How big would you estimate your record collection to be?

 

I grip and flip most of my records to keep the lights on so I only keep what I sample—what I hold near and dear—and covers for my wall, so I'd say a rough estimate is maybe about 3 to 4,000 at any given moment. I'm not on that hoarder shit—I buy whole library collections, use ‘em, once the beats get sold or used, I'll sell the whole collection and hit the reset button. 

 

What is it about vinyl that still captivates you?

 

It's knowing what goes into the creation of an album that still grabs me. I like the fact that being in the arena still counts for something. How many hip-hoppers in Elmo suits are trying to sell you their mixtape on vinyl? It takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to press your own vinyl, and I think that should still matter. The craftsmanship of the actual product. It's why I put out records, I want someone to find my record in a beat up old record store for a dollar, sit there, and decide whether or not it's worth a dollar to invest, go home, and be mind blown at the content on it. There is no better way of capturing a new ear. It's really a dopamine release at this point. It's not all that different from people with drug habits or gambling addictions. I could get married and be somewhere remote on my honeymoon, if I see a record store, I'm absolutely stopping and checking it out. 

 

Who are some of your collaborators? Do they chop on vinyl mainly too?

 

My collaborators are mainly people who play instruments but are also of the same mind state. Green Steez and I were pretty much on the level at one point and his progress was stunted by a misspent young adulthood smoking weed and dating selfish Latina women instead of digging in the crates and making beats. He's lucky he's method trained so he can still play the keys, guitar, and bass, so he still provides an immense value.