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 Get Large Interview
interview 0272 added 16.01.05 words: Chris Byrne
technical:
QED
Nicolas "DAM'S" Donati, Francis "6" Chaillet and Stéphane "SLA" Iacoucci are collectively known as ‘Get Large Productions’ coming straight outta Paris, France (that nation being the second largest world market for
Hip Hop). Their definition of Hip Hop is “A soul inspiration, a heavy beat and slaying rhymes”. Getting playlisted all the way from Suffolk to New York and collaborating with both sides of the New York scene, they seem to be heading onwards and upwards. I caught up with them last year in the interest of European cultural relations.
How long has France been “the second home" of
Hip Hop?
Since the end of the 1980’s France has developed its own scene with groups such as NTM and Assassin. The scene here developed strongly in the 90' s with La Cliqua, IAM, Sages Poetes de la Rue etc and became a major musical style in France, competing with the pop stars and going gold and platinum. Also France is the only country in the world to have a national
Hip Hop radio station (Skyrock).
How did you forge your international links?
We approached several labels here in France with our beats. We were knocked back each time and told our stuff was too "American". We left for New York 2 years ago to see if they were correct. And the reaction of artists over there was very positive: from Masta Ace to the Infamous MOBB to the Diplomats, we have now produced around fourty artists over there. In New York, time passes quickly, the entire world seems to know each other and if you arrive with quality beats, everyone knows soon enough! Someone telephoned me recently and told me that DJ Premier had asked him to say hello to me!!
"...In France, the French artists now trying to copy the American beefs. For them, this is the means of getting out of the shadows while insulting an MC at the top..."
Are you interested in collaboration with UK artists?
Yes! That would be a pleasure! We are in the process of looking for distribution of our products in the UK. And we are itching to come to check out your
Hip Hop scene!
Why is Hip Hop
from other countries yet to make an impression on the American market?
The language is the major problem. It’s ‘rap’ and if the people do not understand your message this it’s not really ‘rap’! More importantly, the Americans are always more advanced when it comes to the beats. Here in Europe we only "copy" the American templates. But there is change: little by little, more and more European producers are arriving on the American market: Tommy T from Scandinavia is producing the new MOP album for example. One day we met up with Shady records. We played our beats to the A&R and he had to acknowledge that he expected to see a day soon when big European producers will blow up in the US.
"...We played our beats to the (Shady Records) A&R and he had to acknowledge that he expected to see a day soon when big European producers will blow up in the US..."
Do you use the ‘traditional’ producer’s equipment?
Yes we work with an MPC2000xl, the industry standard in Hip Hop with a SP1200 and a Korg Triton keyboard.
What do the French artists think about 'beef' on the US
Hip Hop scene?
 In France, the French artists now trying to copy the American beefs. For them, this is the means of getting out of the shadows while insulting an MC at the top. It’s terrible and often the disses are very average. It’s a long way away from the level of a Nas or Jay-Z!
Would you like to add anything?
Big up to all the Hip Hop heads in UK. Get Large is comin'! Take the time to listen to our sounds on
www.getlarge.net! International balling!
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Chris Byrne
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