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Horseshoe Gang Explains 'Anti-Trap Music' Before It Drops
RnB/Hip Hop | Monday 4th April 2016 | Tom
Best known for their affiliation with Crooked I, West Coast representatives Horse Shoe G.A.N.G. comprising of Demetrius, Julius, Kenny and Andrew "Dice" exploded onto the Hip-Hop scene with their 1st album entitled, "Gangsta MC" which was well received and since then they have gone onto to work with various other artists within the Hip-Hop genre to release great tracks and collaborations.
I hope you’re having a good day, can you describe your current mind set?
Our mindset is similar to the mindset Bruce Wayne probably had while he was training to battle Superman in the Batman vs Superman movie... Focused.
How did the name 'Horseshoe Gang’ come about?
Our group name used to be Untouchable Gang, and we would wear Indianapolis Colts gear cause the horseshoe is positioned like a U. We started calling ourselves Horseshoe Gang and it just stuck.
For people who haven’t heard you before, what song should they listen to in order to get the full flavour of Horseshoe Gang?
For listeners to fully understand Shoe Gang, they should listen to a long song called Anti Trap Music. It may seem like it's the length of 11 songs, but never mind that haha
You guys have a unique sound, how has being brothers influenced this?
Being a group of brothers is by far the most unique thing about Horseshoe Gang. There's been groups of rapping siblings, but none quite like us. The chemistry and vibe we have in the studio makes us a well-oiled machine. It's super dope and we need to document our recording process one day so people understand what we mean. Being bros definitely influence our sound.
You have a less than favourable view when it comes to trap music, naming your album (released April 29th) ‘Anti-Trap Music’. Do you feel that this is because you have grown up in Long Beach, an area that has developed its own style, brought up in the 90’s by the likes of Snoop and Dre?
Absolutely! From the early '90's til the present, Long Beach has had countless artists with dope lyrics, style, and creativity. So growing up in LB has a lot to do with why we don't feel the need to conform with the rest of the rap industry. Anti Trap Music is an album that serves as a perfect example. These lame-ass rappers can spend their careers making a million songs about peddling dope to their own people. Meanwhile, the Shoe Gang will be busy trying to make well-rounded albums that reflect many aspects of life.
What do you think of the mainstream scene as a whole?
Mainstream Hip-Hop reaching new heights is dope. Like President Obama expressing that his Favorite song is one by Kendrick Lamar, from Compton California. But on the downside, some of Hip-Hop's button pushers and listeners are turning this culture into a corny popularity contest. Some of these soft-ass Rap cats are more concerned with how many likes they have on an Instagram post than how many people in Barber Shops are praising their latest album. The mainstream needs rappers like KXNG Crooked to lead it.
You’re lyrics are political, especially in reference to the police. For us British fans can you break down the mood behind this?
Well, we're four brothers from the slums who've never been to jail but had handcuffs slapped on us many times. That alone speaks volumes about what type of officers we've encountered all-too often. Cops killing young Black and Brown US citizens should never be acceptable. Our song "Shoe-icide Squad" is an extreme form of protest. Part of the process to become an officer of the law should include hours of mandatory community service in the inner-city. At churches, schools, homeless shelters etc. That way, the people assigned to "protect" and serve would have experience understanding and interacting with the people who are normally viewed as criminals based on their appearance.
How important is music in expressing displeasure with the current system?
Very important. Music has the power to shape society. James Brown was able to restore order at a concert immediately following Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination. All cause people look up to musicians. Especially those who spread messages. Songs like "Fuck The Police" and "We Are The World" changed people's lives.
Who has influenced you to make the music that you make?
Our mother, our elder bros Mad Man and KXNG Crooked. And rappers like N.W.A, Rakim, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and 2Pac to name a few.
Who are your favourite historical figures?
Socrates, Gandhi, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr. And any rapper who stands against the Shoe Gang, who will become a historical figure immediately after they fuck with us haha.
If you weren’t called Horseshoe Gang what would your name be?
The Four-Headed Monster!
If you could fill a swimming pool with anything and dive into it, what would you choose?
Money! Specifically coins so we could swim in it like Scrooge McDuck haha.
If your lives had a theme song what would it be?
The theme song for the show Good Times. That song fits us perfectly being that we have good times despite barely keeping our heads above water.
Do you guys have a motto that you live by?
Grind And Never Give-up. That's actually what the "GANG" represents in our group name. We never give up on our grind.
What does 2016 have in store for Horseshoe Gang?
A ton of music videos, a tour, our Horseshoe Comics, and a bunch of supporters visiting seven13ent.com and clicking on seven 13 store to order Anti Trap Music. Shout out to Guestlist Network and every COB/Horseshoe supporter in the UK and worldwide.
