The Root of it All!

“Rock the Bells was the first big festival I was covering. The Roots were about to hit the stage. I love this shot because it just shows part of ?uest, but you know who it is because he’s an iconic artist. You only need to show a piece and people will know it’s ?uest.”

– Trevor Traynor

Artists: Questlove

Photographer: Trevor Traynor

Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Location: San Francisco, CA

Photo © Trevor Traynor Originally Featured in RESPECT. #24

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By: Sean2 Miles

LA based producer, songwriter and artist Sean2 Miles is the hidden musical gem the world deserves to know. Coming off the release of his highly anticipated Farmhaven album, he is proving to the world that he is musical gifted in many ways. His Mississippi upbringing has kept him grounded and humble allowing him to create timeless music that is influencing the masses.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the hotshot for a candid interview below. As he openly discusses working with Snoop Dogg, the inspiration behind Farmhaven and the importance of having creative freedom as a producer and artist, it is clear that he is destined to have a long lasting impact on the music business.

Sean2 Miles Interview

Respect: Who is Sean2 Miles and where did the name originate from?

Sean 2: Sean2 Miles is a country kid from the south, Mississippi to be exact. Sean 2 actually comes from my father as I am the second Sean. Growing up in Mississippi they always called me Sean2 Miles so I just kept my real name Sean2 Miles. 

Respect: As you previously stated that you are from Mississippi, how hard was it for you to make that transition into the mainstream music circuit being from such a rural area as MS is not known for music?

Sean2: Music in Mississippi to me is kind of like blues as it is home to American music. I feel like I had a clutch by knowing where I come from so when I got in the city, I just made sure that I worked harder than my opponents/colleagues. My work ethic is what got me in the mainstream music circuit.

Respect: When did you make the realization that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

Sean2: So I actually love Michael Jackson. Growing up I used to dance and wanted to be just like Micheal and I was also in the band. I grew up in the church with my mom playing a lot of instruments, so I always knew that music is something I wanted to do seriously as I have a real core passion for it.

Respect: As you have an impressive new album called Farmhaven, that came out recently, do you mind giving some more details on the unique sound you were able to create on this release?

Sean2: Yes. Shoutout to Jarius Mozee and Frank Knuckles from the Roots. I think what made this album so special is the fact that I kept it genuine to Hip Hop. I love Hip Hop and still wanted to groove having an aggressive feel, yet pleasurous all at the same time. Like adding elements of blues and jazz in the production was important as it is what I grew up on and what real music is all about. 

Respect: Why did you feel like it was important to pay homage to your hometown of Farmhaven as it is the name of your album?

Sean2: Because now I feel like it is a breaking point for me. I am at a breaking point in my career and in my life so this is what it is. I just wanted to let it be known where I’m from because it is history from here.

Respect: How important is it to you as an artist and producer to have creative freedom in the music business?

Sean2: It is very important to me to have creative freedom especially as a producer. I spent many years catering to artists and critiquing their sound. I understand the systematic side of it. Once I started producing for myself that is when the challenges started arising because I would be like “oh no I don’t like this” and delete what I was working on just like that. But I can produce someone else very easily. I finally got comfort with myself and that is where I am currently in life which plays out in my music. 

Respect: Someone else who has creative freedom over their music is West Coast legend Snoop Dogg. What was your experience working with Snoop Dogg as I know you had the pleasure of going on a mini tour with him?

Sean2: The experience working with Snoop Dogg was so real. I think Snoop is like one of my main idols growing up. He was always so smooth. So to actually be in the room with him, I knew I was supposed to be there. I was excited for a moment and then I got over it and said “look I’m here”. So I might as well play along with the game and bring excellence along with him and learn as much as I can, but truthfully it’s been good.   

Respect: Do you mind talking about the record you and Snoop have together came about?  

Sean2: So Poppa, CEO of Doggy Style and Snoop’s cousin, came into the studio with Kurupt, Krit and I and he just told me “hey maybe you should try and do a verse”. So I put my verse at the very tail end of the record we were working on. Then I got a call from Snoop, Poppa called me with Snoop on the phone saying “look cus yo shit is tight, put that s**t second verse”. So it was like for him to pay homage to my creativity was mind blowing. I didn’t even think much of it so when it happened I was grateful. Then we followed up with a video, then a tour and most recently a radio tour with Power 106 and 92.3. 

