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GeeBag

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Written by Lee Wellman

You first got major recognition for winning the Ras Kwame competition on BBC 1Xtra. How did that come about and tell us more.
I can just about remember what happened. I think I came across the competition on the Baby J website. I did it, got through and won.
I wouldn’t say I got major recognition as a result, to me it was just a publicity stunt.

Radio exposure is still an aspect of exposure that seems to be pretty locked down for UK Hip-Hop. How do you feel about radio in the UK?
They could do more for U.K. Hip hop on the radio but I guess there is much more exposure due to the internet and the digital boom. Itch fm is my favourite radio station, it reminds me of the radio stations in New York (24 hour Hip hop). I’ve heard other countries in Europe have a certain percentage of home grown Hip hop that is played religiously. The U.K. always seem to be behind in a lot of things. There is a few radio stations and DJ’s supporting so I can’t complain too much.

DJ 279 gave you some love too. Have you been on the show or been interviewed yet?
Yeah, that was really kind of him. He could of dissed it but he bigged up the Raindrops single. I don’t think he has my album yet and I haven’t been invited to the show for an interview or to rhyme. Hopefully something might happen in the future.

The recent events of DJ Drama and Don Cannon getting raided for mixtapes, has put a certain ‘downer’ on mixtapes in the USA. Over here in the UK the mixtape market is still growing and is an essential way of getting heard for underground artists like yourself. Do you think they should be legalised?
I’m not really a mixtape fanatic but if it helps being legalised then I’m all for it.

Have you featured on any mixtapes? Do you like them?
I’ve featured on one mixtape called ‘Spit for da kid’ The best of British ’06 which was a surprise. I didn’t know anything about it till I went in Virgin Megastore. Mixtapes are okay I suppose, funny enough I just thought of a good idea of doing one.

Okay so let’s get a little personal. What music are you bumping at the moment? Whets ya top three albums and why?
Ha ha! Well I don’t listen to much Hip hop ironically. The best of Rance Allen is a banging gospel cd from the 60’s or 70’s. Mr Jaes latest album which is all instrumentals is banging called ‘Smell my beats’ is a good listen. Listening to too much Hip hop can dampen the spirit. That’s why I like to listen to a lot of gospel as I’m a follower of Christ. The problem I find listening to other Hip hop artist’s music is that you can be subconsciencsly influenced by what they say. I like to keep my own identity within my music, I’m a laidback man after the music stops. I really enjoy soul, gospel and jazz music. My listening habits change from time to time.

The album is very well produced and presented with a real Hip-Hop sound to it. How did you go about making the album?
Well the album got started on as soon we came back from Italy. 35 Above my former group wanted to do a tune with Mr Jaes, so we did. I asked Jae for a couple of beats for myself and then I came back and recorded Still rockin’. It just stemmed from that day really, coming back and foruth and knocking out tunes from Jaes studio at his home. Still rockin and Food for thought was recorded in his kitchen. The rest of the album was done at his new home after he moved. Jimmy Plates and KLM contributed a track each.

I saw that you didn’t go for the normal ‘big-named guest’ route on the album. Was this a conscious decision?
I don’t know any big names, so I just did it the best way I could at that particular time.

Do you plan to work with acts in the future?
I’m very fussy with who I work with, but I’m optimistic and I hope to work with some different acts in the future.

What producers do you work with?
Like I said above, I’ve worked with KLM, Jimmy Plates and the one and only Mr Jaes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still up for working with other producers.

So what’s next for Geebag as far as releases goes?
Gee bag needs to chill out and do some studying for now. I’m not sure what’s next but what I do know is that I’m going to continue making better music.

Can we get your web details?
www.geebag.co.uk , www.myspace.com/theoriginalgeebag

Anyone you wanna shout out?
I want to shout out to my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The entire Café recording extended family. Unique Hastings, Mister Who, Jimmy Plates, KLM, of course my entire family. Tricksta and the Park Street crew. Duane Flames, Greenfingers, Oliver Sudden, Blest, Prince Akan, DJ X cuts. Calvary Chapel and all the supporters, promoters and friends who’s helped me along the way. Can’t forget all them MC’s who dissed me, I hope God blesses you all so that one day you will see the light.

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