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Airing out someone's laundry is not always a cause for bacchanal unless it is dirty. Just a couple days ago Entertainment Macco heard a song from Slammer Cutter and the content made it necessary for us to approach him to get the "tory" on who's "Dirty Laundry" he was exposing in his new release. Slammer Cutter is best known for his songs "Hangover" and "D Fan" (collaboration with Kerwin Du Bois). Speaking of Kerwin Du Bois, after this interview we reached out to him to see if he would be interested in commenting on Slammer's Exposé but he declined. Here goes:
Entertainment Macco: Who is Slammer Cutter?
Slammer Cutter: "Slammer Cutter is Stephon Mark, a Trinidadian born artiste who now resides in Toronto. I am spontaneous, melodic and a lover of soca music, that's why I am trying to keep the flag flying."
Entertainment Macco: Explain the Sobriquet is there any significance?
Slammer Cutter: "The name came from going to school at Arima Comprehensive, they started calling me Slammer because of my flow and my lyrical ability and Cuter came because my mom lived overseas and I was always in the latest of everything so they had a saying "aye you does real cut it you know (meaning I was always in style)."
Entertainment Macco: Single/Married/In a relationship?
Slammer Cutter: "In a relationship...I am talking to someone *according to Canadians*
Entertainment Macco: Do you have any children?
Slammer Cutter: "No children but I definitely plan on having once I meet the person that I can settle down and spend the rest of my life with...I am big on family and I don't want to have kids out of wedlock and I don't believe in having children all over the place. I did not grow up in a nuclear family and I want to be able to offer my children stability and love."
Entertainment Macco: How long have you been in the music business?
Slammer Cutter: "I have been singing approximately 12 years but 6-7 years professionally."
Entertainment Macco: When did it all start for Slammer Cutter?
Slammer Cutter: "I would have to say at Arima senior comprehensive but professionally it started when I migrated to Toronto. I always had a strong love for music and I just wanted to push the culture further."
Entertainment Macco: How has your music been received?
Slammer Cutter: "It is being received well; both internationally and back home...my most successful year was in 2009 with "Hangover", my name got out and the song opened doors for me."
Entertainment Macco: Is your music well received in Canada?
Slammer Cutter: "Hangover was really appreciated and my music is being received well here. It was the acceptance for Hangover in Canada that caused a domino effect and I got into the trini market."
Entertainment Macco: Do you write your own music?
Slammer Cutter: "Yes I do...I try to get my inspiration from real life events that happen around me..if it does not really happen I can't write about it."
Entertainment Macco: Are you involved in any other aspects of the entertainment industry? If yes, what?
Slammer Cutter: "Other than performing, song writing and co writing, I am into promotions as far as the local scene is concerned..."
Entertainment Macco: So I heard your new song Dirty laundry and I just have to ask, what is that about?
Slammer Cutter: "Basically Dirty Laundry is me expressing myself and the frustration that I have faced thus far in the industry. What I addressed was one thing in particular and that was an issue with me and a certain producer.”
Entertainment Macco: Now I do not want to assume but it sounds as though you are referring to Kerwin Du Bois in this song, can you confirm or deny this?
Slammer Cutter: “Well Kerwin Du Bois did produce “Pavement” so if people do the research they will know it is him I am speaking about.”
Entertainment Macco: What has the response been like so far to Dirty Laundry?
Slammer Cutter: “To be honest the response has been overwhelming and as expected some people appreciate what I am saying and they are showing love and other are insulted or against what I am saying. A lot of dj's, radio personalities and supporters have been giving me feedback both negative and positive.”
Slammer Cutter: “I considered Kerwin Du Bois as a brother but over time that situation changed."
Entertainment Macco: What do you mean?
Slammer Cutter: “To be honest for the last couple of seasons I worked with him, he is a producer/artiste and I have been working with him for the last six years or so. He was responsible for my music and my name being called and probably for people taking my music seriously, because of this I was branded under his name. So when Hangover started getting real attention our relationship started changing and then I started hearing rumours about his feelings about my success. Then Kerwin started making “jokes” saying that he thought Hangover was getting too big and that he should get the song banned. Then about two weeks later, he came back telling me that a certain popular radio station in Trinidad banned the song. So of course I was asking why would they do something like that and he couldn’t answer me, he basically didn’t care.
