Quannum's New Faces

If you're a fan of undgerground hip-hop, you know that Quannum records is synonymous with innovative and dope music. With a roster including the likes of DJ Shadow, Latyrx and Blackalicious, getting down with the Quannum team takes something beyond the typical rap act. As the first group to sign to label outside of the Solesides crew, Lifesavas come equipped with clever lyrics, and a live show that brings back the art of rocking a crowd. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the duo of Versatile and Jumbo are devoted to preserving hip-hop, and making sure that the fans get what they want; fresh recordings and an entertaining show. Here's what Jumbo had to say.

How did Lifesavas connect?
We used to play ball in the park together and afterward there would be some cypher or whatever. I used to see Versatile battle, and he knew that I had tracks, but he didn't know I was serious until he saw me battle this dude. After that, we decided that we needed to get down. We did a little side project, and it came out good so after that we decided that we needed to form a group.

How did you hook up with Quannum?
There is this record shop in Portland called Jump Jump Music, and our DJ used to work there, so he gave the owner our first single "Grand Larceny," and they used to sell it there. Chief Xcel was up there digging, and he heard it playing, so he got a couple copies. Later that weekend we had a show with Latyrx, and at the time, they were looking for a background vocalist for the live show. Versatile got down and went on tour with them. He gave them our single "Headexercise" and they said they would put it out, so that became our first single on Quannum. We went on tour with Blackalicious for a year-and-a-half, and from there we solidified ourselves with Quannum.

Do you feel an added pressure because of Quannum's history?
Quannum is one of the first big independent labels that hasn't got bought out you know. They handed us the torch to carry, and that is a privilege. But at the same time I think we are gonna add a new face to Quannum as far as showing growth with the times, cause music changes. It's a catch 22, you know, a double blessing.

What can people expect when they see your live show?
We try to bring some melodious anthems over some raw beats. Really it's just raw energy, very high energy, so don't bring no bubble goose 'cause you definitely gonna lose weight. I would advise bringing a neck brace because it's gonna be a communal nod session. It's a golden era meets now type vibe.

What inspired your stage show?
As a fan, I want to go see someone put on a show. I don't want to see someone get their rocks off just rhyming over a beat. De La Soul is definitely one of the motivators because their shows are just nonstop hip-hop. Also, Quannum massive is notorious for wreckin' shop live, and for us to be a part of that, and not have a dope live show would be a let down for the fans. I think that is another reason why Quannum was drawn to us because we record dope music, but we bring it live too. We try to bring a balance so that you get it live, and make you want to go back and check for the album or 12-inch.

I know you guys have dropped two singles, but what's up with the full-length?
Man, the album is tentatively set for early June. I handled about 90 percent of the production, Chief Xcel did a couple tracks, and we got one from Vitamin D, which will probably come out as a B-side for a later single. For the first time in history we're gonna have a Quannum crew song with everybody on it, even DJ Shadow doing some scratching. We got a song with J-Live, one with just Gift of Gab, and this cat Labreto out of LA. Just some Lifesavas bangers, and B-Boy anthems.

Break down your latest single "HelloHiHey" for the folks who haven't heard it.
"HelloHiHey" is a true to life thing that we all go through. It's all about ego trippin', and the beauty of the song is that it's not us pointing the finger at anybody, or people, but us making a self evaluation. As MCs, there's a bravado type thing, so it's kind of making sure that your ego isn't growing out of proportion just because you're an MC. Then there is always some cat who's doing what you're doing, but they always have something to say to bring you down so that you get less motivated. Whether they're in the industry, sports, just whatever, you know, that jealous person who wants to bring you down. Then there is that ambitious cat from around the way or someone you meet, and they ask you a million questions but they don't want to hear the answer; they just want to tell you what's on their plate.

Can we expect more conceptual songs like "HelloHiHey" on the album?
Yeah, definitely. One to look for is called "Skeletons," but that's all I can really say about that.

Alright, put hip-hop on the side for a second, speak on the Blazers?
I never hold my breath when it comes to the Blazers, man. I'd like to see them get one while Rasheed is still here you know. You gotta go for it while the Lakers is weak.

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