Respect: What is up next for Sean 2 Miles as you are a producer and artist?

Sean2: One thing that is for certain is that I will never quit my day job which is what I call producing. I will always be doing that no matter what! I will also be making a couple more appearances on Vanderpump Rules on Bravo. I made my first appearance on the new season in January, and am very excited about this season as it will highlight all of me. I do videos and a lot of other things that creativity will play out on the show. I am like a chameleon. I am all about ownership, so I own all of my own cameras and equipment and I am coming through with my brand 2 Miles Hit.  

Respect: What exactly will be your role on Vanderpump Rules?

Sean2: On the show I am producing three of the cast members. I am also showing off my video production on there. 

Respect: As you have been able to find success in the music industry, is there any advice you would offer to anyone looking to break into the mainstream music circuit?

Sean2: Yes definitely. Be very relentless. Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do and trust your gut and just do it! Never give yourself excuses. Me, I am a Gemini so I get in my own head and am my worst enemy. I’ll be damned if I let anyone else stop me.

Respect: How has it been for you living in LA and feeling the shifting of energy since Nipsey Hussle’s passing?

Sean2: So I actually worked with Nipsey back in 2010 as a producer. I actually got the chance to be with him in the studio and talk to him and Black Sam. Thanks to my father who put me in the room with them, as he is also from L.A. I am honored that Nipsey is still doing his thing and snagged his first ever Grammy Awards this year. I just hate it that he is not here to see how his music is shifting the culture.   

Be sure to tap all the way in with Sean2 Miles by following him on Instagram @Sean2miles ad streaming his Farmhaven album below.

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Photo taken by Matt Downey

Born in Keflavik, Iceland, Patty Crash began her American journey in the early 1990s. Once Patty Crash, formerly known as “Patty Cake,” set foot in the United States, she generated an anything but a normal persona. While settling into her new home city of Philadelphia, she encountered manager and producer of The Roots, Richard Nichols. Nichols took the singer-songwriter under his wing and assisted her in developing as an artist.

Patty Crash has been featured on The Roots’ Grammy-nominated album How I Got Over and rapper Tyga’s hit song, “Diamond Life.” Patty Crash also proudly assisted American rapper Logic on creating multiple songs from his album, Under Pressure. Now, the Philadelphia-based singer and songwriter sits down with RESPECT. to detail her grind over the years, and the official music video for her “Come Around” single.

Read Patty Crash’s RESPECT. interview below.

In your early years, you moved back and forth between Iceland and America. What were the biggest challenges you and your family faced when adjusting to life in the U.S.?

Well, learning to speak English was pretty rough, but mostly I just felt like such an outsider, I was the only Icelandic kid in the ESL program I was getting culture shock over and over going back and fourth and got really good at adapting to my surroundings.

In 2004, you attended a Roots concert that changed your life. What was it like getting to meet the legendary group and impress them with your talent?

To be honest, I didn’t really know much about them when I met them. I knew they were professional musicians and I knew I wanted that. I was underage and couldn’t get into their show so I drank at bar next door and was pretty lit by the time I got on the tour bus. I remember being in a cypher with Tariq (Black thought) next day I woke up to a call from him inviting me to come to Philly that same day. Black thought bought me tix and I came up that same day. I couldn’t believe it!

Do you remember where you were when you found out The Roots’ “The Day” single was nominated for a Grammy? How did you feel?

It was an amazing feeling being apart of something so special and exclusive, that being the Roots Crew <3

How long have you lived in Philly? Outside of The Roots, who are some local artists you enjoy listening to?

I have lived in Philly now for almost 10 years but spent the last 2 years in LA finishing my EP. There is so much good music in Philly. I listen mostly to my friends bands and music Barnee Mckenna is a fave of mine used to be in Cortez Cortez and Nico’s Gun which I love…Trash Knife, Nikki Jean. I still listen to Stiffed (Santigold‘s first band with Chuck Treece) and Chill Moody, just to name a few.

You once were signed to a major label, but things didn’t go as planned. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned thus far in the music industry?