Entertainment Macco: Ok I am following you, go ahead.
Slammer Cutter: “Right ... then for 2010 we had "D Fan" and the plan was for me to come Trini with him and perform with Roy Cape. The reason that arrangement was made was because Kerwin writes most of the songs for Roy Cape and he had an arrangement with them to perform with the band. I was looking forward to performing because that way people would have gotten to see me again after Hangover. That didn’t work out and again things started to go downhill because of Kerwin...”
Entertainment Macco: What do you mean by “things started to go downhill”?
Slammer Cutter: “Kerwin told me to come and practice with the band (Roy Cape) and I did that for three consecutive days but I never got the opportunity to practice with them, then just like that he told me that the band wasn’t learning the song again and basically he was not on me. He could not give me a straight answer as to what happened or why or anything of the sort he just brushed me off. From everything that he said to me, I saw that he initiated what happened to me.”
Entertainment Macco: Did you try talking to him about the issues you may have had with him?
Slammer Cutter: “Since this particular issue had occurred before I didn’t try to talk to him again, in the past we talk things out and moved forward but after getting slapped in the face twice there is nothing more to try. Our relationship is severed. I only have two cheeks and if you slap me on both of them I am not going to allow you to do it again.”
Entertainment Macco: Do you think this avenue was the best to take?
Slammer Cutter: “Yes”
Entertainment Macco: Why?
Slammer Cutter: “Because it is quite clear that there is nothing for us to talk about. This is a reoccurring problem and I had to let the fans and people in the music industry know what is happening and why they may not be hearing my music.”
Entertainment Macco: You think he might have been jealousy issue?
Slammer Cutter: “That is what is confusing me, he is the bigger artiste, he is more successful; more hits, more songs and he has experienced much more than me. There is no argument about who is more popular. I really cannot answer yes or no as far as jealousy is concerned. I would tell anyone without hesitating that he is very talented.”
Entertainment Macco: In Dirty Laundry you talked about someone wanting to commit suicide, a lot of people may think that was harsh, who were you talking about and why bring it up?
Slammer Cutter: “People did tell me that it was harsh but I needed to send a message that I was there with him from the start; before he popular, before his success. I treated him like a brother, so why kick me down? I was there through real harsh times; I played an active part in him getting his visa to come to Canada and the existence of his original studio. People need to know my side of the story. Every word and sentence was structured to make sense. Unfortunately it may come across as being harsh and insensitive but I felt that way when he decided to treat me the way that he did.”
Entertainment Macco: Does Kerwin have ownership of any of your music?
Slammer Cutter: “NO ... I paid for every single recording in full except for “D Fan” which we share 50/50 because we both wrote it.”
Entertainment Macco: What is the most frustrating thing about the music industry?Slammer Cutter: “The fact that after you put in so much time, money and effort to put out your music it is not appreciated by the people who control the industry, that is definitely the most frustrating thing as an artiste.”
Entertainment Macco: Would you say that Kerwin Du Bois contributed to your growth as an artiste?
Slammer Cutter: “Yes! Definitely! I always give respect where it is due and I learnt a lot from him, both positive and negative.”
Entertainment Macco: Wait a minute...tell me how Zuki and Tim Tim name reach in the mix?
Slammer Cutter: “I don’t even know who Zuki and Tim Tim are personally, if they stand next to me I won’t know, but their names call because they called my name in something they had in a magazine. I felt that I needed to address them in the song as well.”
Entertainment Macco: Being that you reside in Canada do you find it hard to get your music played in Trinidad?
Slammer Cutter: “It is very difficult because you are not there to mingle with the Djs and do the ground work that is necessary. Plus there are other artistes competing for the same spot you are fighting for. It is important to get your music heard because the majority of music coming out of Trinidad is rated as the best since it is the mecca of Carnival.”
Entertainment Macco: Do you think anyone has any of your laundry to air out?
