Exile: The Soul Provider
Published on September 22, 2009, by Phalary42
Side note: This is by far one of my favorite interviews that I’ve done. Props to: Oh Dang!
As a producer in hip-hop, it’s important to work with a vocalist who can compliment your style. Born in San Diego, Exile is living proof that there are unlimited variations to the new west coast sound. Exile’s first venture into the professional realm of hip-hop was with Aloe Blacc as part of the duo Emanon. It was the 2007 masterpiece, Below the Heavens with So Cal emcee Blu, that solidified his status as a groundbreaking producer. He invites listeners to his musical landscape with relaxing yet explosive composition. The honesty and integrity that is conveyed through Exile’s drums and bass lines further explains why Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep and others have enlisted him for his loops that are soulful, mesmerizing and charming all at once.
In person, Exile is quite the character. He’s witty, funny, smart, real and humble. I introduced myself and explained how Below the Heavens reminded me of Illmatic. He asked me if I was high. I laughed. But Blu explained how I felt best on his and Exile’s “So(ul) Amazin’”: “Feeling fresh, yes. While Ex queue the keys, I’m a ease through your soul like you’re blowing trees. Best believe the soul provider.”
Oh Dang! sat down with the beatsmith and talked with him about his latest release Radio; how he met Blu, his upcoming projects for 2009 and his rap album. (Yes, you read that right, a rap album.)
