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VENTS Magazine recently interviewed Birmingham hip-hop duo Shaheed and DJ Supreme about their “Jazz Men” and “Something To Ride To” videos. The interview can be read below!
What was behind the scenes like for “Jazz Men” and “Something To Ride To”?
Shaheed: For “Jazz Men”, it was real laid back and chill, like a jazz song. We shot that video at two places in our city: one was UAB Art Play and the other was Uptown Jazz Club. “Something To Ride To” was shot in the neighborhood and at a bike park called Ride Bham. It was very earthy and fun.
DJ SUPREME: Both videos were super fun to film. We filmed the “Jazz Men” video at one of the prominent jazz venues here in Birmingham, The Uptown Jazz Club. Additionally, we filmed scenes at UAB’s Art Play. The “Something to Ride To” video was filmed at a dirt bike park. We wanted to put a different spin on music to “ride” to. Some of the tricks the stunt riders were doing were spectacular.
What are your favorite topics to write about?
Shaheed: Life, spirituality, and things that inspire the next generation.
DJ SUPREME: Our favorite topics include health, wealth, and knowledge of self.
How did your music career begin?
Shaheed: It began when I was very young, like kindergarten, when my mother made me keep a daily journal and I started writing lyrics at a very young age.
DJ SUPREME: My professional music career began officially in 1995 with my first music industry job in the A&R department at Motown Records in Los Angeles.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
Shaheed: Substance and not substance abuse. But most importantly growth.
DJ SUPREME: We hope people take away that it’s perfectly fine to be yourself and strive for greatness without compromising your principles and values.
What is your songwriting process like?
Shaheed: It varies depending on the project. I would say DJ Supreme sends me a beat and I either already have something for it or I vibe with it and come up with something for it.
DJ SUPREME: When I’m writing my music I’m mostly inspired by the sound of vintage instruments. I do a lot of crate-digging too, so I often get inspired by listening to older music.
What is the best advice someone has ever given you?
Shaheed: Be balanced in life because without balance, you cannot even walk
DJ SUPREME: Be careful when meeting your heroes. You may end up getting disappointed.
How would you describe your style of music?
Shaheed: Truth over beats.
DJ SUPREME: Truth over beats
What inspired you to write “Jazz Men” and “Something To Ride To”?
Shaheed: “Jazz Men” was inspired by being a big jazz supporter and being able to have The legendary Eric Essix featured on it to pay tribute to the combination of hip-hop and jazz made it even more special. “Something to Ride To” is one of those songs where you take a long ride in your car or truck or bike and skateboard and just enjoy yourself. The vocals from our sis Lauren Strain made the song even warmer and soulful.
DJ SUPREME: For “Jazz Men”, we just wanted to celebrate the legacy of jazz music and contribute to the extraordinary list of hip-hop artists that combine jazz and hip-hop. “Something To Ride To” is one of those classic joints for you to drop the top on your ride and cruise up and down the boulevard. No matter what kind of whip you’re pushing you can be inspired by “Something to Ride To.”
Follow Shaheed and DJ Supreme:
http://www.kruhiphop.com
http://twitter.com/shaheed_supreme
http://instagram.com/shaheedanddjsupreme
