Sabac Red

Auf seinem neuen Album “The Ritual” verbreitet Sabac Red mehr Optimismus als noch vor vier Jahren. Diesen Eindruck mach der gebürtige Puerto Ricaner aus dem Psycho + Logical Camp auch in unserem Interview. Ein kurzes Gespräch darüber, was sich seit “Sabacolypse” alles getan hat – musikalisch wie persönlich. [Photo #1 by Trevor Traynor; Photo #2 by Patiri Photography]

“The Ritual” has been out for some weeks now. How has the feedback been so far?

The feedback has been great. Those who actually bought a hard copy also got to see the DVD and I have gotten great feedback on the DVD as well. Those who downloaded it, love it as well.

Why did it take you so long to come up with another full-length album?

In the four years since the “Sabacolypse” album I moved from Brooklyn, NY to California. I put out two full-length mix CD’s, toured, got married and landed a great job with the Unified School District. As you can tell, it was a real busy four years full of transformation and creation.

What makes the new album better than “Sabacolypse”?

This album isn’t better, it’s different. “Sabacolypse” was a bit more angry and pessimistic, whereas “The Ritual” is more personal and optimistic.

For what reason isn’t Necro featured on the album?

Necro is a real busy dude. While creating “The Ritual” he had tons of other responsibilities. Plus, Necro is not that dude who needs to be on everything to feel validated. He trusts me and knows the value I bring with or without him on the album.

The album’s cover artwork is kind of cryptic – how do you decipher it?

It’s a combination of all existence. It reveals the idea of good, evil and indifference. There is the sun, angels, demons, limbs, hearts, shadows, and energy created by the piece itself. The actual photo came from a handmade, 50 lb. sculpture that sits on a mantel at my house. It is made of hundreds of handmade metal pieces that are individually nailed to a solid wooden cross coming from South America.

To me, your lyrical approach is different from any other artists on Psycho+Logical-Records. Do you see yourself as the reputable part of the family?

I wouldn’t use the word reputable because we all are in our own right. I am however, considered the more political, socially conscious rapper on the label as a reflection of my lyrical content.

Did you ever have an aha experience that showed you that your lyrics impact on the listeners?

Yes, a number of times. I have gotten e-mails letting me know I have saved peoples lives. On the song “Sabacolypse” from the “Sabacolypse” album, I have a verse that talks about suicide and the last line I say is “I’ll choose to live because death is too easy”, which stated to kill yourself is cowardly and weak. This dude told me that that line saved his life. I get e-mails from parents, teachers, and individuals grateful of my work. Each of those is all “aha” moments.

What’s the state of affairs with Non Phixion – is a reunion on the cards?

No, but you never know what the future holds.

Any word on the Secret Society album and Goretex? In our last interview, Necro called him unbearable to deal with and extremely immature … what’s your point of view?

I retired that topic and wish everyone the best.

What made you work with less known groups like Third Kind, Critical Madness or Zoned Out? How did that come together?

Well, Zoned out is my boy M-Tri who I know longer than anyone else in this business. We grew up in the same neighborhood rapping, break dancing, and dj’ing when it wasn’t cool for kids who looked like us to do it. As for Third Kind, Critical Madness and others that’s all the Myspace connects. People hit me up on Myspace all the time to do collaboration. If I feel their work and there is some sort of budget, I make it happen. These artists also go on to become homies.

What can we expect next from Sabac?

To be honest, I am not sure. I know I will do more music, but this business sucks horse cock. I hate everything about the business, but I know I can still create and my fans that support me will be there. I defiitely have plans for ventures that do not involve music and I know people will be excited once they are up and running. Stay posted by logging on to http://www.myspace.com/sabac