Aesop Rock’s 2007 masterpiece, None Shall Pass, had a lot of production work from longtime friend and frequent collaborator, Blockhead. The New York native has been producing beats since Aesop was still a college student at Boston University. In fact, that’s where they met. Since then, Blockhead has built a reputable solo career of his own, which includes six studio albums. From 2004’s Music By Cavelight to 2009’s The Music Scene and his most recent, 2014’s Bells and Whistles, Blockhead delivers pristine instrumentals, which is surprising considering he’d rather listen to lyrics any day. As a student of hip-hop, Blockhead is currently collaborating with all types of emcees and plans on releasing several projects soon. He took some time to answer a few quick questions about his new Aesop Rock remix of “Dorks,” his creative process and what’s on the horizon.
RAPstation (Kyle Eustice): You’ve collaborated with Aesop Rock for a long, long time. What made you want to remix his new track, “Dorks?”
Blockhead: I think the message of the song resonated with me. Getting older in the rap scene is a constant state of either trying too keep up or going on your own path. I relate to that push and pull and that seems to be what parts of the song are about.
What do you think of the word, “dorks.” I personally love it.
Well, I think of nerds, but I also think of a whale's penis cause someone told me that's what a "dork" means literally.
Is it exciting to see The Impossible Kid doing so well?
Of course! It's great on many level. I mean, obviously, I'm excited for my friend, but on a deeper level, it's good to see that music like that still can connect with people— all ages, too. It's also nice to see a rapper closing in on 40 still make timeless and relevant music.
How much time do you spend making music? Do you ever see yourself losing the passion for it?
I work in spurts. The inspiration doesn't flow like it used to, but I still find it. Sometimes I have to kick start it and then I slide right back into my mode. Sometimes I'll make a beat a day for two weeks, other times I won't even think of beats for a month. It's never anything consistent for me. I think it's less about losing passion than it is about picking your spots and being more calculated about how you make music.
Since your last album, Bells and Whistles, you’ve been relatively quiet. What’s next for Blockhead?
I'm working on a bunch of side projects. I released the Might Jones album, Gone Long, which is my group with vocalists and live instruments. I'm working on new rap stuff with Billy Woods, Marq Spekt and a few other dudes. I'm trying to organize a compilation album with my beats and various rappers. This has proven to be quite a difficult task, but it's in the works. I also have a beats project coming out on De Wolfe Records, which is beats made out of samples from their music library. That just got mastered, but I'm not sure when it's coming out.
Now that you’re getting older, is touring something you dread or do you still enjoy it?
Half and half. I genuinely enjoy the shows and meeting the fans. The travel and sleep deprivation are what I could do without. I wish I had that superstar life, where I could sleep in every day and just show up for the gig but, alas, I'm nowhere near that status.
I personally think every album/track you’ve ever made is flawless. How did you initially learn to make this kind of music?
I just kinda figured it out on the spot. I have no musical training. I don't play instruments. I think my most glaring skill is that I have a good ear and I'd like to think I have good taste. But I learned just by turning on the sampler and pressing buttons until I figured it out.
I find it so ironic you don’t like other instrumental music. Why are you hating [laughs]?
It's not hate. Or dislike even. It's just not interesting to me. I like vocals. There are plenty of really dope producers making instrumental stuff but, I dunno, when I want to hear music, I'm drawn towards rapping or singing. It's just a preference thing.
Who are some of your favorite more current emcees?
Hmm. Well, excluding guys I work with—Billy Woods, Spekt, Aesop, Open Mike Eagle—I’ve been bumping lots of Tree, Vince Staples, Your Old Droog, Shirt, Quelle Chris, Mystikal—always. Someone just sent me a mi tape of Future stuff in an attempt to get me to "understand" what's good about him. I actually like a few of his songs now. As for what I like about these guys? I mean, for me to like an emcee, they have to be interesting. I need them to be original and have their own voice—clever. I'm not drawn to shit that sounds like everything else.
