The Grateful Vursatyl the Great
The RAPstation Interview
By Kyle Eustice
Hailing from the rainy Northwest city of Portland, Oregon, Vursatyl the Great is a talented emcee you've probably heard, but never heard of. As one-third of the critically acclaimed hip-hop group, Lifesavas, Vursatyl is a seasoned vet. Whether it's his work with Blackalicious, Lifesavas or as a solo artist, he always delivers a highly polished sound. Signed to Quannum Projects (established in 1991 by DJ Shadow, Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, and Lateef the Truthspeaker, among others), Lifesavas dropped their first album, Spirit in Stone, in 2003 and they followed it up with 2007's Gutterfly. For the first time, however, Vursatyl just got a taste of what it's like to be a solo artist after recently wrapping up his own solo tour with Blackalicious. As a solo emcee, he defies classification and stereotypes while giving you a little bit of soul, some of that '90s Timberland/Polo-wearing grit and the intelligence of an educated scholar. Vurs makes music from a cornucopia of influences and takes the listener on a sonic voyage back to the golden era, when lyrics meant just as much as having a solid beat. With his group's blessing Vurs is on his own. In this exclusive interview with RAPstation, Vurs took some time to discuss his new solo work, the blessings making music has brought him and the brotherhood he's found in Blackalicious and Lifesavas. His new album, Crooked Straights, drops May 11. Visit https://www.facebook.com/VursatylTheGreat for more information.
RAPstation (Kyle Eustice): First and foremost, how was the recent tour? Seems like you've been all over the world lately.
Vursatyl: The tour was awesome. This was my first tour as a solo artist. I go on before Blackalicious with Chief Xcel holding down the DJ duties for me. It's exciting! Jumbo of Lifesavas and I perform songs during the entire Blackalicious set. So crowds get a full experience. Shows all over the UK and shows throughout France made for an amazing run.
Can you believe music did that? How does it feel to be able to share your craft with so many people for a living?
For the past 16 years, I'm thankful every night that I'm out here releasing music and traveling the world. Making my living through my craft is a blessing. To see people's faces each night and hear their feedback on what the music has meant to them gives me inspiration to keep making good music.
What's the best part about being on the road with Blackalicious? How did you and Gab originally meet?
The best part is the brotherhood we share. It goes beyond music after 17 years of knowing each other. We're brothers. I was initially introduced to Chief Xcel in Eugene, Oregon at a Blackalicious and Latyrx show in 1998. That night Lateef introduced me to Gab. Gab and I really connected about a year later when they decided I would be a good addition to the Blackalicious live show.
Tell me about the Lifesavas. I've been hearing about you guys for years. How did that whole project come to fruition initially? I read you met playing basketball.
Jumbo and I met at a summer sports camp held at Concordia College in Portland. We later formed Lifesavas after the death of a mutual friend who had been Jumbo's group mate. Lifesavas became one of Portland's premier hip-hop groups and we have always made good music since our inception in 1990. Chief Xcel heard a Lifesavas cassette single playing in Jump Jump Records [a record store in Portland, Oregon] in 1998. We consequently were introduced. Blackalicious was looking to expand their live show. Xcel knew I sang from what he heard me do on Lifesavas single. He asked to hear more singing and rhyming. I sent some demos of me singing and more of me rhyming. I had a plane ticket to Oakland that same week. While on my first European tour with Quannum in '99 in Rennes, France, I was giving members of the Beat Junkies and Cut Chemist copies of a Lifesavas demo that Jumbo and I had recorded right before I left Portland. Lyrics Born, asked to hear what I was giving his friends. Xcel and Lyrics Born took that demo CD on the tour bus and listened to it. That day they offered Lifesavas a record deal with Quannum Projects. Lifesavas debut album Spirit In Stone came out in 2003 on Quannum Projects.
So now you are breaking out on your own. Do you have any trepidation going the solo route?
I'm excited to start releasing solo material because it's good music. Since we started releasing music, I'd always been approached about putting out a solo album, but I am content being a member of Lifesavas and never planned on it. After our critically acclaimed sophomore album Gutterfly, Jumbo and Shines justifiably became so successful with their respective musical endeavors it afforded me the time and opportunity to keep creating and recording. I continued to create music because music is my gift. After sitting on so much music I decided, ‘Why let this all go to waste?’ So I began seeing what songs felt good together to begin lining up several projects I intend to release and 'Crooked Straights' became the first missile. Jumbo and Shines have always told me to release my music. So that's a big reason I feel good about it. Jumbo and Shines support it and everything we do separately is an extension of the "Lifesavas Movement/LS Movement."
What are the positives and negatives of being on your own?
The positives and negatives of being a solo artist have more positives than negatives. It's awesome to give people good music. It continues the legacy we began. The thing I'm most excited about is being a "brand new artist" and being able to paint the picture of who I am as an artist very specifically and deliberately this time out. What you hear from me is EXACTLY what I want you to hear, how and when I want you to hear it. I was deliberate in every beat I rhymed over. I had a blast recording every line. I have the opportunity take people on a journey that starts with Crooked Straights and speaks specifically to the type of hip-hop and soul music I love and love to make. The only drawback is the climb to make people aware that the music is available and coming from this new artist— Vursatyl.
