The Hood Internet really needs no introduction. By now, you’ll know from my earlier posts, I love everything STV SLV and ABX puts out on their blog. And if you’re up to date with music blogs, you’ll know they are one of the most talked about mash-up duos. From what I’ve read, “Internet Platinum” status is synonymous with The Hood Internet. Fortunately, with their schedule consisting of gigs and lab time, they were able to squeeze me in for an interview. Here goes…

What is the origin behind The Hood Internet?

ABX: The Hood Internet is a blog that was started by STV to post ill mashups and possibly other things for the downloading masses. To this point we’ve pretty much only posted ill mashups. Aside from being a blog it is also the name we go by as a DJ duo for live shows and mixtapes.

Without giving away trade secrets, can you guys tell me how or what sparks the mash-ups you two produce? I mean like Amerie vs. Daft Punk, Snoop vs. Architecture in Helsinki and Justice x Phil Collins are perfect examples that left me speechless.

STV SLV: Sometimes ideas come from similarities in key, or tempo, or cadence, sometimes it’s trial and error, sometimes it’s weed.

Were there any mash-ups that you felt didn’t work out as planned?

ABX: Tons. Most of these were never released, but we did post a week of “reject” tracks at the end of the year for some of the ones that weren’t quite doing it.

In contrast to that, can you name one mash-up that you highly favor?

STV SLV: I was pretty happy with how the Spank Rock/Burial track worked out. ABX’s Rick Ross/Hercules & Love Affair was also a certified jam.

Growing up, who were some of your major influences?

ABX: Michael Jackson, Thundercats, Bad Boy-era Detroit Pistons, NWA, Fraggle Rock
STV SLV: The Beatles, Voltron, 8-bit Nintendo, Masters of The Universe, and also Michael Jackson.

What’s your view on the current state of the music industry?

STV SLV: People aren’t really buying CDs anymore. I’m not even sure if that’s accurate but everyone I know has more or less stopped — if they are buying music in a non-digital form, it’s vinyl. The Internet is also the ultimate white label.

What’s your schedule like nowadays in terms of gigs and production time? Is there a tour en route? Will DC and Vancouver see a live performance anytime soon?

ABX: We’ve been doing live sets here and there as offers come our way, not on a proper tour, but we get around. We’ll be doing some shows in Chicago this summer, playing Monolith Festival at Red Rocks in September, and then probably doing some colleges in the fall. Nothing planned for DC or Vancouver at this point, but we’re always up for playing in districts and provinces.

During a gig, what can fans expect? Maybe a top secret track not posted on thehoodinternet.com?

STV SLV: We’re starting to mess with video, and we also have some questionable sound effects.

What can we expect from the 3rd mixtape: The Hood Internet vs. Chicago?

ABX: Chicago hip hop artists mixed with Chicago bands creating an awesome sound. The mixtape ranges from the big names to less well-known up and coming talents spanning a couple decades of music, but mostly current stuff. Expect to love and want to move to Chicago if you don’t already live there.

Any final words guys?

STV SLV: Teezy got it, that’s what’s up (see attached image).

And there you have it, an exclusive interview with The Hood Internet. Two dudes that know how to make unlikely mash-ups work. On a side note, I just noticed the cover art to the latest mixtape was done by Chuck Anderson of NOPATTERN. Collaborating with an artist in high demand is a hint of success. Congratulations guys. And I’ll be looking forward to the Monolith Festival at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.