Greetings Sirhot…

1. First, let's get to know sirhot?

I started listening to and singing rap when I was 13-14 years old. Before that, I used to listen to heavy metal and even sing metal songs. Then I started rapping, and I haven't improved at all since then. I sing the same way today as I did back then; the only thing that's changed is my voice. I was born in Ankara, lived in Germany for 5 years, in America for 7 years, and now I'm in Istanbul, but I'll be returning to New York soon.

2. What do you think about Türcerap? Could there be another explosion?

I'm confident that there will be a huge explosion with Nefret and then my own solo album. I also appreciate the young and hardworking friends who are following in our footsteps. I'm hopeful that we'll figure this out in 3 or 5 years.

3. What is it like living in Türkiye? Are you able to adapt?

I came here for about a month every summer for seven years, so I've really adjusted after about three months on this last visit. I'm slowly starting to remember everything...

You said your album would come out after the "4 Hate" album... will there be any features on the album?

Yes, that will happen, I've only mentioned about 4 songs in total :)

You also featured on the album "5 Nefret". Who else is on it besides you?

Yes, I did, there are big names involved but I'm not authorized to mention them right now.

6 Narcotics, as far as I know, there are two of you... Sirhot and Cihan. Are you continuing alone as Sirhot now, and what's the other one doing?

Narcotic was originally a band of three. I was Sirhot, the founder, and I kicked out the other member. Then Cihan's record company released him, and in the end, I was left alone. That's how the album will be released. I love Cihan very much; we've been friends for many years, but that's how the music world is... our paths diverged. The best one won, but we're still friends. He's currently working at a hotel in New York.

7. There were rumors a while ago that Nazan Öncel had reached an agreement for an album; is that true?

Yes, it was made for Narcotic. Currently, my manager is still just Sirhot, and they are in talks with BMG. Let's see, if it works out, my album will be released through them; if not, we'll look elsewhere.

8. In Türkiye, rappers are currently forming groups, like Kuvvet Mira… and big fights are happening. What are your thoughts on this?

I don't know much about this, I've only been here from America for 6 or 7 months and I'm still getting used to Turkey. If there are fights, it's probably because they're young, they shouldn't fight, it would be better if they didn't fight, it's not a good thing :)

9. Who are the best rappers in Türkiye and abroad?

Answering this question isn't actually that easy. Everyone has something they're good at, even if it's just within the realm of MCing, but if I were to answer without including myself, among a few good rapper friends of mine, Ceza stands out...
In other countries, I think it's Erci E, Alper Aga, and maybe Fuat, and if I were to answer without including Narcotic as a group, I'd say Cartel abroad and in our country, of course, the big explosion of Turkish rap, I say hate.

10. Can we learn about their plans for the future?

I've been waiting for this cassette for 6 years, hopefully it will be released by a strong and big record company. Then I'm preparing an English album for America, we talked about that, BMG will handle it, God willing. If my Turkish album comes out with them, then I have many more things to do in life, but writing about them on a rap site right now would be irrelevant :)

11. Is there a Turkish rap scene in America?
no there's not
not even German or French

12. Who would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with everyone who knows their stuff, is well-known, and has a good heart.

13. Do you give rap lessons in the studio? ...Can rap be learned, or is it a matter of talent?

Although I say rap can't be learned, it can be learned and improved, but someone with innate talent is always one step ahead of someone who learned it later. Just like a vampire, born a vampire and bitten later...

14. Where did the idea of setting up a studio in Türkiye come from, and weren't you affiliated with any jobs or schools in America?

I finished university in America, where I had a small studio and worked. Then, when I came here, I wanted to continue it. Making music is something I really love; I've been involved in it since I was about 9 or 10 years old. While my friends were playing hide-and-seek, I would be making remixes using a double cassette player and the pause function.

15. Were there any business considerations when establishing the studio?

I had it there, but I started here for rap, and I also give rap lessons; quality MCs are emerging from our studio :)

16. Do you not use samples in your music? Is this true, and if so, why?

In rap, it sounds strange not to use samples, but yes, I try not to use samples as much as possible because I'm also a composer and arranger, so I can create my own music from scratch. But if you can take any sample and completely transform it with creativity, why not? It's rap... Ultimately, I can use it or create it from scratch as I see fit, it doesn't matter to me, but I generally compose my own songs.

The final word is yours?

Let's introduce rap from Turkey to the world. First, let's improve ourselves, then let's prove ourselves to the world. If I can do it and I'm Turkish, everyone can do it. Let's take off the glasses and masks, please, otherwise we won't get anywhere with this mindset.
Also, regarding the Eminem issue, whether or not I have a picture with him, is that really that important? Wouldn't it be nicer if you spent the time you're dedicating to this making peace with your loved ones you've quarreled with, or trying to contribute to rap in our country by opening it up to the world instead of hindering Turkish rap? What do you say?

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