Stetsasonic Interview | 33 years since their last album, the Hip-Hop band is back with new music
Brooklyn’s very own “original Hip-Hop band,” Stetsasonic, were recently celebrated on an episode of TV One’s popular docu-series Unsung, where members Daddy-O, Delite, Bobby Simmons, Wise and Prince Paul, along with ex-group mate Frukwan, shared first hand accounts of the band’s meteoric rise from early demo tapes to their eventual deal with Tommy Boy Records.
Three plus decades later, and Stet’s finally back with their long overdue – not to mention highly impressive – fourth studio opus, Here We Go Again, with special guest appearances from Ruste Juxx, Lillo Thomas, Smoothe da Hustler and more.
It’s 2024, and Stetsasonic has always experimented with sound. This is no different. We’re the same Stetsasonic, operating in the present world. Fresh, new, back to the future.
We caught up with the group to talk about the new music, their long music journey and much more. Check out the full Stetsasonic interview below:
Parlé Mag: Please introduce for me the members of Stetsasonic…
Stetsasonic: The Grand Wizard DJ Prince Paul, The Stet Drummer Bobby Simmons, Wise a.k.a. Lito BRIGANTE’, The Rhyme Orator MC Delite (and) The Ebony Chief MC Daddy-O.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this long overdue brand new LP, Here We Go Again — Although pretty self-explanatory, still tell me, conceptually, what this title represents both to and for you all?
Stetsasonic: I’ve been told that 33 years is the biggest hiatus between albums for any genre across the board. The representation of a Phoenix rising from the ashes is an understatement. It represents a reset for ALL of classic Hip-Hop. In my opinion, the way to represent a reset is songs, records and albums. Here We Go Again is just that. Once again it’s on. An ode to our fans and the genre.
Parlé Mag: What particular string of events actually led to your current linking with SpitSLAM Record Label Group?
Stetsasonic: Stetsasonic is signed to Odadtruth Records, distributed by Spitslam. Chuck D of Public Enemy is an artist advocate and a big fan of the band. Trust is what made this connection happen.
Parlé Mag: Why such a lengthy delay between projects?
Stetsasonic: I [Daddy-O] started recording on Odadtruth / Spitslam in 2016. After some lengthy conversations, the band agreed to record again, and it’s well worth it!
Parlé Mag: And, what all exactly had have you all been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during this musical time off?
Stetsasonic: Various efforts, but I can say Production, DJ’ing and soundtracks for Prince Paul. For myself, looking to secure more lectures and working on the next Self-Destruction project.
Parlé Mag: Now tell me your whole inception into music — When did you all first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Stetsasonic?
Stetsasonic: Growing up listening to Motown, Stax, etcetera, and later hearing Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The rest is history, literally! (laughs).
Parlé Mag: You all hail from Brooklyn, New York… So growing up in ‘BREUCKELEN,’ who all did you all consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Stetsasonic: Bands like Brass Construction and all that was happening in the parks, DJ Watkins, DJ Wise, Scooter Love and the Kickin Coffin, names you may not be familiar with, but our influences for sure.
Parlé Mag: Now from an individual standpoint, what do each of you bring to the table both personality-wise and creatively?
Stetsasonic: Prince Paul, Production, DJ and Maestro Bobby Simmons, Production, and MD Daddy-O, Concept, Lyrics and Vocals, Delite A&R, Lyrics and Vocals, Wise, Lyrics, Vocals and the Latino Vibe.
Parlé Mag: Where does the group’s moniker originally derive from?
Stetsasonic: When you see the stamp “Stet” on a product, it actually means complete. Nuff said.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here… What do you all feel has been the ultimate key to your longevity?
Stetsasonic: Loving music and following the greats Prince, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, etcetera. The study of it all.
Parlé Mag: What do you all want people to get from your music?
Stetsasonic: Happiness. Education. Relief. Even a bit of nostalgia.
Parlé Mag: If you all could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Stetsasonic: Probably Prince based on creativity and forward thinking, if that makes sense.
Parlé Mag: If you all could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Stetsasonic: The Amphitheatre in Greece, just the mere magnitude of it!!
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you all happy with the current state of Hip-Hop? And, even more specifically, why do you all feel that we, the masses, don’t see the group dynamic like it was back in, say, the nineties?
Stetsasonic: Wise said to me one day, “they do collaborations to fill the absence of groups.” The current state of Hip-Hop is deprived of the masterpiece due to the emergence and speed of technology. Artist development is virtually absent. The result is what you hear.
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you all interact with and respond to fans…
Stetsasonic: Very differently today than years ago. Years ago, no internet, and just a bag of fan mail at our record company office. NOW one on one. We try to reply to messages and stay engaged with our audience.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Stetsasonic: Favorite part is reaching people, making them happy, and educating them. This is a platform that we feel very blessed to have. The least favorite would have to be some of the disputes that arise due to differences.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you all have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Stetsasonic: Learn the entire business first, and then and ONLY THEN, make your decision.
Parlé Mag: Lastly, what’s next for Stetsasonic?
Stetsasonic: More music, looking for opportunities to tour – PROMOTERS HIT US UP! – and our next video from the new album “Cypher” is in the works!!
Parlé Mag: Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Stetsasonic: Stay tuned for the new Self-Destruction project, and please continue to follow us on Social Media and Bandcamp.
Instagram: TheRealStetsasonic
Bandcamp
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