Having worked with a who’s who of the industry’s top tier Hip Hop talent; Ice Cube, Public Enemy, E-40, Spice 1, Yo Yo, WC and the late Coolio, among others, music producer, revered bassist and CEO of Trickin’ Bikes, Clinton ‘Mr. Payback’ Sands is a West Coast icon; check the résumé…
Q: First things first, last year (August 11th 2023 to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
A: THE BLACK YOUTH CREATED A NEW GENRE OF MUSIC, AND IT’S HERE TO STAY.
Q: To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
A: IN THE LATE 1970’s AMERICA SAID IT WOULD FADE OUT.
Q: What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
A: HEARING “RAPPER’S DELIGHT” FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Q: That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
A: I WANT TO HELP BRING BACK RAPPING WITH DOPE LYRICS AGAIN.
Q: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
A: A GOOD TIME.
Q: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A: 50 CENT.
Q: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
A: SO-FI STADIUM IN INGLEWOOD, CA, THAT’S WHERE I’M FROM.
Q: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
A: NO!
Q: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
A: KEEP MAKING FUNKY MUSIC EVERYDAY.
Q: Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
A: BRINGING ATTENTION TO DIABETES TYPE 2.
Q: What’s an average day like for you?
A: CREATIVE AND FUN.
Q: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
A: I LOOK EVERYBODY IN THE EYE, AND SPEAK TO THEM WITH RESPECT.
Q: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
A: BEING CREATIVE! DEALING WITH CORPORATE EXECUTIVES! CORPORATE IDOTS DON’T RESPECT BEING CREATIVE!
Q: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
A: “DO NOT GIVE UP!”
Q: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
A: BEING VERY SUCCESSFUL, AND GIVING BACK.
Q: Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
A: YES, “I AM THE FUNKIEST BASS PLAYA!!!!!”
Q: Any “parting” words for our readers?
A: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH…
Connect w/Clinton ‘Mr. Payback’ Sands Online:
