Last Updated on Wednesday, 05 December 2007 00:00 Written by windwalker Wednesday, 05 December 2007 00:00

Interviews - Wuforever.com Conducted Interviews

Sav Killz (Jamel Hampton) is a Brooklyn emcee, born in Flatbush, who came up in the do or die Bedstuy. He has immersed himself in the hip-hop culture since as long as he could remember. First as a graff writer he wrote Savage doing throw ups and fillins throughout Brooklyn. Later Sav was inspired to become an emcee on a serious level. He had been rhyming since childhood but when he saw how his words and unique stlye affected those around him he found his true calling. Sav engaged in numerous battles and street corner cyphers building his rep all over Brooklyn. He later honed his skills among the Wu-tang Clan , Sunz of Man and Brooklyn Zu cypher. Sav spent many a night rhyming in 36 Chambers studio and Restoration Plaza in Brooklyn which was run by Popa Wu (one of the Wu-tang elders who inspired the Clan). Beyond the WU Sav also performed at many open mic events including End of the Week at the Pyramid, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Club Speed,and Bowery Poetry Club just to name a few. During this period Sav became a staple in the underground scene , coming up with artists like Stronghold Crew, Immortal Technique, Shabaam Sahdeeq, C Rayz Walz, Loer Velocity and more. All those late nights paid off. Sav's lyrical skills were honed like a sword.

For how long have you been rapping?

Sav: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, hip-hop was always around me. Hip-hop was a very powerful influence. I started rhyming and freestyling , engaging in ciphers in 94 or 95. I starting writing more in 99, 2000 after I saw cats feeling my style .

What kind of message are you trying to bring with your music?

Sav: Basically just trying to enlighten cats about life, trying to give them my point of view. I don't hustle , I try to stay positive and uplift those around me. Just be real, be you. We are not all thugs or gangstas. I strive for knowledge of self, freedom, justice and equality.

What's it like working with J-Ronin?

Sav: It's cool, we on the grind making shit happen. Networking and all that. Me and son have a understanding. I see J as not only my manager but as my friend. Together we are making a lot happen. From mixtapes to recordings, to shows, to interviews. It's ALL ELEMENTS in effect!

How do you feel about Myspace and fans talking directly to artists? Do you see any negativity about that?

Sav: Nah, Myspace is a good outlet for cats like me (up and coming). You know what I'm saying. Myspace has enabled me to get my music out there and also to promote shows. I've met some good producers and artists on there. Shout out to Endemic from the UK, AZA , Sam from Thorotrack (Royal Flush's manager)

How would you feel if your new album or mixtape turned out as a download on file sharing site on the web?

Sav: I wouldn't mind, it's just more promotions for me. In the end though I do eat off of my work so I would appreciate the support. Artists deserve to get paid. If someone wants to help promote my work you can contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Maybe you can help me move some units of my mixtape in your area.

How did you get involved with rapping and hip-hop?

Sav: Hip-hop is the culture of the streets, it started here in NY. I was around so many emcees around my way. It was always an amazing influence. I always loved hip-hop. It inspired me as a kid. I knew I wanted to do this. I explored all the elements. I used to do graff, writing on walls. My old tag is Savage. I used to write that back in the days. I used to go out with local crews and go bombing, catching tags , doing throw ups.

Do you think anyone, with practice can become rapper? Or some people just possess this gift?

Sav: I think everything ain't for everybody. There's too many people trying to exploit it. Pretty much anybody could do anything they put their mind to but rhyming is just about putting words together, being creative, having something to say. Expressing your feelings. Not everyone is meant to be in this art form. You got to have love for the culture before anything dealing with material possessions and money. It's about having a love for anything you do first. If you don't love it , it's not gonna love you. Don't try to rap just to be doing it. Don't be a follower.

Do you think hip hop is headed for a breakdown with the rivalries and mediocrity of much of what comes out these days?

Sav: No , I don't think so. As long as you have people like us keeping that flame, making sure the culture stays alive thing will be aight. The industry might fall apart, the fake shit might die out but the cats doing it for the love will still be here. As far as rivalry that shit is entertainment , it's not even real. It's illusions for the most part. It's like wrestling.

If you could do a duet song with any one from the Wu-tang, who would you pick and Why?

Sav: Masta Killa , GZA or RZA. Basically their styles are crazy. Masta, as far as his style it's deep. The god come right and exact with the lessons. All three of them is basically sharp. As far as killa bees I would like to work with Killa Sin. I heard he just got home. Of course Hell-Razah, Killah Priest and Timbo.

Can you talk about the process you go to come up with a new song?

Sav: I just read, hear new stuff, watch movies, listen new music from other cats that influence me and of course listen to all the beats I've been getting lately. Shout outs to Kevlaar 7, Moss and Khaatim.

Do you make your own beats?

Sav: No, but I would like to start after my career takes off

How do you feel about what's on the radio these days?

Sav: Mainstream radio is garbage, it's whack. Pretty much underground radio stations is on point. They show love to me and other up and coming artists. The policy is pretty much open field to those that have good music. I've appeared on NYU's Halftime Radio Show, Squeeze Radio, Gorilla Words out of NJ and other college radio stations.

Could you tell us about your upcoming album? When can we expect it? What is its theme? What is it called? Who are the guests? Who is producing it?

Sav: Before I put out an album I am putting out a mixtape and a 12 inch or two. I have production from Kevlaar 7 and Cyrus the Great from Boston. I am working on some collabos with Ill Bill and Tru-Mac. I have one finished song for my own projects feat. Planet Asia with production from Moss (Ghostface feat. Raekwon - Kilos) I don't wanna do too many collabos. I plan to stand on my own. Too many artists today rely on guest spots for thier albums. You gotta show who you are . I only work with cats who respect my shit and feel my energy. Someone who I can work with . There needs to be some kinda chemistry.

I am also hitting up a lot of compilations and other DJ's mixtapes as well as getting on some of my fam's albums. I am on Planet Asia's new album the Sickness on a song called Baby Foo feat. Tristate. I am featured on a song called Centrifical Cyphers on Loer Velocity's album entitled Hush Factor coming out on Embedded in March. Khaatim has an upcoming album featuring beats from 4th Disciple, which I will be appearing on as well.

For my album ,There is no title as of yet. I am thinking of several ideas. Theme wise it's going to be about my life. The struggles I have gone thru and my hopes , opinions and ideas. Everything is in the works. So keep a look out.

What are your long term goals?

Sav: I want to solidify my spot as a great emcee. I want to tour the world and see what there is outside of Brooklyn and NYC. I want to put out great music for years to come and inspire people in a positive manner.

Your last words of inspiration?

Sav: Just believe in your self that's all. Know who you are and have goals. Plan things out and stick to that plan. Plan your work, work your plan.

Any shout outs?

Sav: shoutouts to the whole NYC underground. J-Ronin, the Wu-family,Stronghold, Planet Asia, Kevlaar 7 outta Detroit, Tru-Mac in Harlem,Shabaam Sahdeeq, Honorable, Shabazz the Disciple Starting 5, Khaatim, Ill Bill, DJ Eclipse and Uncle Howie. Halftime Show, Squeeze Radio, Moss, Dan Green, Cyrus the Great, Kas , Letia Lerok . Peace to the Gods and Earths. Finally much love to my whole family, especially my grandmother who raised me. Peace

[A huge Thanks to J-Ronin and of course, Sav Killz]