Interview by K. Sims (@kae_pasa)
Fresh off the release of his popular and jamming new project, HighLife (which has amassed a bit of a cult following), FSD sat down with the man behind the project, Mr. HighLife himself. He dissects a handful of songs from the album, talks his musical influences as well as his affiliations and thought process into making the project. Hit the jump to take a stroll down the High Road.
FSD: Who is HighLife?
HighLife: HighLife is for the people. Not Miller High Life.
FSD: How did you get involved with music?
HighLife: I’ve always been involved because of my friend Naledge (Kidz In The Hall), and later I started hanging a lot with Rockie (Fresh). I’ve always been around rap, but I personally started to rap after I spent 90 days in jail.
FSD: How did you link with the Treated Crew?
HighLife: I’ve known Million $ Mano for a long time. We were always cool before I thought about pursing rap, and one day he blessed me with a Treated hat. I’ve been rocking it ever since. I rep it in every song.
FSD: Who are your biggest influences?
HighLife: Naledge, Too $hort, DJ Quik. I’m a big West Coast rap fan. Also, a Joey Purp fan.
FSD: Talk about the incorporation of select members of SaveMoney on the project?
HighLife: We all record in the same room. I wanted everyone from SaveMoney on there initially. But there were only so many people I could fit in a tight range of time.
FSD: I’m going to ask you about a handful of songs from the project, and tell me what comes to your mind when I do: “We Only Come Out At Night”
HighLife: Mat [Lyman] and I went to a Smashing Pumpkins show and they played the song “We Only Come Out at Night.” One day I decided to redo it, and just put my spin on it. I had it as my intro because it was different and it told a story — the story of the project.
FSD: “Myspace”
HighLife: “Myspace” came along in Mano’s kitchen. Nez (from Nez & Rio) made the beat. I grabbed Vic Mensa for it — and and Caleb James –my main man. It was my first shot and I had to make my mark.
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