By tayyib smith  |  Send to Friend

 

TS: What is you're  profession, how do you make a living?
KB: I am a music producer, DJ and tastemaker for the international set. I am also a cosmic traveler, traveling and communicating through sound. In some odd way, I tend to make a living from it, due to my complete passion and love for music and all that it entails.

TS: Finish these sentences:

I knew I made it when …
KB: I can't finish this sentence and I hope I never do. When you say you made it, its like saying you're done.

The key to my success is …
KB: Focusing on what makes me happy!

TS: What are you're hobbies?
KB: Music, film, photography and walking, observing life.

TS: What is the best experience you've had in recent memory?
KB: Two come to mind: The birth of my now 15-year-old daughter and running into an old friend, who is now my fiancé.

TS: What award, project or accomplishment are you most proud?
KB: The SYLK130 project is my most prized accomplishment. "When the Funk Hits The Fan" represents, not only my life, but a culmination of energy that we create at Silk City, since 1990. It represents Philly to the fullest, using all musicians and singers from Philly for Philly. A true classic, in my book. Also, winning the PEW Fellowship was a pleasant surprise. To be recognized by the academic world is truly an honor. It really allowed me to really get into why I do what I do.

TS: If you could apologize for a past misdeed, wrong doing, sin, or error right here for the world to see what would it be and to whom?
KB: I have no apologies because all happens for a reason. If something I have done is (relatively) wrong in someone's eyes, then so be it. If that moment was changed then I may not be here talking it up with you. So, no apologies.

TS: What was your most recent epiphany?
KB: That I was falling into the trap of trying to please these damn labels and a&r, for what? Losing my soul? Nah.. So now, I do for me, and only me: What makes me happy. Then all else will fall into place.

TS: A long time ago (circa '95), I asked you to recommend  new music for me. You told me to get Bjork Post and Raekwon  Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, both of which blew my mind. What would you recommend to today?

KB: Really?... hahahahaha ... I remember that year was amazing. Today, the unfortunate thing is, as far as mainstream music, it's all pretty shitty. Here are three that may change your ear:

1. A Startled Wish - Grey Reverend
2. Wincing the Night Away - The Shins
3. AftaThoughts Vol. 1 - Afta-1

TS: First came Friendster, then myspace, now Facebook and Twitter. Which social networks do you frequent, how often, and how do you feel it adds value to your life?
KB: Facebook is absolutely incredible. I hated that shit at first but it changed the game completely. Instant connection to like-minded individuals. Myspace is too hyped ... good for statistics though. Twitter is cool 'cause I get to see what my daughter is saying to her buddies. Keeps me young. It definitely adds value because I talk a lot on social issues.

TS:  What are your top-three favorite brands/artists and why?
KB: 1. Quincy Jones: The definitive archetype for me. My hero.
         2. Bjork: She doesn't give two fucks and sells records!
         3. Milosh: Seems to enjoy his existence. You can tell through his music and blog.

TS: Which artist, musicians, writers, philosophers, or icons have been most influential in shaping your aesthetics?
KB: Again, Quincy Jones! Read all his books. For the rest, shortlist: Deepok, Hafiz, James Baldwin, Richard Branson, Morrisey, my mom, my daughter, Summer, M.I.A., SantIWhite, Nahda Brahma, James Martin …

TS: What is your earliest memory from childhood?
KB: Going to see James Brown at The Latin Casino (where, incidentally, Larry Gold
was playing strings) ... I was five.

TS: If the world were ending tomorrow, and you could have one last feast, what, or where would you eat, and who would you dine with?
KB: I would cook with my daughter, my lady, my parents, dozia, roblife and the Q.

TS: You are flying from LAX to Honolulu, and end up trapped on a uncharted island with a really annoying group of people, for three months, with a broken iPod that only plays three albums. If you could choose said albums, which would you choose and why?

KB: 1. Re-Member's Only - Sylk130
My favorite album I have done. I worked with most of my '80s heroes and friends. It is my most personal album.

         2. Vespertine - Bjork
This album is so intimate. It places you in this whispery cosmic bubblebath.

       3. My own soft rock compilation.
All the best soft rock hits from the '70s. Definitely will make me feel like a kid forever.

TS: If you had to give up, one: Web, Phone or TV, which would it be?
KB: Phone, hands down!

TS: How would you define your style?
KB: My lifestyle is gangster. Living the way I see fit, when I see fit and how I see fit. Some compromise, but, all in all, gangster.

 

TS: What projects or endeavors can we expect from you in 2009 and beyond?
KB: Presently, my main goal is my label, FiveSixMedia. I have been building it carefully over the years. Now that I have most of my masters back and my webstore and crazy mailing list, I soon will be able to sustain a continuous living while releasing what I want, when I want and who I want. I have Ursula Rucker, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Nova Dream Sequence, Sarah White, Power Douglas, Fhloston Paradigm, Ramon Tejada, WIshUWereHere, Obafunke and myself on the roster right now. I plan to release many experimental records as well. Next, I am finishing an album with DJ Dozia and myself, called The Dynomite Brothers. Purely dedicated to our dance music heroes. Also, beginning production this summer on Lee Mayjah's new album. He is part of PEX, a Philadelphia Burning Man camp, that is off the chain. The album will be a very interesting blend. Last but not least, the final installment of the SYLK130 album. All love songs.  It will be deemed a classic.

TS: Tell me a little about your new project with Michael Mann?
KB: Oh, I'm just underscoring a few scenes for Public Enemy, his new film starring Johnny Depp. I worked on Miami Vice,  and I am turning out to be a go-to guy for him. No big deal. Just another day in the life.

TS: Do you recall how we first met?
KB: I don't, unfortunately, but I recall around '94, perhaps. You have always been a very close person to me. Even though we don't hang hang, I remember Boulder the strongest. It was so interesting to see this brother from Philly, runnin' shit up there. Haahahaha ...you were like the messiah or something.  You brought culture to the table and that made me proud. I also remember the Roots show in NYC, I'm on stage and see you way in the audience, waving. Now, look atcha! I do want to say, that I love the fact YOU don't drive either. We are like nomads, walking the streets of Philly in an anonymous way.