Slammer Cutter: “I don’t think so. I always try to live right with everybody.”
Entertainment Macco: Okay but if they did how would you feel about someone doing it?
Slammer Cutter: “It depends on who does it, the reason and the message and knowing the person that I am, I will respond lyrically...I am that confident in my ability.”
Entertainment Macco: Are you worried about the consequences you may face, Kerwin Du Bois is quite popular in the music industry.
Slammer Cutter: “No ... I am aware of all the risks and what they are. To me getting my music across is worth the risk, I accept the risks and I will have to deal with any repercussions.”
Entertainment Macco: Truth? Do you have any Soca Fans, the set that are looking for a Soca man, to whine in a soca band?
Slammer Cutter: “No (haha) I appreciate all feedback ... Kerwin and I came up with the concept of groupies but we didn’t want to call her that because it is a little degrading so we called her a fan who likes the music more than an average fan. With me if you standing backstage with me you are not a fan it is on a personal level.”
Entertainment Macco: Truth? “doh take it on” do you live by that saying?
Slammer Cutter: “You must stress about some things but I don’t dwell on it I keep on moving.”
Entertainment Macco: Truth? How many “hangovers” have you had?
Slammer Cutter: “Wow! Too many, I am not a big drinker so after I drink like 4 or 5 beers I am gone.”
Entertainment Macco: What is the weirdest thing a fan has ever done to catch your attention?
Slammer Cutter: “Nothing actually but what is kind of awkward is when someone tries to talk to you like if they know you. Like if we were friends for years but I usually roll with the punches and make everybody feel welcomed.”
Entertainment Macco: If there was one thing you could change about the present state of the music industry, what would it be?
Slammer Cutter: “I would change the way that the industry operates and open up an avenue for new artistes so they could get an equal chance. It is very difficult for an artiste to progress in the industry because of the seasonality and those who do are the chosen few.”
Entertainment Macco: What advice would you give to upcoming artistes who may be based overseas and trying to make a name for themselves in their homeland?
Slammer Cutter: “Take pride in their work and ensure that the quality of music is up to standard. Don’t get discouraged because it is not an easy road to travel and remain persistent.”
Entertainment Macco: I know there are real life maccos out there, how do you plan on keeping your business and professional live separate and out of the mouths of the maccos?
Slammer Cutter: “My lives are separate at all times but the fact remains that when you agree to be an artiste you agree to let people into your life and you can’t switch it on and off, you just have to deal with it.”
Entertainment Macco: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Slammer Cutter: “This situation is an unfortunate one and I hope that no other artiste has to go through it. Everything I sang about is the truth. I didn’t do this for any airplay, fame or money, it was done because I believe in principle and I am willing to defend it. After this people may not hear another song from me because that is one of the risks involved.”
Entertainment Macco: Anything else?
Slammer Cutter: “I have a new song coming out called "More Rum in Meh Cup" and it is being done by Homebase Studios (Mr. Roots & Wayne Green) and I am working on some other tracks as well.”
Dirty Laundry - Slammer Cutter
Entertainment Macco reached out to Kwasi Robinson of Studio 53 to get his side of the story regarding the lyrical war which sparked by Squeezy Rankin. Kwasi was accused of being the instigator by both Jah Bami (in his interview with EM) and Khari Kill (in his lyrical response to Squeezy Rankin), in addition to that the riddim which the “diss” was recorded on was produced and recorded by Studio 53. Some say that there are two sides to a story but the truth is, the sides are determined by the number of people involved.
Entertainment Macco: So how long has Studio 53 been around?
Kwasi Robinson: “Officially 5 years but we have been doing it for 6 years, our first year we were underground.”
Entertainment Macco:
What role do you play in this studio?
Kwasi Robinson:“I am the owner/CEO”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me who are some of the artistes that are part of the studio 53 family?
Kwasi Robinson: “We have done a lot of work for many artistes, they are too many to name but some are Isasha, Million Voice, King David, Mr. King, Devon Matthews, Chucky, J Square, Musique and Nemisis.”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco: Did you know what Squeezy's intentions were when he came to the studio?
