Dominating the Chicago underground Hiphop scene since 1991 the Molemen have witnessed the rise and fall of many crews. But even after 12 years in the game Panik, PNS, Sonia, Vakill and Memo stand strong and continue to release 12" after LP after 12"... not only does this crew make noise in terms of sheer quantity; they also rise to the top when we take into account their knack for quality, both lyrically and musically. During one of his brief breaks away from the MPC, Molemen CEO and super-producer Panik spoke with us about the Chi Town scene, Melvin Bliss 45s and cross-country collabos...
(interview by DJ VERB)
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First off, What caused you to alter your name?
Well, people started calling me Panik instead of His-Panik. So I just got used to it & I kept it that way. Also I didn't want people to stereotype me for the name His-Panik. People like stereotyping you for any reason. But I'm all over the place so I can't have that happen!!!
How did the Molemen crew get started, and how long has it been around?
The crew got started by me, Vakill & Mixx Massacre (ex Molemen) in 1991. I am the head of Molemen & I'm also CEO of Molemen Inc. Pns is VP & Sonia is the Treasurer of the company.
The lineup has changed over the years. Who's officially in the crew right now?
Me (Panik), Pns, Sonia, Memo & Vakill. We have artist in Molemen that are going to do projects with us such as Infinito, Rhyme Scheme & Longshot.
The name "Molemen" has some obvious connotations, but also works on more subtle levels. How did the name come about?
Vakill came up with the name Molemen, he said we were underground & we kept it raw. So that name fit us well. We like to keep the music close to its roots which it's underground. Just 'cause we're underground doesn't mean were close-minded and are going to set barriers for ourselves. Lots of cats keep it underground as far as my definition goes (50 cent, Nas, Atmosphere, Def Jux) We plan to sell units, I want to people to hear, buy & respect the music, I believe we could accomplish all those objectives.
It's clear that you, PNS, and Memo have distinct styles, but there is no mistaking the Molemen sound. It's as if you are on some weird anime shit and all operate with separate bodies but with the same brain. Is the "Molemen sound" a conscious choice or is it just a coincidence?
It's a coincidence but I guess it might be a little bit of a conscious choice too. It's kinda like 50/50. Because we've been in the same crew for so long means we have a lot in common.
It seems like you've worked with nearly everyone on the underground scene from the east to the west. Who are your favorite non-Chicago cats to work with?
I liked working with Cormega, Rasco, Planet Asia, Jedi mind tricks, Del & Casual. I can't wait for the future; we have lots of interesting collabos coming up!!!
How long have you personally been collecting and producing?
I've been collecting records since like 85. As far as producing, I've been making beats since 91-92.
What are your weapons of choice in the studio?
Well I love the MPC2000xl. I've worked with all the MPC's, it's my favorite type of sampler. I've also worked with the SP1200 & Korg Triton. Right now I'm using the MPC2000XL & the Yamaha Motif.
Most of you cats are of Mexican or otherwise Hispanic descent. Has your heritage given you a unique perspective on the hip-hop and digging game?
Yeah, it gave us part of our style. But we're into all styles of music: punk rock, soul, jazz, electronic, etc… A lot of cats around the way started using Spanish records because of us. Nobody in Chicago was using them until we did. But like I said we have many styles & digging for Spanish records is just one.
Do you have a particular genre of music that you like to sample in particular, or do you just grab anything and everything?
I pretty much use all genres of music; I know my music pretty well. So when I'm looking for a particular sound for a beat, then I know what kind of record, genre or year I need.
Let's get on the digging tip. What's your opinion on the digging scene in Chicago nowadays? Is there still ill shit to be found in the Chi?
There's always going to be hot stuff in Chicago. People say "man this crew is in this city, they dried it up." Every city is always going to have records; you just gotta dig them up! My boy just found some stuff here recently that I thought you could never find in Chicago but he did. So that just proves the point. There are so many different types of record collectors & diggers. Everybody's looking for different types of wax.
Do you dig out of town much? What cities have been good to you?
I dig out of town when I can, once in awhile. Dallas, San Francisco, New York & Minneapolis have all been good to me.
What is one of your illest finds ever?
A Silhouette's LP "Fonky First", I found that in Illinois but not in Chicago. I also found 2 Melvin Bliss 45's at Dusty Groove for $14.00 each.
The nationwide underground hip-hop scene has changed a lot over years. In your opinion, what's up with it now and where do you see it going?
Well I know one of the best times for the indy scene was 95-97. A lot of
things changed since then. The market as a whole is saturated with too many releases. But what it boils down to is, "who got the good stuff". At the end of the day, no matter what industry we're in, the best product out sells anything else. But also you have to create a demand for your stuff. As far as Molemen, were just going to keep making good music & keep trying to create higher demand for it & see where that takes us.
You've made an insane amount of beats over the years. Despite being el jefe de los Molemen, it seems like you are the most prolific Molemen producer. How many hours do you spend in the studio in a typical week?
At least 3-4 hours a day, so that amounts to like 24-35 hours a week. More or less.
