After 6 year absence Shock G returns to the scene with a ambitious concept experimental album called "Fear of a mixed Planet"

link to buy:

http://www.hiphopsite.com...DAF83CCCDD


The last one was "Who got the gravy"

So for Shock fans its a good summer for you.
This has been in the works since last year.
[This message was edited Sat Jul 24 15:34:37 2004 by Trickology]

sidenote:Hallucinations was retitled "Fear of a Mixed Planet"

2004 Shock G Interview:


GlenBurnie MD 02/24/04
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RAP LEGEND- SHOCK-G aka HUMPTY HUMP...
This past Presidents Day weekend I was lucky enough to attend the final showdate(in D.C.) of DIGITAL UNDERGROUND’s recent tour of the U.S. Just like the last time I witnessed them “live”…they put on another Flawless performance!!! Before the show even began I ran into D.U. & Dungeon Squad member 2 Fly Ely. He told me to wait for him after the show so we could party. So there I am in chillin in the Marriot with Rap Legends DIGITAL UNDERGROUND and about 10 longtime fans. I talked to SHOCK-G for a while, and before you know it we’re scheduling for this in-depth interview. Now incase you’re reading this and the names SHOCK-G, HUMPTY HUMP, and DIGITAL UNDERGROUND “ring a bell”, but you can’t quite pinpoint where you’ve heard those names…here’s a quick lil history lesson before you peep the interview. DIGITAL UNDERGROUND is the Oakland formed rap group who’s responsible for numerous Gold/Platinum albums that featured such hit songs as- “The Humpty Dance”, “Dowutchyalike”, "Kiss You Back", “Same Song”, “Freaks of the Industry”, “I GOT 5 ON IT(RMX),“No Nose Job”, “I get around(feat TUPAC)”, “Return of the Crazy One”, and “Oregano Flow”. Although the group has seen several members come and go through the years, the groups veteran members include- SHOCK-G, HUMPTY HUMP(Shocks split personality), MONEY B, CLEE, 2 FLY ELY, and the late TUPAC. Aside from SHOCK’s D.U. fame, he’s received praise throughout the music industry for his production contributions on other artists projects as well. It’s been awhile since the worlds been blessed with an in-depth interview with the multiple man himself. Lets take a journey through the mind of rap Legend SHOCK-G.

HODGE- Welcome SHOCK! I hear you have a new solo album coming out soon called- “HALLUCINATIONS”. Can you confirm any special guests that will be appearing on the album? How about a familiar brother of yours…HUMPTY HUMP?

SHOCK G- "Hallucinations" is about 1/3 a shockg solo album, 1/3 a guest artist/production album (featuring Clev-MC, Fifth-Element, Ant-Dog, Delina-Dream, Money-B, Humpty-Hump, Ray-Luv, Yukmouth, Java, Numskull and K-Lien to name a few, with Q-Bert and D-Sharp on turntables), and 1/3 an experimental future-jazz album. I tried to fuse together hip-hop, rave, and enlightened hippie culture all on one album in a sort of "dark comedy". I take it all pretty lightly, and don't mean it so seriously as other artists. It's just a recording to me, to entertain and make ya laugh and wonder; it's not intented to be the koran or bible or nothin. Some rappers are CNN. I'm the comedy channel.

HODGE- Speaking of album releases, I once read a internet a rumor about a new DIGITAL UNDERGROUND album called “INTERNATIONAL HELMIT SOCIETY”. Any truth to this rumor?

SHOCK G- "International Helmut Society" was basically "Lost Files 2" with a less generic name. Many "lost" or unreleased gems including the song "International Helmut" which was previously released on "Good Lawd, That's Alotta Drank" by Clee & Drank-Alot. Lost files was a Money-B executive produced & conceived project that was interrupted when he decided to produce the "Sex n the Studio" DVDs instead. Good luck to anyone trying to track down "..Society", I'm not sure if it ever made it to mastering or duplication stage.

