Barbaydose Promises to Keep The Bay Area Buzzin' (Interview)
For quite some time, Bay Area indie rap group Barbaydose has been pumping out quality music, and built a following as a result. Consisting of producer/rapper/engineer Hiright and fellow producers/rappers Bsidez and J.MAL who have all enjoyed solo careers previously, Barbaydose is all about fusing various sounds, styles, and unique lyricism to bring forth music that can be hailed as classics.
Coming off the success of their debut album, "Future Reminiscent", the group is looking to take their movement to another level. Being true visionaries, they seek to tap into uncharted levels in music that would eventually seal their legacy, and inspire generations of new artists.
Recently, Barbaydose chopped it up with HypeOffLife.com to talk about the journey as an independent rap group, the debut album "Future Reminiscent" and what has been happening since its release, the new single "Confidence", whether or not they'd sign to a major label, and doing it for the Bay Area. Check it out below!
Thanks for coming thru! First and foremost, how has the year been treating you?
It’s been really good. Our extended crew has dropped 3 singles while Barbaydose has been able to record as a group again heading out of the pandemic. We’re working on new projects. Filled with positives and many blessings individually and collectively.
So, you all are fresh off the release of a new single, “Confidence”. What inspired the track?
It was based on a simple chant that Bsidez and J.Mal were throwing around in addition to having a conversation about wanting to make something a little more uptempo than we usually make. Our sessions usually begin with Hiright working on a rough outline of a beat with J.Mal and Bsidez freestyling or throwing concepts out to put on paper.
What role do you think confidence plays in success and getting what you want out of life?
Manifesting and belief go hand in hand with having confidence. We trust and have belief in each other and what we do together as a group. The song "Confidence" is one of many steps in our ladder to success.
What do you think you all are bringing different to Bay Area Hip Hop culture?
New perspective on similar experiences with a region faced with gentrification. Within our group we come from different backgrounds and our ideas collide to create something greater. Also, a bit from the past and a bit into the future.
Take us back to the moment in time when you knew you were Hip Hop.
Bsidez was in sixth grade and saw his friends breakdancing on the quad. He tried and did his first backspin perfectly. That was Hip Hop! It was Hirights soundtrack to his youth as an aspiring skateboarder and it resonated fully in high school. It prompted him to get his first set of turntables and learn how to mix records. J.Mal has been a musician and writing rhymes from a young age so I would say he’s always been Hip Hop.
How would you describe the Barbaydose sound?
A renaissance, futuristic grabbing from the past. Honest-bars. We never want to do the same thing a second time. We’re pushing ourselves through different soundscapes and rhyme styles outside of our comfort zone to promote growth.
You released your debut album, “Future Reminiscent” last year. What type of feedback have you guys received?
Really great intro to the group. People have told us it has a high replay value. Strong debut. Got people excited about what's coming next from the crew.
What challenges have you all had to overcome as indie artists?
Going head to head with the machine algorithm and budget. We are DIY. We are still learning the business, what works and what does not work. Growing a fanbase organically is a lot of time and work as well as keeping up with the modern need for attention grabbing content everyday are just a few.
Would you ever sign a deal?
Possibly, if the situation makes sense and if we keep ownership of our art and all parties involved get a fair share of profits. An EP/album deal might work with a larger label pushing us to a global market.
What’s next for Barbaydose?
We got more music coming, performances and visuals. Working to expand our reach, sound and have Barbaydose become a global name.
