Stir Crazy

http://www.faygoluvers.net/v5/2012/10/stir-crazy-2/


Juggalos, juggalettes, SicFux, crazy insane people who read this, totally rational people who enjoy this, whoever the fuck you are! I’m back from my actual vacation with a very special Underground Spotlight. My favorite one to date yet. This one too is good for all the underground artists out there that view this. Whether you are new to the game, or you been in it for a while, I have a beat producer here that needs no introduction (but I’m gonna give him one anyways).
Stir Crazy hit the scene around the same time Faygoluvers hit the Internet, and much like Faygoluvers, Stir Crazy has proven that he is one of the best producers in the underground. Ranging from genre to style, Stir Crazy has diversified his talent in a wide range of skill which includes all sorts of different samples from movies and media, as said before total different genres sometimes (from hip hop, to rap, to dubstep, to rock and alternative, etc), moods, tempos, etc. Pretty much every time you put on a Stir Crazy beat, it is different then the last which a lot of artists, musicians, beat producers lack, and in my eyes is a sign of nothing less than pure talent.
If you haven’t heard of Stir Crazy by now, he’s been able to work with some of the biggest names known to juggalos, including ICP themselves. He’s also been instrumental with artists that aren’t so well known or even knew. It isn’t often you find a beat producer with free beats that are of such great quality, nor do you usually find a beat producer that is so humble and always willing to work with an artist the best he can.
Well juggalos, I left you quite a bit of work by Stir Crazy to check. I personally bump Stir Crazy beats just driving around. I think even if you are not an underground artist, you may just enjoy his music as is (sometimes it’s nice to listen to music without humans talking or singing. It’s why I listen to dubstep). So juggalos, check all the good music and cool graphix as well as a very good interview with Stir Crazy.


 Stir Crazy

Artist: Stir Crazy
From: Detroit, MI


BeZerk: First off, I am going to ask a few standard questions. Why did you decide to choose the name Stir Crazy?
Stir Crazy: I was living out of my hometown state of Michigan at the time and vacationed back home/here. I went in the studio (mind you this was while I was still in middle school) and a rapper at the studio mentioned I would go “stir crazy” if I continued to just sit in the corner while they worked.. I was just watching with amazement as it was all pretty new to me and didn’t notice how out of it and wide eyed I must have been…….. the name was adopted and stuck after that!

BeZerk: Who do you consider as an inspiration?
Stir Crazy: The whole Detroit underground music scene as a whole, my family/friends and life itself. All those things bring the best out of myself and my music. The ideas for my music production come from my surroundings and most everything I have been threw since birth.

BeZerk: What Underground Spotlight would be complete without first asking, what is your favorite Faygo flavor?

Stir Crazy: My terrible addiction to caffeine says to pick Cola/Cherry Cola/Moon Mist/Rock n Rye or any others with caffeine…. BUT taste wise it goes to Red or Orange pop I think (they don’t have caffeine sadly).
I grew up on Faygo and if any was around when younger I could have cared less what flavor it was and learned to be grateful just to have some pop of any type haha.

BeZerk: How long have you been doing music for?
Stir Crazy: I have known I wanted to be a part of the music business since I was a child, but I didn’t know the part I wanted to play in it. I always loved poetry but was noticeably too shy to be a rapper. Even though my writing was decent and ideas for songs/poetry were unique and complex, I knew I did not want to be on stage often or be forced to tour in order to make money.
In middle school like many others I dabbled in rapping of course and had opportunities to be in or see others working in nice studios… but soon after found that I wanted to be more behind the scenes and away from the limelight. I have always loved the production side of music but never knew I would have got caught up into it at such a young age.
I am thankful for the many people that helped me and because of them I did it all without any schooling besides music business classes and the like. I was peer and self taught when it comes to playing instruments.
I was guided by amazingly talented people and learned most of what I do from watching others that already had gold and platinum plaques. I also read a lot trying to take in as much knowledge about music as I could. I want to point this out to others and have it known as if you cant afford or make it to school and have a dream, it can still be possible… but if you can find funds and feel school is needed please take time to do it and also have other back up plans. Music is not a guarantee and being well prepared while having other options will help you greatly in the future!

