 RAPTALK.NET is back with another exclusive Q&A session this time with Stimuli. The 24-year-old Brooklyn bred emcee, may be the best thing next to cooked food. A master on the microphone, Stimuli, formally known as Sherod Khaalis and otherwise known as Sha Stimuli is the coming of a new breed of emcee. He sits down with Rap Talk to talk about his thought on the current state of Hip Hop music, his future & what sets him apart from every other emcee out there, Enjoy! Dub MD: Stimuli, What's good?
Stimuli: I'm good as always, Just working hard trying to gain a fan a day. Dub MD: For those who don't know, could you just give a short review of what you've experienced in your rap career up until now?
Stimuli: I can try and sum it up by telling the people that my older brother’s name is Lord Digga and when I was young I followed him around as he rhymed with Masta Ace, produced for Biggie and signed to Atlantic himself. That inspired me to go hard and when I got out of school in 2000 I began to live and breathe music. 3 years after that I began attacking the mixtape circuit and the Internet world and gained enough notoriety to become Unsigned Hype in The Source magazine and get in rotation on some radio stations. I released my own mixtapes and got the attention of a dude I used to intern for named Lenny S and when he got an A&R position at Virgin we both fought hard to make the deal go through over there. It was a deal I was ready for talent-wise but as far as my team we had a lot to learn. With Len switching labels and an outstanding bill that would slow down my transfer along with him I am here today speaking about the ups and downs of the game and continuing to make music despite industry politics. Hope that was short enough. Dub MD: Coming from Brooklyn, what do you think of the New York music scene right now?
Stimuli: I think it’s a little too saturated with music from other regions on the radio. I don't mind hearing the hottest record from the South or the Midwest but I feel funny when we're breaking records up here and New York artists don't have a chance in hell. I think there should be a tad bit more balance. But I am not complaining about it because I feel things happen in cycles and every region will get their shine. Sometimes it feels as though a certain type of music gets more play on the air and the kind where there may be some substance doesn't get a shot. That part is scary because I don't like to think that, that is part of a plan to destroy our culture. It could very well be though. Dub MD: A lot of people have been saying "Hip Hop Is Dead" of late, how do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop?
Stimuli: The state of Hip-Hop is similar to NY’s current state. There isn't much choice for the consumer. It’s sort of like when fast food companies are getting the best marketing and promotion and there on every corner and cheap you tend to go there because it’s accessible. To get better food you have to travel further, pay more and sit down and enjoy it. No one has time for that. They would rather eat on the go. They want their beats hotter than the lyrics and the lyrics easy to remember. And there’s nothing wrong with fast food but I feel like everything needs equal promotion and anything in excess becomes a problem. Hip-hop has reached a point where the artists are interchangeable and image and song is more important than who the person is recording it. This makes it less lucrative for the artist causing less integrity and passion when there is no reward. The effect may become positive once people stop feeling like the game is easy and there’s a quick buck to be made. We may return to the Lyricist Lounge days where you had to actually know how to rap…or not. I can survive either way so I’m just happy to be a part of it all. Hip-hop the culture may be dying slowly but rap music will continue on. Dub MD: Do you have a new album/mixtape in the works? what's it called & what can heads out there expect?
Stimuli: Yea I'm currently working on an independent album called “Cinderella Man” which is coming out real crazy and a new mixtape called “Stimuli Returns” that will be out in August. Also I'm dropping a “Best Of Me” CD featuring a lot of the stuff I've done over the years that people may have missed. I'm also working on the “Say Something” mixtape series which will feature a bunch of different artists that have something to say out there. I'm just trying to promote real music. Dub MD: With this project, what producers & artists are you connecting with this time around?
Stimuli: For the “Cinderella Man” CD I'm working with producer J. Cardim and I'm currently working with The Narcotics for the mixtape stuff. "I feel things happen in cycles and every region will get their shine. Sometimes it feels as though a certain type of music gets more play on the air and the kind where there may be some substance doesn't get a shot. That part is scary because I don't like to think that, that is part of a plan to destroy our culture. It could very well be though." Dub MD: You have your own imprint Underworld Music, can you still us a little about that and what your label situation like just now?
Stimuli: Right now the imprint I was signed to was through Virgin/Capitol but I'm currently dissolving that relationship in order to take control of my own career. I can't say if I'm headed to another major but I can say that whether I do or not you will still hear from me and I will continue to keep control over my situation. I was able to get an imprint from laying groundwork so the more I continue to do that, the more respect I will earn. Dub MD: You've been real consistent on the mixtape scene for years now, how important do you feel mixtapes are to an upcoming artist?
Stimuli: The mixtape scene is important if you're interested in getting your name out there in the streets. It’s difficult to keep up with DJs that are always releasing CDs and people aren't big on giving new artists a break nowadays but if you can break on the mixtape circuit it’s a great tool to promote yourself as long as you don’t get too comfy on there. They aren't as popular as 4 years ago but they are still effective. Dub MD: What do you think is your most defining and unique characteristic that sets you apart from every other emcee out there?
Stimuli: I think my ability to flow in different ways, my vulnerability and honesty on record and my sincerity when I'm speaking on topics sets me apart from every one out there. I try to touch on things no one else does and also give people different viewpoints. My goal is to break the average rapper stereotype and also speak to the world and not just rap them to death. I'm a voice for folks without a microphone. Dub MD: Out of all MC's you've worked with so far, which ones did you feel you had the best connection with both personally and on the track?
Stimuli: Joell Ortiz and I had a great connection, we wrote a back and forth in minutes. Jin and I worked really well together. The joint I did with Maino came out crazy. I actually got a joint with Sheek coming out that’s hot, he killed it. I don't know who was the best but oh yea Cory Gunz and I did a flamer awhile back. Sam Scarfo, Saigon and I also have a ridiculous joint that’s going to blow people’s minds. I connect with folks easy so I don't know. Dub MD: For your fans who haven't seen you perform yet are you planning a worldwide tour anytime soon?
Stimuli: I would love that, I'm going to get a tour cracking soon. I'm trying to organize a few and become a part of some so I'll keep the world posted on that when it’s final. Dub MD: If you could describe yourself as an emcee in 4 words, What would they be?
Stimuli: I am the greatest! Nah I would have to say Dynamic, Honest, God’s Choice! Dub MD: What is on tap for Sha Stimuli for the rest of 2007 and beyond?
Stimuli: More mixtapes, indie album, ringtone deals, more performances, a video project, and a sitcom. Its still early, stay tuned. Dub MD: Do you have anything to say to the fans? anything you wanna get off your chest? any shout outs?
Stimuli: I know I may be an underdog in this game whether it is because of lack of exposure or because I have so much to say but I enjoy the grind and anything worth having is worth fighting for. I just want to say R.I.P to Stack Bundles and if you love hip-hop continue to support it myspace.com/shastimuli hit me up myspace.com/thesaysomethingproject. DUB MD
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