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Hiphopcanada.com - Featured Artist: Mood Ruff

Mood Ruff - I Do My Own Stunts [Slo Coach Records/urbnet records]
By: Odario & Spitz Date: August 17th 2005


Winnipeg, MB - The members of Mood Ruff are Odario, Spitz, ICQRI and Breakz. They share roles as Emcee, B-Boy, DJ and Graf artist. Representing Peg City, these 'brothers from different mothers' make classy hip hop filled with fine malt lyrics, butter beats and off the wall tactics.

Most recently showcased at SXSW (Austin) and JunoFest, their unforgettable live show weaves through all elements effortlessly. They have performed with Public Enemy, k-os, Sum 41, Mix Master Mike, Herbiliser, Zion I and Black Moon just to name a few. Mood Ruff is a Peg City original.

Mood Ruff returns in 05 with their new studio album I Do My Own Stunts, a classy collection of Hip-Hop filled with fine malt lyrics, butter beats and off the wall tactics. Singles include Rocketship, a cool breezy blend of funk and jazz that makes it the feel good song of the year; and Blow The Bins, the essential throw-back tune geared to keep the attention span of any age with an 80's style and today's flare. The entire album is ram packed with personality and an abundance of musical flavors.

The following interview was recorded on July 14, 2005 while on their West Canadian Tour, driving somewhere on the Trans Canada Highway real early in the morning. Odario interviewed Spitz, and Spitz interviewed Odario. They talked about their thoughts on the new album, what's in the CD deck, artistic freedom and cougars... yes cougars. Read on and enjoy!





ODARIO: The 'Stunts' album is finally done and out the box! What do you think of it?

SPTIZ: I love it. I think it's a well rounded album. I like how the songs blend well together, especially since each track is so different.

ODARIO: Exactly, I hope people catch on to the fact that we don't like making albums that are one long song. That kills me, I think that's why people burn their own mixes. I could barely listen to a lot of hip-hop these days; or get through a full album.

SPITZ: What did you bring to listen to on the road?

ODARIO: ummm; Dinah Washington, Black Keys, Common, Hives, the Chronic album, Raekwon's 'Cuban Linx' album, Joni Mitchell, Buckshot & 9th Wonder, Talking Heads, Sharon Jones, Company Flow, Bob James, Game, Jaylib, the new De La Soul, Geto Boys, 'Heavy Ryhme Experience' by Brand New Heavies, some electro 80's stuff and a bunch of Mix Tapes. Everyone's got a mix tape now!

SPITZ: True, but it's a good way for these cats to get heard and express themselves freely. The major labels have robbed a lot of artists of their artistic freedom so why not make a mix tape and get it out in the streets.

ODARIO: I hear that. A lot of major label artists never get released and remain stuck in their contracts; like Saukrates, Q-Tip or Dead Prez for example. Some artists get shelved for years until forgotten or dropped. It can be good to be independent and in control.

SPITZ: Yeah, I guess there are benefits to being independent in this biz. We've been indie for years and it definitely has negatives too. It can get frustrating and difficult to maintain man. The artistic freedom is always a bonus though; I Do My Own Stunts baby!

ODARIO: Our album title has taken up different meanings with various people; everything from independent thinking to pimpin' Ho's. I love the title; I think a title is as important as the material itself. It needs to be intriguing and say something, I think we nailed it in that respect. My favorite album title of all time is 'It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back' by Public Enemy and a close second is 'Raw Like Sushi' by Neneh Cherry.

SPITZ: Ha, I forgot 'Stunts' could also mean tricks and hoes, that's funny shit. It's great how a word can take up a whole new meaning... like cougars! You know, 'Petula The Cougar' just might be my favourite track on our album. I got love for cougars.

ODARIO: Do cougars know they are cougars?

SPITZ: Of course! They probably invented the name for themselves! I got attacked by one just the other day, I still have the scratch marks on my back. What's your favorite song on the album?

ODARIO: Damn, good question. I would say 'Rocketship' because it's the first beat my brother and I made together, plus you and I vibe on it so well. It's a good feeling single with the love behind it, the same way 'No Hooks' did.

SPITZ: And 'New Moon'! Cats still request those tracks at our shows to this day. Dude, I think we should try to remember those lyrics. It wasn't that long ago. It's cool people remember those tracks though. We don't have much but having those cats out to the shows make me feel good.

ODARIO: True true and true. It's clear to me why cats remember those tracks, the underground support is silent but apparent, Even though Hip Hop changes so fast, those tracks were only within the last five years. I remember every Canadian release in the last ten years; I loved it. Canadians support in odd ways though... they won't let you know they are listening, but they listen. They listen very closely to those out there representing them.

SPITZ: Yeah there are a lot of artists that should have named their album I Do My Own Stunts...

ODARIO: I know, but I'm glad we did ... I love that title. Have I told you that already?