- Wed, 2008-06-04 15:22
Triple darkness was born from the coming together of Phalanx Heresy and one of Britains most serious verbal marksmen m9ine, after he featured on the Anathema album. Both partys agreed that coming together would only strengthen and consolidate the vision which both had. Uniting under one banner as the Triple Darkness was the only way forward.
Under this new force we have Nasheron, a dart thrower in every sense of the word. His shuriken katanaz technique of writing is unparalleled on these shores. Next up we have Cyrus Malachi, his metaphores are frightening. He is the icicle writer with the ability to take the listener and immerse them in his lyrics. Finally we have m9ine, one of the coldest ever to be produced on this island, he has a razorsharpe flow and killer verses.
With the talent of these three swordsman, combined with the teachings of Nuwaupu, these three seem set on beocming one of the most devastating crews UK Hip Hop has ever seen. We caught up with them to chat about their upcoming album and recent tour with Method Man.
"I Like Music because… when I make it and when I listen to it I feel free.” Triple Darkness
ILM : Your highly anticipated new album ‘Triple Darkness the Heresy presents Anathema’ is out now. What can we expect from it?
Triple Darkness : What you can expect is Hip Hop in its purest form. A far cry from the watered down bulls**t we hear today Anathema is a vast expanse of enthralling lyricsm, some of the dopest beats the UK will have ever heard from Beat Butcha and Chemo and forgotten Knowledge. It is all intertwined to create our signature sound. It is unparalleld in the UK Hip Hop scene. It is unapolagetically hardcore and not afraid to be different.
ILM : Of all the tracks on the album, which one did you have the most fun laying down?
Triple Darkness : We had a lot of fun laying Heresy ft Kyza because he was an artist we really wanted to work with. The way the track came together really set the hallmark for the rest of the album. We actually aimed to make the tune in a completely diffrerent way, but, when we turned up, Chemo told us he had cooked us up a beat. We listened to it and it was sick, so we switched everything up and layed down alternative verses, which really complemented the track. Then Kyza turned up and wrote his verse on the spot in about 20 minutes, which just blew us away. He is a very talented MC. Then all of us layed down our bars and the magic happened. To top it all off, the hook composed of scratching was done by the legendary DJ Skully, which made the track even colder.
ILM : You have just finished touring with Method Man & Red Man. How was that?
Triple Darkness : We supprted them in London and it was dope. I mean, to be given the honour of supporting MC's you grew up listening to and bumping their music on the way to school is a great feeling! We just absorbed the experience. Every big show is a platform for us to grow and learn as performers. We just gave it our all and got a real buzz off the crowd. They were edgy at the start but they really warmed to us and showed us love. Meth and Red tore the roof off that night, like they always do, overall it was sick.
ILM : What do you look forward to when playing live?
Triple Darkness : I think feeding off the crowd. Really absorbing their energy and channelling it back ten fold. Also, building a rapport with them and giving them an insight into the music. Most of all the adrenalin and the excitement that comes with live performances. That's the best part. To be able to rock a crowd and have them feeling your material. That's what's up.
ILM : Can you describe the Triple Darkness process of writing and recording such good music?
Triple Darkness : It's a very natuaral process. We vibe off each other. The beats we conceptualise and the lyrics just flow. I feel very strongly that as a collective we were meant to be doing this. There's a lot of people rapping these days, every man and his dog, but not everyone has the ability to pick up the pen. With us, I feel we were blessed with a gift. Part of that gift is being able to make songs quite easily. I mean, Anathema got made within just a few months. The chemistry just works.
ILM : Loads of people are using the internet these days and getting their music out there, before even getting a record deal. How has the internet affected you and your music?
Triple Darkness : The internet is a really good tool for artists, it has revolutionised the whole game, for better and for worse. The plus side are the opportunities to promote your music globally and be able to network with sites like Myspace. We did a collaboration not long ago with a very gifted MC and producer called Bronze Nazereth of the Wu Tang Clan. We did this via myspace so it's helped on many levels. The downside is the bootlegging and free downloads which are crippling artists sales. Our album is already getting bootlegged in Russia, Poland, Spain etc. So it's positve and negative.
ILM : You’ve been in the game for a while. Have you got any advice for others looking to come into the music industry?
Triple Darkness : Follow your dreams man. If you want to pursue music do it. Your soul will benefit from doing something you love. It will always help rather than hinder. Just realise it isn't easy to make it. Carving out a living takes so much persistence, detemination and passion. Not forgetting talent. But if you have that, go for it.
ILM : What are the future plans for Triple Darkness?
Triple Darkness : Future plans are the 144,000 Project from Melanin 9. His follow up to the critically acclaimed High Fidelity, out September 2008. Look out for that. It's off the chain. Then next year, the full Triple Darkness L.P. Sophomore offering.
ILM : Can you describe your favorite place on Earth?
Triple Darkness : Easy Africa and especilly Tama Re/Kemet (Egypt) the land of our forefathers.
ILM : What’s in your CD player right now?
Triple Darkness : In my CD player right now is Killah Priest's the Offering L.P. UK wise Jon Phonics Half Past Calm joint. Sick.