HODGE- I have a question about the artwork on the inside booklet of your “WHO GOT THE GRAVY” album. In it is an alternate album cover sketch that advertises D’ANGELO as a guest on the album. What happened to his appearance?

SHOCK G- When I was still doodling possible layout ideas for the "..Gravy" cover, it was getting arranged by our label to put me & D'angelo in the studio together. He was one of the artists I mentioned when they asked me "is there anyone out there you'd really like to collaborate with?". It almost happened too, but schedules didn't permitt at the time. Oh well. Maybe we'll cross musical paths in the fewcha. He's the ultimate modern day organ & piano cat. I was really amazed & inspired by his "Talk Shit To Ya" joint from the Baby Boy soundtrack. That's that real funk right there.

HODGE- You’ve landed acting roles in the films- “NOTHING BUT TROUBLE(starring Dan Aykroyd & Chevy Chase)”, and “WHO’S THE MAN”. You’ve also appeared in Nike commercials with Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. However, theirs a lot of speculation as to whether or not you were in a film called “FUNERAL” or not. Can you clear this up?

SHOCK G- I was involved with the soundtrack for "The Funeral", but not the actual film. It featured a collaboration I did with Mystic called "Gloomy Sunday", a remake of the Billy Holiday classic. She did the vocal and I did the piano track.

HODGE- You’ve produced for and done collaboration tracks with such famous musicians as- TUPAC, PRINCE, KRS 1, BIG PUN, TOO SHORT, SPICE 1, E-40, BIG DADDY KANE, CHUCK-D, BIZ MARKIE, SIR MIX-A-LOT, BOBBY BROWN, GEORGE “P-FUNK” CLINTON, DJ QUICK, SAAFIR, MYSTIC, PARIS, LUNIZ, ABOVE THE LAW, and many more. Is their any other artist out there that you haven’t worked with that you’d add to your collab wish list?

SHOCK G- I'd like to collaborate with more intense instrumentalists, musicians who play their instrument (or digitally program) with as much passion, identity, and vision as an emcee creates his flow-style and rime patterns. Aware and deliberate. That's how I try to paint my tracks, I reach for textures, colors, and point-of-views that I haven't heard yet, or that I think today’s music is lacking. I don't like to just "make beats" or copy what's popular, even if it's a popular thing that I myself contributed to the game. My opinion is; if you want "Freaks of the Industry", "I Get Around", or "So Many Tears", they're still on the shelves in the music stores. I guess creatively I get bored easy so I'm always on to the next.

HODGE- What is your opinion on the rock/rap groups WOLFPACK and the KOTTONMOUTH KINGS remaking your classic tracks- “Humpty Dance” and “Freaks of the Industry”?

SHOCK G- I'd love to hear the Wolfpack and Kottonmouth Kings versions of d.u. songs. I heard Beck covered something we did too. Could you email me MP3s of that stuff if you have any? If not I'll keep my ears peeled out there. Do you suggest I go purchase any of it?

HODGE- Sure thing man. I’ll get those tracks to you ASAP. I’ll do it by P.O. mail though…I’m a lo-tech kinda guy on the pc, lol.

HODGE- Which is your favorite D.U. album?

SHOCK G- Future Rhythm is probably my current favorite d.u. album, (..and I should know, I listen to d.u. songs repeatedly for 11 and a half hours a day as a meditation while I masturbate. Then I have yogurt with a bran muffin and do four full horizontal crunches for optimum spleen and abdomen health.) ..but it varies from year to year. I like to look back and see which of our musical experiments and brilliant industry predictions came to manifest. And laugh at all the crazy "bricks" and way-misses. Body Hat Syndrome and Future Rhythm took alot of those "left turns" and were stoopid experi"mental". That was back when I was still shampooing with mayonnaise and using a clay-based heel & big toe scrub. I apologize to any fans who look for the re-workings of successful "formulas" and styles from previous albums, the sheer artist in me won't allow that approach. I've noticed that the only time I sound "normal" seems to be when I guest on other peoples projects. I wish all the labels and companies would let the collabos go on the d.u. greatest hits joints. Like "All in the Same Gang" with Dre, "Crawl before you Ball" wit Saafir, or "Risky Business" wit Murs. These are some of my personal favorites.

