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Bobby Konders email-interview

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The NY-based soundsystem and label Massive B is well-known in the whole world for their successfull riddim releases, for their mixtapes and their powerful soundsystem performances. We had the possibility to talk with Bobby Konders, the founder of Massive B, via email.
Claat: How you got in contact with jamaican music first ?

BK:Just lovin' it and being exposed to it...

Claat: Tell me how did Massive B start. What was first, the sound system or the label ? How did the single members join ?

BK:I was already a big yankee dj and producin'... I was one of the 1st dj's on a major radio station America to put reggae an dancehall in lunch mix at Saturday night dance parties alongside hip hop and dance music... So I started cuttin' dubs with my name and Massive Sound's name in them. I was like jus' a DJ callin' himself B.Konders Massive Sounds... Then around 1992 I got with Jabba an' put him as the MC an' started callin' it Massive B Sounds an' started tryin' to put a hype on Jabba's name not as much as mine. So it could be a sound an' I would try to develop a crew... Which over the years now include Big Dog, Ricky Indian, Chutny Shotta an' other people like Pee Wee an' Badela.

Claat: Was it hard for you as a white selector to get accepted by the mostly black west-indian reggae massive in NY ?

BK:Whenever u are the outside person it usually is more difficult either u embrace it an' push harder or get out of the game... Kind of like bein' in the streets, u gotta hold your head 1st. Not too much love in the hood but once u bust u can feel it !

Claat: What's in your oppinion the difference of playing in USA, in Jamaica and in Europe ?

BK: Jamaica is like USA, the kids wanna hear nuff hip hop in a reggae dance... That's why I love playin' in Europe and Japan - the crowd wants to hear all forms of reggae an' dancehall an' more receptive to cultural music... U don't have to play any hip hop over there !

Claat: What is your general relation to Rastafari ?

BK: That it deals with the self-I.. Love for one self an' others. An' what could be more important than love ?

Claat: Now to come to your label... Your "speciality" are remakes of classical riddims, like the "Dub Organizer" or the fabulous mid-90s remakes of "Stalag" and "Cuss Cuss". Can you describe the process of remaking a classical riddim to our readers ?

BK: I jus' love foundation rub a dub rydims. Some might say original rude boy rydims... I try to give them the original sound with some up dates for today - either in the production an' mixing of the record.

Claat: It's really nice to see veteran Burro Banton releasing constantly again since a couple of years. And it's noticeable that he always releases on Massive B. Have you some exclusive contract with him or is it more a personal relation that makes your cooperation with him so special ?

BK: I met Burro in a Brooklyn dance in late 80's... Never no contrap, it jus' a vibe... Like the brother i never had... Just a big mutual respect.

Claat: What's the key to overall success of your mixtape series ? They are famous all over the world, also here in Europe. Do you record them in a single-take or is it a long multi-session process ?

BK: Ye, one take. I come different... With the dubs an' remixes an' pre releases... Nuff people dun copied the style now. I don't if them is as wicked... U tell me. An' I usually don't do more than 2 or 3 a year, so people look for them...

Claat: Name the 5 persons (not nessecarily from the music biz) which made you to the person you are now. Please describe shortly in which way they did influence you.

BK: My mother an' father... For jus' bein' there - even if times was difficult for them - teachin' an' showin' me love, an' to respect all people ! My greatest influences now are my wife an' daughter - knowing now how much important I am... An' I have the greatest responsibility in the world, being a good father an' now learning that I influence so many kids. So I try to be a good role model... Don't sleep we still defend it !!! An' outside in the streets there has been numerous people that have influenced me - some good some bad.

Claat: And finally, what are your personal top 10 tunes ?

BK: My top tunes change depending on my mood that day.

Bless up, Bobby K. Yo new rydim droppin - Pennacillen Shots - Massive B Fam. Massive B Anniversary - June 1st Queens NY, Q-Club. Massive B - Stone Love - Fire Links - Funk Flex - Sunset - Pterry Posse.

Claat: Thanks Bobby Konders, and good luck for the future...

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