Hip Hop You Don't Stop
With our *all new* monthly music night launching in September, we are excited to welcome the first epic act that will be taking to the stage. Hip Hop House Band. We caught up with AJ and Johnny from the crew prior to their live show at Dirty Bones Kensington on Thursday September 5th, to talk about summer festivals, what to expect from their performance and of course what’s their fave choice from our menu.
For the readers who don’t know you, can you tell us a little about yourself and your history as a band?
Johnny: Peace, I’m Johnny Voltik, an MC, songwriter, producer and DJ. I’m a Bridgeport born Brooklynite who relocated to London a few years ago. I met the rest of the band about a year ago and we linked instantly. It’s fun playing together.
AJ: We all come from different areas of music. I had worked with each member of the band on varying types of gigs so it was awesome to find there was a shared love of hip hop.
What is your summer jam for 2019 and why?
AJ: Bhad Barbie by Babyfaced Savage. I like the dichotomy between Barbie’s swung feel and Tory Lanez's straighter feel. The beat goes hard and the bass has perfect distortion on it.
Johnny: This summer it’s all about the Bandana album by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. Another classic from them. Genius.
You guys perform a lot in London, what’s been your favourite venue in the City?
AJ: That’s a tough one. For me it’s probably one of the West End theatres. I’m gonna go with the Garrick. Theatre backstages are all quite similar (lots of stairs) but the Garrick has got this nice courtyard vibe after you pass through the stage door so you can get some fresh air in the interval. It’s like this little pocket of serene quiet right in the middle of London.
Johnny: My favourite is the Hootananny in Brixton.
What new artists are you really excited about? Is there anyone we should keep an eye out for?
AJ: I’m intrigued by Freddy Dredd. His productions are just straight weird and I love that. Lizzo as well of course because she spreads a great self-love message and works with Missy Elliott, who is just a god.
Johnny: I can’t front, I’m excited to put out my solo project, Gully Fried Hype. Bigging myself up eh? It’s my first release in like four years. Also, Summer Pearl is dope too. Watch her.
Who’s your favourite OG Hip Hop Artist/group?
Johnny: Wu-Tang are the greatest.
AJ: It’s got to be A Tribe Called Quest. Those J Dilla productions and really nice chord sequences. I’ve killed many an hour in airports with their albums.
If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
AJ: This list is basically infinite, but anyone who could make use of my areas of strength so someone like Jason Lindner or Ikey Owens.
Johnny: Ol’ Dirty Bastard or Madlib, for sure.
You guys are performing at The Big Feastival at Alex James’ Farm this August. Are you excited to be performing there?
AJ: Yeah I really enjoy doing festivals because of the social aspect of it, you're always bumping into other musicians. I don’t know if I’ll get to meet Alex, but I’ve always wanted to ask him about that TV show he went on where he had to be a conductor.
Johnny: I’m always excited to perform. I’m excited for some food too.
Is there anyone else on the line up you’re excited to see?
Johnny: I’m just excited to be a part of it. Who else is on the bill though? Sometimes I like not knowing ‘cos it makes it more of a surprise.
AJ: My very good mate plays for Lewis Capaldi, so it would be cool to see him.
What can the Dirty Bones crowd expect from you guys on September 5th?
AJ: Plain and simple filthiness
Johnny: Dirty Bones can expect a good time with us. People gonna sweat. We bring the ruckus always.
Have any of you been to Dirty Bones before? If so, what’s your favourite dish or cocktail at dirty bones?
AJ: I have actually, your cocktail menu is formidable. I really like the Deputy Dog, you have somehow improved the Margherita!
Johnny: Me too. Can't beat the chicken and waffles, reminds me of being back home.
Shout to Johnny and AJ from Hip Hop House Band for taking the time to sit down with us and chat, catch these guys in action on Thursday September 5th as they take to the stage in Kensington. Grab your crew and join us for live music night every first Thursday of the Month. Stay locked into our music & events page to stay up to date with the latest at Dirty Bones.