Rhythmic Reveries

Peace, Love, and Shing02

by Lo-Fi Lauren

Well my friends, it’s been almost a year since I’ve dropped anything on here over at Bothering the Band. But with good reason: I went through the worst break up I’ve ever known, decided to write my first book of poetry (which is in the process of being published, so stay tuned), completely changed jobs, got a new car, took up photography, and more. Sometimes, you’ve gotta just hit the reset button, you know what I mean? But recently, I’ve gotta admit…I’ve been missing you guys. So with that said, I’ve decided to finally write out an interview that I’ve been sitting on for over a year now with one of my favorite artists (who I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to for the extensively long wait): the incredible Shing02.

My Usual History-Yap Lesson

Now for those unfamiliar, Shing02 (Shingo Annen) is the rapper infamous for writing “Battlecry,” the intro to the also infamous anime “Samurai Champloo,” which is also (yes, you guessed it) one of my personal favorites. As I previously mentioned in my interview with Marcus D, Samurai Champloo, which was also directed by iconic Sinchiro Wantanabe of “Cowboy Bepop,” was the first anime ever to incorporate elements of both Edo-period Japan and hip-hop at the same time, later igniting the flame for what we millennials now know as “lo-fi.” He is also the same rapper behind the Luv(sic) Hexology with late DJ Nujabes. I grew up listening to Shing02 mostly due to my big brother CJ, who I would like to dedicate this interview to. “My Body Love You Like Water” and “Big City Lights” are just some of our go-to tracks by him. But what’s more, Shing02 is a positive influence on our world and society, and in my opinion, a pioneer to both the Japanese and American rap scene who should be recognized as such.

Thank you to Shing02 for all of the ways you have influenced and shaped my family and I through your beautiful flow and lyricism, and thank you as well for this interview that took me way too long to complete. But hey–this was most definitely my year of the Battlecry.

What was it like to write “Battlecry” and be a part of Samurai Champloo, one of the most iconic anime in history? How did this affect your career?

I was very excited to be a part of an anime directed by Shinchiro Wantanabe. My mentor Del loved Cowboy Bepop, so I thought it was a great opportunity. Initially, we recorded a Japanese intro over Nujabes’ “Horizon,” (lo-fi lauren moment, I LOVE that song!) but they wanted something a little darker, as well as in English, so that’s how “Battlecry” came about. After 20 years, it’s been awesome to be able to perform it live to a crowd that has so much passion for the song.

In your opinion, what is the worst quality you could have as a human? What about the best?

I’d say the worst would be dishonesty. It’s a waste of time and energy for everyone. For the best, I would say being passionate about whatever you do.

What was it like to know and work with Nujabes? What was he like?

We had a decade-long relationship that was mostly centered around recording projects together, but we also spent some time hanging out together here and there as well. Even though he was an artist, he was also a businessman (record shop and label owner). I think that, at times, it was difficult for him to handle both tasks at once; however, we had a cordial, collaborative relationship. Our respect for each other was mutual.

My favorite lyrics of yours are in “Luv(sic) Pt. 2:” like the God in me saw the Devil in you” and “like the Devil in me saw the God in you.” What was the inspiration behind them, and what was the inspiration behind the Luv(sic) Hexology?

That phrase is mirrored in verse 2 where it says “God in you” and “etymology of enthusiasm," which actually means “God within.” In Luv(sic), I kind of took on a persona of using religious and spiritual metaphors/idioms, but in my own way; that’s why it’s spelled “luv(sic)”, because I always write what I feel. We started it through Luv(sic) Pt. 1, and then slowly built it up to a trilogy. Then, we decided, why not make it a hexology instead of just adding a fourth installment?

When you can’t sleep at night, what happy place does your mind wander to?

I honestly think about any creative project I’m working on and it makes me fall asleep, as long as I’m laying down.

Do you believe that dreams are a gateway to seeing the future at times?

100%, because we all possess the ability to see and create the future. I’ve actually created a three-song EP exactly about this concept with an artist named Bajune Tobeta from Japan. It should be coming out soon.

Who are your top MCs of all time? What inspired you to rap?

Right off the bat: Aceyalone, Saafir, Del, KRS One, Rakim, but…too many to name actually! Way too many! My inspiration to rap came from me being at school in Berkeley in 1993. That was it for me. It started from me drawing a lot, to making beats, and then eventually turned into an actual recording career.

When you are finished with your career in music, what do you want your legacy to be? What imprint are you hoping to leave on humanity through your artistry?

I’ve never thought about it, but that’s always been my style. Don’t have big plans, because life always has bigger plans than you.

In terms of love, in any area of life, how do you know when something is meant to be?

If you live life in tune with yourself, I strongly believe that everything is meant to be; big and small. On the contrary, if something feels off, then obviously it’s not.

What are some of your favorite artists to listen to that would come as a shock to others?

I don’t know about shock, but I do listen to a lot of roots reggae/dub as inspiration. I would name Aswad, Horace Andy, Augustus Pablo, and King Tubby as a few. Analog instruments are really deep and comforting, especially when it’s recorded as mixed immaculately. It is a miracle.

From both my brother and sister, (who showed me your music when I was probably about 10 or 11 by the way!) to the sold out shows all over the world that you’re performing, to even the little girl singing your lyrics at one of the shows you’ve played recently; it’s undeniable that you are a gateway artist into the hip-hop realm. What does this mean to you? How does it impact your life?

It’s still mindblowing when somebody tells me that I was their introduction into hip-hop. Sometimes, I meet people and they tell me it was their first concert! It is a great responsibility, but I sure hope they are able to feel something completely authentic.

Okay, last question: when something traumatic happens in your life, how do you handle it?

Most likely, I would internalize it first. Then, I would try to process it slowly without rushing myself out of it. Some things simply take time to get through.