Last time RAPstation checked in with Solomon “Jumbo” David, the seasoned Lifesavas emcee was on tour in the UK with Blackalicious. Although he’s since moved on to their next tour stop, he had a few poignant thoughts to share on Britain’s recent vote to leave the European Union (EU), being on the road with Gift of Gab, Chief Xcel, and Lateef the Truthspeaker, and watching Gab overcome his health issues. Despite not having much to say about the recent state of the Lifesavas, he did hint there was possibly something coming down the pipeline. Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/lifesavas for more information.
RAPstation (Kyle Eustice): Is it true Chief Xcel “discovered” you guys and invited you to play a show? What did it feel like to have a group like Blackalicious appreciating the talents of the Lifesavas?
Jumbo: Chief Xcel discovered Lifesavas’ cassette tape while digging for records at Jump Jump music a record store that Shines worked at in Portland. He loved the beats, lyrics and said we had the essence of Pete Rock and CL Smooth. That was the nod we needed. He invited Vursatyl to sing background vocals on tour with Blackalicious. Lifesavas were then invited to open for Blackalicious, and Latyrx. Then Quannum signed us and we started touring off of singles with no social media back then. Being signed by Quannum cats at that time confirmed that Lifesavas had something special going on.
What made you decide to head out on the road with Blackalicious and Lateef?
We decided it was a good decision to continue building our movement.
What’s the current state of the Lifesavas? Are you guys going to do anything new?
Stay tuned.
Is it tough watching Gab kind of struggle with his health? How do help him out on the road?
Gab is an inspiration to us all. He’s resilient and his will is amazing. He’s inspired me to learn more about kidney disease and diabetes in our community. We collaborated on a short film with the guys who create ESPN’s “30 for 30” Tragedy to Triumph film shorts for a day in the life with the Gift Of Gab. It was selected and featured at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. We continue our dedication to the awareness of how to manage and cope with kidney disease and diabetes. We are building a program for touring musicians on dialysis.
What do you think makes a dope emcee?
A dope emcee has flow, chops, pocket, writes his or her own lyrics and is completely comfortable being true to themselves.
Where do you draw lyrical inspiration?
Life experiences, from my sons, real talk with my wife about what’s going on where I live and around the world while I’m traveling.
You’re currently touring in England. What’s the climate like since the UK announced they were leaving the European Union? What does that signify for our country and other countries around the world?
I’m here right now and witnessed a meltdown in the UK. Right now there is confusion and concern about what’s next for this country now. This is a wake-up call for the American people who are blinded by a media mastermind/lunatic. This can happen to us if we let his lunacy continue.
What’s next this year?
I’m putting a Jumbo instrumental record out at the end of summer or early fall. It’s a masterpiece of minimalism, and real raw busted bounce loops, and quirky soulful chops.
