EPIC.

You never hear of certain artists in the tabloids, rumors on social media, or in the barbershops. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of your conversation when it comes to raw skill on the mic or on the boards. Blu and Nottz are mainstays when it comes to independent Hip-Hop. Blu has carved his own lane with his unorthodox yet intricate flows while Nottz has produced explosive beats for everyone from Snoop Dogg to J Dilla. Blu has typically rapped over minimal beats, compared to what Nottz is capable of, on his own but the marriage of complexity in lyrics and production only bring favor from the Rap heavens.

We were able to get a few minutes of Nottz’s time to speak on the project. Unfortunately, Blu was a bit tied up answering prayers from lesser emcees. But peep the quick Q&A with Nottz below and the stream for the project after the jump. Buy your copy of Gods In The Spirit HERE.

As anyone can tell with the title of this project, it was meant to sound epic on every level. How did you pick samples or go about creating melodies for it? What was that process like (crate digging/certain songs already in mind/etc.)?

Nottz: When Blu approached me with the title, I already knew what samples I wanted to flip and tracks that were already done that I had in the stash to create this backdrop for the project.

Why did you choose to remix “End of the World” and rap on that track in particular?

Nottz: (Laughs) The title alone spoke to me. When I thought “End of the World”, the first thing that came to mind was I wish I would’ve done everything right in my life. I wish all of my faults and sins would’ve been corrected or excused before the end. The vibe of the original version was the blue print for me to write.

Most of the project sounds like a straight up opera. Would you ever consider putting this EP as the soundtrack to an Opera, and then conduct a live orchestra?

Nottz: Opera? (laughs) Hell yeah!! If the opportunity presents itself I’m sold.

Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)