N.W.A., Check! Dr. Dre, Check! Janet Jackson, George Clinton, TLC, Monica, Check! Check! Check! Check! And, the list goes on and on…
Now let’s talk shop with native Los Angeles, CA, producer-musician-composer, Mr. Colin Wolfe…
First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
50 Years of Hip Hop is (a) great accomplishment; it’s a cultural revolution that’s constantly growing and expanding, also integrating into other genres of music as well.
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?
I think one could’ve imagined it; when you look at music and every genre within it, it has always evolved. Let’s see where it is in the next 5-10 years from now.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Some of my fondest moments were working alongside Dr. Dre while creating N.W.A. records…and then, of course, The Chronic album, which then led me to work with MC Breed and Tupac in Los Angeles and the Atlanta.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals for the 2025 season?
For 2025, I’d like to continue writing songs and start to release them with my band SOUND. And also, continue to collaborate with other artists as well.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
(What) I would like people to get from my music is an understanding that we all go through different things in life; emotions, compassion, heartbreak, dealing with (the) death of others, and love.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Well, I’ve basically done that; I worked with Michael Jackson, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, played bass with James Brown, and wrote with Lamont Dozier. It’s been one helluva journey, and it keeps going. And as far as people I haven’t worked with, there are too many to name…and I try to learn from them all.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
I like the Santa Barbara Bowl because of its sound and intimacy.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Let’s just say a lot of it isn’t my cup of tea, but it’s starting to come back around. But also, there are a lot of great artists that aren’t being played and promoted…you have to seek out these unknown artists.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Staying humble and hungry, and constantly trying to better yourself.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I’ve always liked food and fashion.
What’s an average day like for you?
I usually start off my day with a workout and then the studio; try to write a song a day.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Whenever I run into fans or other aspiring artists or producers, I’ll take some time out and chat with them, try to give them some sound advice.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part about this line of work is that it can take you places you’ve only dreamt about. My least favorite part is that there are a lot of people trying to take advantage of you.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My main advice would be listen to everything, all types of music, and steadily work on your craft.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
5 or 10 years from now, I’d like to be still writing songs (and) touring around the world.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Baby steps, keep moving forward.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Do your due diligence, make sure you know what you’re signing and do things from the heart.
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