Radiation, one of the founders of Sefalet Records, answered our questions with complete sincerity. To help you get to know Radiation better, we conducted a wonderful interview covering his projects to date, his first solo album, and his future projects. We now present this interview to you, members of suikast.de.

SND: First of all, dear Radiation, get well soon after your surgery. What is the current status of your condition?

Radiation: Thank you. My health status is now clearer. I have edema in my vocal cord and I have started treatment. The location of the edema will be determined. Since the surgery is expensive, I am currently undergoing medication.

SND: You released a great album and collaborated with quality artists. Did you get the response you expected from the album and the listeners?

Radiation: Yes, I received the reactions I expected, both positive and negative. I made this album during my illness, and I know how I did it. There weren't many solo tracks, but I made the album because I had to; I didn't make excuses. In my solo songs, I dealt with social issues, and I received more than I expected in those two songs. I talked about social issues and my life. We added color to the album with the names featured in "Sefalet Olumu" and "TR SELF," and I received positive feedback from listeners.

SND: It's said that you received great support from Sirhot, an overground artist, during the album's production. What do you have to say about that?

Radiation: He accepted my collaboration offer, but we had already recorded the song "You Don't Know Misery," and due to my illness, I didn't want to add a new song to the album. I asked if he could sing intros and interludes, and he didn't refuse. We've been friends for over four years. I see him as my older brother; nobody taught me anything in rap. Karaçalı and I learned everything through our own efforts. I haven't exchanged information with anyone other than friends; I wanted to emphasize this. Sirhot has established himself in Turkish rap with his albums and album production. That's all I have to say about him.

SND: Until now, we've mostly known you for your work behind the scenes, in production, music video shooting, and directing. Where did the idea for an album come from?

Radiation: Actually, I started as an MC. We formed the tragedy group Sefalet Records with Karaçalı, and I tried to do studio work, music videos, and MCing. It was difficult at first because I was in university. Around 2003, Karaçalı and I decided to make a solo album and release a tragedy album, but we canceled it because of our universities, so I made a solo album.

SND: Can we expect a new Radiation album?

Radiation: I'll be making two albums soon; one freestyle album and a solo album to cover my medical expenses. We'll release them for sale. It will be a solo album with a strong emphasis on social issues.

SND: Could you tell us a little bit about Sefalet Records, for our brothers and sisters who are just starting to listen to rap?

Radiation: Sefalet Records consists of Radiation and Karaçalı. It's our studio, established in 2006, and we started recording and producing albums. We've been receiving recognition for our work and the albums we've released. At Sefalet Records, we handle beat recording, mixing, video clips, and graphic design. Beats are made by Karaçalı and start at 40 TL. Recordings are 30 TL. We also use Saian's beats in our studio. You can reach us by emailing sefaletrecords@hotmail.com or radi.menfi@hotmail.com.

SND: What's going on at Sefalet Records? Are there any new projects? Have any new names joined or left? Could you tell us a little about it, Radi Menfi?

Radiation: Actually, Sefalet Records has been closed for a month because our computer broke down, so we couldn't do any new work, but we have a lot of accumulated work now. We will continue from where we left off in October. Mic, Neşter, Darp, İhtilal, Singaf, and Kurşun were very close friends of mine. With the combination of support and friendship, we recorded their work in our studio. They did successful work, gained the appreciation of the listeners, and saw themselves as part of Sefalet, and we presented their work. We often get questions about how to join Sefalet or what it's like to be part of the organization. Regarding this, Sefalet Records is a studio, and everyone can do their work for certain fees. Sefalet Records is a studio founded only by RADYASYON and KARAÇALI.

SND: So how did you come up with the name "Misery"?

Radiation: The name came from the fact that it was in a suburban neighborhood where I lived, and our studio was in our home, so it was a name born out of necessity. While Karaçalı and I were looking for a name, he suggested this one, and it turned out to be a fitting name.

SND:Tr Can you tell us a little about the Self Confusion movement? Which MCs are in this movement? This would be new information for our brothers and sisters who want to learn more.

Radiation:Tr self is a rap collective of very good friends working together in hip-hop. We have new members joining us; the group consists of Gına, Radiation, Karaçalı, Saian, Patron, Şehinşah, and Mirza. It will grow even more over time.

