Interview - Big Smoking' Joe
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Mamma raised me on a solid diet of Motown! Marvin and Stevie were always heavy on rotation. The Fugees and West Coast vibes got me hooked, until Glastonbury went full blown Junglist.... And so did i. Soon after starting as a Teenage MC in 2002, I’m playing One Nation, Slamming Vinyl, Innovation, Glastonbury Festival and getting my name on some legendary CD Packs.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Early influences as an artist were Stevie Hyper D (RIP) Skibba, Mampi Swift & Andy C. I love Sean Price like none other, his approach to this Hip Hop shit is a perfect match for my taste and he lives on with all us fans. My personal influences who taught and developed me are Leafdog & BVA, Australian based DJ Daily and Wayne Lotek. I heard Reevo in the competition you guys ran and I’d love to work with that guy! Dude is a full on killer!! Might be safer if I just listened, haha.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
As soon as this all hit, I got busy! Featured on Loteks “Analogue Riddims” with Roots Manuval. Released Three Part Saga with Larry Frames, then dropped two full albums myself; Fourth Wall and Fifth Symphony. A few shows were cancelled but we managed to shuffle dates and make it all happen! It may have not been ideal but... 2020 was the best I could make it! 50 songs in 8 months.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Leafdog has just said I’m Biz Markie in 2021... nice one Leaf... I’ll take that!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Single Minded Tour 2018, I hit London, Burnham, Glastonbury, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane across 12 weeks! I see that as the big achievement so far. Filling venues on the other side of the world with no song over 2K views is a Hip Hop Miracle!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Be willing to do everything! I make the beats, record myself, edit videos and book my own tours. Make yourself as many jobs from your passion, then never be bored or needy.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
William Cartwright! He’s The UKs best kept secret! He’s had some huge hits with Die, Interface and Joker but his solo shit is mind blowing! A voice of a generation and the musical chops to make your girl weak at the knees!! Wordplay readers would love him!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
The classics!
Dead Prez - Let’s Get Free
Sean Price - Onion Head
Eryka Badu - Baduizm Live
Marvin Gaye - Troubled Man
9. What do you like to do when your not making music?
Boxing, Basketball and talking about Star Wars
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Coffee, Smoke and Papers