CAMA Meets MC Hydrophonics
With just one week to go until the CAMA Festival hits Hanoi, CAMA caught up with MC Hyrdophonics, part of Akil the MC’s Hip Hop collective. We found him still hot on old skool Hip Hop, a sound and energy that he can’t wait to bring back to Vietnam’s capital.
CAMA: As a musician, what would you say are your musical influences?
Hydro: Bob Marley would probably be my biggest influence. He came from less than nothing and ended being one of the most significant artist of all time. His message of love and unity is timeless.
CAMA: What’s your greatest achievement in the music industry been to date?
Hydro: Thus far, I think being part of the 1st international Hip Hop group to do a show in Cambodia, or writing songs for the princess of Thailand would have to go on the top of my list… :)
CAMA: How would you describe a 4Dub live show?
Hydro: One of the closest things you are gonna get nowadays to an old school party rocking hip hop show.
CAMA: You’ve played shows all over the world – what’s your favourite place to play?
Hydro: Really hard to say one favourite, but definitely would have to put Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Beijing at the top of the list for Asia. Every time we go there it’s just pure insanity. I crowd surfed across the whole venue last year at Hanoi Rock City – Plan on doing it this CAMA Fest too. So if y’all see my jump – CATCH ME! ;)
CAMA: What other musicians do you like? Can you recommend any acts to check out?
Hydro: Check out anyone affiliated with the Unified Skill District, lots of great dj’s we are fam with too. Cash Money, Dj Jam, MC Mykestro on the West Coast is a beast and my boys Waleed Coyote and P’Wonda from Othaz records are doing some nice stuff now as well.
CAMA: Not many musicians do gigs in VN. Why did you decide to play VN the first time?
Hydro: We were approached by the guys from CAMA and liked what they were doing, compiled with the fact we’ve always wanted to see Vietnam, it was really an easy choice.
CAMA: You’ve played Hanoi quite a few times – what are shows like in Vietnam?
Hydro: So far it’s been amazing every trip. The crowd has the raw energy, like they are just hungry for good music. As an artist I feed off that energy. Each time has been more memorable.
CAMA: What are you looking forward to about returning to Hanoi?
Hydro: Mainly, just performing in front of such an enthusiastic crowd, hanging out with the CAMA crew and meeting kids from the local music scene.
CAMA: Did you go to music festivals when you were younger? How did you get enough money to go?
Hydro: Actually, I went to all the early Hip Hop shows. My dad was cool enough to take me to shows and come pick me up when the shows were done. He trusted me and let me go every time just because he knew it was something I loved. I’m so glad he did. Back then Hip Hop was so new and so uncharted. I think we try to recapture that magic each time we perform. I would love for up and coming artist and fans to experience Hip Hop they way we did back then. If I could do that, I think I’d be satisfied with my career.