SND:TR Could you explain the connection between Self Confusion and Sefalet Records? You were among those who dissed each other back in the day; could you give me some brief information about that?

Radiation: Actually, the band Sefalet Records is based on the Tragedy group. To this day, we've kept Sefalet Records alive with Muhammed Ali without any discord between us. TR Self and SEAP are separate entities, rap groups. Sefalet is essentially a studio. Honestly, Sefalet is my and Karaçalı's first tear; it holds a very special spiritual value for me. We've worked with artists who previously had problems with each other. All the MCs from TR Self and Sefalet are very close friends of mine, and they used to come to Sefalet for me. In my case, respect comes before rap, and my friends and I have always followed this path. I can't comment on or interfere with past events. I approach everything with respect and honesty. In our studio, we only deal with rap.

SND: What are your thoughts on these divisions within the Turkish rap scene?

Radiation: I think it's wrong, but since Turkey, where we live, is already a fragmented society, monopolization is inevitable. So, even though we know there's a problem, we unfortunately live as if it doesn't exist. Then, condemning monopolies or group formations is ridiculous. The solution is clear... if we rid ourselves of arrogant and anti-sharing thoughts, the desired society and free hip-hop will emerge.

SND: You've made music videos for many projects to date. Whose works have you been involved in? What are your thoughts on this, and what are your thoughts on current hip-hop videos and the future?

Radiation: First, I made the music video for the tragedy work called "HIVci Kafi," which was made almost 4 years ago. Later, I made videos for Bugra Milat from the group Darp, Büyük Şehir Ertu, Senden Önce, Mic Neşter, Gangsta Terbiyesi, and his new video Neşter Sokagı, the joint video for Kazem Microfon Sende from Bursa, and my solo video for Marenostrum. The only thing I regret is that I couldn't complete the videos because of the limited resources I had; they didn't turn out exactly as I envisioned. In this business, sound systems and PCs are very important. Finally, I will make Marenostrum 2 if my PC allows it, and I will share that as well. Regarding Turkish rap music videos, they are shot with limited resources, and since we do them with home PCs, expecting very high-quality work is a pipe dream, in my opinion. It's largely dependent on finances, but currently, rap videos seem like mere imitations to me. Honestly, our biggest problem is that there are very few people who understand rap, and because the beat, mix, or record companies are unfamiliar with this, it's difficult to produce quality work, and with limited budgets, the future looks tough.

SND: What would you say about the song Marenostrum? What was its purpose? Because the tracks other than the solos were beat-heavy, while the solos had a calmer, more intense feel. What's the reason for that?

Radiation: The only reason I made this song was to explain to my father and family that rap isn't just about women and girls. My father is a socially conscious individual, while my mother comes from a family with strong religious responsibilities. Up until now, I've dealt with positive and negative philosophical or social issues in this country in short intervals and made music videos. I received far more attention than I expected. I received very positive feedback from teachers and individuals who have proven their identity in life. It was the only song on the album that wasn't made for rappers. I took inspiration from Can Yücel's poem "Marenostrum," which deeply affected me, and this song emerged. I conveyed left-right, religious, and political issues in the world through my writing. My family now understands that my work is done with effort, and it's a work that has given me a sense of freedom.

SND: What are your opinions and studies on Karaçalı?

Radiation: The only person I've dedicated myself to this work with; from the first day I heard him, I had no doubt he would become one of Türkiye's best MCs, and he's progressing steadily on that path.
Up until today, we have done everything together, listening, exchanging ideas, and showing solidarity. May God not separate our paths, and as long as He gives us health, our work will continue. Tragedy is indestructible, it's impossible, that's how it is.

SND: Finally, what would you like to say to the assassination members?

Radiation: I'd like to thank BeX and Sayko for preparing this interview. Suikast.De is very valuable to me emotionally because it's one of the rap sites that has remained active for years.
You can download my new works from here. Everyone gets what they deserve in time. I send my respect and love to everyone who patiently listens to and interprets all the pieces that resonate with you from the heart. Wishing you health and well-being.
Also: Karaçalı's latest solo album will be released soon in limited quantities. Those who wish to purchase it can contact him via email...

Radical Negative