A lot of people don't realize that Orlando does, in fact, have a pretty active underground community of hip-hop artists. If you've so far gone unaware of our hometown scene, a good place to start would be by checking out local crew Caveman Theory, who believe musicians should bring both a good record and a solid live show to the table. Get to know them with this interview:
First things first, we noticed you're opening for Murs and Jean Grae on the 30th at Back Booth. How do you feel about them?
Kap: Murs is amazing. To tour that much is incredible. He's a machine. I haven't heard any projects that I've disliked from him yet. And hands down Jean Grae is one of the dopest emcees I've ever heard.
Godamus: Jean Grae is one of my favorites. She shows that girls can rock just as hard as dudes without compromising their images. She's smart, got sick ass punchlines, and is sexy as hell. Murs I'm jealous of. He's doing everything that I want to be right now. Touring coast to coast and making albums all the time.
Redd: I've followed Murs since he opened for Atmosphere in Orlando in 2002. Murs has got madd style and I appreciate that in an artist. His material with the Living Legends and 9th wonder is ridiculous. But I have to say my favorite stuff is from Felt 2. I havent really had a chance to experience a live show from Jean Grae, but the tracks I've heard are ridiculous. "Soap & Soda" with Masta Ace is probably my favorite that I've heard so far. Overall I'm extremely excited to be opening for these two nationally acclaimed acts. I'm positive the show is gonna be dope.
The show's part of Elements' "Hip Hop Month" lineup. How do you feel about Elements, and what kinds of events have you done together before?
Caveman Theory: We've done numerous events for Elements on campus and things are usually well organized. Unfortunately the scene doesn't always support.
A lot of people don't think of Orlando when listing the nation's top hip-hop scenes. How do you think orlando's scene really measures up?
Godamus: I think there's potential. The problem isn't a lack of artists or talent. The problem is an effective means to get people to come out and support the locals without some big name from out of town having to come through. Even Sol. illaquists had trouble getting support locally until they started touring with Sage Francis. And their's no question they're one of the most talented groups here.
Kap: I agree. We've got tons of talent in Orlando like Sol. illaquists of Sound, Grey Matter, and Critical Madness... And of course Caveman Theory. The real problem with the local scene isn't the talent, it's the fans. Most of the fans are artists themselves.
Redd: To add to what they said, I've been in the Orlando scene the longest out of the three of us, and back in 2001 when the HUSH show was still in full affect, the scene was totally different. Everyone came together strictly to see people spit and break dance. Now there's no common ground for anyone who wants to showcase their skills. It's become about who you know. Even to get a spot in a local showcase can sometimes be hard. It's never been a question of talent. I'd almost say there's too much.
Can you tell us a little something about the Cro-Magnon Mixtape? Where/when can we find it?
Caveman Theory: You can get it from our website, OfficialCavemen.Com and from our myspace page, myspace.com/cavemantheory. It features appearances by Splash ("The Ripple Effect"/9th Wonder Fame), K-Hill ("Da Instigator" 12-inch/Neblina Records), C-Style, and G-Ro of Stumpp, a rock/hiphop group on our label. It's a real mixtape, cut and blended by our DJ, DJ Dolo. By the way, it's FREE.
If there are any online distributors or Mom & Pop store owners who want it, they can simply contact our management at Lane6Kap90@aol.com We'll be glad to hook them up.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Caveman: There's too many to name really. There's four of us in the group and we all come from different backgrounds and have different tastes. Life is our biggest influence.
What do you think sets Caveman Theory apart from the rest of the music going on around Orlando, or just these days in general?
Caveman Theory: Originality. We're not scared to take chances with our music and try to not follow all the "rules". We have an Old School approach when it comes to our shows. We really believe in moving the crowd. We're not just a studio group. Usually the first time people hear us is live, and first impressions are everything.
Caveman Theory is a metaphor for change and evolution, but also going back to the basics. Beats, rhymes, and hunger.
Besides the March 30th show, where else can people catch you guys?
Caveman Theory: We're performing at the Odd Numbers record release party in North Carolina with The Away Team and L.E.G.A.C.Y. of the Justus League, the Florida Music Fest, and we're going on tour to Europe this November. There may be more dates in the near future, but right now we're concentrating on finishing our debut album, "Evolution" which is gonna be dropping this summer on Break'n Records.
interview by Jack Cusumano
MORE INFO: Official Cavemen, Caveman Theory Myspace