By: Todd “DG” Davis
Rapindustry.com
Largely known for their Teddy Pendergrass sampling hit offering, “Elevation (Free My Mind),” courtesy of their 1995 debut, Lyfe ‘N’ Tyme, veteran West Coast rap duo, Brothas Unda Madness [a.k.a. The B.U.M.S], comprised of members D’Angelo “D’Wyze” Smith and Evol “E-Vocalist” Alexander, are back like they never left.
First things first, let’s hop into this single, “Outside Looking In,” featuring Dee Dee Simon — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?
The “Outside Looking In” stems from a lot of people asking a lot of questions about The B.U.M.S; you know, are they a one hit wonder? What happened? Well life happened! And, we just decided to clarify all the naysay about the group. You guys are on the outside looking in, and you have no idea what’s going on, so just to let you know that everything is all good. We are alive and we good! The B.U.M.S are still a group; we just doing our own thing, and then every blue moon we collectively come back together and drop a jewel.
How then does “Outside Looking In” either differ and / or compare to previous The B.U.M.S entries?
Well first of all, it’s almost 30 years later; the chemistry is still there, though the whole organization of the group is still there just a few elements were missing. You know, Joe Quixx…you know, a major label…so this was all independent that was put out. That’s the difference, but as far as the cadence skill, creativity, all that shit still there, that’ll never change.
Why has it taken so long for you all to finally return to form?
We are two totally different individuals; two different lives, different style creativity, you know, but we let people know that we can make a record whenever we feel like it and whenever we want, that’s all.
And, what all exactly had / have you all been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during your lengthy musical hiatus?
Well me, personally, I never stop recording, I never stop putting music out, I never stop doing shows, touring and such. I just wanted to check out my independent freedom as a solo artist, and it seemed to work. The B.U.M.S still a group. We just living in life, man.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested? And how did it all begin for D’Wyze?
It all began for me, listening to KPOO Radio late night, hearing all kinds of different kinds of Hip Hop…and in ’88, it was a particular record called “Strong Island” by JVC Force that opened up my ears to different sounds in music as far as sampling break-beats, boom bap, other than traditional production and beat-making; it was just different. So in the middle of the night, I will be up emulating the shit that I would hear on the radio and see on videos, and was like, “I could do that shit, and on that level!” I won talent shows, and junior high and high school rap battles in the courtyards at Oakland High; I was built for it, period. And, that’s when I knew that’s what I wanted to do, other than being a barber. I can master both of these, and take it to the next level. I just kept that mentality.
Now you’re a native of Oakland, CA, correct? So growing up in “The Town,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest influences?
My strongest influences being from Oakland, California, in music…of course Too $hort, Dangerous Dame, Father Dom, Plan B, and, most of all, Sway; he gave me so much game in the game that I still use to this day.
That said, how do you describe / define the style of music that you create and perform?
Well first of all, I’m a battle rapper, but I’ve taken all of that battle rap, freestyle, writing in the craft I learned being inside of The B.U.M.S; and Sway & Tech, Joe Quixx and Fredwreck and I, turned it into my own style, my own lane…still got The B.U.M.S all over me. I’ll forever represent my crew, but it’s just D’Wyze‘s music My Lyfe ‘N’ Tyme; that’s it in a nutshell. But it’s some raw, filthy, boom bap lyrics right in your face, straight forward, no bullshit. I’m just giving it to you. Raw, uncut, with some crazy ass beats.
What particular string of events actually led to your initial linking up with E-Vocalist, and later forming the rap duo, Brothas Unda Madness?
Me and E-Vocalist used to freestyle at The Sway & King Tech Wake Up Show, and we were not a group. We were both solo artists. Evol was a dancer, and I was a rapper / barber, and every Friday we would just go back-and-forth, back-and-forth. An A&R Records (guy) came up to the station, was looking for Bay Area artists…after he came up to the station, he left (and) on his way back to the airport…Evol and I go in, and the rest is history.
How and when exactly did Priority Records enter into the picture?
To extend from the previous question, it all happened from The Wake Up Show.
The B.U.M.S eventually dropped your (one and done) debut LP, Lyfe ‘N’ Tyme, in June ’95 — How come there was never any follow up effort?
Dropped from the label, can’t answer it no better way.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Shit, man, I’ve collaborated with Sadat X, PHANTASM from the Cella Dwellas, Craig G from the Juice Crew; all stars! I’ve done a chorus line for Keith Murray. I’ve done numerous recordings with Bay artists, so on that note I’m living the dream, and being able to record with numerous artists and I’m looking to gain more.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Doesn’t matter what venue or where, just sign me up! I’ll tear your shit down…but really, I want to get overseas.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
The state of Hip Hop right now is really at a low with the new genre of artists that’s in the game. I’ve never seen so much violence in Hip Hop, even when I was in my heyday in the game…but us old heads, seasoned emcees that’s for the culture is coming for that ass.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Stay true to my craft, stay humble and in my lane, and MMOB [Minding My Own Business]!
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Nah, I’m a lifer; music is my passion, I don’t see myself in any other field. I’ll forever be involved in something dealing with it. Production is my next venture; I done bought a shit load of equipment for the new journey, whenever it starts I’ll be ready for it!!
What’s an average day like for you?
Average day for me is cup of coffee with the old lady, hit the barbershop…after work come home and eat, then smoke with the Wiz, then write some verses…by eight or 830, I’m in the studio; that’s my day, that’ll sum it up.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
The fans…it’s such a dope ass feeling to connect with them when performing the music that maybe helped them, or just get a good feeling from it. I love it; wouldn’t change my fans, old and new, for shit.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is coming up with ideas for songs when I hear the track, and then write the song, and then record, and keep ’em coming, and have a plan for it as far as marketing, promotion, you know, the pros and cons. The shit I don’t like is not being giving a chance with major labels when they know shit is fire; it only takes one motherfucka to be like, “yo!!! This is it; it’s a breath of fresh air, we need this in the game,” but the game is soooooo different now, you gotta hustle for real. So I said, “fuck it, I’ll do it myself,” and that’s why I’ve lasted so long.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
The hustle is real, don’t expect to make it overnight; don’t expect a dime for at least 5 years…it’s all promotion and drive and 100% love for this shit. I got 30 in the 50 years of Hip Hop that should tell what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself, but your slated for life inside of it, and in history, it’s a wonderful thing.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Still a part of Hip Hop.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Be on the lookout for a couple of groups I’m a part of; JDP [Just Dope Product], and ThaKingz, which features myself, Aul Purpis from Philly based group Prophets of the Ghetto, Mic Handz Def Squad representer and DJ Jay Ski connected with Coin Flip Management with Who?Mag / Sony / Universal distribution. We got a shit load of projects; solo groups, a whole bunch of joint ventures with 3 solo emcees and 1 DJ and 2 groups all combined; it’s crazy!!!
Any “parting” words for our readers?
I gratefully and humbly thank you for all the love and support over the years to the group, the movement, the history, the legacy; I’m not done yet.
Peace, D’Wyze of The B.U.M.S