You just released a new track. Are you happy with how it's being received?
Yes, my first release is a song called "Super" featuring Dion (of Hi-Tek fame/formerly of Aftermath Records). It has an incredible beat by Boonie Mayfield. The single and LP are being released via a partnership I established with BBE Records based in the UK. Based on their prior catalog of releases such as J Dilla, Pete Rock, Madlib, DJ Spinna, Jazzy Jeff and Foreign Exchange, it was a perfect fit for the vibe of music I create.
Being a new artist, I set the bar for reception and acknowledgement at a very conservative level and I am exceeding all of my goals. I am very pleased with the response. I'm getting love all over the world. People seem to totally get the soulful direction of what I do. I'm excited!
Quannum is dope. I am about to interview Lyrics Born again in a minute. How does it feel to be part of such an incredible family?
I'm honored that Quannum chose Lifesavas to be the first artists they signed to Quannum Projects. Before that, they had only released music from the core 'Solesides' artists. So it's been a privilege being a part of such an incredible collective. I wouldn't be where I am without Quannum. I am eternally grateful.
What’s on the docket for 2015?
My first LP Crooked Straights drops May 11, 2015 on BBE Records/Misfit Records/Vursatyl Enterprises. My song "Super" is available on iTunes right now. I'm releasing two more songs with videos before the LP drops. First is "Bring It To A Halt" featuring DJ Flip Flop produced By Dave Notti. Then a dope song called "I Got It" produced by Hi-Res; all producers I met in Portland. I have a BIG surprise for everyone before the LP drops, but can't reveal it right now. Working with one heroes and a legend in hip-hop. Look out for it in April.
What do you love about performing? You seem very comfortable up there.
I love that there's nothing to hide behind. It's raw energy. I'm able to let people see what I've got up close and in person. It's an honest platform discern what level of talent a person really has. I love that I get to show my chops as an emcee and singer and get an immediate response from music lovers. The energy that comes from an audience who connects with what I'm doing is unparalleled.
What do you like about being based in Portland?
I love that we were able to be ourselves in Portland. It wasn't easy doing that coming up in Portland but over time, Portland blossomed into a place that really accommodated our individuality. I love Portland. That's home!
Vursatyl the Great: The RAPstation Interview
The Grateful Vursatyl the Great
The RAPstation Interview
By Kyle Eustice
Hailing from the rainy Northwest city of Portland, Oregon, Vursatyl the Great is a talented emcee you've probably heard, but never heard of. As one-third of the critically acclaimed hip-hop group, Lifesavas, Vursatyl is a seasoned vet. Whether it's his work with Blackalicious, Lifesavas or as a solo artist, he always delivers a highly polished sound. Signed to Quannum Projects (established in 1991 by DJ Shadow, Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, and Lateef the Truthspeaker, among others), Lifesavas dropped their first album, Spirit in Stone, in 2003 and they followed it up with 2007's Gutterfly. For the first time, however, Vursatyl just got a taste of what it's like to be a solo artist after recently wrapping up his own solo tour with Blackalicious. As a solo emcee, he defies classification and stereotypes while giving you a little bit of soul, some of that '90s Timberland/Polo-wearing grit and the intelligence of an educated scholar. Vurs makes music from a cornucopia of influences and takes the listener on a sonic voyage back to the golden era, when lyrics meant just as much as having a solid beat. With his group's blessing Vurs is on his own. In this exclusive interview with RAPstation, Vurs took some time to discuss his new solo work, the blessings making music has brought him and the brotherhood he's found in Blackalicious and Lifesavas. His new album, Crooked Straights, drops May 11. Visit https://www.facebook.com/VursatylTheGreat for more information.
RAPstation (Kyle Eustice): First and foremost, how was the recent tour? Seems like you've been all over the world lately.
Vursatyl: The tour was awesome. This was my first tour as a solo artist. I go on before Blackalicious with Chief Xcel holding down the DJ duties for me. It's exciting! Jumbo of Lifesavas and I perform songs during the entire Blackalicious set. So crowds get a full experience. Shows all over the UK and shows throughout France made for an amazing run.
Can you believe music did that? How does it feel to be able to share your craft with so many people for a living?
For the past 16 years, I'm thankful every night that I'm out here releasing music and traveling the world. Making my living through my craft is a blessing. To see people's faces each night and hear their feedback on what the music has meant to them gives me inspiration to keep making good music.
What's the best part about being on the road with Blackalicious? How did you and Gab originally meet?
The best part is the brotherhood we share. It goes beyond music after 17 years of knowing each other. We're brothers. I was initially introduced to Chief Xcel in Eugene, Oregon at a Blackalicious and Latyrx show in 1998. That night Lateef introduced me to Gab. Gab and I really connected about a year later when they decided I would be a good addition to the Blackalicious live show.
