Many albums are released without the praise and ceremony that they deserve in the mainstream. One such album was Hallways. Released through Stones Throw Records, the album features production from some of the greatest of today’s independent era and thought provoking lyrics from NYC’s Homeboy Sandman. Homeboy’s flow is the epitome of what I’ve called conversational Rap, schooling you on perspectives of politics and relationships. We were able to speak with the emcee about the family at Stones Throw, the impossibility of his running for office, and much more.
You can buy your copy of Hallways HERE and read our interview with the Homeboy below.
These days, the term “lyricist” is loosely applied to a lot of rappers. Back then, you really had to earn that title whereas now, people are proclaiming it themselves. As someone who could be considered a lyricist, through and through, how do you feel about that term?
My music definitely has lyrics. Lyricist, I think is synonymous now with people who have good lyrics. I think the whole thing is kind of silly to be honest. Rap is all lyrics. That’s like, “Yo, this person is a chef and he can also cook.” I don’t know how it got to be if you have good lyrics, you’re a lyricist.
Makes sense. So who are some of the other lyricists or artists on your iPod?
I was just listening to the Jonwayn-”Black Magic” track on repeat. And “The Come Up Pt. 2.” I listened to Lupe’s “Gold Watch.” I listened to Jay Z-”Only In America” earlier. I just got Spotify so I went back and checked out The Roots albums. I’m addicted to Oddisee. I’m a big fan of Blu. I listened to The Strokes earlier.
So are you familiar with The Black Opera?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m familiar with Buff. I’ve never seen them live or taken in their whole project but I’ve definitely heard some excellent stuff from them.
I ask because you guys are often very motivated in your lyrics on topics of politics and affecting change. Do you write with that purpose or are you getting things off your chest?
I go through phases when it comes to that. There’s been a lot of things that I’ve written, musically and otherwise, that I’ve really wanted to affect change. Sometimes I feel like that’s my responsibility. Sometimes I feel like it isn’t. Sometimes I feel like that’s impossible. Sometimes I feel like that’s possible. Everything I intake is an influence on me. That goes for things I see in the streets, the stuff I hear, the stuff I see on the internet or television. I don’t understand why people don’t want to admit some obvious stuff about how people are influenced by the media that they intake. It seems to be pretty clear that people who determine what’s popularized in the media are behind the culture at large. I’ve spent a lot of time in my life and in my career feeling like my points are the right one. Right now, my responsibility is letting people know how I see it. I don’t anyone to be worse off. I definitely care about people. I’m not trying to hurt people from my profit.
Have you ever considered running for office like some rappers?
Nah, that stuff seems like a big f*cking joke to me. I would never get involved with that bullsh*t. I tell the truth. I’m a man of action. I don’t think those characteristics make me suitable for that line of work. It’s a big distraction. I think politics is a celebrity culture for people.
So let’s get into the music. How did you come up with the concept and title for the album, Hallways?
Shouts to Angel Huffman. He also did my White Sands cover. Shouts Lauren Jazbo for that photograph. I thought the expression really said a lot. It looked like I was thinking but it looked like I was certain but at the same time, I thought confident. I let Angel hear the album and what it means to me, and the title, Hallways. Hallways is transitions. Hallways is right before you get where you’re going. It’s Always with an H and an S. It’s in flux. I look at the picture and it’s things coming together. That’s a lot of what the album’s about.
I don’t know if I’m reading into this too much because a lot of rappers have been mentioning this but is that a 3rd eye on your forehead on the cover?
I don’t think you are. It’s been called the third eye. Angel and I didn’t discuss putting a third eye on me but I look at that and I look at my chest, and I think of the chakras. The heart chakra. The brain chakra. I’m a big believer in the 6th sense intuition. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
You mentioned how hallways are an intermediate stage. Do you see the destination at the end of your hallway?
I’ve got one goal now. I feel very fovunate. I love my life. I love music. I love creating. My favorite movie is The Matrix. But one of my favorite movies is Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. You have Wild Stallions. Their music is so good and so loved that it made the world a better place. That might sound cheesy but I have an opportunity to speak on things and make an impression. That is my goal. It’s to be real life Wild Stallions status. That was my goal when I began and that’s still my goal. I don’t have plans for things that happen along the way. Sometimes I feel like my music is a productive energy.
I saw that you had a short cameo in the Stones Throw documentary. How is it working with them since you signed?
That was actually shot the first week I was signed. Definitely shouts out the entire Stones Throw enclave. Certain people, I’ve definitely made close bonds with. Being the only New York artist on a label that is a little different for me because I’m always in New York. I was out there for 3 weeks in July, shooting videos and recording stuff. I think I’ve been able to create great chemistry with Jonwayne. Peanut Butter Wolf is my peoples. MED and I have done joints. Stepkids and I have done joints. I’ve had a chance to work with Karriem Riggins. Guilty Simpson is another cool cat. Knxwledge is another person I’m really excited to keep working with.
Anything else you’d like to discuss about the album?
I want the album and music to speak for itself.
Bryan Hahn will also let the music speak for itself. He’s on Twitter (@notupstate).