Go “Behind the Boards” With Question (Exclusive Interview)

What up world! This week I am introducing a new sub-series entitled "Behind the Boards" where I will be interviewing artists, producers and engineers about studio life and the process of creating the songs you've come to love.

To jumpstart "Behind the Boards", I sat down with Question. The San Antonio based lyricist is dropping a brand new project tomorrow, "Xanax II"I via iTunes with physical copies becoming available on Tuesday. I've had the pleasure of having this double disc project in rotation for the past few days, and let me be one of the first to say that it does not disappoint. Boasting features from Talib Kwali, Bun B, Chester French and Trey Songz, amongst others, this project is literally and sonically not the average 'Texas rap' album. The project starts strong and Question never looks back as he demolishes track after track. The most enticing attribute of "Xanax III" is Question's uncanny ability to touch every emotion while staying true to his sound and himself. If you are familiar with his work, "Xanax III" certainly displays his growth as an emcee and a man and a father.

Question is the type of dude that makes you feel like you could just sit and listen to him and learn about life. His words and his music are very endearing. After seeing the industry inside and out and being faced with the pressures that come with being on a major label, the San Antonio representative definitely has a unique outlook on the current state of hip-hop. Read along as we peek into the studio with him and as he gives some great insight into the perils of being a recording artist in today's climate.



John: What up bro. Would you like to introduce yourself to the readers?

Question: Whats up world? This is Question. I'm a southern Hip Hop Artist out of San Antonio, Texas.

J: How long would you say you've been 'in the industry'

Q: For over 10 years. I actually started on the management side then progressed into an actual solo artist.

J: What advantages/disadvantages have you confronted being an artist situated in Texas who doesn't make typical 'Texas rap'?

Q: The advantage is being in a state so big, you can have a following 200,000 thousand fans strong all based out of Texas.You can damn near go gold off in-state fan base alone.Disadvantage? Has to be that most people outside of Texas write you off as typical "Diamonds in my grill/ candy paint/lean sippin'" rapper. Though I have that culture embedded into my DNA, I'm much deeper than that. It's hard for most outsiders to believe that.



J: What is your typical creative process? How long does it take you to make a song start to finish?

Q: Surprisingly quick. If an idea hits me, it usually doesn't take more than 30 to 45 minutes to complete. I've always wondered how good my music would be if I actually took time with it.

J: As an artist, how important is 'your sound'?

Q: I think it's everything. If you don't develop your own identity, you're doomed. When I started, I got a lot of Eminem and Ludacris comparisons. I had to grow out of that and into my own. Once I did, the support started to pour in. Your "sound" is probably most important factor in being successful or having longevity.

J: How involved are you in the mixing/mastering process of your material?

Q: Very (involved). Actually, my wife and my boy Hits mix and master everything. And yeah (I said), my wife! My girl went to engineering school in L.A. She's crazy with it. But to answer your question, I'm very involved, yet I trust those two, so I don't have to be AS involved as I once was.



J: How do you feel about the influx of artists releasing material that has obviously not been recorded using professional equipment?

Q: I think it's horrible. You may feel like recording to GarageBand on a Radio Shack mic is saving you money, but it's not. To me, anyone not willing to invest in their own sound, to make sure the quality is on point, should quit NOW! Fans notice shit like that, no matter how dope you might be.

J: Which is more important in today's industry: quality or quantity?

Q: Quality. Hands down. But if you can do both, which is hard to do, you'll really be a success.

J: What is your current situation as far as independent or signed? Is this situation ideal for what you're doing? Why?

Q: I was signed to a 360 deal at Sony/ Epic for two years. I'd have to say, I would much rather be indie, but if I was successful on the major level, maybe I'd be talking different. But I wasn't, and having freedom to be myself is worth it. I say stay indie unless they give you the right deal.

J: Any details you wanna give the readers about your upcoming LP, Xanax III?

Q: It is a very personal album. I haven't put out any music out in almost 8 months because I was fighting Sony for my name/ likeness and my masters. It was a bitch, but I won. In that time period I grew as a person. I saw the real world again and you can hear (that growth) in this album. I approached it like it might be my last. I had to say and do what I never have said musically AND I realized I really don't give a fuck anymore about the industry or the politics. I'm just having fun, doing what I love to do: make music.

J: Anything else we should be on the look out for?

Q: More music. I got the itch back. I plan on releasing a bunch of new shit before the years up.

Be sure to hit Question on Twitter (@question210) or via email (question210@me.com) and make sure you cop "Xanax III", via iTunes. And check out two of the project's standout tracks, "I'm So Tall" ft. Bun B and Talib Kweli and "Thou Shall Not Fall" right now below.

And definitely stay tuned for future editions of Behind the Boards in the coming weeks!!!!!