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Dubcnn Exclusive –  Ill Bill
By: Todd Davis  
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Dubcnn: First things first, my condolences on the March passing of your Uncle Howie. How are you doing? Hope all's well with you and yours.

I'm good. My Uncle passing was a tough time for my family, but he'd want us to keep doing him proud so we're staying true to that in every way.


Dubcnn: That's great to hear! Now on a much lighter note, conceptually how did this DJ Muggs collaborative effort even come to fruition?

We worked on my solo album in 2008. Muggs did two joints, and that opened the door to us getting in to work on an entire record.


Dubcnn: Tell me, what actually prompted your decision to title the record Kill Devil Hills?

It came from a few things. It's kind of a play on past group names, and also an actual place in North Carolina that I've spent a bunch of time at. You only really appreciate peace when you've been through war, and "Kill Devil Hills" is where you go to recharge your battery and reload your weapons...Figuratively speaking that is.


Dubcnn: Oh, okay. So, aside from the fact that Muggs produced the entire project, how else does Kill Devil Hills differ and/or compare to previous Ill Bill releases?

Conceptually, it's epic but in a sharp way. It's more of an adrenaline rush, fast moving record. The most cinematic album I've ever done. Muggs producing the album is a big deal, 'cause I haven't done an entire album with one producer in years. There's an untapped energy that you can capture when you work with a producer, the same way you'd work with a band. You get to actually develop a sound that connects all the songs in a way you can't achieve working with ten different producers.


Dubcnn: Do you have any favorite tracks on Kill Devil Hills? If so, why that particular one?

I have a favorite sequence, but I love em all! They're all new songs, so it's hard to choose at this point, which is a good thing. I definitely think "Cult Assassin" is the perfect joint to start the album off with, and that was one of the last ones we did.


Dubcnn: Describe for me in detail a typical studio session with you and Muggs?

Get in the studio and kick it for a minute, burn some trees, listen to a buncha different samples and breaks, till something jumps out at us. And then, Muggs'll either file it away and keep looking for the next sample, or he might just start putting it together right there on the spot. I like to just chill and vibe off what he's chopping up and throwing into the mix. It's like chillin' in the kitchen with a master chef.


Dubcnn: I bet! Well, do you have any personal or funny stories or anecedotes that took place during the recording process of Kill Devil Hills?

Nah, 'cause we were just kinda into work-mode. Might seem boring to describe it, even though we were buggin' out, and crackin' jokes, too. I could tell you that we smoked a pound of O.G. Kush in 10 days, but everybody does that, don't they?


Dubcnn: I don't know that's a whole lot of smokin'?! So, from a lyrical standpoint, where do you draw your inspiration from?

From my life, from the headlines, and from my imagination. I'm inspired by the world around me, and the world in my head.


Dubcnn: Do you have any additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from this music?

I'm getting into screenwriting. That's something I really wanna do.


Dubcnn: That'd be cool! Now what's the current status of your former extended collectives; Non-Phixion and La Coka Nostra?

Non Phixion is a wrap, and La Coka is regrouping right now figuring out our next move.


Dubcnn: I see! Well, are there still plans to do joint LP's with both Vinnie Paz and Sean Price, respectively?

Yes, Heavy Metal Kings with Vinnie Paz is next. The album is almost done.


Dubcnn: So, how does it feel being a part of this year's historic Rock the Bells festival? And, with that being said, what do you actually have in store for the fans?

Rock The Bells this year is gonna be crazy! The line-up might be the best they've ever had, and I'm amped to be a part of it. We're gonna give 'em a DJ MUGGS versus ILL BILL show, so you're gonna hear the album "live," which is gonna be a good time for us 'cause these new joints are anthems.


Dubcnn: I can't wait to witness it all! Well, looking ahead, where do you see yourself, futuristically speaking?

Doing what I been doing for the past 20 years; making music, and being consistent and true to the people that allow me to make music my career.


Dubcnn: Closing thoughts for the readers of Dubcnn?

Just check out Kill Devil Hills in full! Listen to it like you'd watch a movie. It's a ride I think you'll like.

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