 Raptalk.net have been given the chance to hook up with one half of the group Wade Waters, Soulstice, for a quick question and answer session to talk about his thoughts on the state of rap music, his brand new album "Dead Letter Perfect" and his plans for the future. Make sure you checkout the track at the end of the interview and pick up a copy of his new album out this fall, Enjoy! Dub MD: Soulstice, What's good?
Soulstice: Workin’ hard fam, what’s the word? 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?
Soulstice: Tell whoever that is to stop sleepin’! I released my first album, “North by Northwest” in 2003 while I was finishing up my masters degree in electrical and computer engineering. My only goal at that time was to release an album and put it out there. But it got such a great reception, I wound up putting out a few vinyl singles and then doing a re-release of that project called “North by Northwest: Solid Ground” in 2005 which was distributed by larger label in the US and Universal in Japan. I’m originally from Chicago, but moved out to Maryland after grad school. That’s where I met Haysoos and we teamed up as Wade Waters for my next project, “Dark Water” in 2006, which featured AZ and Cuban Link. This fall I’m releasing my second solo album, “Dead Letter Perfect” and gearing up for a tour in Japan. Dub MD: Coming from Columbia, what do you think of the Maryland music scene right now?
Soulstice: I think the Maryland scene is really growing and gaining recognition right now. I’ve got people hitting up from Germany and Australia asking me what’s up with Maryland. There’s a lot of quality hip hop coming out of MD right now, and I’m glad to part of this scene, along with the scene back home in Chicago. Dub MD: A lot of people are saying "Hip Hop Is Dead" lately, how do you feel about the current state of hip hop?
Soulstice: Hip hop isn’t dead, but it is going through a transition right now. The music industry is still learning how to adapt to the changes in the way people are getting music. I dig some of the commercial hip hop coming out now, there’s nothing wrong with fun party music. But there’s a lack of balance. The industry is underestimating the public. People will buy positive music, in fact their hungry for it now, I think. Fans are still getting a steady stream of great hip hop releases. They may have to work a little harder to find what they’re looking for, but it’s out there. Dub MD: Do you have a new album in the works? What's it called & what can your fans expect?
Soulstice: My sophomore album, “Dead Letter Perfect” is coming this fall. Fans should expect the perfect the hip hop album! Dub MD: With this project, what producers & artists are you connecting with this time around?
Soulstice: I’d put my production team up against any other team in the business. I’ve got Oddisee, M-phazes, K-Salaam, SBe Audiologist, Analogic, and Bring it Back. That’s production coming from Maryland to New York although to Europe and Australia. The production is soulful without being soft, it bangs in the whip. I purposely kept the collaborations on this album to a minimum. It’s a real concept album, not a compilation. Dub MD: What's your label situation like just now?
Soulstice: Wandering Soul Records is my label. I do all of the pre-production on my projects in-house and then license them through various distribution deals in US, Japan, Europe, etc. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I get complete control over my projects, so I make the music exactly how it should be made. "The industry is underestimating the public. People will buy positive music, in fact their hungry for it now, I think. Fans are still getting a steady stream of great hip hop releases, They may have to work a little harder to find what they’re looking for, but it’s out there" Dub MD: Your one half of a group called "Wade Waters", can you tell us a little about your group? any projects out right now?
Soulstice: No doubt. As I mentioned, I’m originally from Chicago. I moved to Maryland after I finished grad school in 2003. When I got out here I started doing shows and really killin’ it in the local scene. Haysoos was doing his thing in the local scene as well, so we eventually linked up. We released the album, “Dark Water” as Wade Waters…the whole experience was crazy. We released the project through EMI/Caroline, which was a new experience. The music turned a lot of heads. We found ourselves in The Source and even on Tavis Smiley’s radio show getting interviewed. Soos and I are both focused on our solo projects right now, but we’re both looking forward to the next Wade Waters project. Did I mention the live show is crazy? haha 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?
Soulstice: Wade Waters has crazy chemistry, it’s always a lot of fun doing a Wade Waters track. I also used to make songs with my brother which was a lot of fun too. Dub MD: What do you think is your most defining and unique characteristic that sets you apart from every other emcee out there?
Soulstice: My story is what separates me. There’s no other musician out there with a story quite like mine. I bring all of that to the table when I write, so you get a really full experience through the music. I’m purposely being vague here, get “Dead Letter Perfect” to see what I’m talking about!
Dub MD: For your fans who haven't seen you perform yet are you planning a tour anytime soon?
Soulstice: Yessir. I’m heading to Japan in September to tour and support the album out there. When I get back I’ll be doing shows in DC/Maryland, New York and Chicago and then I’ll be hitting Europe again in the spring. Dub MD: If you could describe yourself as an emcee in 4 words, What would they be?
Soulstice: Perfect. Only needed one. Dub MD: What is on tap for Soulstice for the rest of 2007 and beyond?
Soulstice: I’m 110% focused on the album for the near future. It’s among the top releases of 2007, in the same category as 50 Cent, Kanye and Common albums coming out. My job is to see if I can make the sales match the quality. After that, I’ll keep making the music I love to make and getting it out the people. I feel very fortunate to be in the position that I’m in. I play by my own rules and still manage to travel the world and do what I love to do. Dub MD: Do you have anything to say to the fans? anything you wanna get off your chest? any shout outs?
Soulstice: “Dead Letter Perfect” this fall. The perfect hip hop album, what more can I say? Soulstice new album "Dead Letter Perfect" in stores this fall! DUB MD
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