Record labels don’t know shit. I’ve learned to stop thinking about the outcome and the results and try instead to focus on the work. I stoped waiting on some life changing record deal and I’m just pouring myself into the present moment and trying to seize it in every way possible.

You laid the chorus for Tyga’s 2008 hit “Diamond Life.” How did this opportunity yet come about?

My manager at the time had a relationship with Sam Hollander and crush managment, they had heard my voice and thought it was a good fit, and when Travie McCoy heard that record and saw my YouTube vids he asked me to jump on Gym Class heroes new album!

You contributed to a handful of songs on Logic’s 2014 Under Pressure album. Do you still keep in touch with him? What was the creative process like?

Logic is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Working with him was super inspiring. When he originally asked me to collab, he reached out to me via Twitter, but I was in a weird headspace and pretty depressed. Working with Logic pulled me out of that hole I was in and the experience inspired me. Getting to work in LA at No I.D.’s studio surrounded by palm trees and just seeing Logic’s passion and how immersed he was in what he was creating helped me remember that feeling that I had lost and that was the beginning of me getting it back.

Over the years, you have shown your versatility by collaborating with a diverse list of acts, all while developing your own sound. In 2016, you released “Pictures” with Australian producer Kronic. Are there any other producers that you have yet to work with that are on your “wish list?”

Hmmm, I think good production can come from random places I like creating with people I vibe with…don’t care too much about big names.

We now have your mesmerizing new single, “Come Around.” Was there a special someone that inspired this song? How long did it take to write?

“Come around” isn’t about a person, although to each it’s own. It’s about wanting and needing something really bad, kind of like a crutch that you need to feel whole. It could be a person, could be a drug. I wrote the verses and pre hooks like 5 years ago but the melody I wrote in LA while working at Dj White shadows studios.

What can fans expect to hear on your forthcoming Pretty Ugly EP? How did you develop the idea for the title?

They can expect it to be emo, ha. It’s a lot about reflection and inner conflict. I came up with the name 10 yrs ago because it’s a good representation of how I see life. Some of the most beautiful things can b so ugly and vice versa.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

I recommend my Instagram or my website pattycrash.com (smiles).

Crashers can support “Come Around” on iTunes/Apple Music here.

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The post RESPECT. Interview: Patty Crash Talks Record Labels, Meeting The Roots, & Shares “Come Around” Visual appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Black Thought. Photo Credit: Hot 97

Mumble rappers beware! The Roots’ Black Thought gets better like fine wine! Don’t sleep because he’s in Jimmy Fallon’s house band.

He’s still lyrically flowing.

Such was the case when he appeared today on Hot 97’s Funk Master Flex Freestyles series. The Philadelphia representer dropped major heat for ten minutes straight on a classic Mobb Deep instrumental.

The post [VIDEO] Scoop B Selects : Roots’ Black Thought drops new Funk Flex Freestyle appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

According to published reports on Monday (Jun 12th), Gambino and Chappelle will take to the stage at the famous Radio City Music Hall. Despite Gambino — real name: Donald Glover — also being a stand-up comedian, the quadruple threat will be lending his musical talents to the show as he prepares for the retirement of his stage name.

The joint show follows the release of two out of three of Chappelle’s highly successful Netflix specials, The Age of Spin and Deep in the Heart of Texas, as well as Gambino’s remarkable year in both music and television after winning a Golden Globe (‘Best Actor in a TV Comedy’) for his FX hit Atlanta, along with the release of his critically-acclaimed album Awaken, My Love!.

Gambino isn’t the only one joining Chappelle at the legendary venue: Erykah Badu, The Roots, Chris Rock, Trevor Noah, Ali Wong, and more are set to hit the stage during his residency at Radio City. Ten shows have been added and they will go on sale Friday (Jun 16th) at 10 AM via Ticketmaster.

The Chappelle/Gambino event is scheduled to take place on August 19. See the full lineup below:

Dave Chappelle and Friends at Radio City Music Hall

August 1-4 with The Roots

August 5 with Chris Rock

August 9 with Erykah Badu

August 15 with Very Special Guest

August 18 with Trevor Noah

August 19 with Childish Gambino

August 24 with Ali Wong & Special Guests

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