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Storm the Unpredictable should need no introduction. Rhyming since the late 80's. Although he hails from Maryland on the East, he has studied and been influenced by the lyrics of legends from both coasts. He is determined to craft timeless songs that represent where he has been, what he has experienced and that encompass his viewpoints on a variety of universal topics that listeners no matter what the age can relate to. This year he was honored with the prestigious John Lennon award. He has just released his new album..
Congratulations on winning the award. Can you explain what it is and why it is significant?
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is an international songwriting contest (began in 1997). It’s one of, if not the biggest and most respected songwriting competitions out there. The Contest is open to both amateur and professional songwriters. The judges were D12, Al
Jarreau, Bob Weir, Matt Pinfield, Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, Columbia artist Lyfe Jennings, Jesse Harris, Teairra Mari, the Black Eyed Peas, The Bacon Brothers, Ken Komisar, Jake Hill, John Legend. It’s significant because normally artists in the genre I'm in don’t win awards of this caliber. For me, it was extremely rare for an artist of any musical genre to win an award such as this from my area, so for a Hip Hop artist to do it made it even that much more meaningful, especially for a song such as 'contradictions'.
I would not really say that life has changed significantly, but it has afforded me opportunities that I am quite sure would have never materialized had I not won the award. I’ve been approached by entities within and outside of hip hop circles for various reasons now because of it.
The lyrics were inspired by watching news clips, as well as conversations with my teenage godson, just seeing how many young kids really felt like they were grown but had no idea of what being grown was really about. Plus, I always wanted to make a song that I felt could relate the experiences and everyday lives of adults, no matter what the age. The songs lyrics transcends a lot of age barriers that today’s hip hop faces, because many older hip hop listeners don’t feel as though today’s hip hop speaks to them.
Wow, I would have to say verse two because it was probably the most personal of the song. Although every verse had personal moments throughout that one really hit home about some things my family and I had gone through.
I would say that the release is one that is very diverse but cohesive at the same time. There are songs that are uplifting, funny, serious, socially conscious, and straight lyrical fire. The CD is also enhanced featuring videos, live performances and exclusive tracks. I’m very proud of the way it came out.
So many memories, all the way down to performing it for the first time at 'State Of The Union' in Washington DC and the response it got.
I just remember the whole creative process of it. That was the only song that was created on the spot. DJ D’Salaam at Urban Intalek Studios made it while I was there and I just wrote the lyrics. Even the hook was spontaneous. It’s funny because many people remember that song. It bugs me out when I get requests for it at shows. All the memories from that time period are cherished like they are the birth of your first child because in a way that’s exactly what it was.
Great, the video is up on my, My-Space page now, You Tube and places like that. We received a lot of support from artists and people in the community. If you look close you’ll see people like O.U.O., Kev Brown, Cy Young, as well as others throughout the video. I’m looking forward to doing another one. It was a long process but it was a fun process.
Growing up in the DC area that’s really all I heard initially. I was exposed to Hip Hop because my cousin Andre would come down from NY during summers with his tapes of live performances in the parks.
He would also make pause tapes in our basement so that sparked my interest. The whole go-go experience was something that would engulf you. Listening to it was one thing, but seeing it live was and is a totally different experience. The first time I heard it, it really caught my attention but the first time I saw a band live was what got me hooked. The energy was captivating. I listened to EU, Little Benny and the Masters, Rare Essence, Class Band, Prophecy Band and show, Chuck Brown, Petworth, Ayre Rayde, Hot, Cold Sweat, etc. I even played trumpet in a couple bands.
Probably the most significant influence would be in stage shows. With Go-Go, your stage show had to be sharp, otherwise the other bands would destroy you and you would not last. Timing had to be precise. Also, even if the MC in a band did not rhyme, he controlled the crowd with call and response as well as other things so that influenced me as well.
I would have to say Stevie Wonder. With his songwriting abilities being as potent as they are, I think the two of us could create songs that would be both amazing as well as extremely powerful. I’d also love to collaborate with Big Daddy Kane and/or Slick Rick.
