Soundclash with Those Chosen

Yo, some cats rap (well most EVERYBODY raps) and some cats say “Hey you! Turn your effin head, IM RAPPIN OVER HERE!” Those Chosen lives in the latter group. With performances on MTV2, CMJ’s and and new video to tow, this group from Southern California isn’t interested in waiting for anyone to tell them that they’re good. Those Chosen is a group that intends on growing its brand. We chopped it up with them to get the inside scoop on their happenings and what we can expect in the future.  Check em out and enjoy.

I5: First off, who are the members of Those Chosen?

Japetto, KornBread, and Foreshadow.

I5: How did the 3 of you guys come together?

We were neighborhood friends that formed a musical bond and life-long friendship during our high school years.

I5: Your music has a classic “Boom Bap” appeal to it, yet your rhymes and styles are up to date and fresh, which I’m really diggin’. Is that a feel that you strive for?

People have forgotten what hip-hop sounds like which is aggressive, innovative, rebellious and raw. We want our music to be “2015″ lyrically and fundamentally ground breaking. Our goal is to create a sound that is timeless and distinct amongst music trends. We believe that rap music should be synonymous with the culture of hip-hop; not just rap or what people in 2010 think rap is via the radio or t.v.

I5: Do you feel being from Cali enhances your style or do you look elsewhere for inspiration?

Being from Southern Cali gives us a unique perspective in relation to being a black males on the West Coast, but through our travels thus far we have realized the working-class struggle is the same no matter where you go whether it’s the South, East Coast or up north in Cali.

I5: I see you guys have a mixtape with a couple of Cleveland’s own (Mick Boogie and Terry Urban), how did you make that link?

They enjoyed our record, Reign Food we released for free on myspace, then through mutual connections we were able to work on “Steamulus: The Watts Riot Effect” project together.  Them enjoying our work and us respecting theirs, it just made sense to make a project together.

I5: Yall have a new video, right? Whats it called and whats it about?

Soundclash is our new video, the song is featured on our upcoming EP, 5IVE.  We’re having a video viewing party Jan. 23rd at Cinespace to celebrate it (come through).  We are excited because visually it’s our best video to date.  Soundclash represents an energy of youthful aggression.  The video is detailed with “flavor” that expresses the spirit of hip hop. The color schemes and clarity creates the same warmth the actual song provides.

I5: You guys made the URB 25 NOW list. That’s dope. How do yall plan on abusing that pub in ‘10, lol?

Basically continue to put out music people can live to not just party to. We want to use the momentum from the write up to open avenues to what we call “Life Music”. We want our folks to feel as we do when we create songs; creating moments for folks. The URB 25 was a blessing and it’s encouraging that a major publication is letting people know that Those Chosen is definitely something to put a lot of stock into.

I5: The CMJ gig was ‘09.. How was the experience?
Dope. A lot of great artist and energy throughout the entire experience to network with and enjoy their craft.  New York is the mecca of hip-hop so for us to be there at a major music event like CMJ, that launched so many legends’ careers is amazing; getting love from the people was a special thing truly.

I5: Now for the Off the Cuff stuff…Chronic or Doggystyle?

Foreshadow: Doggystyle was more relevant for me, even though The Chronic was the blueprint for how major hip-hop was going to be. Both!
Kornbread: I have to run with Chronic. I can remember hearing it for the first time and it made me feel like Cali was unstoppable.

Japetto: I’m going to run with Chronic. If there wasn’t Chronic there wouldn’t be a Doggystyle, lol!

I5: Who’s the BEST DJ of all time?

Foreshadow: DJ Jazzy Jeff

Kornbread: DJ Premiere

Japetto: DJ Premiere

I5: Rap for 15k/year or Office Gig for 50k/year? Your choice?

Foreshadow: Follow your dreams, allow the Lord’s will to lead you and he will be able to give you more than you could ever imagine your life to be. With that being said it’s his choice not mine, but I think he made a good choice for me.

Kornbread: I ‘ll go ahead and take 50k. I would still be able to rap and make music but on 15k I would not be able to feed my seeds.

Japetto: 50K. You can’t survive off 15k in today’s society.

I5: Any last words for the peoples?

Foreshadow: 5IVE - cop at least 5 copies when it drops in March 2010 and follow us on all our social networks because we want to connect with our peoples out there - www.twitter.com/thosechosen, www.myspace.com/thosechosen and Those Chosen’s facebook page. And definitely check out our NEW website that just launched www.thosechosen.com.
Thank you for this opportunity - Those Chosen.