Homeboy Sandman Interview: I'm not a copy cat

Photo credit - Gavin Thomas

Queens native Homeboy Sandman maybe an emcee that comes straight out of New York, but he's spent time in a number of cities that underpin his worldly views. New Hampshire, Philadelphia and Long Island have all informed his stateside past, whilst a stint in London also helped shape an artist who resolutely dances to his own agenda, uninformed by the demands of the industry to fit specific stereotypes.

His ability to be himself, a candid alternative to the usual overly aggressive rapper persona has marked him out as unique, particularly on the thoughtful 'Not Really' (watch above) which effortlessly describes the differences between his life before and after making it as a rapper. He's become a part of the roster of legendary West Coast independent label Stones Throw, from which his latest EP White Sands is due shortly.

Liverpool hi-hop promoters Madnice and No Fakin have got together to bring Homeboy over to the city to celebrate the release for the record, taking place in the Shipping Forecast on Saturday March 1st. Ahead of the show we spoke to him quickly to find out about his past following Liverpool FC, his favourite era of hip hop and what rappers he'd assemble for his own dream posse cut.

Hi Homeboy, thanks for speaking to us. you're heading to the UK this Spring, in particular Liverpool for your debut in the city. What do you know about Liverpool as a place?

Well Liverpool was my team when I was in London for a semester abroad during my junior year in college. Back when they had Emile Heskey and Michael Owen in the side.

For anyone who might be unfamiliar with you, could you describe your style and music in just a sentence?

Stellar.

Your music and rhymes tend to be more candid than other stereotypical emcees, and far removed from the classic thug and gangsta tropes in music. Why do you think hip hop tends to result in formulaic artists so much, and why do you steer clear of this?

I'm not a copy cat. thank God. God, I appreciate you pointing out that I am not one. It means a lot to me,  more than I can say.

Having been born rmidway through the development of hip hop in New York, you've been in and around the music and watched it grow over the years. If you had to pick a favourite era of hip hop, when would you pick and why?

Looking back, the early years of Boogie Down Productions, Main Source, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Special Ed (watch 'I Got it Made' tomorrow), and Slick Rick. That was my favorite era.

You've previously hosted one of New York's most heralded open mic nights. Do you still think this part of hip hop culture is alive and well?

Absolutely. shouts to boogie mics at rdac for holding it down in a special way.

You've also spent a lot of time in Phialdeplhia, and we've read that you have cited Black Thought and The roots as integral influences in your past, as well as from an early age Jazzy Jeff and The fresh Prince. Is it still a city you check on, and if so who are you into from there?

Hell yeah. i'm rocking there with oddisee this weekend, and am a big fan of mic stewart 

What other rappers are you feeling at the moment? Who would you say is due to blow up in 2014?

blu, oddisee, i am many, spit gemz. All of them. 

What was the last hip hop album that was made which really resonated with you, something you felt was an instant classic?

Below the Heavens by Blu & Exile.

And final question, dream situation time. You can create the ultimate posse cut with musicians dead or alive. Who would you pick, and who would you get to produce it and sing/rap the hook? 

I'd get Black Thought, Eminem, Big Pun, Mos Def, Redman, Andre 3000, DOOM and me. The beat would be by Large Professor, and i'd get Chaka Khan on the hook.

You can catch the rapper at Madnice x No Fakin' x Stones Throw Records presents Homeboy Sandman (live) on Saturday 1st March 2014.

Like this? Try Live Review: Pharoahe Monch @ the Kazimier, Liverpool.

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