The biggest lesson, would be to learn how to do as much as you can yourself that way if someone drops the ball somewhere you can always pick up the slack. I’ve also learned not to expect others to operate in the same fashion that I do. That’s morally, business wise, consistency, level of passion, everything. Lastly don’t fully trust anyone. Always do your checks and balances no matter what level of business you are dealing with.
Life, music does inspire as well, but life experiences, whether my own or what I see others go through, is a much greater influence and inspiration.
You know what, as corny as this may sound, my father is the historical figure/politician whose work I most admire. He was more so involved with local politics but I was able to see first hand how politics were involved in so many things. Even at the local level. I saw the struggle he put forth to try and make our neighborhood as well as the surrounding areas a better place, and how many times he had to go at it alone because people just weren’t reliable so in my eyes he’s the biggest historical figure there is. I will also add that as far as authors, I do enjoy Tahira Mahdi’s work as well.
I would say have something to fall back on. It doesn’t have to necessarily be a master's degree in something, but have something. That way if the money is short or if you need more money to do something, you can utilize what you have to fall back on. Also, learn all you can about the business in all aspects, that way if people are talking to you or your reading documents, you’ll have some kind of idea and understanding of what’s going on. At the very least you’ll know what questions to ask. One of the best ways to do that is to put out your own project (even if it’s just a mix cd) so you can learn the process of releasing material. It will make you appreciate it more as well as enable you to be able to build relationships. Lastly, realize that it doesn’t come easy and most don’t blow up overnight. The market is extremely saturated right now, so you have to do something that will make you stand out.
At this point setting up as many shows as possible in as many areas as possible. I want to spread the word about this album as far and wide as I can possibly spread it. I also plan to release two more singles from the album as well as do more videos. Another Three - Piece Extra Mumbo vinyl EP should be coming out as well with Priest Da Nomad, the POEMCEES and I. I’ll also probably start recording material for the next album as well so I can take my time with it, just like I did this one.
Thanks to Storm for taking the time. His new album is out through Domination Recordings. He is currently appearing in VH1 (U.S)'s Freestyle 59
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© ukhh.com 2006
Storm The Unpredictable Interview
Has life changed significantly for you since winning the award?
To be honest with you my opinion on that changes every week depending on the mood I’m in. I guess right now, I’d have to say 'Please Forgive Me'. I like the delivery on the song as well as the way that I released a lot of thoughts and frustrations about the whole music industry. Now when I say the music industry I mean both major and independent because honestly right now there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the two. Many independent labels and distributors are operating as if they are just smaller major labels, giving out the same type of deals, being shady, etc. I guess business is business as they say. Like I said though, that may change next week so check back with me (laughter).
Out of all the lyricists and songwriters that have inspired you.
Who would you most like to collaborate with that you haven't had the chance to as of yet?
Currently I’m listening to Nas Finest by DJ Jay Love, DJ Exclusive’s
-Ras Kass and Canibus releases, Priest Da nomad, POEMCEES, The Roots, Jill Scott, Cham, the best of Patrice Rushen, Storm the Unpredictable (laughter), Dwele, and a DJ Jamad’s Mood Music presents
Afromentals mix cd series. I’m also listening to a lot of jazz (all types), Salsa, Meringue, Reggae and Brazilian music. I pretty much draw from any music that can invoke some type of emotion, no matter the genre.
First off to God, thanks also to anyone who ran the interview, it’s much appreciated. Also, Priest Da Nomad, S.P.P. Waxworks, The POEMCEES, Domination Recordings (DJ, Mike and the whole staff as well as artists), Sheila, Ty-Riek, Xavier, Jeremy, all the producers on my album (Brainstorm sounds, Danja Mowf, Kokayi, Decompose (DC), The
(Unknown), DJ RBI, DJ D’Salaam/Urban Intalek Studios, and the whole
MD, DC, VA Hip Hop scene (MC’s, DJ’s, Graffiti Artists, B Boys/
B Girls) and area for their constant support. I can’t forget 89.3/ WPFW Decipher Hip Hop radio show. My album, A2: What Should Have Been is available now so be sure to pick that up. Much love and success to everyone and God bless.
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