Q&A: Nappy Riddem
On the album there’s plenty of party jams but definitely some downtempo songs. How does that speed and vibe go over during the live show?
Mustafa: You mean songs like “Suspicious Love.” In the live show we do it more of a reggae flavor and it blends in. It gives everyone a break from the dancing, gives everyone an opportunity to catch their breath before we make it Nappy again and wile out and hype up the party.
Rex: It’s kind of seen as a soul or r&b song but when we play it live it comes off with a reggae and dub element. In the live show when you have the live bass and percussion, that adds to the energy and dynamics of the song.
Mustafa: It feels completely different live than it does if you’re at home listening to the album and we do play every song that’s on the album live.
[audio:/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rastar.mp3]Nappy Riddem “Rastar”
Your album is described as “liberation music.” What does that mean to you?
Mustafa: You have to free your mind, that’s the whole Nappy movement, being free to be who you are.
Rex: Liberation in all aspects of life – how you view yourself, your personal mentality, the politics you live by, the society you live within. Life’s a struggle and we’re all struggling to be free here within these components.
Mustafa: All day, every day, liberation songs.
What are your favorite things about coming to San Francisco?
Rex: Man, well one is definitely the ganja. Oh, I’m sorry – medicine (laughs).
Mustafa: The whole SF vibe, we love it there. We’re drawn there. It’s definitely a treat for us to come out and would be great to visit more often.
Rex: On the whole liberation thing, SF has always been at the forefront of pushing social culture to the rest of the nation as well as having a melting pot musically, artistically and creatively. It’s a great place to go to feel all that energy that’s making the city what it is and what it always has been.
Thanks guys, great chatting, looking forward to seeing you next week!
Mustafa: Wait, I got one question for you – how Nappy is your Riddem?
(laughs) My Riddem is mad Nappy.
Nappy Riddem performs November 17 at Elbo Room. More info.
Ellen Lovelidge is a writer and DJ, for more on her check out djlilelle.com or follow on Twitter at @djlilelle.
