Interview with Shwayze - Cali Hop Hop Crew

Suretone/Geffen artist Shwayze, pioneer of the California Chill West Coast Stoner Music Movement, talks about being the only black kid in Malibu, his musical tastes, and Zodiac Sign! Be sure to catch him on this summer’s Warped Tour and check out the video for his Hit Single Buzzin on MTV Hits!

Get to know Shwayze:

How would you describe your music?

Chill, laid back, rock, hip hop soul, California chill west coast stoner music.

How did you hook up with [protégé] Cisco Adler?

I met Cisco up in Malibu at one of his infamous parties. I heard he made Hip Hop beats, so I would always ask him if we could go into the studio. And we did.

In your music, you talk about growing up in Malibu and being the only black kid, is that true, and what was that like?

Yea, I was always the only black guy hanging out. Growing up, in my high school, more blacks were being bused in from the city, but I grew up with my Grandparents, and my grandpa was white.

I could relate to that, I was the only black girl growing up in an all white neighborhood myself, my grandma is white too.

See, Yea, so with my music I’m reppin for those same black kids growing up in all white neighborhoods too.

Who are some of your favorite artists, what do you like listening to?

Motown Oldies, Jackie Wilson, I get into Outkast, Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde, Rolling Stones, Bob Marley… the list goes on…

When does the album drop?

This July, you’re going to love it.

How do you feel the mainstream Hip Hop community is going to receive the album?

Hopefully people will like the divergence from the mainstream. I’m actually excited to see how people experience it. It’s deeper than just partying, and it has a nice summertime feel…

OK, so I always ask this question… but today I’m going to guess, are you a Gemini, or a Cancer?

WOW… how did you guess... I mean, you could have done some research….

Nope, I really just guessed because you’re a good conversationalist and have charisma…

Wow, your good, yea I’m a Gemini… usually I could guess other people’s too, I’ll be like, are you a Saggitarius?

Haha, OK, one more question, if you could sit down and have dinner with one person, who would it be?

Bob Marley

Thanks for chatting with us!

Be sure to get Shwayze’s self titled album this coming July!

Visit www.myspace.com/shwayze for more info.

Written by: Elizabeth Aguirre

Photo Credit: MEENO