Bronx Slang coming up with hip-hop gold ‘Happens A Lot’ – and it’s no accident. Still dwellin’ in the Rotten Apple where sh*t is a hassle, Beeks & Miggs reminisce and react to how hip-hop’s pecking order works (“started from the bottom, straight to the top, back down to the bottom, it sure Happens A Lot”). The duo hold down the stoop as the band plays on, the understated sound of a romantic, sepia-toned vision of mob rule, all pinstripes and spats framed by simple strums and horn stabs, with a hook wrapped in luxurious old timer strings.
Add ‘Happens A Lot’ to the previous firebrands ‘Just Say No’ and ‘Copy That’ (the latter recommended by BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq and playlisted by DJ Tony Touch on the infamous Toca Tuesdays NYC Show via Eminem’s Shade 45 station on SiriusXM), and Bronx Slang’s sophom*ore album, arriving later in 2021 and produced by UK connection Fake Blood and Jadell, is looking ever more likely to become the antidote to the year’s ills.
Bronx Slang sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Growing up where Hip Hop was created it was almost impossible not to fall in love with the entire culture. It was just as much a part of our lives as sports, school, religion and family..The music was worshipped and the pioneers now as we know them considered Gods!! The easiest thing in the world was to get soaked in. You were actually considered an outsider if you weren’t down.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
We were influenced by all the greats but we’ve answered this question with The Cold Crush so many times that it’s borderline stalking at this point. But it wasn’t just the cats that made a name for themselves but dudes from the block or the building up the hill that you’ve never even heard of. Rhyming became second nature to just about everybody. For every DJ or seriously skilled Breakdancer, you had about ten rappers..Laugh Out Loud. But it was similar to graffiti artists. Everybody was tagging but not everyone was really an artist..sh*t took skills.. So although we don’t admire a lot we do admire to many to probably name..
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
A few songs that we recorded for this upcoming album, we were in two different places at different times.. Meaning we weren’t in the studio together or used the same studio to lay vocals. That was a big adjustment for us cause we tend to pivot on the fly when recording. We’ll start out in one direction and end up in a totally different town by the time we’re finish. Different concept, different hooks, beats, you name it. That comes from writing and recording together for years but in the same room at the same time.. So we had to revisit a few things upon further listens but we ended up creating the same quality we would of under normal circ*mstances..
4. How would you describe your sound?
It’s Hip Hop. But with us being influenced by other elements of music and poetry, things tend to make their way into our creative process. Jazz, Alternative, Punk, Rock.. Similarities exist in all forms of music.. We pride ourselves on approaching the mic with some sense of intelligence and intellectual thought and working with Jadell and Fake Blood who are producers as well as DJ’s from the UK who are heavily influenced by all types of music, it adds an uncanny feel to what we’re doing. So we are Hip Hop but definitely not your run of the mill product. Instrumentation and lyrical flow are paramount within The Slang.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
We’ve always taking pride in performing live in front of an audience. Of course some shows or performances are better than others but that reaction you get from a crowd of people that are digging what your doing will fill you up with emotions that are difficult not only to describe in words but make it even harder to select one particular proud moment. With every new performance comes a new moment. In a way we’re just proud to perform. It’s a special situation to be in..
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
My advice to anyone getting into the game is to put consistent effort and time into honing your skills. Whether it be MC’ing, producing or playing an instrument; make sure you always strive to get better and better. In my experience hard work kicks natural talent’s ass every time.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
I recommend going back to Public Enemy for obvious reasons.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Been listening to Willie Hutch’s “Havin’ A House Party” a lot ... great soundtrack for a post pandemic soirée.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Ollie here...When not making music I’m working on other projects such as metal art and furniture pieces. I spend too much time following the goings on in the political realm...much to my despair.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water, weed, whiskey....what?!
