Hypothesis Spits

Before SKEWBY, DJ CRUMBZ, and DJ CHARLIE WHITE hit all of us listeners over the head with “Provin You Wrong Since 1988,” a throwback album infusing musical aspects of the golden era of hip-hop with a revamped sound that is commonly associated with contemporary melodies, themes, and 808 sound kits, I decided to check in with CHARLIE WHITE about his views on the music industry, hip hop, the projects hes endorsed over the last year or so, etc.

So without further ado, in a HYPOTHESIS SPITS exclusive interview, enjoy some real talk.

Then, be sure to scope the Mixtape, which is being released at an exclusive party on September 25th in Memphis, TN (where the talented trio has spent months working on the project).

Name 3 artists who inspire you, and why?

Regarding production, TIMBALAND has always been one of the most influential producers for me. He has no limits. He is able to take any sound and produce something that makes you wonder how he created it.

An artist that inspires me is JAY. It’s 2009 and we are still getting that dope material from him. It’s unheard of for an artist to have his kind of legacy/career.  I really like THE DREAM as a songwriter and TRICKY STEWART is killin it.

A Dj that inspires me is A-TRAK. Not only is he a dope turntablist and tour DJ, he is able to rock a party and runs his own roster of artists. DJ Z-TRIP is another one of my favorites.

What do you think about the current state of hip hop?

Hip Hop gets a lot of criticism today. I feel that while there is a lot of unoriginal, shitty material, there are still artists who inspire me. Music is still being produced that makes me want to go to the studio immediately after hearing it.  I love it all…no demographics for me. Love music from all over the world.

Who is your favorite artist right now, and why?

I’m really anticipating the newest movement of artists. You got WALE, KID CUDI, DRAKE, J. COLE, B.O.B.….Can’t wait for new material by OUTKAST and LUDACRIS. I Just want to hear good music. Period.

What certain aspect(s) of music influence you?

Melodies and lyrics definitely influence me as far as music is concerned. I want the music to take me somewhere. I want to hear music that will stay relevant. The production has to make me rewind the track. I want the music I hear, to inspire me to create.

What do you think the “mixtape” has done for the “DJ?”

The mixtape has allowed the DJ to break artists like never before. It’s an avenue for artists to get their music heard. It’s even pushed the DJ to a celebrity status. Although the over saturation of wack DJ’s has increased, the mixtape is a staple of Hip Hop.

How, and more importantly, why, is turntablism an art form?

Turntablism is a form of musical expression. You have syncopation. You have creativity. It allows the DJ to speak with their hands just like any rapper freestyles. It’s pure.

How do DJ’s, like yourself, stay relevant in 2009/2010?

Best advice. Find an artist that is talented and you believe in. Plain and simple. Put everything into this artist and invest. But…find an artist—not just a rapper.  Someone that can make songs. Don’t start DJing because you can make a quick dollar spinning a frat party. Do it because you love the art form. Money will come if you invest.

DJ’s need to be multi-talented and do more than they ever have. They should be able to rock a party for any crowd, tour with an artist, and have a personality. DJ’s should want to put artists on before themselves. Study the history of the DJ and its multiple forms.

Name some projects that you have been involved with in the past year?

My main focus has been on “Proving You Wrong Since 1988”. This project is a collaboration with DJ CRUMBZ and SKEWBY. It pays homage to the classic sounds of the “golden era” of Hip-Hop, but it also blends with the new sounds of Hip Hop. I’ve been working with FREE SOL as well as a number of other artists out of Memphis.

Where do you see yourself in one year?

Performing on the road for a variety of artists. I love taking the music to new places. After “Proving You Wrong Since 1988” drops, I’m onto the next project. More material than ever before. I got the ENFORCER DJ’S doing big things as well as a few placements in the works. Continuing my relationship with Red Bull and other sponsorships. I’m focused man.

Why should we fuck with your upcoming project with SKEWBY and DJ CRUMBZ?  Pitch it:

It’s raw Hip Hop at it’s finest. You will be getting a little bit of everything when you pop in the tape. If you want that DJ Premier ‘Slap You in The Face” snare—it’s there. If you want an 808 to turn heads—it’s there. Samples, drum breaks, scratching. It’s all there…so get ready.

Best album of 2009?

The album that inspired me the most is KID CUDI’S “Man on the Moon”. I think Blueprint 3 is probably my favorite overall album. Dope shit. J.COLE’S “The Warm Up” was definitely my favorite mixtape overall….that or DRAKE’s “So Far Gone”.

Worst album of 2009?

Not going to name any names, haha, but there was some serious garbage coming out in 2009. I wasn’t really feeling much at the beginning of the year. I really liked Rick Ross “Deeper than Rap” though. J.U.S.T.I.C.E League are some of the best producers out there.

Kanye or Taylor Swift?

Definitely wrong what KANYE WEST did. Simple as that.

More on this project to come….

Stay Tuned.