Are you Serious?!

>> T.O.'s underground king talks about his label and upcoming travelling show

by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

Since I decided to leave Toronto, it seems that everyone I know in that city has gone on to become large in one respect or another. My first slob of a roommate is now head chef in a five-star fine-dining eatery, while an ex-girlfriend of mine is making waves as a ferocious floor trader on Bay Street.

Then there's my old DJ partner Dave (aka DJ Serious), who is now considered one of the most respected hip hop DJs in T.O., not to mention a more-than-formidable producer. Recently, Serious released Dim Sum, a complete album that highlights some of his production prowess and the talents of some of Hogtown's best MCs. I spoke to Dave over the phone from Toronto.

Mirror: I know how Toronto is, man. You do well for yourself and people start saying shit. How's the response been to the success you've been having?

Serious: Everybody has overwhelming love more than anything, man. There was some 15-year-old personal attack type shit on the Net, but it was more of a suck-out by somebody who didn't get what they wanted for themselves. In the end no one can say I didn't work for it.

M: What about the DJ Serious Revue? I heard your monthly DJ showcase may be going out on the road. Is that still in the plans?

S: Well, we've linked up with F.L. Feldman, the booking agency, and we're currently in the process of shopping the Serious Revue. It's kind of a hip hop festival consisting of DJs, MCs and B-boys we'd like to take on the road with us. Kind of a "hip hop comes to your town" type thing.

M: This is across Canada, obviously.

S: Yep.

M: What about your label Headless Heroes? Is that just you, or are there other people involved?

S: I used to have partners (Phil Rae and Anna Gervasio), but now it's just me. Everybody started having other responsibilities, and most of the projects came down to me. After a while it was like, if you guys can't contribute, then take a leave and come back.

M: Is Phil still messing with Len or is that done now?

S: I think they just signed a new deal. Headless Heroes is now essentially a production company more than a record label.

M: Is it true that the ladies sweat you from city to city, and the route from the hotel to the club is a very secretive series of strategically placed limos to avoid riots and the like?

S: Ahh... I can't really comment on those matters.

M: When can we expect to see the Serious Revue in Montreal?

S: Probably sometime in February.

With the Pocket Dwellers at Club Zone on Saturday, Nov. 18, 9pm, $5