For those of you that are fans of MF Doom's Mmm...Food (Rhymesayers, 2004), the third track on that album featured production work from the Tennessee-based artist, Count Bass D. Layers of short MPC samples and film snippets characterize his production style, which is complemented by live instrumentation and eccentric lyrics. While he never garnered significant commercial success, he is an underground powerhouse with a huge catalog of music. He never stops. Music is admittedly his life and it shows. He isn't limited to production, he sings and raps. With a voice reminiscent of Mos Def, there's a lot more to Count Bass D then people know. Check out "Down Easy" from 2005's Begborrowsteal. He took a few seconds to answer Rap Station’s SXSW survey. –Kyle Eustice
When did you first fall in love with hip-hop and why?
I was infatuated with Hip Hop for a long time, but I only love music.
Who or what made you decide to pick up the mic and start performing?
I did. I thought I was really good at it.
SXSW seems to be predominately indie band oriented. As a hip-hop artist, what do you hope to gain from your time there?
I play instruments so I hope to gain everything "indie bands" gain.
With record sales on the decline in this digital era, how important are
tours now? Merch?
Tours have always been important. Merch can be more of a headache than it's worth.
How have you been navigating the social media waters? What have you done that has been fan favorites?
I try to have Count Bass D well represented on social media. People seem to enjoy being able to directly address me.
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame started inducting bands in 1986. Out of the 279 performers who have been inducted, only 3 other Hip-Hop/Rapper acts have been included, most recently Public Enemy this year. As an artist that falls into this category, how does this make an impact on you?
I don't make Rock and Roll music. I make music to please myself only. No impact.
There is kind of a revolving door of rappers/emcees these days, what sets you apart from the pack and how will you attain longevity in such a fickle and oversaturated market?
I have been a professional recording artist for 19 years. I'm a musician.
- Kyle Eustice for RAPstation.com
VERY FEW WORDS FROM COUNT BASS D - On the Road to Austin
For those of you that are fans of MF Doom's Mmm...Food (Rhymesayers, 2004), the third track on that album featured production work from the Tennessee-based artist, Count Bass D. Layers of short MPC samples and film snippets characterize his production style, which is complemented by live instrumentation and eccentric lyrics. While he never garnered significant commercial success, he is an underground powerhouse with a huge catalog of music. He never stops. Music is admittedly his life and it shows. He isn't limited to production, he sings and raps. With a voice reminiscent of Mos Def, there's a lot more to Count Bass D then people know. Check out "Down Easy" from 2005's Begborrowsteal. He took a few seconds to answer Rap Station’s SXSW survey. –Kyle Eustice
When did you first fall in love with hip-hop and why?
I was infatuated with Hip Hop for a long time, but I only love music.
Who or what made you decide to pick up the mic and start performing?
I did. I thought I was really good at it.
SXSW seems to be predominately indie band oriented. As a hip-hop artist, what do you hope to gain from your time there?
I play instruments so I hope to gain everything "indie bands" gain.
With record sales on the decline in this digital era, how important are
tours now? Merch?
Tours have always been important. Merch can be more of a headache than it's worth.
How have you been navigating the social media waters? What have you done that has been fan favorites?
I try to have Count Bass D well represented on social media. People seem to enjoy being able to directly address me.
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame started inducting bands in 1986. Out of the 279 performers who have been inducted, only 3 other Hip-Hop/Rapper acts have been included, most recently Public Enemy this year. As an artist that falls into this category, how does this make an impact on you?
I don't make Rock and Roll music. I make music to please myself only. No impact.
There is kind of a revolving door of rappers/emcees these days, what sets you apart from the pack and how will you attain longevity in such a fickle and oversaturated market?
I have been a professional recording artist for 19 years. I'm a musician.
- Kyle Eustice for RAPstation.com
