How did you guys get your start rapping in Boston? When did you guys start? What was the scene in Boston like in those early days?
We grew up in the essence of real rap. We came up with this shit so it was nurtured upon us. We were the Kriss Kross or Da Youngstas of our hood when it came to music. Coming from a background of performing arts, hip-hop culture was an easy transition for us. We started off as dancers with our cousin’s group Black Rain, then later signed on with Maurice Starr (New Edition, New Kids on The Block, Perfect Gentlemen etc.). We've been traveling/performing music for a while as a hip-hop duo. The scene in Boston was lit. Edo G was making noise and R.S.O. at the time were apart of Flavor Unit, so hopes were high for Boston artists. We have a lot of underground legends out here. As we looked up to the game, we looked up to our own emcees as well.
How did the idea for the Swissvets album come about?
We were preparing for tour hitting spots in Japan, China and ending in Switzerland. We had a few days off and MD from Empire Music presented DJ Tray with the idea. The rest was history. We worked with Jake Beatz (PW Rec) on music during our last run while promoting The Smokefest album. So knowing how we'd work, it made sense. In four days we had recorded 11 songs, therefore giving you SwissVets.
What were the circumstances of the album’s recording? What was your writing/recording/beat selection process for the album?
The circumstances of the EP were to do seven songs. That's what we planned. But as mentioned before we did 11. Dope music can not be denied. We still find joy in collaborating, so though we completed what was asked of us, we continued to make records. Jake and Tray provided us with beats and we knocked them out. Let us give you a day in the studio with N.B.S. & Jake Beatz. We'd walk in. Sit down. Roll up. Jake would play a beat [one of his or Tray's] and 15 minutes later we were in the booth recording, What made the process doper is that afterwards we laid our parts down with choruses. Jake would literally provide a rough mix that is better than most mixes engineers spend hours doing. The recording, mixing process in total would take 30 to 40 minutes. No lie.
What’s your favorite song on the album and why?
“A.T.M.” is one of our favorite songs off the album. It has a real East Coast feel with a little touch of that West Coast vibe, as well as “Fresh Air”. The record deals with life and being grateful for the many accomplishments we've been blessed with. But ultimately the whole project is solid. Make sure yall support it on iTunes.
Plans for 2015?
Currently setting up a few tours. Also playing some of the world biggest festivals next year. But our excitement comes from our upcoming LP Trapped In America which is entirely produced by Snowgoons. Look out for its release in March or April.
