Category: Madlib

Meyhem Lauren needs little in the way of introduction. His recent new album, Black Vladimir, fully-produced by Daringer, is one the most solid projects of 2022, reminding everyone that Mey is a founding father of the so-called ‘luxury rap’ movement. Matt Horowitz caught up with Meyhem Lauren to talk about the album, future projects, and of course, food.

How did you and Daringer first meet?

Westside Gunn was the first person from Griselda that I met. I met everyone else through him. We all linked and it’s been all love ever since.

What prompted you to start making music together?

After recording “Over Gold” and a few other songs that were unreleased at the time, Westside Gunn complimented me and Daringer’s cohesiveness and suggested that we do an album.

What’s the significance or intended meaning behind the title; Black Vladimir?

Black Vladimir is an alias that I’ve had for years. It was a name that I was known as in certain states during certain years. Now that I’m where I am now in life and it’s pretty impossible to have an alias, I figured it was a great album title.

Tell us about some of the features you and Daringer have on the album?

Action Bronson, Conway, Gunn, Hologram, Elcamino, and Flee Lord. We both just reached out to people we worked with closely and everyone came through with their A-game.

Who or what were some of your primary sources of inspiration and influence while making Black Vladimir?

Musically, I’ve listened to the same artists forever, so it’s always a lot of Mobb, Wu-Tang Clan, G Rap, Nas , Capone -N- Noreaga, Gang Starr, etc. in rotation. As far as life, I was in numerous different zones because the album was created over a number of years. There were highs and lows, but that all made the album better.

What was the writing, recording, production process like?

It was un-rushed and casual. The album took as long as it did because me and Daringer were both super-busy, so we’d knock things out at a leisurely pace. He was touring with Griselda and I was filming for F*ck, That’s Delicious and touring during most of the time the album was being written.

Can you tell us about some of your favorite moments while filming the “Broken Rubberbands” & “Red Pesto” music videos?

My favorite moment during the “Broken Rubberbands” video was actually getting it done. Minutes before boarding the plane to head from LA to Miami to film, my man called to let me know that he had issues with his boat and we couldn’t shoot on it. The whole plane ride I was texting other people in Miami that I knew and was able to get a last-minute yacht to shoot on. Shooting “Red Pesto” was completely unplanned. I was in Miami working on something else and noticed Conway posted a pic from Miami online, so I called to see if he was still in town. He said he was, but had to catch a flight, so we had to hurry up to shoot. When I asked him if he was ready to do a video on short notice he said, “I’m out here with a Ferrari and a bunch of the homies. It’s already a video scene; just pull up.”

How did your re-creation of The Freaknik Ragu from MF DOOM’s “Hoe Cakes” famously featured on MM..FOOD end up turning out?

The Ragu was fire, everything on FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR and Fridge Diving with Meyhem Lauren is fire. R.I.P. DOOM. The man was a legend.

What are five items of food, condiments, etc. you strongly suggest everyone have in their kitchen at all times for that last-minute Thursday night meal?

Chicken thighs, smoked paprika, ground cumin, pink sea salt, fresh cilantro, and fresh lemon.

Are there any plans for a full-length project with your brother and fellow emcee, Hologram AKA Jay Steele FKA Mr. Satin & Silk?

We are currently working on an EP and an album will eventually follow. Hologram has always been one of my favorites. I’m glad that he’s back in the booth again.

Are yourself, Action, Big Body Bes, Alchemist and the crew still filming food and travel shows like F*ck, That’s Delicious?

Not at the moment, but the second I get the call, I’m with it. In the meanwhile, we all have a ton of projects that we are working on. I’m, actually, on tour with Action right now.

What do you have planned for us next?

Meyhem/Madlib LP, Meyhem/DJ Muggs LP, Meyhem/Harry Fraud LP, Meyhem/Buckwild LP, and a few compilations that I’m curating in-between. You can, also, expect to see a lot of new food/cooking content.

***

Black Vladimir is out now – buy it here. Follow Meyhem Lauren on Twitter and Instagram. 

Matt Horowitz has been a hip-hop fan ever since he first heard Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) back in the mid-90’s, which positively or negatively changed his life ever since, depending on who you ask. He single-handedly runs online music publication The Witzard, and has been fortunate enough to interview Eothen ‘Egon’ Alapatt, Guilty Simpson, Ice-T and Mr. X, Dan Ubick, Career Crooks’ Zilla Rocca & Small Professor, Cut Chemist, and J-Zone, amongst countless others. He enjoys writing about and listening to hip-hop, Punk/Hardcore, and Indie Rock on vinyl with his lovely wife, while drinking craft beer, red wine, or iced coffee. To paraphrase both Darko The Super and the Beastie Boys: “Already Dead fans, they want more of this… I’m a Witzard like my man Matt Horowitz!”. Follow Matt here.