20 Serious questions

>> Toronto's DJ Serious brings his Serious Revue to Montreal

by SCOTT C

Last year, Toronto native DJ Serious finally organized his production talents, and several of his city's MCs, and released a long-overdue album called Dim Sum. The Juno-nominated record was perhaps the strongest independent hip-hop release out of Toronto in a while, and with it the Toronto-born Serious Revue, leading to a touring live show that's travelled coast to coast. With DJs, MCs and breakdancers making their way across the country, it's only natural that the Serious Revue finish its run in Montreal. The Mirror posed 20 very serious questions to the up-and-coming DJ/producer.



Mirror: What's the best thing about touring?

Serious: Gettin' records. Well, catching other vibes and seeing what's out there, but mainly getting records. Getting into the basements of records stores.

M: What song do you wish you'd written?

S: Any Beatles song.

M: What's been your best Canadian tour date?

S: My best or my favourite? I guess it's kind of the same, right? It'd be a toss-up between Winnipeg, Toronto and Halifax. In Toronto, it's definitely good to come back to a well-educated hip hop crowd, and be reminded that everything's cool.

M: What's been your worst Canadian show?

S: Ahhh, man! Vancouver. We were out there during Music West, and we were slotted directly after the Georgia Straight Music Awards. Imagine everyone going there specifically for the music awards and then when it's all done everyone just leaves, as we go on. Definitely my least favourite date.

M: What's the biggest misconception about Canadian hip hop?

S: If you're good, people think you're from the States.

M: What's the most important hip-hop recording?

S: Man, I don't know. There's so many if you go through the different stages. The two records that I'd have to say are the blueprint for the shit we listen to today are Criminal Minded by BDP and Paid in Full by Eric B and Rakim.

M: What's the biggest waste of time in terms of hip hop today?

S: Those dudes who think they have to emulate a sound, or be a certain way in order to be considered credible.

M: Favourite record right now?

S: Probably Hi-Tek's "Sun God," or Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "Back on the Block."

M: Favorite pop star?

S: Coldplay is good pop. Any Nelly. Little Kim's verse in "Lady Marmalade" (laughs).

M: Who are you working with next?

S: Everybody, man. I'm trying to work with everybody.

M: Who's your favourite female MC?

S: Heather B. Bahamadia, N-Tyce, Mystic, T-Love.

M: Favourite scratch DJ?

S: DJ Dopey.

M: Ever been arrested?

S: Don't wanna talk about it.

M: Favourite metal band?

S: Sabbath.

M: Favourite movie?

S: Aw, man! I guess Star Wars would be one of them, Blade Runner, Meatballs.

M: What's the best part of the Serious Revue?

S: Being able to rock a crowd with the mentality of playing outside of the box. Y'know?

M: I guess. What's your worst personal trait?

S: I'm a perfectionist.

M: Would you ever move to Montreal?

S: My girl's going to Lasalle College next year, so I'll be in and out all year!

In Sona's hip hop lounge on Friday, June 15, 2am, $20