In the first episode of “The Conduit,” host Dan Ubick sits down with Bootie Brown to discuss the rapper’s winding journey through an often grueling industry.
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“For better or for worse, it’s always a learning experience,” says West Coast rapper Bootie Brown, who rose to fame early in his career as a founding member of a groundbreaking hip-hop group The Pharkyd. Whether touring the world with his crew on The Pharcyde or perfecting his skills as a producer, Bootie maintains a remarkably down-to-earth attitude for someone who made it in life early. Ultimately, his solution to surviving in an often grueling music industry is to cultivate a positive attitude and build supportive relationships to sustain creativity.
Welcome to the first episode of The administration, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians, bringing listeners the unvarnished truth of what it’s like to be an artist in the music business today. In tonight’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Bootie to discuss the rapper’s long and tortuous journey through the music industry. Bootie shares his thoughts on making music for a living, finding constructive mentors and role models to guide your path, and what he’s learned about breaking the rules. He also provides practical tips for musicians, covering issues such as ownership, publishing, copyright and getting a record deal. “The money you make from records isn’t necessarily as big as fame and fame,” he warns about halfway through the interview.
Before Bootie found his way into music, he studied with a renowned choreographer Tony Basilwho worked on it American graffiti. Soon after, he joined The Pharcyde along with founding members Imani (Emandu Wilcox), Slimkid3 (Trevant Hardson) and Fatlip (Derrick Stewart) in a career he never expected. But once the rhyme error was overcome, there was no turning back for Bootie. He reflects on The Pharcyde’s work with producer J Dilla, who was unknown at the time but was praised by A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip for his groundbreaking beats: “Watching J Dilla at work and just in the studio I realized it was groundbreaking. That traditional “rule book” about what you’re supposed to do and how you’re supposed to do your song, it’s what counts in that moment.”
Bootie also talks about his ongoing and fruitful collaborations with Damon Albarn and Gorillaz. A frequent touring member of the group, Bootie can also be heard on “Dirty Harry,” a highlight from Gorillaz’ debut album. demon days. Keep an eye out for Bootie’s latest collaboration with Tame Impala and Gorillaz, New Gold, which debuted in Summer 2022.
Although Bootie found fame early in his career, he warns listeners not to get discouraged if it takes them longer to find success. “When you’re not getting everything you want when you’re young, you realize what’s right and what’s wrong,” he says. As he ages, Bootie’s openness and generosity allows him to find inspiration from a variety of sources. His desire to express the beauty of the human spirit inspires him to continue creating, collaborating, and contributing for many years to come. Tune in to today’s episode for a pep talk with the one and only Bootie Brown.