You may have never heard of emerging hip-hop artist Stalley, but in the coming months that may soon change. After suffering an injury in college that placed him courtside indefinitely, Stalley sought a new outlet for his passionate energy and creativity. Ohio repping by way of Brooklyn, Stalley became a newcomer to the world of hip-hop, but he has already accomplished more than many veterans of the underground scene can claim. With two mixtape albums under his belt, Stalley has already proven that he is significant player in hip-hop.
This Friday, July 31st, Phrequency is proud to be a media sponsor for Stalley’s debut show in Philadelphia at the Draught Horse Pub along with Philly favorites Truck North and Writtenhouse. Stalley will premiere tracks from his newest release MadStalley: The Autobiography. The emcee has taken beats from legendary producer, MadLib, and produced 12 tracks that depict Stalley’s life and move to NYC. Phrequency recently conducted an interview with Stalley in hopes of gaining some insight into the artist’s work before his show on Friday.
Phrequency: How would you describe your music to the virgin ears?
Stalley: I take great pride in my lyrics, so I would have to say its raw lyrics over melodic orchestrated tracks.
P: How did you end up in New York recording your debut mixtape?
S: I moved to NYC about 3 years ago for school, eventually deciding to go full time with my first love music. I actually released my first mixtape GoinAPe in April of last year. MadStalley: The Autobiography is my sophomore project.
P: Are you permanently residing in New York or going back and forth between NYC and Ohio?
S: I live here in Brooklyn, even though sometimes I wish I could be back and forth in each state, that's just not feasible at the moment.
P: What kind of influences did growing up in Ohio have on you?
S: Well Ohio is a real blue collar state, so just seeing family and friends growing up and how hard they work and the dedication they put into everything they do influenced me to go after my dreams and really work hard at everything I do.
P: Did you live in a major city area or a small town?
S: I'm from a small city in Ohio called Massillon.
P: Having a live band is becoming more and more popular with hip-hop acts, possibly spearheaded by The Roots, did you always know you would be utilizing a band in your music?
S: I didn't know that I would always utilize a live band because starting off I did shows with me and a DJ, but I thought to myself one day, a live show isn't really live with out live instruments and music. I decided to put together a band and the impact and feeling was just totally different. Now I prefer the live band all the time.
P: Has it brought any challenges?
S: Nah no real challenges. I would say the only thing is that sometimes tracks are made so complicated that a band can't play back the track.
P: While playing basketball growing up, did you always have an interest in writing/performing music?
S: Honestly, when I played basketball that's all I thought about, but music was always there. I would always rap for my team mates and friends, but until I stopped playing ball and a friend got me to record in his studio, I saw that I really had a future in music.
P: What is more challenging, in your opinion, achieving success in the sports world or the music business?
S: Well they both take a lot of hard work and dedication and you really create your own destiny with both from the hard work you put into it so I would have to say it’s pretty even.
P: What’s different and what’s similar?
S: They both take skill but when I make music it comes naturally. I don't have to dribble my pen and do suicides on the page to perfect my talent.
P: There is a change emerging in the hip-hop community, where boasting about one’s cars and money is becoming passé and the topical song has come about again. Songs are more aware of issues in the world, what do you say with your music?
S: I think people want to hear music with substance more so than ever because when they were listening to that type of music, the bling, money and cars was distracting them from the events that lead us into this recession. My music has always addressed real issues. Not that braggadocio lifestyle that most rappers like to convey.
P: Who are the acts that you admire in the hip hop scene these days?
S: Mos Def, Nas, Common, The Roots, Bone Thugs
P: Anyone we should know about?
S: Blu is dope, The Cool Kids and Diz Gibran. I'm feeling all three of these movements. And of course myself, Stalley.
P: What are your plans for 2009? Any tours planned to support MadStalley: The Autobiography?
S: Well I don't have one particular tour but I am doing a lot of shows and I don't plan on stopping. I just want to tour this mixtape as much as I can so all my fans can experience the music live.
P: Is the album an autobiography of your life, or does the MadStalley title imply a look at your life along with producer Madlib’s?
S: Well the MadStalley part is paying homage to one of the greatest hip-hop producers of our time, Madlib. The autobiography part is a brief story of my life and my transition from Ohio to Brooklyn, NY.
P: After a promising season, do you think LeBron and Co. are going to go all the way this year?
S: Of course they are.
P: Anything else you would like to add?
S: Download MadStalley: The Autobiography. You can get the link at www.myspace.com/madstalley and www.imeem.com/stalley. Also I would like to thank everyone who supports me and my music. I appreciate everyone for taking their time out of their busy day to read this interview. Also make sure everyone comes out to the show July 31st this will be my first time bringing my beard to Philly so I'm excited!
Free Mixtape Downloads:
Stalley - MadStalley: The Autobiography
Writtenhouse - Sunshine in Phila Vol. 2
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