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
“I don’t usually listen to every song that is being done at the studio. I have three engineers working out of Studio 53, which are Lava, Penco, Spectacular and then there is my Co-owner Jabari Charles. My role is not to supervise every single thing that they do here. I wasn’t even aware that it was being recorded but when I did hear the song I agreed that we should go with it.”
Entertainment Macco: I was told that it was Lava who was responsible for this particular recording, was he aware of Squeezy’s intentions?
Kwasi Robinson:“Lava did you know about Squeezy’s intentions? (Kwasi asks Lava during the interview) Yes he knew what was happening when Squeezy came to the studio.”
Entertainment Macco: Do you think it was ethical to allow him to attack the artistes that helped build studio 53?
Kwasi Robinson:“It would be unethical for me to not allow an artiste to express himself; I believe that things grow out of controversy. It was a nice battle for them to engage in and I saw it as a positive lyrical battle. It being unethical wasn’t even a thought because everyone gained from what was happening. The fans were loving it the artiste were showing off their skills.”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:“What I would say is that I have master ownership of over 300 songs in six years from many artistes and every artiste helped build Studio 53 so I cannot judge that, people have to decide for themselves. We not at an established level as yet, our reputation is still growing because we are still growing…”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:“I own it.”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:“In the earlies Studio 53 acted as a record label instead of a recording studio, so I own over 300 songs including some from Jah Bami and Khari Kill.”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:“I am more waiting until the dust clears and the post mortem..I am seeing the results already but off course as a business owner I want to see those results turn into money. I am watching to see if this is a model that can be used in the industry…”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:“I taking this stance it is not that I instigated it but at the end of the day most of the things in the industry involves me. Even if I am not directly involved in it I am a part of it. Regardless of what happened or how, I will still be labeled as the instigator. I not sure exactly where they are coming from.”
Entertainment Macco: What happened to the relationship that you had with both Jah Bami and Khari Kill? What went wrong?
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco: Khari expressed his disappointment in you and studio 53 (according to his video response), when he spoke about him mentioning his number of songs on the compilation when compared to Squeezy Ranking, Do you think you breached the producer/artiste privacy "code"?
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Do you think that the studio's involvement in this clash will affect it's success?
Kwasi Robinson:
“I don’t believe that anything could affect our success once we have life we will have success, what we have is brand power, people only watching the clash but studio 53 have been doing a lot..television production etc…”
Entertainment Macco:
Do you think the effect will be positive or negative?
Kwasi Robinson:
“The fans are involved so I am happy..it will have an effect but not profound…we never really had anything like this happening in the local industry in recent times so I have to wait for the post mortem.”
Entertainment Macco:
Does studio 53 have any intention of mending the relationship that was built with Jah Bami and Khari Kill?
Kwasi Robinson:
“It’s about doing good business and making cultural change. It’s not about feelings it’s about business once it is positive change. I have worked with people that I don’t like and vice versa but it comes with the territory and it is normal. To me there is nothing to be mended, they are very good artistes and I hope they share that sentiment because if they have good business I am willing so I will say Yes.”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
“It has been done before but I guess it is all about the right timing for this kind of stuff.”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
“Again I don’t really be in the studio, I deal with the business and when I come back in the studio and I hear something that could be a hit I will run with it. There are a few projects that I work on but I don’t sit down and manifest stuff. I am trying to develop the brand. So basically it depends on the product.”
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco:
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco: We all see Studio 53 as a real life business, how do you plan to make money from this sought of situation? Do you include the clash on your riddim compilations?
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco: As producers what advice would you give to aspiring producer trying to get into to the Caribbean entertainment circuit?
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco: Thank you Kwasi for your time.
Kwasi Robinson:
Entertainment Macco: Is there anything else you would like to say?
Kwasi Robinson:“If any one wants to get in contact with me they can do so by calling me at 1-868-356-0687. Haha. Also look out for “Hard local count down” on Gayelle the channel."
Category:
Hard Local Countdown,
Jah bami,
Khari Kill,
Kwasi Robinson,
Lava,
Squeezy Rankin,
Studio 53
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