ABQ-Live got a chance to talk with busy hip hop group Ground Up as they start their national tour and make their way into Downtown Albuquerque this Saturday, October 24th at Sister Bar!
How has Philly influenced you guys in your Hip Hop music?
Molotov – Philly is an amazing city full of artistic people. Ground up was founded here in Philly at Temple University. If it wasn’t for this city we wouldn’t exist.
BIJ – When I was in highschool , the first hip hop show I went to was reef the lost cause in philly. 4 years later I was making songs with him and freeway. Little did I know that would ever happen. Life is surreal!
Azar – Philly is everything to us. It’s where we grew into men and musicians. This city helped facilitate our creative needs and everything else apart from that. We take great pride in repping a city as soulful and gritty as Philadelphia. Hopefully, when it’s all said and done, people will take great pride in the fact that we started this whole thing in this magical city.
How long have you all been making music?
I (Azar) started writing and recording music when I was about 14. Bij comes from a family of musicians so he’s been surrounded by it forever. And when I met Malcolm 7 years ago, he already had published a book of poetry. Once we all met, our talents came together and we started taking this very seriously.
Molotov – We’ve all spent nearly half our lives at this point. It’s a commitment.
Where do you guys see yourself in 5 yrs regarding your Hip Hop career?
BIJ– I see us traveling the world with our friends. The way it’s always been just on a much bigger scale. My goal is to make sure none of my friends need to work a job because they’re so devoted to this, that would be an accomplishment.
Molotov – It has always been our goal to be able support a family life with only our music. If we aren’t there in five years we better be close.
Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
Azar – Bij Lincs does almost all of our productions. He’s our best friend and it’s just easy to work with someone like that. Not to mention, it’s a huge advantage having an in-house producer. He’s the most creative guy in the world and we feed off each others ideas and knowledge. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What influences you in making hip hop?
BIJ – my friends are my biggest influence in the creation of hip hop music. I listened to hip hop my whole life however they were the ones who schooled me in that genre. I did not know much about the industry until I met them. I think that many people can tell that I love jazz through my production.
Where can we find your music and info?
BIJ – like most modern day bands, we are all over the internet. We promote our group on Instagram and facebook however, you can find us on blogs and google searches. Instagram & Twitter: @TheRealGroundUp Facebook.com/SkillOverSwag
Early influences?
BIJ – early influences are my brothers and parents. Before I met the group of friends that I have now, I was still playing music, such as guitar and piano but it wasn’t until 12th grade of highschool that I started producing/recording what I played. My parents never pushed sports and my brothers are musicians as well so my house was loaded with all types of instruments.
How long have you been on tour? When do you finish?
We have been on tour for 5 days now, so far I love it as much as any other tour we’ve been on. Rest stop food, bizzare green room art, late night drinking, little stages … I love it all. Tour is great because it brings us together and allows us to really work on the dream we all share.
See GROUND UP live at SISTER BAR in Downtown Albuquerque this Saturday, October 24th! Brought to you by 808 and ABQ-Live! Grab your tickets online at http://www.holdmyticket.com/event/220797
Listen to more music from Ground Up at https://soundcloud.com/groundupsounds
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