by christina wagner
WHAT: Dope Sandwich at Summertime in the City
WHERE: Downtown Jacksonville
WHEN: Sunday, July 15th
Thank God hip-hop is finally turning around. This collective project, consisting of an overwhelming nine MCs with two DJs holding it all together, creates an extremely complex and well-distributed sound that touches down on several exciting points of the musical horizon. From the politically aggressive track, ‘Again,’ where the vocals seem to punch harder than the beats, barely leaving time for breaths, to the breezy, laid back and vocal-driven ‘Hello,’ with an acoustic guitar backdrop that holds it all together, Dope Sandwich reminds me of old Cue Estey. They have a lot to say and I enjoy every word. Be sure to check them out online at myspace.com/dopesandwichmusic and you can catch their live set at the Summertime in the City here in Jacksonville on July 15th.
EU: How did the group form?
DS: We are all transplants from other states. Some of us came to Savannah for school, some came to work, but we all shared at least one thing in common. Hip-hop.
EU: In the track ‘The Cycle,’ you talk about just that, breaking the vicious cycle our youth engages in with drugs, guns and overall crime. How do you think we can solve this problem and do you plan on helping out as well?
DS: As soon as we can make a difference in our own lives, we will reach out and help those that we can. I’d like to start working with the Boys and Girls Club, to start, but it’s like when you’re on an airplane and the oxygen masks come down, you need to get yourself straight before attempting to assist others.
EU: You guys are operating with nine MCs and two DJs. Scheduling shows and rehearsals must be difficult. How do you exist as a group without killing each other?
DS: Rehearsals? I think we rehearsed one time. This all started from freestyling and having fun. We usually make a base outline of how the set will go, but always leave room for some improv! Keep it fun, not regimented. As far as not killing one another, give it some time. We try not to whack our own family members.
EU: I’ve heard from bands that Savannah is a strange market. Even with SCAD being there, I’ve been told that it’s difficult pulling kids out to shows. Any truth to this?
DS: Oh Yeah, like anywhere else, you have to promote. We have a decent following here now, thank God, so our shows fill up these days. Don’t get me wrong, we have played so many dead shows we should be credited for community service.
EU: Savannah is famous for being one of the most haunted cities in America. Have you ever been visited?
DS: Personally, no. I’ve heard a lot of ghost stories but I think all the tourist rides, ghost tours and restaurants need to get a life instead of telling bullshit stories. They make fortunes off gullible rednecks.
EU: On the track ‘Hello,’ you feature some really great vocals. Who does the singing?
DS: Our boy Pat from “Street Circus Symphony.” They’re a band here in Savannah that we hang out with. You’ve got Dope Sandwich, Street Circus Symphony and Passafire. That would be one hell of a show!
EU: I have yet to see you perform live, how does your live performance differ from your recorded tracks?
DS: We add more flavor to the live set. We let the MCs incorporate some freestyle word games with the audience, the DJs get to cut more and we try to keep the energy flowing back and forth between the crowd and the stage.
EU: You’re neighbors (sort of) with Atlanta, the hip-hop capitol of the south. How do they receive you? Good response?
DS: Who? Atlanta is actually one place we haven’t been. We’ve played in many cities up and down the coast, but not the ATL! I don’t think it matters. We’ll get there when we can. We like Jacksonville.
EU: How would you describe your style to someone that has never heard of you?
DS: Straight up hip-hop, shaken not stirred.
EU: Which do you prefer? Orange juice or Sunny D?
DS: Five Alive, of whatever is two for five!
|
EU Critic’s Choice Awards
