Reflecting on his career, the artist shared a notable missed opportunity from 1999 when he was invited by Deftones to collaborate on their influential album, White Pony. At the time, he had just finished working on Unkle’s Psyence Fiction and was concerned about maintaining his hip-hop identity. This hesitation ultimately led him to pass on what would become a landmark album. While he doesn’t view this decision as a regret, he acknowledges it as a lost chance.
When discussing his recent shift away from sample-based production, the artist noted that this decision stemmed from a combination of factors. He expressed concern about potentially only owning a fraction of his music catalog due to sample clearances. At the same time, he has always aimed to diversify his creative output. He recalled that before the advent of digital audio workstations like Ableton or Logic, the MPC sampler provided a convenient way for him to produce music, despite his lack of technical expertise. He emphasized that while he has not completely abandoned sampling, his evolution in music production has been deliberate and at a comfortable pace, which surprises some fans who expect a continuation of his earlier style.
When asked about his favorite UK scratch DJs, he highlighted the group Hijack, particularly praising the contributions of DJ Supreme and DJ Undercover. He admitted that access to the underground music scene in the UK was limited during that time, but he remained eager to discover new sounds. He fondly recalled reading music publications like Melody Maker and NME, which offered a broader perspective compared to the more rock-focused content prevalent in the US.
On the topic of artificial intelligence, the artist expressed a mix of hope and concern. He acknowledged that AI has the potential to either enhance or stifle human creativity. Reflecting on the technological changes he has witnessed throughout his life, he noted that the emergence of AI feels unprecedented. He fears that as it evolves, it may demand extensive immersion from individuals, potentially overshadowing the appreciation of the natural world.
The artist also discussed his approach to record collecting, describing it as a curatorial endeavor where he seeks to uncover overlooked music and introduce it to new audiences. He reminisced about his passion for sharing great hip-hop tracks during the 1980s when few in his community were aware of them. His journey into digging for samples led him to explore various genres, including jazz, soul, funk, and folk, constantly searching for music that resonates with him.
Looking back at the influences that shaped his creative process, he cited both films and literature as significant factors. He mentioned how the presentation of albums, including artwork and song titles, has often been inspired by various forms of art. As a child, he was particularly influenced by Choose Your Own Adventure books, which encouraged him to experiment with song structures and unconventional formats. He also highlighted the impact of the television show Twin Peaks, which debuted when he was in high school and featured actors of the same age, inspiring him to consider narrative adventure in his music.
Finally, when asked to choose an artist for an album based solely on their samples as a tribute, he expressed his admiration for Kraftwerk. He recounted his first encounter with their music through the song Tour de France in 1983, which sparked his interest in their innovative sound. As he delved deeper into their discography, he appreciated their adventurous spirit and continued influence on his work, especially as he seeks new methods of music creation beyond sampling.
