Being the most reputable group hailing from Milwaukee, The Rusty P's have opened for just about every major hip-hop act that has rolled through the Brew City. They bring the flow to the Annex, 1206 Regent St., tonight for a hip-hop showcase, and those in attendance can expect a mix of intelligent lyrics and danceable beats. Cardinal Arts chatted with emcee Adam Haupt about the concert.
What's tomorrow's show all about?
Someone asked us to do it so we are. The Crest is playing, so just us and The Crest and probably some other group.
What are your favorite groups to open for?
The Roots is my absolute favorite and Pharcyde. Those are my two favorites.
How'd you get with Pharcyde?
We did a tour with them in '98. Being on a bus for weeks at a time we got cool with them. After the tour we exchanged numbers and kicked it. We did a track and waited to see what the response would be.
Are you happy with the response it generated?
Yeah, definitely. It didn't sell outrageous amounts but that was our fault for not pushing the promotion. The distribution was good though. We got all sorts of responses from all over the world. e-mails from Japan, Australia and the Ukraine. It was an interesting response.
So, is there anybody you would really like to work with?
Sade. I know it wouldn't turn out all hip-hop but I still want to do it.
Tell me about your connection with Recycled Teacher.
We just know them through people. We saw them live and were impressed so we tried to do something with them. We do live shows together; we don't record together. It's an interesting element with a three piece, a DJ, our live beat arrangement and 3 MCs all in one show. We rode it out for a while and it had its time. They're doing their own thing now, they're touring.
How are you feeling about playing in Madison?
I've never had a bad show in Madison. I've always like it. The crowd is much more receptive than the Milwaukee crowds.
How'd you get hooked up with Atmosphere?
We had done a couple shows with them. We went up to them at a show at First Avenue and just asked if they wanted to do a song. He said sure and it turned out well so we put that on the record.
How are opening for bands and headlining a show different?
Depends on where you are. The difference is that if you're a headliner, there's a reason people are there, probably a stronger popularity with the crowd. They're probably there to see you and you'll get a better crowd response. You get to play longer, too.
So, why did you change your name from The Rusty Pelicans to the Rusty P's?
The Rusty Pelicans sounded dorky and cluttered. Everyone called us the Rusty P's anyway. It rolls off the tongue easier, it's simplified.
Are there any other acts in the state we should keep and eye out for?
The Crest is damn dope. I had their CD sent to me and saw them live at Slick Rick. They put on an impressive show.
Will you be doing songs with The Crest?
Sure, we talked the other day. Maybe it won't be released but just for the fun of it.
Have you guys released an album recently?
Yeah. One was just finished, a follow-up of Out of Many. It's a continuation of the first album. We had so many songs the first time, we decided to take the better ones and make an album. The rest would become a continuation.
Is the new album different musically?
It's a lot different. We ended up not using any old songs. It's a whole new zone, a new gang of shit. It's more comfortable sounding, more purposeful and the songwriting is better instead of random beats and rhymes.
Do you have influences that aren't hip-hop?
Yeah, I read Miles Davis' biography and I got a new perspective on my work ethic. He would pick people to be in the band and give them the music beforehand and if they didn't show up prepared, he told them to get out. It made me realize the more seriously you take your business, the better you'll feel about the outcome. I realized I should be smarter, with more arrangements and learn instruments, just expand my horizons.
Are you guys planning on any future releases?
Nah, not now. Within the future though, for sure.
