Atlanta has proven to be a breeding ground for many of today’s most
talented artists. This group is no different. The famous music/film
producer, Dallas Austin, believes in Da Backwudz’ music and talent so
much that he even re-launched his defunct label, Rowdy Records, just so he can work with them. Their video and song is in constant rotation on major television networks and radio stations. This song has many people reliving their Apollo aspirations of one day being able to sing, as well as, Jennifer Holiday did as she belted out this famous song, now famous hook, in the broadway play ?Dreamgirls.” Sho? Nuff and Big Marc are determined to make you love them. The group is none other than Da Backwudz.
AllHipHop.com: Why did you choose the name Da Backwudz?
Sho-Nuff: Our name has a two-fold meaning. First, we are from the east
side of Decatur. Many people would think that Decatur is just like
Atlanta. However, we are straight from the Dec, where the woods are
real deep with trees. We grew up in da woods.
Big Marc: Secondly, the woods has a significant meaning to us as a
connection to our African ancestors.
AllHipHop.com: So, how did Da Backwudz come to be?
Big Marc: Sho’ is my cousin. Our fathers are brothers. We grew up, and
have been there for one another since the womb. Our fathers were in the
church, and they taught us how to sing. But we found out that we loved
rapping in high school seperately.
Sho Nuff: I went to Lakeside High School, and Marc went to Redan. I
liked poetry, especially the work of E.E. Cummings. I would battle people
in the cafe during lunch. I didn’t know that Marc was trying to rhyme.
Big Marc: Yeah, he didn’t know I was trying to rhyme. It wasn’t just
about rhyming with me either, I wanted to perfect the art of production. I have been doing beats since I was in the tenth grade. So, when our own respective crew situations didn’t work out, we decided to just work together. It has been cool ever since.
AllHipHop.com: They often say that family and business do not mix well together.
How does it work for the two of you?
Sho Nuff: Marc is my cousin, and in my family, they emphasize that blood is thicker than water. We argue and disagree sometimes, but at the end of the day, he is still my cousin. We settle things by communicating with one another. We trust one another on a totally different level, and I know that we have each others best interest in mind.
AllHipHop.com: Dallas Austin says that you both are two of the most talented artists that he has heard in a long time. How do you feel about working with him?
Big Marc: Working with Dallas is an honor. He has produced and worked with a number of stars from TLC to Michael Jackson. He does believe in our music, and knows that we are trying to make an impact on the industry. We are not trying to be ordinary rappers saying the usual, ordinary things. We want to speak to people in a way so that they can relate to our circumstances. We are thankful that Dallas is supportive of us in our goals, and look forward to having a long-standing relationship with him.
AllHipHop.com: Who and what has inspired you both to pursue a career in the Rap game?
Sho? Nuff: We are inspired by good music. As we grew up, we were exposed to many different genres of music. We have a special love for R&B, and is the reason why we really love our first track, ?You Gonna Love Me.” When our producer, Milwaukee Black, bought us the track, we immediately loved it.
Big Marc: We are big fans of Otis Redding, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye. On the Rap tip, we are big fans of Outkast, Goodie Mob, the whole Dungeon Family, Biggie, Tupac, LL Cool J, Run DMC, and so many others. They spoke from the heart. They put you in a totally different mind frame, and showed us how powerful music was as it had the ability to make someone go from negative to positive in many cases.
AllHipHop.com: There are many people that have compared you to the legendary Outkast and Goodie Mob. How do you feel about being compared to people who inspired you?
Sho? Nuff: We are honored, because we did look to them because they had a powerful message. They are one of the main reasons why southern rap has become such a musical force now. They set out to do something that many others thought could not happen.
Big Marc: We just want to continue to the legacy that they have created through their artistic music.
AllHipHop.com: What are some of your favorite tracks of your debut album, Wood Work?
Sho?Nuff: My favorite track is ?Fantastic.” I like this track, because it is very pimpish like. In this song, I speak about how I am just as, if not more, fly than most dudes out here thinking that they are something that they are not. I do not talk about things, I am about them as well.
Big Marc: For me, my favorite track is ?Feeling Lonely.” It deals with so many issues that a lot of people can relate to such as: molestation, suicide, death, and depression. This track speaks to how people place so much importance in the material items or what someone else that they try to mask the pain that the person goes through within. Money can never take the place of the support, love, and understanding that can only be given by another person.
Sho?Nuff: Another one of our favorites is this song called ?Same Song,? where we just talk to our listeners.
Big Marc: ?Same Song? and ?Feeling Lonely? speak about some real stuff. We are telling stories about how people and the world really operate. I am sure that many of the listeners will agree that it is the truth that people do spiteful, evil things for their own selfish concerns. They could care less about how another person and their needs. It is crazy, but it is true.
AllHipHop.com: What special artist appearances can listeners expect?
Sho Nuff: It has been an incredible experience working on this album. Wood Work features appearances by Daz Dillinger, Sleepy Brown, Big Gipp of The Goodie Mob, Bohagon, Cassius Clay from the Major Way family, and none other than the legendary Funk king himself, George Clinton. This is a good album full of good music with good artists. They all were wonderful to work with in the studio. I am honored that so many people that I grew up listening to showed us love to appear on our songs.
AllHipHop.com: What can the listener expect from Wood Work, in terms of the sound?
Big Marc: We are not just Crunk artists. Everyone seems to think that Atlanta artists are just about Crunk music. We can really rap, and we do have our own stories to tell. But we tell them with a lil more enthusiasm than others. This album will appeal to everyone regardless of where you come from. The album is versatile and displays our creativity.
AllHipHop.com: Where do you see Da Backwudz in ten years?
Sho ? Nuff: We know that Rap is not going to last forever, but we plan on still making music. We are preparing to help others discover their dreams and make them a reality. We are investing so that we can become successful entrepreneurs, and continue this Southern music movement.
AllHipHop.com: Do you have any advice for those who have aspirations to pursue career in the music industry?
Big Marc: Remain humble. Always remember those who supported and helped you when you had little or nothing. Patience is a virtue, and things will happen in due time.
Sho Nuff: Just believe that things happen for a reason, and that when things are to happen for you, they will. Stay positive and believe in yourself and your talent.
AllHipHop.com: Any parting words?
Big Marc: We want to give a shout out to Decatur. MTV 2- thanks so much for the love. Radio- we appreciate all of the spins. Our families- we love you. AllHipHop.com – you all hold it down for real.