HODGE- I spoke with the rapper BLAZE YA DEAD HOMIE this past winter about D.U.’s “SEX & THE STUDIO” dvd. On the dvd rapper 2 FLY ELY is rocking a TWIZTID jersey. Of course BLAZE is close friends with TWIZTID so I asked him how they felt about it. BLAZE told me that he was unaware of it, but he was psyched to hear it. Then he told me that TWIZTID and DIGITAL UNDERGROUND recently met up in Las Vegas and really hit it off. Any chance of ever doing a collab with them?

SHOCK G- Sure, I'll collaborate with anyone who really connects with what I do, or helps me believe what I'm capabale of. I like when I'm challenged by artists who nudge me into a new realm or point of view that I'm not used to creating from. When they have faith, and trust what comes, I do too. Like that it flows, and always somethin good happens. But when they doubt "the light" or oversteer the session trying to re-create past magic it usually blocks anything good, new and genuine from happening. But when it's someone elses record I just try to give em what they really were hoping I'd do, even if I myself would liked to have stretched out more.

HODGE- Over 10 years ago you did a track with rapper PARIS called “Time for Peace”. It was an anti war song about Desert Storm. After all these years that song is still relevant to the war-time situation going on today. What are your views about U.S. troops in IRAQ…again?

SHOCK G- Let all the greedy capitalists, control-freaks, and materialists fight and stress over all that shit while us lovers love. As far as all the "innocent bystanders" who are unluckily born into violent societies are concerned, do the best you can to seek out peaceful situations and safe places to dwell. I recently spent some time in Florida, which along with Mississippi, Louisianna, and Alabama is at the top of the list of most unhealthy and diseased people per state. I realized that California is like the "promiss-land" compared to these un-enlightened U.S. states of fear & denial in which the brainwashing & racism is self-perpetual and prehistoric. But deep down southerners don't really want it to change; the european-americans (whites) prefer the illusion of comfort & superiority to actually earning their way in the world; while the african americans prefer having someone to blame ("them damn crackas") to taking responsibility and/or getting the fuck out of the south! It's a sick complacent relationship which is a smaller model of the entire world allowing euro-US to lead us with all it's fun contaminating gadgets and lack of conscience spirituality. I try to live in harmony with the planet as long as it allows me to, and I treat all living things as I myself would like to be treated, with respect and appreciation. Yes, even to humans, who of all the animals act the ugliest and least deserve this unconditional blanket of love & respect.

HODGE- Okay, so what’s the D.U./RON JEREMY connection? He was a guest judge on D.U.’s “SEX AND THE STUDIO” dvd, he invited D.U. member- CLEE on the reality show “Surreal Life” with him, and I even heard a rumor that you appeared in a film with him called “BUTTMAN AT THE NUDES A POPPIN 12 2001”. Is he a close friend of the D-FLOW or what?

SHOCK G- Ron Jeremy is one of the true great human beings who you just gotta meet in person to fully understand and appreciate. We met Ron when he introduced digital underground at the first of the many "D-Money Players Balls" performances in Vegas over the past few years, and he's been a true homie ever since. He's got the wildest sex stories and gives us all tips and pointers on how to stay clean and how to keep "beatin' witout bubblin" too fast. What shocked me was that he's been completely smoke/drink/drug-free all these years (the whole time) and still puts it down like that wit all these young and energetic hot chicks. I thought he was gettin "help" and using synthetic energy all this time and even offered him a line of "shazz" once backstage at a "Miss Nude World USA" we hosted together. But to my surprise he gave me some much needed beautiful advise about how drugs for-sure destroy your career, your mind, & your body, which I took serious heed to and checked my shit. Thanks Ron!

