If you remember trying to “stop and wiggle with it” at your first party, then you should be looking forward to this Friday.
The Atlanta-based rap group that gave you the soundtrack to your first grind session straight out of middle school is going to be performing at the High Dive for a second time.
The Ying Yang Twins made a name for themselves in the early 2000s during the “crunk era.” They released hits such as “Get Low,” “Wait (The Whisper Song),” and “Shake It Like A Salt Shaker.” And they’re still giving us hits to grind to. (Only this Friday, our dance moves should be a lot less awkward than they were at the 8th grade dance.)
I got the chance to sit down and talk to half of this rap group. Eric Jackson, AKA Kaine, gave me the scoop on their new album, industry advice and the Twins’ upcoming trip to Gainesville.
You and D-Roc aren’t brothers, why call yourself the Ying Yang Twins?
Well, D-Roc is more day and I’m more night. A lot of people say that I’m the mean one and he’s nice. Sometimes he’s mean and I’m nice.
Your music focuses on turning up and having a good time. Where do you draw your inspiration?
I think it’s hereditary. We have always been like that even since we were kids growing up around each other. We never stop having a good time.
Back when you first started in the early 2000s, who was inspiring you then?
I’ve always really liked the oldies and Motown stuff. Because there are not a lot of people who have been writing for real. But I think it’s also important to listen to what’s happening today.
Who’s at the top of your playlist today?
Mad Decent, Meek Mills, anyone who has more subject matter behind their music. Artists who are daring to be different, but shiiiiit, I’m still listening to N.W.A.
Were you excited to see “Straight Out of Compton”?
Yeah, who wouldn’t be excited? I thought it was great because it showed the kids that that sort of stuff has been going on long before now. And D-Roc and me, we were just as old as those guys. We were all kids when that was happening.
In the past, you’ve worked with Lil John, Three 6 Mafia and Pitbull. Are you bringing those guys back on your new album or are you going to put us on to anybody new?
We’re going to be giving you guys a little bit of everything. Bringing back the old guys and some new ones. And this album has been a long time coming. And now, I can give you the name of the album. It’s called “2-4-1, the Ying and the Yang, We Are The World.” This lets you know it’s the twins and it’s two for the price of one, baby. (laughs) We just put out a single actually. It’s an EDM joint. It’s called “Thundercat.” Check it on Mad Decent.
You’ve spent 15 years in the music business. What’s some advice you’d give to someone who is just starting out?
Go hard or go home! Always put your all into the music and don’t ever consider doing a halfway job for your consumers. They have to pay for your work, so you have to do quality work to get quality numbers of consumers. Do everything to get it (your music) sold within the guidelines.
What’s something you guys do before every show?
(Laughs) “Oh man, blaze in the glory. But me and D-Roc, we chief. I mean, what you see is what you get with us. We’re always trying to be in the mindset of how we are as the Ying Yang Twins. And that doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re drinking and smoking before every show. It’s mental.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
“Get Low.” It always gets the crowd extra riled up. When ‘Get Low’ come on, the whole atmosphere changes.
What can we expect at this show?
Hopefully the same thing we do every time, baby. We like to take over the club.
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I would be doing you dirty if I didn’t put you on to the Twins’ latest work, so check out their new single, a collaboration with Pyramid Scheme and Mad Decent. It’s an EDM joint for the new album.
It’s a real jam that should have you grinding from the window to the wall.
Photos courtesy of: Ying Yang Twins’ Facebook
