Hi Sirhot... We've been following your work in the USA, even from afar. Could you tell us a little about yourself and Narcotic?
I've been making music since I was 10 years old. I started rapping when I was 13-14. In 1995, I formed a group called Hayalet (Ghost). After releasing 1-2 demos with this group, the Narcotic group was formed in 1996 with other people. Initially, the group consisted of 3 people. Currently, there are 2 members. We completed the Narcotic album in New York. Nazan Öncel took over the management of the group. We were about to sign a contract with Raks record company in 1998, but the terms weren't right, so we didn't accept it. Right now, we're busy finding the best record company, let's see what happens... There are about 16 songs and around 10 remixes, but of course, they wouldn't all fit on one cassette. There will be about 6 bonus tracks on the CD.
Who have you worked with on projects so far?
Walkie-D, Ceza, Foxy Brown, Eminem, Crack Mack, Birol (Serdar Ortaç's new star), and a few underground rappers. And Nazan Öncel.
Eminem stands out among them. Can you explain a little more?
We met at a freestyle competition while hanging out with the Detroit crew. Back then, her hair wasn't blonde; she had hideous brown hair. 🙂
So, what kind of collaboration do you have with Birol, who is a pop singer?
She used to perform at Deniz Bar in New York, a place frequented by Turks. That's how we met. She did backing vocals for the song "Anne". She also did the chorus vocals on the remix of the song "Her Yeni Gün".
Okay, let's get back to the album. When will the album be released in Turkey?
There's a possibility of releasing the album as a solo project rather than a group release at the moment. Therefore, the songs are being re-edited. Four new songs are being made. We expect to be able to listen to them around New Year's.
Are there people who supported you in your songs?
I write all the lyrics and music myself. I haven't received any support from anyone, except for moral support.
What topics do you address in your songs?
When we started as the band Narcotic, I was mostly making songs about drugs. Apart from that, most of the other songs we're making now are more emotional tracks.
How do you see the market? What's the current state of the Turkish Rap scene in your opinion?
There are some minor fluctuations in the market right now. But it seems like it will take time for the whole thing to fully develop. The vocals are weak, but the musicality is improving.
Lastly, who are your greetings to?
I send my warmest regards to Eminem, who got arrogant after becoming famous. Greetings to my close friend Walkie-D, Ozzy, Ceza, Sharon James, Tunç Dindaş, Ender Çabuker, and Tony.