HODGE- Is the DIGITAL UNDERGROUND “Raw & Uncut” dvd still coming out? SHOCK G- I hope the d.u. Raw & Uncut DVD comes out soon. The cat who started the whole thing, Atron Gregory, keeps gettin cold feet about it everytime it gets close to release. He's the type who acts business-safe & cautiously, and from the mind more than from the heart and his mind's been tellin him that it might not be the best seller or make the profit he wished for. But hopefully his heart will realize that we've graduated victoriously into a real-life family that has survived this amazing adventurous journey that a lot of people worldwide would like us to share and expand on. Digital Underground has withstood a test of time and the opportunity to be the exclusive source & executive producer of the first feature-film/DVD documenting that experience could prove to be not only lucrative but historical at the very least. I hope he chooses to trust, support and believe in what is still evolving, and decides to release it again. But if not, something by somebody will make out there eventually I'm sure. When the time is right.

HODGE- In a recent interview SAAFIR spoke briefly about his upcoming album- “Magnum P.I.”. You did some production on his previous albums. Will you be doing production on his upcoming album as well?

SHOCK G- I missed-out on collaborating with Saafir on his latest album "Magnum PI". I been movin too slow for him, Ras & X lately, but I can't wait to hear it cause I know it's gonna be CRAZY. He's at a really good point in his career from a fans perspective and I'm still a fan. Most rappers get inspired off other rappers but Saafir gets flow ideas from jazz musicians, horn players like coltrane & miles. He picks really abstract tracks from producers too. The really gully but sci-fi typa swang that makes you remember that hip-hop is supposed to be artsy, crafty, and provocative.

HODGE- Speaking of your production, did you produce any tracks on MYSTIC’s critically acclaimed debut album?

SHOCK G- I'll always appreciate Mystic, she's been gently teaching me how to breathe from afar. Greetings our beautiful hip-hop angel, I miss you.

HODGE- Any crazy stories from the road you can share with me?

SHOCK G- Once in 2003 in Hollywood at a real serious Pac tribute show in which people like Dead Prez, Medusa, and Erykah Badu had the whole spot feelin like a panther rally; Me & Money-B got cold feet and decided not to perform convinced that our light-hearted songs were not appropriate at such a politically aware event. At like 1:50am, I finally start gettin the itch and begin pacing backstage with the urge to contribute something to the show, but I'm still nervous and can't quite get the nerve to go up there. Erykah notices this and walks up to me and says "what's up shock you ain't gonna do nothin tonight?". Tryin to keep my kool and respond to Erykahs lovely divine presence, I blurt out; "Hell yeah, I got a rime I'd love to say if I can get you on drum machine again". (Earlier she had took an amazing solo on this futuristic manual drum-machine-thing that mesmerized the entire room. I was half-asking this, expecting her to decline my request, and give me the perfect excuse not to have to go up.) Without even blinking Erykah grabs me by the hand and starts marching toward the stage, pulling me behind her with a "child please" look on her face in response to my hesitation. I'm like "but wait, I don't wanna disrespect and interrupt whats goin on on stage already." ..but she's still dragging me across the room through a crowd of people and said "child whatever you gonna do you betta do it right now, they bout ta pull the plug in 3 minutes". As we walk on stage she gestures to the audience "look what I found" as I find a mic and she gets back live on the drum machine. The rest for me was like an out of body experience, I more watched it than I actually did it. I joyfully said hello to this beautifully charged all african american sold-out crowd who were all there in honor of Tupac, and actually did a few verses un-plugged style with Erykah Badu holdin me down on drum machine. (What??) Yes, my goofy ass, ..on stage at the Pac benifit wit Dead Prez, Thug Life, OutLaws, Medusa, Jayo Felon, and others all passin the mic around while Miss Badu provided fresh live beats with her fingers like Grand Master Flash on the beat box. This became the grand finale of the entire night and the "house" didn't pull the sound-plug on us and let it ride till like 2:15, 2:20 am! This is unheard of in nightclub-law strict L.A. and was purely an act of honor and respect of Tupac and all the undeniable positive energy in that room that night. Jeeeeesussss Chrriiiiissssst!!!!! ..Or better yet as I like to say; Tuuuuupaaaaac Shaaakuuuuurrrrr!!!!!

