Rashad and Confidence recently returned with an excellent new single, “Desires”. We got the chance to sit down with Confidence to discuss the track, the legacy of The Element of Surprise, and his hopes for another full-length project from him and Rashad in the not too distant future.
Its been eight years since you and Rashad dropped The Element of Surprise. Why the long gap between that album and the new single, “Desires”?
That’s a real good question. I’ve been ready since the day after the first release. Rashad and I did start off strong recording several joints but then it just dropped off. Hopefully, we’ll have a chance to continue what we started.
The Element of Surprise has a strong cult following. As a long-time follower of Ill Adrenaline I can honestly say I was down with the album when it first came out, but it feels like other people only discovered it in recent years. How do you feel about its legacy?
The Element of Surprise not being heard by the masses, for those that love and cherish it, the project will always be remembered as one of the best projects of the modern era, and not many artists could say the same thing. If I never made another album like All City, I would be content knowing not many artists have a project like this under their belt. To me, it’s always been about quality over quantity.
Emcee/producer collaboration albums have had a big resurgence in 2019, from Pete Rock & Skyzoo, to various projects from Statik Selektah, and the incredible run of albums from DJ Muggs. They feel like real, genuine projects with rapper and beatmaker properly focussed on each other. What is it for you, as a producer, that appeals most about working on full-length collaborations with one emcee?
It’s a throwback to the ’90s when albums were made with more fluidity and continuity. When that changed in the early aughts you could hear a difference in the quality of the music. My goal has always been to capture the essence of the ’90s by doing a project with one emcee and producer.
You also produced The Purpose of Confidence in 2012 with Purpose. His Tragic Allies crew has had a big year, with Estee Nack in particular catching the wave of indy/street rap bubbling over to the mainstream. Is must feel good to see them winning?
Estee Nack been dope. It always sounded like he could flow effortless and have the wordplay to back it up. Plus, he reps his city hard so I know when he’s in the right position he will bring others with him to keep the torch lit. Congrats to him and the moves he’s making.
So far we’ve had this new single. Is it leading to a new full-length album from you and Rashad?
As mentioned, Rashad and I started recording new joints back in 2012 but I’m hopeful this momentum will get us back to creating to give fans more of that authentic music.
Finally, I know that Gang Starr have been an influence on you as a producer. How do you feel about One of the Best Yet?
Well “Family and Loyalty” was the first digital song I ever bought followed by the purchase of the vinyl, so you could say I am a big fan indeed. However, I wish the album as a whole was better although I’m still grateful to hear one of the all-time best groups in hip-hop history again even though Guru isn’t with us anymore. RIP.
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“Desires” by Rashad & Confidence is out now via Ill Adrenaline Records – purchase on wax here. Follow Confidence on Twitter. Interview by Grown Up Rap Editor Ben Pedroche.