Words by: Mike Waxx
Slimmy!!! Straight out of Pittsburgh (ORLY?), Pittsburgh Slim is a newly signed artist to Def Jam and former member of Strict Flow. With releasing his album Tastemaker this month, he is ready to take over the game. His first single, Girls Kiss Girls, was produced by Ski Beatz (Camp Lo, Jay-Z, 50 Cent) and is a guaranteed club banger. The video has over 2 million views on YouTube and features Krista Ayne "getting her American Pie on". Check it out inside, lol. Also, download his new mixtape Downtown Wednesday Night RIGHT NOW!illRoots: Whats good with you man?
Pittsburgh Slim: Just coolin out. Stuck in an airport!!!
illRoots: Tell us about this new album you dropped, Tastemaker?
Pittsburgh Slim: It’s just a fun album. I like to party. I’m not trying to outdo Pharoahe Monch or Nas on the lyrical tip. I just wanna make fun party records for now. It’s just me capturing my life sonically.
illRoots: This is your debut joint on Def Jam. How did you end up on such a renowned label?
Pittsburgh Slim: I had several offers from major labels, and picked Def Jam.
illRoots: What was it like meeting Jay for the first time?
Pittsburgh Slim: It was cool, he’s wild tall. Not every day you get courted by the best rapper of all time!
illRoots: Growing up, who were your influences?
Pittsburgh Slim: Nirvana, Camp Lo, Jimi Hendrix, Das EFX, The Roots, The Jesus Lizard.
illRoots: When did you realize you wanted to get in the music industry?
Pittsburgh Slim: The industry is terrible. I try not to think about it, and focus on making records. I started rhyming in 8th grade.
illRoots: How would you describe your style of music in one word? Why's that?
Pittsburgh Slim: Honest. Everything I rhyme about is my life. Hate it or love it.
Pittsburgh Slim - Girls Kiss Girls
illRoots: If you could work with any artist in the game right now, but of a different genre, who would it be and why?
Pittsburgh Slim: Jack White from the White Stripes. He’s ridiculous. I’m a huge fan, and I can hear it my head what it would sound like.
illRoots: What's the hip-hop scene like in Pittsburgh? Any artists we should look out for?
Pittsburgh Slim: Ron Noodles is really dope. Wiz Khalifa and Hands Down are also mega fresh.
illRoots: How did you hook up with Ski Beatz?
Pittsburgh Slim: My man Sonny Cheeba from Camp Lo linked us.
illRoots: Now, your first single, Girls Kiss Girls, has over two million views on YouTube. What made you decide to make this joint your first single?
Pittsburgh Slim: It’s a club no brainer, so you gotta go with what people are feeling.
illRoots: Do you feel there were any risks with going with it as your debut single?Pittsburgh Slim: Of course. But this is not a popularity contest. I gotta make the music I make and uhhhhh “if they hate, then let ‘em hate and watch the money pile up!!” People even hate on Jimi Hendrix, or Michael Jackson. No matter how good you are, some angry, jealous, bitter people will try an tear you down. You gotta learn to embrace the hate. I know I can rap. Listen to my mixtape if you disagree!!
illRoots: With 2007 coming to an end, what are your goals for 2008?
Pittsburgh Slim: Just perform, perform, perform!! I wanna release another album and just keep grinding. I take nothing for granted.
illRoots: You got any shoutouts?
Pittsburgh Slim: Just the whole Camp Lo squad. Ski, Cheeba, Suede. My man Apple Juice Kid, and my homie Chuk Wun.
illRoots: Thanks alot Slim, looking forward to seeing what you can do in '08. Ever need anything, get at us!
Pittsburgh Slim: Thank you so much!!!!!! Vice versa.