Tell me about the Lifesavas. I've been hearing about you guys for years. How did that whole project come to fruition initially? I read you met playing basketball.
Jumbo and I met at a summer sports camp held at Concordia College in Portland. We later formed Lifesavas after the death of a mutual friend who had been Jumbo's group mate. Lifesavas became one of Portland's premier hip-hop groups and we have always made good music since our inception in 1990. Chief Xcel heard a Lifesavas cassette single playing in Jump Jump Records [a record store in Portland, Oregon] in 1998. We consequently were introduced. Blackalicious was looking to expand their live show. Xcel knew I sang from what he heard me do on Lifesavas single. He asked to hear more singing and rhyming. I sent some demos of me singing and more of me rhyming. I had a plane ticket to Oakland that same week. While on my first European tour with Quannum in '99 in Rennes, France, I was giving members of the Beat Junkies and Cut Chemist copies of a Lifesavas demo that Jumbo and I had recorded right before I left Portland. Lyrics Born, asked to hear what I was giving his friends. Xcel and Lyrics Born took that demo CD on the tour bus and listened to it. That day they offered Lifesavas a record deal with Quannum Projects. Lifesavas debut album Spirit In Stone came out in 2003 on Quannum Projects.
So now you are breaking out on your own. Do you have any trepidation going the solo route?
I'm excited to start releasing solo material because it's good music. Since we started releasing music, I'd always been approached about putting out a solo album, but I am content being a member of Lifesavas and never planned on it. After our critically acclaimed sophomore album Gutterfly, Jumbo and Shines justifiably became so successful with their respective musical endeavors it afforded me the time and opportunity to keep creating and recording. I continued to create music because music is my gift. After sitting on so much music I decided, ‘Why let this all go to waste?’ So I began seeing what songs felt good together to begin lining up several projects I intend to release and 'Crooked Straights' became the first missile. Jumbo and Shines have always told me to release my music. So that's a big reason I feel good about it. Jumbo and Shines support it and everything we do separately is an extension of the "Lifesavas Movement/LS Movement."
What are the positives and negatives of being on your own?
The positives and negatives of being a solo artist have more positives than negatives. It's awesome to give people good music. It continues the legacy we began. The thing I'm most excited about is being a "brand new artist" and being able to paint the picture of who I am as an artist very specifically and deliberately this time out. What you hear from me is EXACTLY what I want you to hear, how and when I want you to hear it. I was deliberate in every beat I rhymed over. I had a blast recording every line. I have the opportunity take people on a journey that starts with Crooked Straights and speaks specifically to the type of hip-hop and soul music I love and love to make. The only drawback is the climb to make people aware that the music is available and coming from this new artist— Vursatyl.
You just released a new track. Are you happy with how it's being received?
Yes, my first release is a song called "Super" featuring Dion (of Hi-Tek fame/formerly of Aftermath Records). It has an incredible beat by Boonie Mayfield. The single and LP are being released via a partnership I established with BBE Records based in the UK. Based on their prior catalog of releases such as J Dilla, Pete Rock, Madlib, DJ Spinna, Jazzy Jeff and Foreign Exchange, it was a perfect fit for the vibe of music I create.
Being a new artist, I set the bar for reception and acknowledgement at a very conservative level and I am exceeding all of my goals. I am very pleased with the response. I'm getting love all over the world. People seem to totally get the soulful direction of what I do. I'm excited!
Quannum is dope. I am about to interview Lyrics Born again in a minute. How does it feel to be part of such an incredible family?
I'm honored that Quannum chose Lifesavas to be the first artists they signed to Quannum Projects. Before that, they had only released music from the core 'Solesides' artists. So it's been a privilege being a part of such an incredible collective. I wouldn't be where I am without Quannum. I am eternally grateful.
What’s on the docket for 2015?
My first LP Crooked Straights drops May 11, 2015 on BBE Records/Misfit Records/Vursatyl Enterprises. My song "Super" is available on iTunes right now. I'm releasing two more songs with videos before the LP drops. First is "Bring It To A Halt" featuring DJ Flip Flop produced By Dave Notti. Then a dope song called "I Got It" produced by Hi-Res; all producers I met in Portland. I have a BIG surprise for everyone before the LP drops, but can't reveal it right now. Working with one heroes and a legend in hip-hop. Look out for it in April.
What do you love about performing? You seem very comfortable up there.
I love that there's nothing to hide behind. It's raw energy. I'm able to let people see what I've got up close and in person. It's an honest platform discern what level of talent a person really has. I love that I get to show my chops as an emcee and singer and get an immediate response from music lovers. The energy that comes from an audience who connects with what I'm doing is unparalleled.
What do you like about being based in Portland?
I love that we were able to be ourselves in Portland. It wasn't easy doing that coming up in Portland but over time, Portland blossomed into a place that really accommodated our individuality. I love Portland. That's home!
