Rap Classical
RAP CLASSICAL is a 4-man crew comprised of: OHJAY (Dutch Producer for the Legendary Dope Posse + BrainPower) JAY FRENZY (Dutch Emcee, Frontline Crew) SLIMM DIESEL (Washington, DC Emcee) PASHA THE EMCEE (NYC Emcee, Candlewax Records, Concentrated Efforts Crew)
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
The word "serendipity" comes to mind when describing how these four Hip-Hop veterans came together as the international, yet throwback Hip-Hop group RAP CLASSICAL. Producing beats since 1991, OhJay is best known for his unparalleded beat production for albums like "Family Jewels" with the legendary Dutch Hip-Hop crew, DOPE POSSE, and Dutch Hip-Hop legend BRAINPOWER. Ohjay, who teamed up with Washington, DC fire-spitter and ex-US Air Force commander, SLIMM DIESEL in 2003, after a chance meeting between mutual friends, formed the original Rap Classical duo. The two instantly clicked and produced bangers like "Two Mo' Drinks", "You", and "Run" and a pluthura of others. In 2004, another chance encounter brought Dutch rap veteran JAY FRENZY into the mixture when the DenBosch native, and his Frontline crew, linked with OhJay at his DOPELAB studio to create a track called "The Mirror", for their album "Certified Bangers". JAY FRENZY and SLIMM DIESEL crossed paths in the Dopelab, and with chemistry overflowing, the trifecta created the lighters-in-the-air track "What I Need" (feat. Dutch r&b singer TJERK), with other quality songs soon to follow. PASHA-THE-EMCEE (Candlewax Records, Concentrated Efforts crew) is a native of New York City, who lived in Washington, D.C. for several years (ironically two blocks away from Slimm Diesel, but the two never met in D.C.). Crossing the "pond" to Holland as an escape from the U.S., in search of new territory and inspiration, Pasha linked with the crew through mutual friend DJ RAZOE. Pasha is probably best known for his underground track "Nah" produced by DJ Blake9 and remixed by MACCA of Puma Strut Records in the U.K. Pasha has been featured on numerous compilations that have sold worldwide, including Japan, Australia and England. Represening different areas of the globe, three distinct emcee styles combine and blend over tight production by one of Holland's premiere producers, making for a crew that cannot be ignored. As a group, the foursome is currently working on their first album release, "WELCOME TO REALITY", due out this summer, and their first video "NO DOUBT", directed by DUNYA due out in June. RAP CLASSICAL: You Betta Love It!
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
We've played several shows in Holland in Eindhoven (The Effenar and De Witte Dame), Den Bosch (The Factory) and Tilburg (013). We shine when we perform live with three emcees coming together as one. Our first performance at the Effenar was our most memorable.
Your musical influences
DITC, Jay Dilla, MF Doom, Rakim Allah, Slum Village, Show and AG, Dre, Wu-Tang, Masta Ace, tru skool Hip-Hop artists and others. We have a powerful live show with a discography of beats from one of Holland's premiere producers, with true and relevent lyrics regarding the world as we see it.
What equipment do you use?
Two turntables and three mics.
Anything else?
Just us.
