Detroit, Michigan has contributed some vividly picturesque music within hip-hop culture. Throughout the years, Detroit has given birth to some unique and extremely talented artists. Slum Village, Eminem, J Dilla (aka Jay Dee), Lacks, Phat Kat, and many others have maintained their individuality while contributing to Detroit’s signature sound.

Lawless Element is an independent hip-hop group consisting of Magnif and Gee. Hailing from Detroit, Lawless Element is making the world envision the Detroit sound. While both members rhyme, Magnif also handles a majority of the production. As a producer, Magnif creates cinematic music with heart-pounding beats and lush melodies. Babygrande Records recently released the group’s debut album ‘Soundvision: In Stereo’. The LP includes collaborations with some of hip-hop’s most respected artists. “Soundvision: In Stereo” includes J Dilla, Phat Kat, Big Tone, Melanie Rutherford, and Diverse. While Magnif’s production is refreshing, renowned producers Madlib and J Dilla also contribute their production talents to the album. ‘Soundvision: In Stereo’ is a magnificent album of dope beats and cool rhymes. Gee and Magnif want the listeners to feel and see their music. ‘Soundvision: In Stereo’ proves that Magnif and Gee have accomplished their goals. Rooted in the love of hip-hop, Lawless Element has created visual music that pushes the boundaries of Detroit hip-hop. Take a listen, take a look.

MVRemix: What goes on?

Magnif: Everything’s good!

MVRemix: The debut Lawless Element album, ‘Soundvision: In Stereo’ was just released on Babygrande Records. Tell us about it.

Magnif: It’s pretty much the debut of Lawless Element. We tried to prove a point with this album and show cats that we have what it takes to hold our own in the business. It’s just dope rhymes and great production.

MVRemix: Do you have a favorite song on ‘Soundvision: In Stereo’?

Magnif: It’s kind of hard to say, but I probably have to go with ‘Soundvision’ and ‘Something (Remix)’.

Gee: I would probably go with ‘Represent’ or ‘Move’.

MVRemix: Can you explain your name Lawless Element?

Gee: Lawless. It’s like an unbreakable element that goes against the rules.

MVRemix: What is the meaning behind the album title, ‘Soundvision’?

Magnif: We called it ‘Soundvision’ because we wanted to give you music that you could actually see. We wanted you to envision the sound.

MVRemix: When creating a song, do you have a set theme or pre-written lyrics? Or, do you write to the beat?

Magnif: The way it works is like this. Since I produced more than half or most of the album, I banged out the beats and passed them on to Gee. Either I tell him what the track is about, or I tell him to give me a concept. He may hit me up and let me know what it’s about. That’s how we get the tracks done.

MVRemix: As a producer, do you do a lot of pre-production before you go into the studio?

Magnif: Yeah, I produce and make all the tracks at home.

MVRemix: Favorite sampler or drum machine?

Magnif: I use the MPC 60. The first one, not the version 2.

MVRemix: On Guru’s ‘Street Scriptures’ album, Talib Kweli comments that Pro-Tools made producers lazy. Do you agree?

Magnif: To a certain extent, it does. It’s a good tool. It’s really great when you think about it. Recording on a 2-inch or putting your effect in is a real big hassle. But, as long as you are keeping it real with the turntables and the samplers, it’s all good. That way, I don’t see any problem with recording with the Pro-Tools.

MVRemix: J Dilla produced, ‘The Shining’. How is his production style different from yours?

Magnif: I don’t know. It’s kind of hard to say. It’s just a different sound. We’re just different artists and different people. We have our own styles because my style fits my personality and his style fits his personality. I don’t know. I couldn’t call it. It’s just two different musical sounds coming from two different musical people. You just get different sounds.

MVRemix: How did you two form Lawless Element?

Gee: That’s my cousin! I’ve known him ever since!

MVRemix: As cousins, do you have any artistic differences when it comes to music?

Gee: We kind of like break even. Lawless Element is pretty much Magnif and me.

MVRemix: What has been in your CD player or on your tape deck recently?

Magnif: Right now, I’m listening to the older stuff. I’m not listening to any of the newer releases. A lot of the stuff I sample is what I’ve been listening to. The Donald Byrd ‘Stepping Into Tomorrow” album and that type of stuff. Also, Herbie Hancock’s ‘Gentle Thoughts’ too.

Gee: I have to go with that stuff too. I’ve also been listening to Big L and ‘Illmatic’ for that past month or so. I’ve been listening to Kanye West’s ‘Late Registration’. I was listening to Little Brother’s ‘The Minstrel Show’ just last night.

MVRemix: Who are some artists from Detroit people should look out for?

Magnif: Melanie Rutherford. She’s amazing. We are supposed to be working on a lot more stuff in the future. Be on the lookout for that. She’s an amazing talent.