What's your favorite record that you've produced?
Well, I like the oldies but the goodies like Rhyme fest & Juice "How We Chill part 2", All Natural "It's o.k.", Juice "Freestyle or Written", Rasco "Sophisticated Mic Pros", Juice "Sincerely". I guess that I've enjoyed working on a lot of the stuff that I've done.
If you could work with anyone in the music world (alive or dead) and do one album with them, who would it be?
HipHop: Ghostface, Nas, Jay-z, Eminem, Biggie, Tupac
Rock: Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Doors, Led Zeppelin
Soul: Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Issac Hayes, Minnie Riperton, Stevie
Wonder
Jazz: Miles Davis, John Coltrane
(o.k. I'm going to stop now, I'm getting carried away...)
Tell us a bit about Vakill. I think he is one of the underground's most underrated MC's. What is his story and what's up with his new album?
Well Vakill is a crazy guy! He's into Movies (horror, pornos, sci-fi, kung fu) and he loves his Marvel Comic toys! I hope that helps you understand why he has such a creative mind & how he comes up with some of the stuff he says. His album should make noise in the indy market, I'm very proud of that LP. My main message to Vakill when he was working on his LP was, "let these cats know that you're more than just some battle mc". Mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned...
Seeing how the Molemen is now a full-fledged business empire can you describe the transition, going from beat makers to businessmen?
I started as just a producer but in 96 when Pns stepped in the game, he brought the business aspect to Molemen. We've been adding to it ever since. With the addition of Sonia into the Molemen (98), we were officially 'on-top' of our game as far as the business part is concerned. This year we plan on taking it to another level, it should be a very good year for Molemen in 2003!!!
Is the Vakill/J.U.I.C.E. collabo project ever coming out? Inquiring heads want to know.
As everyone should know by now, any project that has Juice on it is a mystery! I honestly don't think that's ever going to come out. But hopefully it will, that would be dope!
What else is coming up from the Molemen camp?
We have the Vakill LP coming out in April "The Darkest cloud" (single out now "end of days"), Mf Doom 12" in May, Killing field LP (Molemen production comp featuring: Cormega, Del, Screwball, Casual, Saigon, Mf Doom, Cage & many others!!), Infinito 12" & LP, Long Shot 12" & LP, Rhyme Scheme 12" & LP and last but not least the Molemen Instrumental LP!!!!
What's in Panik's CD Changer?
1) Cormega - The Realness & The Meaning CD
2) DJ Kay Slay - The Best of Saigon
3) Styles P - Gangster & a Gentlemen
4) Anything by James Brown
5) Anything by Timbaland / Neptunes / Alchemist / Just Blaze/ Kanye West / Jazzy Pha/ Mannie Fresh / Dr. Dre
(interview by DJ VERB)
:
:
:
First off, What caused you to alter your name?
Well, people started calling me Panik instead of His-Panik. So I just got used to it & I kept it that way. Also I didn't want people to stereotype me for the name His-Panik. People like stereotyping you for any reason. But I'm all over the place so I can't have that happen!!!
How did the Molemen crew get started, and how long has it been around?
The crew got started by me, Vakill & Mixx Massacre (ex Molemen) in 1991. I am the head of Molemen & I'm also CEO of Molemen Inc. Pns is VP & Sonia is the Treasurer of the company.
The lineup has changed over the years. Who's officially in the crew right now?
Me (Panik), Pns, Sonia, Memo & Vakill. We have artist in Molemen that are going to do projects with us such as Infinito, Rhyme Scheme & Longshot.
The name "Molemen" has some obvious connotations, but also works on more subtle levels. How did the name come about?
Vakill came up with the name Molemen, he said we were underground & we kept it raw. So that name fit us well. We like to keep the music close to its roots which it's underground. Just 'cause we're underground doesn't mean were close-minded and are going to set barriers for ourselves. Lots of cats keep it underground as far as my definition goes (50 cent, Nas, Atmosphere, Def Jux) We plan to sell units, I want to people to hear, buy & respect the music, I believe we could accomplish all those objectives.
It's clear that you, PNS, and Memo have distinct styles, but there is no mistaking the Molemen sound. It's as if you are on some weird anime shit and all operate with separate bodies but with the same brain. Is the "Molemen sound" a conscious choice or is it just a coincidence?
It's a coincidence but I guess it might be a little bit of a conscious choice too. It's kinda like 50/50. Because we've been in the same crew for so long means we have a lot in common.
It seems like you've worked with nearly everyone on the underground scene from the east to the west. Who are your favorite non-Chicago cats to work with?
I liked working with Cormega, Rasco, Planet Asia, Jedi mind tricks, Del & Casual. I can't wait for the future; we have lots of interesting collabos coming up!!!
How long have you personally been collecting and producing?
I've been collecting records since like 85. As far as producing, I've been making beats since 91-92.
What are your weapons of choice in the studio?
