Guru and Primo, Murs and 9th Wonder, the list goes on; there are numerous MC/producer combos within the timeline of hip-hop. BlaqxSaga a two-emcee Hip-Hop /production group from Southern California is one of the latest we’ve been checking for. Witz and Kc Chatman are bringing soul and substance to today’s Hip-Hop genre – Witz handles all the beats while Kc Chatman holds down the singing. The result is raw and soulful.
We took some time to chat with the duo, who told us about how they originally got together, they upcoming self-titled project, and more. Check the interview after the jump.
How did you guys get involved in music?
We both had a love for music at very young ages. Writing rhymes in school, recording when we could, rapping over industry beats, and putting posters of our fav rappers on the wall. We spent years honing our craft and now we’re ready for the world to hear what we have to offer.
How did you become a group?
We met in 2014 at a new job. We were hired to work for a well-known trash company and at first we didn’t pay any attention to eachother. Some of our coworkers found out that we both made music, and the word spread that we both were pretty good. Next day at work, we ran into each other and found out that we lived right around the corner from each other the whole time. Weeks later, we both got fired and with the extra time on our hands we linked up and heard some of the each other’s work. We’ve been creating since then. Sleeping on the couch, looking for jobs, making beats, rhyming, and trying to get our hands on any money that we could so we could hit the studio.
Who were some of your influences?
We come from two different generations, so our influences are vast. Some of the emcees that influenced us both Jay-Z, Nas, Outlast, Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang, Lupe, Cassidy, 2Pac, Planet Asia, The Dog Pound, The Fugees, Mos Def, Talib, Jay Electronica, Em, Ice Cube, Biggie, Dilla, Tribe called Quest, Miss Badu, Kanye West, The Roots, Elzhi, Skyzoo, The Alchemist, Dilated Peoples, the whole T.D.E camp, Anderson Pakk, Madlib, MF Doom, Scarface, Rakim, Krs, Busta Rhymes, the list goes on and on.
Tell me about your music – what are you guys currently working on?
We are currently working on our self-titled album as we speak. We have videos out and a spoken word series that we just started on youtube. We are laying the groundwork for the brand: merchandise, paperwork, studio, visuals, etc.
How would you describe your sound?
Our sound is two generations coming together. A mix of golden era /new era soul. Our motto is soul and substance; the music is raw, real, abstract, political, Fun, soulful, experimental, melodic, and black. It’s a little bit of everything.
What are your goals in the industry?
To inspire, to touch people, to bring the soul and substance back to the music; to keep the culture thriving and the skill set alive. To challenge and push the culture forward. To make timeless music.
What do you want people to take away from you as artists?
That we put our heart into this. That we care about the culture, the community, and the people. That we go through the same struggles that they go through –and use our voice and platform to speak on love and positive change.
Do you want to remain independent or sign to a major label?
Right now, we lean towards being independent and working out some sort of distribution deal. If the right offers come across the table in the future, then the whole squad will make the decision that fits best with our goals and aspirations.
Follow the duo on Twitter.
Take an ear to some of WItz’s beats below.