SHOCK G- Erykah Badu is a serious musician with lots of amazing hidden talents and surprises. I get juiced off people like her because there's a lot more to her than meets the eye but she doesn't go around trying to prove anything or convince anybody. That's true grace, beauty, and elegance. (..wit her fine lil' ass!)

HODGE- Did you do all the artwork on the covers and inside booklets of the D.U. albums? Do you still practice your artwork?

SHOCK G- I don't really draw, but I doodle n cartoon sometimes. Wanna see a funny comic strip I did back in ' 98? Go here: http://www.shockg.com/pg001.htm Yeah, I guess I scketched most of those d.u. covers and booklets as "Rackadelic", a nick name I was given from talking about Funkadelic so much in high school. (My birthname was Gregory Racker before I took "Jacobs", my moms maiden last.) I like good ole' fashioned markers more than using the digital pen-pads or mouses.

HODGE- I want to thank you for taking the time out to do this interview with me SHOCK. I’ve been a huge fan for many years now. Definitely an honor man. Any last words for your fans reading this?

SHOCK G- Thanks for the grand opportunity to tell my stories. And always DOOWUTCHYALIKE instead of what everybody else is doing cause it's usually the best thing. Follow your true heart! shockg

Cool article, thanx

Great article.....i like Shock G bcuz he is original and funky. Hiphop needs him bad!

4 words to describe shock-g:

wild

funny

erotic?!

musical.

I liked Digital Underground's last album "Who Got The Gravy" but I felt like the only one who bought it. I just got Digital Underground's greatest hits too and it is nice. Anyone heard the Shock G album yet?

i didn't bother to read that, but all i can say is he better have the nose & glasses with him this time around. otherwise, why bother....

Why Bother? Because he is one of the greatest conceptualists/illustrators/musicians/producers/entertainers in hip Hop.

Shock never cared about gettin a hit record. There is more to Shock than Humpty Hump.
Thats one facet of shock.


How about because it might be a dope record?
Shock works hard at providing people quality stuff.

His last 5 D.U. albums prove that
He has one of the dopest websites of all time.

And because "Fear of a Mixed Planet" looks interesting enough to purchase.
Obviously if you don't have Sex Packets/Sons of the P/Bodyhat Syndrome/Future Rhythms/Who got the Gravy then you won't care..about this release.

BUT for Shock fans its been 6 years of waiting. So it is a big deal for the D.U. world.
Shock isnt a prolific artist, he only makes music when he wants to.


Shock could care if he sells 10 records. He lives a bohemian lifestyle.

Trickology said:

Okay, I'm missing "Future Rhythms" and "Who Got the Gravy," but this release has me plenty excited! "Sex Packets" is one of those albums that is so much a part of my life, listening to it immediately brings up memories, sounds, sights, smells of seventh grade....

Has anyone here heard "FOAMP" yet?

Im going to get it this week. I doubt its gonna be in stores anytime soon. Shock won't sign a deal and have D.U. heads waiting for the result.

So if you want it, you got to get it through online at hiphopsite.

Lol Shock and his porno...definitely we can't have him and Prince and the JW Faction collaborating ...


But like I said the last album was June 1998. Shock even semi-retired from producing and music because of the business. When you talk to the dude he has one heck of a story. Humpty HUMP was a fluke hit. That was not planned. No one saw it coming.
Shock even one summer played keyboards for P-funk allstars.

if you need the other albums go to half.com and you can get them for cheap
just type "Digital Underground" in the search and look in the music section
You can probably get the whole collection for 30-35 if you smart shop with the sellers.
I RECCOMEND that

See, the difference with Shock and todays cats is the dude knows the history of music.
He studied Prince/Pfunk/Miles/Corea/Jimi etc


To even put shock as a novelty is just a no no.


