Brad Strut

Brad Strut has been a luminary of Australian hip hop since the release of his first demo tape Rock On in 1993. Whether it be his work with Melbourne powerhouses Lyrical Commission or on the solo tip, releasing local classics such as The Authentic in 2001, Strut has become renowned for high calibre flows interspersed with gritty imagery. His latest album, Legend: Official is no exception. It has already been heralded as a contender for best Australian album of 2007.

Firstly, how does it feel to have Legend: Official released?
It’s all good man, very happy to have it out at last. It’s a relief really ‘cos it’s been a few years process. Hopefully the heads appreciate and feel it.

Where do you think it sits in the current context of Australian hip hop?
It is what it is!! I think it sits somewhere near the top in the context of Australian hip hop. It’s a heavy album man, no doubt about it. Brutal, raw, honest, head noddin’, pull no punches steez with a splash of the classic era. I know no one else is gonna make anything like it, that’s for certain.

Was there a specific direction, lyrically and sonically, that you were aiming for at the outset of Legend: Official?
At the outset no, it was a situation of just getting tracks recorded, going through the process and letting it happen. As the songs started coming together we could begin to picture the album as a whole. Lyrically it’s about my day to day bullshit and other related topics, sonically it’s Trem on production with guest spots from ASIP and Prowla, good recording, good mixing and tight mastering.

“…It’s a heavy album man, no doubt about it. Brutal, raw, honest, head noddin’, pull no punches steez with a splash of the classic era..”

How did the collaborations with Outerspace and Sean Price eventuate?
Basically, I was given a request for a wish list from management. I chose Outerspace and Sean Price ‘cos I love their music and presto, the people made it happen. It’s a case of someone knowing someone and making it happen.

You seem to be prophetic when it comes to who you want to collaborate with. Who are you keen on working with in the future?
My crew….Haha! Man I don’t know? At the minute I might have some joints with Beat Butcha on the go, a little something maybe with Foreign Beggars. As for home acts, Hospice heads like Rhys, Ming, Bunks, Bigfoot, Tornts. U.S-wise you’ll have to wait and see.

On Monopoly, you denounce musical paradigms, hip hop and otherwise. Were there any remnants of Hate The Scene on this track?
Of course man, it’s a track about my frustrations towards the game, specifically the Australian music industry movers and shakers, makers and breakers kna’ mean? It can be fairly disheartening for an artist sometimes. You gotta get that rot outta ya system or it can eat you like a cancer.

What do you think about Australian hip hop in 2007?
I really dunno? I aint been home this year ‘cept for a few weeks. From all accounts through friends, the net and otherwise it’s on some same ole shit….same names, same promoters, same shmoozers, same game. I have heard a few dope joints though so I’m excited about the freshness of some sections of the scene, no doubt about it!

Tell me about the filming of the video for Monopoly.
Our budget was two spare tapes, a case of beer, weed, a tank of petrol and some burgers and chips….ha! It was predominately shot in and around the studio and was all good. What you think we got money for fast cars and porno hoes? We made it independent and local. Peep it if you aint, on myspace and youtube.

Incite The Premises seems to be a favourite for many. Can you give me an insight into the process from concept to final recording?
Trem had the beat, was a banger on some Middle Eastern type shit! I told him the vibe, came up with my verse, penned the hook and we made it happen. From the outset I wanted to capture a track that could possibly raise the roof at shows and document the shit that’s happened at shows we’ve done before.

What was the muse behind Never Ending Blue?
I broke up with a player. Went with a girl for a few years, shit went sour. She always wanted a song written for her, I just did it when we split. Anybody can relate to that shit, man or woman.

What do you say to those who bust taboos on you working with an R&B vocalist like Daniel Merriweather?
I did it for them. Nah really, I couldn’t give a flying fuck! I brought Daniel and Lee Sissing in on my level, on some street shit and we made it work. It wasn’t a forced process or done for any other reason than to make dope tracks and they are full stop.

Obviously you’re never going to sell out for a mainstream audience. But, were there any efforts to garner wider recognition on Legend: Official?
Certainly, we upped the ante on promo and the business side of things. We want as many people to hear the music as possible, it aint all fun and battle raps….it’s a business!! As far as when we were making the album, we did nothing different to the norm as far as the process goes. The album came out how it was always meant to be. Dope!

Were there any particular albums you were bumping whilst writing Legend: Official which spurred you on?
Shit, I listen to music all the time, not always Hip Hop either. Let me see…a bit of Dancehall compilations, J- Dilla(RIP) shit, Raekwon-Only Built For Cuban Links, Jedi Mind Tricks, Q-Unique, The Specials, Metallica, Bob Marley and a gang of other shit.

What is your favourite track off Legend: Official and why?
Changes daily, I like the whole beast. At the minute I’m feelin’ One with Lee Sissing, ‘cos it’s evil!

http://www.myspace.com/bradstrut