Well I love the MPC2000xl. I've worked with all the MPC's, it's my favorite type of sampler. I've also worked with the SP1200 & Korg Triton. Right now I'm using the MPC2000XL & the Yamaha Motif.
Most of you cats are of Mexican or otherwise Hispanic descent. Has your heritage given you a unique perspective on the hip-hop and digging game?
Yeah, it gave us part of our style. But we're into all styles of music: punk rock, soul, jazz, electronic, etc… A lot of cats around the way started using Spanish records because of us. Nobody in Chicago was using them until we did. But like I said we have many styles & digging for Spanish records is just one.
Do you have a particular genre of music that you like to sample in particular, or do you just grab anything and everything?
I pretty much use all genres of music; I know my music pretty well. So when I'm looking for a particular sound for a beat, then I know what kind of record, genre or year I need.
Let's get on the digging tip. What's your opinion on the digging scene in Chicago nowadays? Is there still ill shit to be found in the Chi?
There's always going to be hot stuff in Chicago. People say "man this crew is in this city, they dried it up." Every city is always going to have records; you just gotta dig them up! My boy just found some stuff here recently that I thought you could never find in Chicago but he did. So that just proves the point. There are so many different types of record collectors & diggers. Everybody's looking for different types of wax.
Do you dig out of town much? What cities have been good to you?
I dig out of town when I can, once in awhile. Dallas, San Francisco, New York & Minneapolis have all been good to me.
What is one of your illest finds ever?
A Silhouette's LP "Fonky First", I found that in Illinois but not in Chicago. I also found 2 Melvin Bliss 45's at Dusty Groove for $14.00 each.
The nationwide underground hip-hop scene has changed a lot over years. In your opinion, what's up with it now and where do you see it going?
Well I know one of the best times for the indy scene was 95-97. A lot of
things changed since then. The market as a whole is saturated with too many releases. But what it boils down to is, "who got the good stuff". At the end of the day, no matter what industry we're in, the best product out sells anything else. But also you have to create a demand for your stuff. As far as Molemen, were just going to keep making good music & keep trying to create higher demand for it & see where that takes us.
You've made an insane amount of beats over the years. Despite being el jefe de los Molemen, it seems like you are the most prolific Molemen producer. How many hours do you spend in the studio in a typical week?
At least 3-4 hours a day, so that amounts to like 24-35 hours a week. More or less.
What's your favorite record that you've produced?
Well, I like the oldies but the goodies like Rhyme fest & Juice "How We Chill part 2", All Natural "It's o.k.", Juice "Freestyle or Written", Rasco "Sophisticated Mic Pros", Juice "Sincerely". I guess that I've enjoyed working on a lot of the stuff that I've done.
If you could work with anyone in the music world (alive or dead) and do one album with them, who would it be?
HipHop: Ghostface, Nas, Jay-z, Eminem, Biggie, Tupac
Rock: Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Doors, Led Zeppelin
Soul: Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Issac Hayes, Minnie Riperton, Stevie
Wonder
Jazz: Miles Davis, John Coltrane
(o.k. I'm going to stop now, I'm getting carried away...)
Tell us a bit about Vakill. I think he is one of the underground's most underrated MC's. What is his story and what's up with his new album?
Well Vakill is a crazy guy! He's into Movies (horror, pornos, sci-fi, kung fu) and he loves his Marvel Comic toys! I hope that helps you understand why he has such a creative mind & how he comes up with some of the stuff he says. His album should make noise in the indy market, I'm very proud of that LP. My main message to Vakill when he was working on his LP was, "let these cats know that you're more than just some battle mc". Mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned...
Seeing how the Molemen is now a full-fledged business empire can you describe the transition, going from beat makers to businessmen?
I started as just a producer but in 96 when Pns stepped in the game, he brought the business aspect to Molemen. We've been adding to it ever since. With the addition of Sonia into the Molemen (98), we were officially 'on-top' of our game as far as the business part is concerned. This year we plan on taking it to another level, it should be a very good year for Molemen in 2003!!!
Is the Vakill/J.U.I.C.E. collabo project ever coming out? Inquiring heads want to know.
As everyone should know by now, any project that has Juice on it is a mystery! I honestly don't think that's ever going to come out. But hopefully it will, that would be dope!
What else is coming up from the Molemen camp?
We have the Vakill LP coming out in April "The Darkest cloud" (single out now "end of days"), Mf Doom 12" in May, Killing field LP (Molemen production comp featuring: Cormega, Del, Screwball, Casual, Saigon, Mf Doom, Cage & many others!!), Infinito 12" & LP, Long Shot 12" & LP, Rhyme Scheme 12" & LP and last but not least the Molemen Instrumental LP!!!!
What's in Panik's CD Changer?
1) Cormega - The Realness & The Meaning CD
2) DJ Kay Slay - The Best of Saigon
3) Styles P - Gangster & a Gentlemen
4) Anything by James Brown
5) Anything by Timbaland / Neptunes / Alchemist / Just Blaze/ Kanye West / Jazzy Pha/ Mannie Fresh / Dr. Dre