The dude was the West Coast Tribe Called Quest and Dela Soul.....
Real conscious... about the past present and future.

I know Prince was a Shock G listener.


So what im saying is.... .

D.U. fans... the wait is over...

yahoo n chitt like dat

Trickology said:

Digital Underground was like a Golden State member of the Native Tongues. Ah, the good old days...

pkidwell said:

They have a greatest hits?? Awesome! I was just looking for "Kiss You Back" on ITunes the other day to no avail... SWEET

CalhounSq said:

Im tellin you buy the albums used all five of them.
Sex Packets/Sons of the P/Bodyhat/Future Rhythms/Who got the Gravy

http://www.half.com


Because the artwork alone is worth it on BodyHat. Bodyhat even comes with a comic if you are lucky. I think D.U. has way too many tracks for a greatest hits.

Greatest Hits is just not worth it. Tommy Boy did a lame attempt to capitalize on the catalog. But they never really cared about D.U. after Sex Packets. They were mad at them because Shock was "still" an artist.

Anyways, thats what I suggest.

CalhounSq said:

"Put lotion on me..."



.
[This message was edited Wed Jul 28 12:05:55 2004 by FunkMistress]

Trickology said:

yes, but what about the nose & glasses

You wanna know the truth about that?

Heres the real story,Tessa. Here is what he told me...

Shock G had this record Dowhatchulike...and in the video he had this character but he didnt have a name for it. In fact all of them were just wearing glasses with the elephant nose.
The video was okay but the voice stood out on the record that Shock was just joking around with. The concept for it was a goof. Humpty didnt exist just that voice on the record.

Eventually the label heard the song and said can you do a song with this voice. Now keep in mind this record wasn't even on the radar. The voice was kind of like a southern Slick Rick.

Shock goes into a novelty shop and he feels this force that draws him to these glasses with the nose. He puts them on and everything comes together..... Humpty was born at that moment. It was a foil like PE had Flavor Flav. Morris Day had Jerome. But the difference was it was like groucho marx on acid...really cartoon and totally just a crazy side of Shock G.

He makes the record at home he has the lyrics he needs the name. He writes it that night.

Ricky Vincent a famous funk dj heard the record and said "Man, this beat is ...humpin"
Which he meant was really funky. That was his slang for funky. Shock hears the term and says he is Humpty Hump thats it.

Humpty Hump was the LAST song for the album and it was a last minute addition. And like all amazing hit smashes it just happened by some freak of nature accident/fate/destiny.

So the moral of the story is buy Fear of a Mixed Planet.

lol

Alot of people never catch the messages of Digital Underground
But Shock is so ill with it.

Trickology said:

that's nice. but will he be wearing them again?

that's nice. but will he be wearing them again?[/quote]


He never stopped wearing them. Humpty is an actual member of the group.

He is on every D.U. album and always makes an appearance on stage

Trickology said:

yea!! i will alert the media..who cares...

Trickology said:

now, see? wasn't that easy? look at all of those paragraphs you wasted up there


thank you!

Trickology said:

I heard paligap started out like this....

LOL!

Bds, you are a little catty. You made a post about mariah and her career

And you have the nerve to talk about "Who cares"

Move on if you aint interested.

says in lisp "I cant believe Mariah did glitter oh my god how tacky"

And you are a guy lol talkin about Mariah Carey and her career. I think you should be writing for Allure magazine.

I will alert the media on that


[This message was edited Mon Aug 2 20:09:59 2004 by Trickology]
[This message was edited Mon Aug 2 20:17:24 2004 by Trickology]

bds70 said:

Several people who posted on this thread, idiot.

FunkMistress said:

not true. People don't post b/c they care, per se.
People post b/c they're bored, want to get a rise outta s/o, want attention, etc.
Some post b/c they actually have something to say or contribute to a conversation.