By: Todd “DG” Davis
Rapindustry.com
Since forming in 1999, the Snowgoons have become legends in underground hip-hop. Hailing from Germany, this production team—founded by DJ Illegal and Det Gunner—are known for their gritty ’90’s boom-bap, layered with orchestral samples and East Coast authenticity. They’ve worked with icons like Wu-Tang, M.O.P., and AOTP, consistently staying true to their roots while pushing the genre forward. With their own label, Goon MuSick, and a legacy of classic production, they continue to shape the sound of underground hip-hop. In this interview, we explore their evolution, latest projects, and what keeps the Goon spirit alive—proving that real hip-hop never dies.
Q: Please introduce (for me) the members of Snowgoons…
Peace, this is DJ Illegal and I’m one third of the Snowgoons; that’s also Det Gunner and Sicknature. But, we also got the Snowgoons DJ’s crew, which is DJ Crypt, DJ Sixkay, DJ TMB, DJ Tray, DJ Danetic and myself again.
Q: Let’s hop into this single, “Mad Max,” featuring Cali Agents — how did this particular track come to fruition?
The “Mad Max” joint started original with Mr Erbie from Canada. We did this song (a) long time ago with him and Rasco. I always had the idea to add Planet Asia, but back then it was not possible. Cali Agents didn’t exist anymore. Now 6-7 years later, we still didn’t finish the joint and next thing I know is that Planet and Rasco are back after their Anniversary show so we simply put 1 and 1 together. DJ TMB did his thing on the cuts tho.
Q: How then does “Mad Max” compare to or differ (sonically) from your previous songs?
I think beat-wise it’s a typical Signature banger, but we just have never worked with Cali Agents before. Yes, individually we had them both a couple times on songs or did even the whole project with Planet. But, I think this joint just brings back that raw energy from the Cali Agents.
Q: “Mad Max” comes courtesy of your still forthcoming project, Black Snow 3 — conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you all?
Needless to say Black Snow is our classic, and we just wanted to go back to that style where it all started. Black Snow has always a special place in the Snowgoons’ world. We just had to push the album back a couple weeks because we was not 100% happy with the sound and 2-3 little details that we had to fix. I think it’s really important for us to represent the brand the right way instead of just rushing something out there.
Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you all?
We all started as kid and normal fans of the music itself. Just so much that we all eventually got busy being a part of the music as well. From DJ’ing to producing to mix-tapes and all that. So, it’s safe to say we all started with the music since we can remember. Like hip-hop was our first love and still is.
Q: Growing up in Deutschland, who were some of your biggest influences?
Even growing up in Germany, a.k.a. Deutschland, I was heavy influenced by the U.S. hip-hop music. I lived in a city with a military base and I was hanging out with the kids from the base all the time. They already was bumping Ice-T, Run-DMC, Public Enemy and so on. I had access to the music and the fashion on the military base, and was way ahead of the big city kids in Berlin or other cities.
Q: How do you all define your style?
Only one word: Goon-Bap!
Q: What do you all hope people take away from your music?
Joy, fun and knowledge. Really at the end of the day it all comes down to emotions and just a feeling of being real. I think we’re pretty authentic and people know that. So, anybody that’s authentic to themselves can related to our music.
Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be?
Always will be and still is Nas
Q: If you all could play any venue in the world, where would it be?
That’s tuff. Just because of the legendary status, it would be something like the Apollo. But, at the end of the day it really don’t matter. It’s really more about the people and the energy. We had the weirdest places and venues in the world, but once the energy is there we just rocking.
Q: How do you all feel about the current state of hip-hop?
To be honest, I don’t really think about that anymore. It has changed a lot and I’m not mad or sad about commercial music. At the end of the day, I rock with my music and I do my music. If young kids like some commercial stuff of whatever they calling hip-hop now that’s fine.
Q: What’s the key to your longevity?
Always be authentic. I mean, we would not change just because it’s more successful to do now this or that. We doing our thing since day one.
Q: Beyond music, what else, if anything, do you all want to do?
I can only speak for myself and I just like positive energy. I will do hip-hop till the last day, and if people rock with me that’s even better.
Q: Biggest career moments thus far?
It’s all in perspective, but I never will forget when DJ Premier told us at the M.O.P. and Snowgoons release party for Sparta that he loves the album and we did a great job. That was like getting the official stamp of hip-hop!
Q: What’s an average day like for you all?
Well, I’m touring a lot with Onyx, Lords Of The Underground and, of course, the Snowgoons, so I’m pretty much on the road half of the year. And in between working on music, so this is a full-time job.
Q: How do you all interact with your fans?
Beside on the shows, usually on all the social media platforms. We not so active on the socials as we maybe should be, but you can always catch us on IG, FB or YouTube.
Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?
For me personally, bouncing files for mixing. Hahaha! I like to arrange a song with the vocals when I produced it, but then bouncing all the files and get them ready to mixing. So at the end of the day, I can’t complain.
Q: What advice would you all give to someone following in your footsteps?
Like I always say, follow what you love and never give up. It took me over 10 years just to get somewhere.
Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you all see yourselves?
Still dropping music. No Question!
Q: What’s next for Snowgoons?
After the Black Snow 3 album, we working already on 2-3 projects and there will be at least 1 or 2 dropping this year. Stay Gooned!
Q: Any parting words for our readers?
Thanks for the never ending support. We pretty much see every comment on the socials, the shares and all that. Big up and salute!
