Chris Lowe's - Black Life II

According to an article written by Walter Dawkins, addressing the present dialogue of whether "Hip Hop Is Dead," Bill Stephney (Co-Creator of Public Enemy, the early rap group featuring Flavor-Flav), is quoted as saying "Giant record companies have made huge profits selling ghetto culture to the American mainstream. "The drug trade is dominating the ghettos. Then you have corporate America that makes a ton of money off of the culture that dominates within the ghettos. This is unprecedented. To me, that's the dominant reason why the music is the way it is."

As one who grew up in the hey-day of Hip-Hop, say 1988 & 1989 in Queens, New York (I'm dating myself, here ) I have certainly seen the change in the music and have often commented on it. I am interested in the music and am always seeking out opportunities in which to examine all sides of its evolution. I listen to the "newbies" and the "oldies" in an effort to find clues and see where things are headed. Is there only one reason for the current State of the HIP HOP Union? If not, what else could be causing the slow demise of this once vibrant music genre?

To this end, I spoke with Chris Lowe who is regarded as a producer extraordinaire from Connecticut by way of Chicago. Chris has been in the entertainment business for over 15 years. He is best known for his early ground-breaking work with Hip-Hop Artists EPMD and Stezo. In 2004, he came back with Black Life which featured artists like Parrish Smith of EPMD, Carl Thomas, Large Professor, Sadat X, Dinco D, Dooley O and Stezo. Black Life was engineered by Hit Squad (EPMD, Das EFX) Maestro Charlie Moratta.

During my recent conversation with Chris, he explained; "that the last time I bought a CD, I was so pissed off, I decided to create my own." He continued to say that "if you want something done right you gotta do it yourself." Thus the catalyst for his new album Black Life II and the impetus of our conversation regarding the evolution of HIP-HOP and other "Chris Lowe-isms."

Saba,Ink: With the current state of Hip-Hop, seems like the "old cats" are coming back. What are your thoughts on this?
Chris: I Love It! It puts truth in the statement; "what goes around, comes around." I want to bring back the golden era with a new age feel...the days of break beats, old mikes (microphones) and I'm recording everything digitally instead of in analog format.

Saba, Ink: So, what is the story behind Black Life II. The meaning of the title that is.
Chris: I feel like I did not get enough respect with Black Life I, so I brought it back with new songs. As far as the title....It pertains to my Black Life. It addresses things that are pertinent to me and what's going on in the community.

Saba,Ink: What is your key to longevity in the industry?
Chris: I've learned to be independent. I have got to move my material like the major labels. As and independent, I have got to keep the lights on because if don't, the majors will turn the lights out on you.

Saba,Ink: For all the young cats coming into the industry, what are your Top 5 pieces of advice for them?
Chris: 1... Always have plan B, in case Plan A does not work out.
Chris: 2... Let your goal be... to be the best. Never let the game discourage you.
Chris: 3... I will always enforce education.
Saba,Ink: Education in trade or book knowledge?
Chris: Education in Trade and even just a HS education. Lot of folks don't even want to do that. But it is very important.
Saba,Ink: Next words of advice?
Chris: Remain spiritually strong. The industry can be a Devil's Playground. I wouldn't have lasted without being spiritually strong.
Chris: Don't fall into negativity and get discouraged. Believe in yourself!

Saba,Ink: Recently, I read an article on one of the very popular Hip Hop sites where one of the editors or writers wrote a story offering an apology to women and how Hip Hop has treated them. Any comments on this?
Chris: I agree. We tend to give negative light to women. But sometimes I am confused because sometimes, these ladies seem to like it. It is my belief that if more women stood up it would not happen.
Saba,Ink: I guess some women believe that to conform, is the only way to succeed.
Chris: I say, have respect for yourself. Raise the standards. If women are clear on what they will not allow, they can change things.

Saba,Ink: What would you say to people that know you, don't know you or want to know you?
Chris: We have lost creativity and diversity in the music. I want to bring back Hip Hop. 88 & 89 structured Hip Hop and we have lost it.
Saba,Ink: Looking back, which song or songs would you say truly define the golden age of Hip Hop.
Chris: You mean my stuff or in general?
Saba,Ink: In general, if you were at a club or somewhere else, what would get your head moving?
Chris: I'd say, since I was involved with the creation of them, "You Got's To Chill" from EPMD, and "It's My Turn" from Stezo.

Saba,Ink: Do you have any tours planned?
Chris: Seeing what's going on right now, I'm just going to see what opens up. All indicators say that the industry is down right now.
Saba,Ink: Why do you think that is? Are people tried of the music, uninspired to buy, what?
Chris: I think people are looking for the golden era sound. I see a lot of other artists saying the same thing. The last person I heard say that was Biz Markie. It's time for a change. We'll see if the Majors let it happen.
Saba,Ink: Maybe parents need to start buying the music again?
Chris: Right! Right! Labels might need to see that they need to put out tunes kids need to hear not what they want to hear.

According to published releases; Chris Lowe is returning to follow-up his critically acclaimed debut, with its sequel, Black Life II which will be released by Nature Sounds on 4/17/07 and is entirely produced by Chris featuring no guest appearances!!! Breaks and beats aside, Black Life II is simply The Rap Life as it harkens back to Hiphop's glory age! Classically timed, lushly-produced and ripe with the ingredients that made so many of Chris Lowe's past collaborations the integral pieces of Hiphop history they are today.

Let's hope that Chris Lowe can deliver on his promise to help resuscitate Hip Hop because, this might truly make him the "Next Thing Smokin."

Catch You Next Time!