This week in Portland, Stewart Villain released his new album, “No Manners”. This one is great — every track hits hard, but the songs that stood out to me on a first listen were “Lord” (ft. Milc, prod. by Gang$igns), “Back Blocks” (ft. Dvnny $eth, prod. by Stewart himself), and “Chvains” (a track produced by EFF.Dope for Cassow’s “Cold Winter” album, ft. Stewart Villain). Other tracks on the album feature the voices of iLLA, Tope, and Matt Andujo, and beats by Trox, Mike Weed, Timeless One, 1NE HUNNID, and Magic Fades. Known for his talent as a producer and live performer, Stewart Villain knows a thing or two about what’s going on in Portland hip hop right now and I had the opportunity this week to throw a few questions his way. Here is what he had to say about this release.
RMR: What was your inspiration for “No Manners”? Where did you get the idea for the project? Do you go into each album with a certain sound in mind, or let the album shape itself as you work?
SV: The project got put together randomly. The engineer that I had been working with at the time didn’t think I was able to rap at all. I spit something for him and we just started making songs. About a year later, here we are.
I don’t really consider myself a rapper. I just do it because it’s fun! Luckily, I’m not whack and I’m able to hold my own with these bars.
RMR: How do you feel making a solo project differed from projects you have worked on with other artists, (for example, LeanTeam, available on BandCamp).
SV: Doing a solo project was one of my BIGGEST fears. It really just comes from not knowing if people will like and support me being an artist. It’s a lot easier for me to be a producer. I know I can produce good music. I now know people fuck with my raps as well, so it’s definitely different. I’ve been rocking shows for a while. It’s just better to know that my music translates from the stage to the booth.
RMR: How have you seen the Portland hip hop scene change in the past few years? You are a talented artist and definitely have a style of your own — Have you felt pressure to change your style in any way or do you feel like Portland embraces artists and allows them creative freedom?
SV: The scene is changing REALLY fast. My generation is holding it the fuck down for Portland right now! Say what you want; the older cats need to be careful around us… Haha! People like Myke Bogan, Cassow, Vinnie DeWayne, Load B, Epp and now myself are coming for heads. It’s not an old man’s game. Much love to the older cats for paving the way. If Portland is going to blow up any time, it’s going to be now.
You can download “No Manners” HERE .
