University of Washington alums Saba Mohjerjasbi (DJ Sabzi) and George Quibuyen (MC Geologic) are Blue Scholars. Like their name, a stereotype-bucking reinvention of “blue collar,” Blue Scholars’ music deals heavily with socioeconomic injustice and other societal contradictions. And if politics don’t do it for you, they got beats and loops that’ll twist your head right off your neck. Here we got the MC, Geologic himself, strapped in tight to the Hot Seat, and he’s not going anywhere until we get some answers.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: One of our very first shows that we drove out of town for was in Spokane, WA. Some dude jumped onstage during our set and tried to take the mic. Then the promoter tried to short us on the agreed payment. Then I got a call from my pregnant wife back in Seattle who had to go to the ER while I was 4 hours away. I’m still trying to forget that nightmare of a show.
Q: What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
A: History classes were (mostly) interesting to me. I like studying and analyzing how society developed to what it is today, as well as what steps will be necessary to progress forward.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: New York and San Francisco are cool to visit. I wouldn’t necessarily want to live in either city, but I like visiting b/c I got lots of fam in each city and there’s a lot to do and see.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Plan your work, and work your plan.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
A: Beat CDs from a handful of mostly NW producers… Freeway’s Free at Last, The Physics’ Future Talk and Tribal Music’s Do the Math compilation.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: I just finished The Philippine Revolution: A Leader’s View by Jose Maria Sison and Rainier Werning. Right now, I’m checking out The Wire and looking forward to Lost getting back on the air.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
A: I didn’t start going to shows until around 98-99… at the RKCNDY in Seattle. My first memory there was a Hieroglyphics show. It was hot and it smelled like sweat, blunt smoke and whatever oozed from RKCNDY’s walls. It was a phenomenal show with a solid local lineup and it got me excited to know that there were quality performers in my own backyard after mostly paying attention to music from other places.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Toothbrush, notebook and phone.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Hip-hop music from everywhere - mostly West Coast but influenced by East Coast, Midwest, South - primarily the era that I came up in - from ‘92-97. Everything from Boot Camp Clik, Nas, Hieroglyphics, Wu-Tang, E-40, Eightball & MJG, Outkast, Rakim, Dr. Dre… but I listen to all types of music.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Be critical.
