For those unfamiliar with the SND-Orontez family, let's start with a brief introduction.

Orontez is a group that has been actively making rap music in Antakya since 2002 and is still active.

SND - You've released many free download tracks to the market so far... And many of them have achieved great success... However, only a part of the Orontez crew is in the spotlight. We don't see the rest of the extended family consistently in the forefront?

Orontez - Everyone at Orontez strives to constantly produce something. However, due to personal circumstances, we sometimes have to take a break. Reasons include school, work, etc. Also, nobody...
There is no doubt about it. This name will be carried on one way or another. This family is no different from a large tree, if we think of it abstractly. It has roots, a trunk, branches, and leaves. People taste its fruits with their ears, and when you look at a tree, the parts you pay attention to stay in your mind, and partly the soil as well. Important.
He should be known not for the individuals involved, but for what the name Orontez has accomplished.

SND - If we were to give credit, it would be for the work you've done underground.
In that respect, where do you see yourself at?

If Orontez-Seviye were only concerned with the number of albums, we would have released and presented tracks that we didn't consistently include on albums. The important point here is to be selective, constantly produce new material, and raise the bar. I'm not saying this out of modesty or flippancy; let the listeners decide.

Besides classic underground tracks, you also have other great works like "Yarım Kalan Hatıra" (Unfinished Memory)... Among the many genres, what is your favorite type of music?

Orontez - We can't resist the drums rolling one after another; sometimes we try different things. Like in the song you gave as an example. Of course, the things we do with pleasure from our experiences have a special taste. (And that song has every style anyway :P)

SND - Has this evolving group ever experienced internal divisions or major changes over time?

Orontez - No, there was never a split, but as we mentioned, there can be occasional pauses due to personal reasons. While we couldn't even find 30-40 people at our concerts in 2002, now we're struggling to fit everyone into the hall.

SND - Whenever we collaborate, you're almost always together. Beyond rap, a real family and friendship is evident. How long did it take to reach this point?

Orontez - Some things have grown over time, and we've grown too. Our common ground initially was rap, but later strong friendships were formed, and the result is clear. In every endeavor, it all depends on the sincerity you show towards the subject, and this is present both within us and in what we produce. Hahayt

SND - In Turkish rap, have you dissed every artist you've had issues with? Didn't you have many well-known diss tracks circulating online back then? Are there any diss tracks in your upcoming songs?

Orontez - We didn't target every name. And diss tracks happen suddenly, we finish them quickly, and then we continue.

SND - There's something happening in Türkiye lately: collaborations with pop singers. What are your thoughts on that?
Orontez - There's nothing like that on the horizon for now.

Is there a possibility of solo projects from SND-rasheed, JBX, or other Orontez members?

Orontez-Planda has an album, some parts are finished and some are incomplete due to unforeseen circumstances, etc. We decided to rename the album "2 Duz 1 Mars" to "Nelankomik," because a really solid album is coming. R&J's album is also on the way. Rıhtım (Fenomen & Akıncı) is releasing an album soon. Raptor and P-fox will continue with solo projects, and KO will continue with the Sound Control series.

SND - What would Orontez like to say about KO's solo album, which we recently published on our site?

Orontez's album has an underground rap feel to it. We recorded almost all of it in about a week, except for a few minor things. I think the lyrics need to be followed carefully. My favorites are: "Either Really Relax or Pull Yourselves Together," "Moda Option," "Forbidden Doors," "Hiphop in My Hand as a Mascot," and "Come On, Walk Ahead." (JBX). 100% underground rap. My original favorites: "Moda Option," "Hiphop in My Hand as a Mascot," and "Either Really Relax or Pull Yourselves Together." (Rasheed)

SND - There's a trend these days. Everyone's a gangsta. I think it's a bit of imitation. Speaking of imitation, this is really damaging Turkish rap, what's your opinion?

Orontez - Imitation is actually a good thing, but copying is really funny. Everyone should be themselves, do this without fitting themselves into a mold, that's when they'll truly enjoy it. The Turkish rap scene has grown significantly in Türkiye, and our only wish is for all our brothers and sisters involved to carefully consider and refine their work.

You made a song for SND-Gfb and publicly announced your team affiliation to the entire rap community. Did this cause you any problems, or did you receive any minor complaints from fans who support different teams?

Orontez-Orontez, we have friends who are fanatical Galatasaray fans, and also some who support Beşiktaş. Even the smallest issue turns into a "Valley of the Wolves" style drama, with people threatening to kill or cut people up, or talking about the girls they sleep with. We only supported the team we rooted for; we respect all other clubs. No team was ever insulted.

SND - Also, I'm curious about how this one-punch drill came about?

At Orontez-Deka2½, we recorded a song for CADDE, the fan group of our city's team Hatayspor. And upon the request of several notable figures who listened to and liked our song, we also recorded for Gfb. It's a song we recorded in one night.

How did the song "SND-Al bu kafayı alın ortasi" (SND - Take this head and put it in the middle) come about? What were the reasons?

Orontez - First of all, let's be clear, the reason isn't that we're taking it personally. The reason is; since there are people who claim to have been part of this culture for so long, we think they should be more selective in their lyrics. If the meaning of their words is enough to mislead even one person, like when 50 people come and diss you every day, etc., we'll put an end to that. Everyone should mind their own business. There's no problem.

SND - Despite running this business so well underground for so long, why don't you release a licensed album?

Orontez - There have been a few attempts before by unnamed companies and production companies. But for now, we're continuing like this. If anyone wants us, they can come and get us, we're in Antakya.

When you were a guest on SND-ATV's main news program, you became known for your closeness to the religious community. Did you choose this image?

Orontez - If our image were defined by a single piece of music, we wouldn't be able to listen to the others anyway. We're forced to live a certain life, so naturally, the luxury of trying to create an image only goes so far. We write and read whatever comes to mind; it's all from our lives.

SND - Are there any difficulties in making rap music in a small city? Do you plan on doing bigger projects in the future?

Orontez - Absolutely. Like eagerly awaiting the day you could register from '97 to 2002. So there are limitations in resources. We always strive for improvement in this process.

SND - Final word conversation?
Orontez- Rap.

Thanks, Orontez…