KEEP IT OLDSKOOL INTERVIEW

 

Steady B and Tat Money  “Whats my Name”  album

 

Dj Tat Money has been a mainstay in the Philadelphia Hip Hop scene since the beginning. From being a member of the Hilltop Hustlers (Cool C, Steady B) and  then being the Dj for Kwame.  Keep It  Oldskool’s Chuck Da Original Oldhead  spoke to the producer/ DJ about what else? Oldskool

 

 

What is the first record that you ever bought?

“The first record , depending on what genre your speaking of since  I was buying records when I was 8.  My first one was 45 record by Parliament Funkadelic. “Aqua boogie”. My first Hip Hop record was Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five-  Freedom”

 

Why do you think Oldskool is now coming back in a big way?

“Honest opinion  is because the new artists haven't embraced the artists before them.  So you have a generation of artists that are disconnected from the people who paved the way. Very different from when we put out records because we hoped our forefathers approved.  Needless to say , this is causing most to steer clear from radio and seek their own music. Preferably something they can feel” 

 

 

What was Hip Hop like in the 80s compared to now?

“In the 80's it was more pure, more organic.  And the fact that we could sample  alone has changed the sound of Hip Hop.  Today there's what I call keyboard beats.  I feel if one is going to make this kind of stuff,  they should study the older artists. R&B, Hip Hop,  Funk and Soul to educated themselves  then find a person you like and you can't go wrong.  The other difference is it's all about the money and what you can buy today. It wasn't that way in the 80's.the songs were party oriented  and having a good time etc.  

 

Kwame and A New Beginning

 

Do you think the DJ has become forgotten?

“Of course the Dj has been removed from the picture by design.  Listen to the songs today.  I've heard there are no hit records with scratching in it.    So the labels purposely got rid of the Dj.  And the  Mc is out for the money. So that leaves he DJ out with the exception of the real Hip hop heads that still get down with a DJ”

 

In those days Philly had a lot of acts (3xdope, Fresh Prince and Jeff, Cash and Marvelous, Schooly D Steady B and Cool C) was it all rivalries?

“That was a special time  we were getting our shot and we did our thing.   I would say it was friendly competition.  And that made us all better.   At the same one we were rooting for one another.  The thought was if one made it then Philly would be on the map. That was the race  Again it was so young and organic.  Cats were innocent and weren't corrupted.  It was a fun time we had the attention of everyone.  Being out at that time remember companies didn't have dozens of artists out at the same time.  So if u have a  LP out the focus was on you.   It was the beginning of the video era so again it was like reading a book when you got into the LP. Not cheating and watching the video.  Although the video gives u that extra insight on the artists now.  Without it, you used your imagination more” 

 

What are you up to now.

“Now I'm still doing what I did. I spin for The Alumni Kwame Special Ed Chubb Rock Dana Dane and Monie Love.   And I'm co-producing a documentary based in this same topic. The essence of Hip Hop  It's titled Check the Rhyme. We hope it will be out next year”

 

Thanks for your Time Tat

 

KEEP IT OLDSKOOL