn a living at doing something that you love to do. So you need to have a work ethic and a drive, and, you know, sometimes people won't believe in you but when you believe in yourself, if you really do have that talent, it might take some time, but it will prevail.

Like, I'm really at my peak right now, and I've been around for a while, but now I'm in the solo situation, so now it's like now, you know, people are going to more and more...like, I'll probably peak in another two or three albums, you know what I mean. Like, on my fourth album it'll probably be bananas. The people will be like, "Damn." You know, but I've been around. It's just that you've got to still have that drive and that hunger and the desire, man. You know, as long as you keep that, man, and have your work ethic straight, and don't step on people, man, just do your thing, then you're going to be all right. That's what's up. Right on. Well, listen, Shug, thanks for taking the time to talk to me, man. I appreciate it. No doubt. I'm feeling the new record. And whenever you get out to the Bay on your tour I'll definitely come see you out here. No question. Come through, man. The show's even more poppin', you know what I mean. That sounds good. All right, man. Yo, have a good one. Thanks, man. Good talking to you. Take it easy. All right. Out.