Oct 22, 2010 - 1:06 AM
Detroit emcee and producer Black Milk made a bold proclamation when he announced his latest release's title: Album of the Year. A double meaning, the title is a reference to the last 365 days spent meticulously crafting his latest collection of works--which incorporates touches of Afrobeat, rock and gospel--as well as a display of much-deserved pride.
He's one of the few producer-emcees to display mastery at both crafts. He's helped shape the gritty Motor City Sound through bruising bangers that some say evoke Dilla's ghost. On the lyrical tip, he's swung verbal swords alongside heavyweights such as Pharoahe Monch, Royce Da 5'9", Sean Price and Elzhi.
In support of Album of the Year, Black Milk celebrated across the map with live band in tow, making his first trek to the Bay Area before embarking on a European tour. We caught up with him at his very first show in the Bay for Frequency at Club Mighty. Check out the performance clips below, followed by our Q&A.
Download: “Welcome (Gotta Go)"
Download: "Closed Chapter" (ft. Mr. Porter)
Download: Nottz ft. Black Milk - "You Need This Music"
Oh Dang!: Album of the Year is a bold statement, what's behind the title?
Black Milk: Well, the music is incredible, to me at least. My last album, Tronic, came out about a year ago. This album is talkin' about all the ups and downs that I went through since. There's a double meaning to the title.
What's your top three albums of the year?
Freeway and Jake One's Stimulus Package. The Roots, How I Got Over. Those are the two that come to mind. I'd say Album of the Year.
What about the best songs of the year?
It wouldn't be no hip-hop. Danger Mouse's Broken Bells, that's my favorite album.
Tell us a little bit about the Motor City rap scene?
There's a lot of love. On the artist side, I'm always satisfied that we stay a few steps ahead, we're innovative. Like me, to Guilty, to Royce da 5'9", Danny Brown and Elzhi. Danny Brown is killin' it with a real unique style and voice, he's on the joint "Black and Brown" with me, check it out. How's it feel to perform in the Bay Area?
The show was incredible, it was dope, it was live. I expected a good turnout but there were way more people than I expected. It's always great to see that love for what you're doin,' especially when you get on stage--people actually sayin' the words to the songs; that's always dope. This is my first time out here, my first time out here rockin' it. I love it out here, it's beautiful.
Tells us about what's it's like to perform with a live band.
I've been doin' it with live drums, bass and keys since the Tronic Tour in 2008. We started doing it in Europe. That experience is kinda what made me bring the live musicianship to the album, just seeing how it was on tour. They're still with me. I can't imagine not rockin' with those dudes. They take the show to a whole new level.
How about that gospel track on the new album?
It's just what the track said to me, to put some crazy gospel singin' in it. It came out dope. Shot out to Melanie Rutherford, that's who's on the record.
Have you performed it with the band?
I haven't. I might try to. it feel a little slow to me to rock it, but I might test it out.
What's next for you?
I got a lot tour dates to promote the album. Project-wise: me and my man Sean Price from Duck Down and my man Guilty Simpson from Stones Throw, we have an album called Random Axe dropping on Duck Down. It'll be straight raw shit--just raw, dirty and sampled. If you're familiar with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson, you know how they get down, it's goin' be crazy. Another project outside of the hip-hop genre: me and miss Melanie Rutherford are doin' something experimental; I'll be producing.
Black Milk's Album of the Year is available now through Fat Beats and Decon.
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