The 10 Question(s) Q&A Session Series: Substantial

The 17th and first edition of the “10 question(s) Q&A series” of the year we got the chance to connect with QN5 recording artist Substantial, an artist that has been recording, touring the world, releasing albums for close to 10 years now. Its now 2010, and its the year Substantial is set to release the most amount of projects hes ever done this year with solo albums, collaborations and mixtapes, this versatile emcee doesn’t show any signs of letting up anytime soon. Stan talks to us about his new album with Marcus D, his success in Japan and his forthcoming mixtape project “Wink” out Feb 9th.

Dub MD: Substantial, what’s good fam? For those who don’t know, could you just give a short review of what you’veexperienced in your music career up until now?

Substantial: Peace fam, all is well bro. It’s tough to cram 10 years of experience in to a few words but lets just say after several albums, mixtapes, music videos, tours from the US, Canada to Europe and Japan and the many other blessings I’ve experienced, I’m still as excited as ever about creating new music and sharing it with the world.

Dub MD: Coming from Baltimore, how does coming from there shape your attitude to the music/culture? and what do you think of the DMV music scene right now?

Substantial: Well for the record, I’m from PG County, but Baltimore is home now. Being from Maryland makes me feel like I have something to prove to the world. Simply because I think artist from here like feel like we have something to say like everyone else but our perspective is unique because we’re right here near the nations capitol which has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the US and by a another city that has a murder rate that has ranked in the top 2 or 3 in the US for several years. Our scene is an impressive one. We have a lot of quality talent here. I’m proud of my area.

Dub MD: You’ve got a new collaboration album with Marcus D in the works right now, can you give us a little background on the album, and when can we expect to hear it?

Substantial: We just finished it last month and we’re both proud of it. Very soulful with heavy jazz influence. For folks who appreciate my earlier work, it’s what they’ve been waiting to hear from me. The album is to be released in Japan but will be available digitally, worldwide.

Dub MD: With this new album, what artists are you connecting with this time around? and what’s your label situation for the album, is it coming out through QN5?

Substantial: Got features by folks like Edgar Allen Floe (Justice League), Cise Starr (CYNE). Mr. SOS (QN5), Tunji (Inverse) amongst others. Steph who sang on “My Favorite Things” contributes her awesome talent to about half of the record.

Don’t want to tell you everyone that’s on it just yet. I’m still with QN5 but since it’s a Japan release, it’s being handled by Elevation & Tamashie Creations.

Dub MD: Where do you get the inspiration to write the type of material you do? what is the writing process like when it comes to working on your projects? and why do you think mc’s that keep integrity in their music, never make a real mark on soundscan?

Substantial: My inspiration is all around me. Life can be an amazing muse. My process basically is figuring out the direction I want to go based on the feeling the music gives me, followed by me scatting and humming melodies.

Then I put pen to paper or finger to key depending on where I am. Well I think it has more to do with exposure and a budget than integrity. If the artist makes music that appeals to the people, positive or negative, people will buy it if they know it’s out there.

Dub MD: You’ve got something a whole host of emcees would love to have and that’s a huge following in Japan, how did that come about and why do you think your music connects with them over there so much?

Substantial: I’ve been blessed man. I was originally signed with a Japanese label from 1999 to 2002. So that’s how I began to build that base. From what I’ve experienced when I visit, they connect with it because of my message and of course the music. They love their “jazzy hip-hop” and I’m more than happy to provide them with it.

Dub MD: You’ve got a free mixtape coming next week entitled “Wink: Something Substantial” can you tell us the concept behind that and why should heads download it over the hundreds of other mixtapes out there?

Substantial: The concept is basically a 10 journey of my love songs and collaborations. I’m not claiming to present something that’s never been done, I just felt like I have my own experience and unique way of tackling the topic.

They should download it because it’s rare that you find a quality hip-hop project that tackles this topic in a way that ANYONE can enjoy. Not just lovers of hip-hop or people who love…love, but people who love good music and variety.

Dub MD: What do you think is your most defining and unique characteristic that sets you apart from every other emcee out there? and how would you describe your style to those who still haven’t heard your production?

Substantial: It would be my voice and my versatility. My style is about maintaining quality hip-hop while trying to give people something they can connect with. I just want the listener to feel something when they listen to me. What that feeling is, is for them to decide.

Dub MD: You’ve done shows all over the world, If I’m coming to a Substantial show. What am I going to experience, that I won’t experience from just listening to your material on CD?

Substantial: Well if you pay attention you’ll realize that I’m truly the dude you listen to and not a false image I’ve tried to create and push on folks. I think people feel the genuineness when I perform. I bare all and put my soul on display. I’m not there to be cool or a fake ass tough guy, just me. If you don’t feel it from the CD, you’ll damn sure see it live.

Dub MD: What is on tap for Substantial for 2010 and beyond? do you have anything to say to the fans? anything you wannaget off your chest? any shout outs?

Substantial: I’d love to tell y’all everything that’s in store for this year but y’all will just have to watch and see (www.QN5.com). I will say that my 3rd solo album will drop this year. To the fans, you are all appreciated more than you know. Shout out to QN5 Music and all of my fam and friends worldwide.

Don’t forget to do what you can to help Haiti. Donate your $$$ and your time if possible to help our people. We are all family. Peace.