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MVRemix: Alright man, well the first thing I want to ask you about is the Chevy commercial.
Elzhi: It was some people that we knew, and basically, we gave the music to them in a proposal. When they heard our single, they were loving it.
MVRemix: Its cool for you guys to be heard in this capacity. Why do you think Chevy went with you?
Elzhi: They wanted to do a group that wasnt already fully established and big. Then also, we have the Detroit relationship, being from here, and that being the Motor city. In the end, I think it was moreso the music though.
MVRemix: Youve made a lot of changes and major headway in your career, and you were in a brighter forefront with your last album. How does this new album compare to the previous work?
Elzhi: Its totally different. We went back to the original style. Soulful music! Our last album had more of a street edge. You know, plus were independent now as well.
MVRemix: Why did you leave Capitol?
Elzhi: We always do what we want with the albums, and it wasnt really a freedom thing, but it was more with support. Under that structure, we were able to do what we wanted, but it was different though. This album brings us back to the essence. Were trying to capture our original fanbase. Were getting a better response with this record.
MVRemix: But being independent now, do you think that it will be difficult to reach the same people that youve been able to reach with the majors?
Elzhi: Oh no! We would have never gotten the Chevy situation being with Capitol. I think things will get bigger and better. Most labels today are independent anyway. A lot of people forget that. Some of the biggest labels are independent, like TVT. So it aint really about that. Its about your records being in the stores and getting enough publicity.
MVRemix: I know you worked with a lot of the same people as your last albums, like Dwele. Did you work with anyone else?
Elzhi: this album is more like family. We didnt really feel the need to go and get any major artists to collaborate with us on this album. Dwele is our people though. He will probably be on every album. Hes family. We got Fat Cat, and you know, a bunch of our people. Basically, its the same people that we use on all of our projects.
MVRemix: What else is happening right now?
Elzhi: Weve got shows coming up over the next few weeks. Were always touring. We stay on the road. Also, Chevy is doing the commercials with us. We also have our regular commercials out now that are promoting the cd. Were working on more music, new projects, mixtapes, and you know, everything! Theres a lot of different situations.
MVRemix: Well its good to see youre still out there and doing it. Where can we check you out online?
Elzhi: They can find us at www.barakrecords.com, and www.okayplayer.com
MVRemix: Any final thoughts at all?
Elzhi: Yeah, this album is made for people that like soulful music. If youre not into that, then dont waste your music. Youre either into it, or not. I dont want to sugarcoat it or nothing. I just want people to be there with us that want to be there.
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Elzhi (Slum Village) 2002 Interview by Todd E. Jones
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Slum Village - Detroit Deli review by Brainiac
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Dwele 2005 Interview by Hugo Lunny
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