BeZerk: You’ve done a lot of work with several other artists in the underground both big and small. Who were some of those artists?
Stir Crazy: This is a small list of names that have been featured on my works: The Insane Clown Posse (Psychopathic Records), Hunter (Dukes Up), Tech N9ne (Strange Music), Potluck (Sub Noize), Bizarre (D12), Bizzy Bone (Bone Thugs-N-Harmony), T.O.N.E-z (Emmy Nominated) , King Gordy, Kottonmouth Kings (Sub Noize), Koopsta Knicca (formally of Three Six Mafia), Twiztid (Psychopathic Records), Boondox, R.O.C., Prozak (Strange Music), Chop Shop, Dark Half (LSP), Scum (LSP), Mastamind (Former RLP) (LSP), Esham, Dirty White Boyz, Ikkurruz (LSP), Kid Crusher, King Magnetic, Playboy The Beast (Sic Fux), Q-Strange and Mr. Y.U.G.

BeZerk: You also offer a free beat section on your beat page. Have you ever stumbled across a good track on the internet using one of your beats?
Stir Crazy: I always find out about amazing artists threw them using my free production. I also have discovered great artists after they decided to jack move non free beats off my page (tags included) haha.

BeZerk: Which artist do you think has done the best with your beats?
Stir Crazy: I do not specifically enjoy one person more than others on my tracks because most artists I work with have different vibes and sound amazing in their own right. T.O.N.E-z and Twiztid come to mind though, but by no means are they the only I would or will ever feel sound the best over my works. They are two names that shot out my brain to my fingertips.
I loved working with most all the artists I have done beats for! I guess the fans can decide who sounds good over my production because I am just honored  fresh artists have used my compositions.

BeZerk: You’re beats were used by Chop Shop for the track Heart. How did that come about?
Stir Crazy: I have known the guys in Chop Shop for a long time. Specifically Mike/Tre LB. Without him I would not be in the music game as far as I am at this point. He taught me most of what was needed in order to step out and take over the underground with production. His whole family is like my family and they mean a great deal to me.
**Super shout out to Motown Hustlin/Red for all he has done to help Chop Shop, as anything Chop Shop does continues to make me look as well because of my association. I am happy to know there is a team of great people around Chop Shop and hope for nothing but great success!

BeZerk: You’ve also worked with ICP themselves. How did that come about?

Stir Crazy: I will give the quick version of this as its a bit more complex than most think.
I met Shaggy 2 Dope (of the Insane Clown Posse) threw Tre LB (of the Detroit Chop Shop) long ago. We became friends and my music ended up in the hands of Twiztid. After that I did a few tracks for Psychopathic Records including some tracks that featured ICP together and or that a member of ICP was featured on. The complex version is way more detailed and would best be shared if I was not typing and threw the phone.
Either way I am thankful for all Psychopathic Records has done or does for me. I have nothing but respect, love and appreciation for the help they gave or give, but I do not want to just be known for the work I have done for them and/or may do in the future. I am constantly working with many talented underground and not so underground artists that Juggalos should also take time in peeping or giving a chance…. who knows as some might someday end up on a label such as Psychopathic Records or Strange Music.

BeZerk: You were also in a group known as Death B4 Dishonor featuring FLH’s homie and Grammy nominee T.O.N.e-Z, Mission Infect’s Lokey, and yourself. How did that come about and what were you’re favorite experiences as a group?
Stir Crazy: I was working a lot with Mission Infect at the time, most notably T.O.N.E-z, and the idea came up. I banged out most the beats and from there it was on. T.O.N.E-z and I have always worked fast, but with precision so it’s easy to do anything with him. Lokey is a mad skilled artist that I was happy to work with!
That album is one my favorite albums of all times and not just because I had my hand in it… but because it’s an album that I have always thought was an around a underground banger! It was slept on by many fans sadly and continues to be slept on as its not in production anymore (no cds available that I know of). I do hope everyone takes time to find it and download it on the web ASAP.

BeZerk: Being out of the Motor City, you seem to be influenced by heavy metal and rock. What are some of your favorite groups and artists in those genres?
Stir Crazy: I’m a huge 70s Progress rock and Psychedelic fan. I also enjoy a lot of 90s rock and alternative. Musicians/bands people would know or heard of that I enjoy are System of a Down, Slipknot and KoЯn.

