Hip Hop On Deck Interviews The Essence | @The_Essence_504

Hip Hop On Deck Interviews The Essence / www.hiphopondeck.com
MC J-Dubble and DJ/producer are Rik Ducci are New Orleans duo The Essence, presenting their new single “Soul Man”. J-Dubble and Ducci joined forces after recording their instant classic, “Ducci Don’t Trip” from Rik Ducci’s Pride 4 Lunch Sleep 4 Dinner EP series, and went on to record their self-titled 2015 album (Bandcamp). J-Dubble has shared stages Rakim, KRS-One, The Hieroglyphics and Ras Kass, and Rik Ducci has been a tour DJ for Busta Rhymes, Camp Lo and the Beatnuts. Together they’ve opened for Large Professor, Illa J, Elzhi and KRS-One. Ducci says “Soul Man” was “J-Dubble’s idea. We sat one day before a show talking about the killings of innocent unarmed black men by police and the lifestyle inequality that still exists, from filling out a job application to even booking an AirBnB. J spoke from the heart and we ended up with ‘Soul Man’.” The Essence are working on their second LP, Cold Plates.



Describe the typical Essence fan.

The typical The Essence fan is conscious, into the substance of the art, they dig lyrics and love hip hop. Most of our fans reference us to the Golden Era, and tell us often they appreciate what we're doing and say that it is reminiscent of "Real Hip Hop." Our music is for everybody, from the 9 to 5'er, the professional, the college student, to the individual in search of something for the soul.


What’s it like being a classic hiphop duo in New Orleans, a city that has such a huge hiphop scene but of a completely different style?

It's challenging at times. But a fight we're willing to fight. This is a city very rich in diverse culture and creativity. After all we are the birthplace of Jazz. Though our style is not popular it’s us and we are honest in our approach and what we want to put out as The Essence.


What’s your favorite rap album of all time and why?

RIK DUCCI: Hard to Earn by Gang Starr. DJ Premier made me want to become a producer. Hearing how he layered his drums and sampled and still to this day he's the best when it comes to scratching on a record. His rhythm and timing, man one could only wish for.
J-DUBBLE: Definitely Wu-Tang Clan, Enter The 36 Chambers. Wu-Tang is Forever! It had everything - comic book references, dope beats, lyrics, kung fu samples. When you think classic Hip Hop you gotta think Wu-Tang.


What do you think the old school can learn from the new school and vice versa?

We think the old school can definitely take in to account how well the new school uses all their resources. They are constantly visible and the work ethic is impressive. As for the new school appreciate and take in to account what was laid before you. Be aware of who Biggie was and Black Moon and The Geto Boys and Tupac for that matter. Take care of the art form - don’t tear it down.


What can we expect from Cold Plates?

You can expect us to put our Soul in it. Make your head nod and make you rewind and say, "That was a hot verse" or "That beat is bangin". More importantly you can expect growth from our first LP self-titled The Essence, to our follow up Cold Plates. You can find our first LP on Rik's bandcamp at http://www.rikducci.bandcamp.com.



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