 |
 |
|
|
~by Stephanie L. Ogle aka.
“braidzzz”
mahoganywriter@hotmail.com
Seattle-based
Uprok Records is bringing Hip Hip with a Christian message to
a nation of faithful listeners. With sixteen artists on their
roster and an overwhelming presence in media outlets
everywhere, the Uprok team is making it known that they are
standing solid as a rock.
SLO: How was Uprok Records started and why?
JOSH (President/Founder of Uprok Records): It was started
because I feel like BEC and Tooth and Nail saw a niche that
wasn’t being filled. It started with Ill Harmonics (top 10
finalists on MTV's "The Cut"), Sup the Chemist and Seattle
local, MG! The Visionary. They saw a need and filled it, which
is very cool. I came in and took everything over for them over
a year ago. I’ve just turned it up a few notches and tried to
sign hard working artists with passion for Hip Hop and life.
SLO: Rap and Hip Hop is known for its edgy, profane and even
violent content, how is Uprok Records and its artists able to
compete coming from a whole new angle (Christianity)?
JOSH: We can compete from a quality standpoint. Music is
entertainment to people and many just want to hear "good
music". Good music is what we strive to do. By releasing great
hip-hop, people can get by the stereotypes associated with
Christian artists. We are regular people and artists just like
anyone else, except we live the lifestyle of Christians.
People are ready for something real. Credible music, with both
musical integrity and lyrical integrity as well. I think that
once people really look at most of what’s coming out, it
leaves a very hollow feeling from the content. I mean....
really, there are only so many ways to rap about guns, thongs,
and weed. Many people want something more than just the same
old stereotypical hip-hop. That’s what Uprok provides,
something different from the norm. Uprok is about creating and
setting standards to push ourselves as a whole and also
challenge other artists to do higher quality material. It
seems like from a creative standpoint things are semi-stale
right now.
SLO: I was really feeling the whole "Tunnel Rats" vibe. And to
be honest, they did a good job in the fact that they are
rapping about Christian issues. Do you think this will get
them airplay or even build a fan base from those who might not
normally listen to Christian Hip-Hop?
JOSH: Good music is good music (smile) Good music should and
will get played/heard. We don’t use faith as a crutch to be
weak or for any other reason. We tend to not label what we do
as “Christian Hip Hop” simply because its normally going to
close every door out there and people automatically tune it
out. We do Hip Hop. We are Christians. As a label we are
trying to shed the mentality of everything that a Christian
could do, is well.....wack. We aren’t ashamed of what we stand
for by any means. We do music for the masses and not just one
narrow group of listeners.
Likewise groups like Jurassic 5 don’t get labeled “Muslim
hip-hop” or something. I think the label insults peoples’
intelligence. They will figure it out what an artist is about
and what they believe after hearing it. On top of that, I feel
we have some really excellent material.
SLO: Do you feel that respect is given to Uprok Records and
its artists by mainstream labels and artists?
JOSH: We have a ways to go. We have gotten some very positive
response from people in the industry of respectable position,
as well as alot of high ratings in reviews. Uprok is a newbie
and we do have alot to prove before many people will hear our
voice (smile) I really feel like we are destined for a bright
future if we keep doing what we have been. It takes alot of
hard work and long hours (boy, do I know about that!) and just
exceeding standards people place on Hip Hop. From an indie
standpoint it seems like we have to be 5 times tighter than
something that’s out for people even to listen. That’s ok
though because it’s pushing us, our artists. We’ve had calls
from majors on several of our artists. It’s great to hear
comments from our peers about what we do. 2002 will be a big
year for us in this dept.
SLO: I discovered that "What's The Word Magazine" gave Uprok
Records props as "Record Label of the Year”. How does that
recognition feel?
JOSH: Its pretty cool that alot of people are seeing what we
are up to. In my opinion we really aren’t “there” just yet. We
had a great 2001, but 2002 looks a whole lot better! We are
really blessed to have such a deep roster that can stack up
against alot of what’s out right now. Many distinct flavors of
Hip Hop and alot of appealing stuff. We haven’t hit our stride
yet, by far. So if that’s what people think already, then alot
of listeners and fans.
SLO: What do you think about the current state that Hip Hop is
in?
JOSH: Well, it seems like it really isn’t going anywhere. The
last three years seem just blurry as nothing is really
standing head and shoulders above anything. Hopefully there
will be some sort of renaissance of sorts. I’d really like to
see more of the conscious artists and independents see the
light of day. There are loads of talented artists in the
"underground" that could appeal on a much bigger level without
compromising musically. I hope there will be less of the
typical "gun, thug, hoes, weed" stuff, and more music with
meaning and social consciousness.
With the Sept 11th stuff, I really feel these changes will
happen as people begin to understand that our lives can change
in an instant. There are things that are much more important
than what I mentioned. Family, is a big one. As artists and
labels we have to accept responsibility for what’s being
released. Ten years down the road we may feel repercussions
that we may not like because of what we did. We need to
refocus as a community. Hip-hop people may not always see eye
to eye on faith issues, but we can come together on the need
for dealing with social issues. Issues like drug/substance
abuse, single parent families, crime etc., etc.
SLO: In terms of R&B in recent years we've seen Gospel acts
crossover into the mainstream market. Do you feel that the
same thing could/will happen with Christian Hip Hop?
JOSH: We really hope to create some noise in the general
market. That’s who we make music for.
SLO: Of those Gospel acts that did cross over, many of them
caught flack from the Christian community, if Christian
Hip-Hop acts were to do the same, do you feel flack would soon
follow?
JOSH: Unfortunately there is alot of ignorance and a lack of
understanding that creates this. Its not about crossing over
as much as it is being relevant to people and the culture.
Then there will be no need to “cross over”.
SLO: Personally I feel that certain events that have happened
(Sept. 11th) here in the US and around the world have brought
about something I call a "Spiritual Awakening" for alot of
people who are now turning to prayer, scripture and worship
almost in record numbers. Would it be safe to say that Uprok
will be a willing "leader" for those seeking truth?
JOSH: That could certainly be said. I feel like we are
offering an alternative to all that’s out there. The music
will speak for itself, and everyone that takes a listen
usually loves it. All the rest will follow.
SLO: I want to say that I am happy to see such a label like
Uprok thrive and be successful as you have. If your message
reaches just one person (young or old) then that is a
blessing.
JOSH: For sure. It goes back to social responsibility and
taking care of the ills that are out there. We’ve really just
started and it should continue to be a nice run for us as a
label. My hope is that we can connect with people on their
level.
SLO: Does Uprok plan to produce NON Hip-Hop acts (ie: R&B-ish)
in the future?
JOSH: Well, I shouldn’t rule anything out.... For now we are
doing hip-hop almost exclusively because that certainly keeps
my hands full! I’d rather excel at one thing rather than try
to do a bunch of stuff all mediocre.
SLO: Do you accept demos or are you looking for new talent? If
so, where can > people send that info to?
JOSH: I’ll take a listen. I try to not accept much for
unsolicited demos because it gets overbearing with all of them
coming in sometimes 40+ a month. All of our info is available
on our website: http://www.uprokrecords.com [sign up for the
email list there too]. To get and idea of the type of music we
are doing, check out http://www.mp3.com/uprokrecords. There
are links to all of our artists too.
|
