Urban Vault caught up with Munich, Germany based producer Roccwell to ask him some in-depth questions about his new album STILL LOVIN’ BOOMBAP & more…

“Still Lovin’ Boombap”,

the slogan with which the Munich-based beat-maker Roccwell titles his album stands not only for his unbroken love of the boom-bap sound but above all, for the daily struggle of the Hip Hop generation of 35 plus. Bringing his family, job, and music under one roof is not Roccwell’s only challenge. Especially in an expensive city like Munich, which likes to give the protagonists of the subculture the cold shoulder. Against all odds, however, the passion for classical rap has never left Roccwell. It embodies an attitude to life that has shaped him for 25 years now, even now that he is a family man with responsibilities.

Where are you from?

Munich, Bavaria (Germany) – home of the world-famous Oktoberfest and the not so famous Roccwell (laughs).

What‘s the Hip Hop scene like in Germany?

It´s very diverse – we have many dope emcees here. As everywhere the „new“ sound is omnipresent, but there´s a lot of boom-bap as well. I don´t hate on the new sound, but it´s just not for me (most of the time).

You are collaborating mainly with international emcees, mostly from the States. Why is that since Germany has a pretty strong rap scene?

I grew up with US rap in the 90s – that´s the sound I love and I´m familiar with. In addition to that, I liked the idea that my sound is interesting for a possible audience all over the world when I collaborate with U.S. emcees. But the main reason was, I wanted to work with the heroes of my youth. It´s crazy when you do a track with Curt Cazal (QNC) who produced „Ghetto like DnD“ and he gives you mad props.

Would it makes things easier for you to gain more recognition in your home country if you would focus on collaborating with German emcees?

Maybe, but it´s ok the way it is now. In the future, I´d like to work with a dope German emcee. We will see if it works out.

How did you get in contact with artists from overseas and what‘s the working method with them when recording a track?

My first connection was through my part-time job at a local Hip Hop store, a guy from Munich (Destro) went to NYC and connected with producer Kenny Diaz. They founded Kings Link Records and signed the HOUSE OF REPZ, who did a single with Dj Premier as well. Through that connection, I was able to send them beats which I did (I have an unreleased track with the House of Repz – I hope it will still come out someday). They collaborated with fellow emcee Dro Pesci from Staten Island…I liked his style, hit him up, did a couple of track with him and he held me down ever since. In the beginning, contact was made mostly via the web, but later I met many emcees in person which I consider
as friends now (M-Dot, Wildelux, Maylay Sparks). Nowadays my man Tomi from Munich based clothing brand BECAUSEWELIVEIT connects me with rappers very often.

With some of the featured artists, you met in person which is documented in the two video singles with Bostonian M-Dot and Wildelux from the Bronx. Tell us about your relationship and how does it make a difference when working together on a more personal level?

Both guys are amazing human beings – very, very talented, very humble, very funny, AND focussed and professional. We always have a lot of fun when we meet. I guess friendship makes the difference indeed.

Tell us about your new album ‘Still Lovin Boombap’ which was released on May 05th and what listeners can expect from this record?

People can expect classic boom-bap sound that brings a 90s feel with it. It is sound for my generation that grew up with Wu-Tang, Nas, and all the other Golden Era cats I´d say. Sound for the heads that still love their Dj Premier „New York Reality Check 101“ mixtape…although I don´t reproduce that kind of sound. It´s just the feel and attitude.

A look at the cover artwork already shows that you clearly make fatherhood and bringing family, job, and music under one roof the priority for that album. Tell us about how you deal with that daily struggle and how you still keep up putting that much effort into making music?

I don´t have much time for the music, that´s why I have to be focussed. Sometimes I am not able to make beats for weeks…but when I do, I make 3 in a day. But I love it the way it is, I think I am more inspired and motivated this way.

Which emcees will be featured on the Album?

M-Dot, Ruste Juxx, Craig G, Wildelux, Maylay Sparks, Born Unique, Bankai Fam, John Jiggs, Revalation (EMS), Dro Pesci, Glad2Mecha and many more…

When listening to the album it‘s obvious that you also respect the DJs. Nearly every track has cuts in it, something you don‘t hear that much anymore these days. What‘s your opinion on that and which DJs contributed scratches to the album?

I love cuts and admire DJs for their craft! For me, the perfect boom-bap track has to be spiced up with ill cuts. Cuts were contributed by DJ Case, Soulbrotha (12FingerDan & B-Base), DJ LP2, DJ Danetic, DJ Skruff, and DJ Tricky.

What are your plans for the future, will there be a tour/shows or do you have already new projects in the making?

Making more boom-bap (laughs). Right now I´m working on a project called SOULROCCA with the guys from Soulbrotha. We are planning to release an EP, I guess in 2021. I´d also like to collaborate with only one emcee on an album/EP. Let´s see what the future holds.

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

I love the way they support the culture and I´m really grateful that they cover me all the time. Big up!

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music….

Thank you for the chance to get heard.

Roccwell – Still Lovin’ Boombap via iTunes/Spotify

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