 BeZerk: You’re beats are quite varied in style, theme, tempo, etc. How do you come up with so many amazing and unique tracks?
Stir Crazy: I have always wanted to be able to work with artists of all genres of music. I enjoy so many different types of artists from Metal, Rock, Prog and Psych to Hip Hop, RnB and Dubstep. I try to not have all my music production sounding the same because I want to be able and work with anyone that decides to hit me up.
It’s hard to not have a set sound or be known for something specific, but in the end it worked out well because I was able to have my production used by people of all musical genres. There is something I have done that most anyone could enjoy production or beat wise.
It has been extremely important being able to go beyond what I may know and taking everything to a new level at all times. Enjoy challenges and trying new things with music as if you don’t challenge yourself there is no way you can advance from where you are now!!!

BeZerk: Well you just got back from vacation right before I head out on mine. What else is coming up next for Stir Crazy?
Stir Crazy: I got right back to work with music. I never take a break but this was much needed. I was able to see old friends and family so it was wonderful. Being able to reconnect with people meant a lot, but now it is time to get back to the studio and continue doing what I enjoy and do best…. music.
I will and have got right back into producing and have already started working with new people/getting production done for albums that I was working on before I left. So many crazy projects and super amazing artists I have been starting beats for that it will probably keep me busy for a bit!

Side note- Please enjoy your vacation man! I regret not making time to go out more and really enjoyed my recent vacation. Live it up while you can and have a very fun but safe trip!

BeZerk: I know you have dope merchandise available too. Anything new or can Juggalos expect anything coming out soon? I know you have had some dope Stir Crazy bumper stickers in the past.
Stir Crazy: I try to think like a recording artist or band more-so than a producer when it comes to merch and promotional items. I like to have stickers, posters, flyers, buttons, lighters and other stuff to give out at all times and also like to have merch available for people that want to purchase it. I don’t know many other producers if any that promote as much as I have or do.
I enjoy being able to hook people up with free items if they can not afford to buy stuff. I grew up in a time where the internet was not such a huge part of the business and will continuously stick with my roots trying to both use old tactics along with using the internet to get my works in the hands of potential clients or fans. Being that I loved getting free stuff at shows when I was a kid and found out about so many sick ass artists threw demos, flyers or stickers it made me adapt to those ways long ago.
People do not understand that the internet is getting flooded. Specific sites are always going to be popin’ and great promotional tools (Faygoluvers has cheap banner space that can be used to help artists advance and get sales or views for sure!!!) but so many others are a waste of time. Technology made it easy for anyone to get music out to the world but that caused it to be over saturated and made it harder for the real talents to stand out and have a chance to make it…. so I figured if everyone is online… I will take my shit back to the streets where it all started!

BeZerk: Usually I’d ask what show you’d have up and coming next, but I don’t know if that pertains to you, so when are you dropping another album or beats?
Stir Crazy: Stir Crazy “InSTIRmentals Vol 2” has been done, I am just waiting on the correct time and deciding on a release date. The first version gets ridiculous amounts of downloads to this day and I do not want to put out another volume without it being perfect and well thought out on the timing. I have many other projects being worked on that I can not speak on, but when I can… I will let you have the info!!
Shout outs:
First off, props to you for taking time to do this homie. Much love and respect for real! It’s awesome how much you have helped the scene and you have done and continue to do a great job!
Props to Faygoluvers and all the Underground/Juggalo sites that have helped me, Chop Shop, Psychopathic Records, T.O.Ne-z, Mission Infect, Sic Fux, Bowski Calhoun, Don Hardcastle III, Shayne Kraft Graphics, Killator of Corpse Circus Juggalo Artwork, Jami Marquardt, Dirty White Boyz, Durte, Motown Hustlin Red, Ned Tepper, Ikkurruz, Grewsum, Q- Strange, Esham, Boondox, Dark half, Badluck, Nikki Giering, Derrick Martin, Playboy The Beast, R.O.C., Dean Riggs, Dood Computer, Prozak, Cellar Mannequin, Big Sin, Trips, Ponyboy, Venomiz, Anna and Max, F Dux, T- Trash (I remembered. WOOO!!!!), Mr. Chief, Brawdcast, Michael J Hillman, Kasket Kyle, Dizzy Cizzlar, J Reno, TBMA, Jeff Nipplez, Cloroks, Dan tha Saltine, Phat T, Native Keyz Productions, Ed, Dean, Ajax, Claas, Vishiss, Sarah D, Mars, Billy Lisk, Dan Fryman, Sutter Kain, PTers, Wako, MO & Geothermal MC, Stranger Haze.
It is way to hard to list everyone. Props to all I have work/ed with, my family/friends and anyone else that feels they should be on the list. If you think you deserve to have a shout out.. you probably do and I apologize if I missed you! Please add your name here________________________ .