Squeeze_interview

Big Squeeze- Tac-town's Illest!!

by: JJ

In the city of destiny, a town more known for it's violence than hip hop, comes a talented producer who stands levels beyond his counterparts. There are many producers in Tacoma, but none involved in hip hop is more active than Big Squeeze. Big Squeeze aka Aaron Gordon, the 28 yr. old native of Houston, has been developing his deep mob sound for a 15 years now. His most recent achievements include tracks on Mr. D.O.G.'s Ghetto Politics, PR2000's Seattle:the Darkside 2, and BNW's "All or Nothing" Sndtrk. Now signed with Bow Wow Records and set to bring out his sophomore project, Squeeze is ready to let the world experience his melancholy vibes and deep bass.

Q. What's up big man? Alot of people haven't heard of Big Squeeze outside of the Tacoma/Seattle area until now. With all the projects you've featured on, why is it that your name is just now circulating? Well most of the earlier projects that came out were a lot of indie label's first albums and they didn't advertise in other regions, or magazines. They were focusing on locking down the town. Plus, most people that are not in the business don't read the credits to most material that they buy.

Q. So how's business? With your name rolling off numerous tongues nowadays, I know business must be good. I can't complain. After all busy means work and work means bills get paid. But yeah, I'm on the grind 24-7. When I'm not working, I'm making beats, when I'm not making beats, I'm tracking out a song, when I'm not doing that, I'm trying to make up time to my son. I don't have enough time to sleep yet alone B.S.

Q. I want to go back and get to know a little about how you got where you are now. Who was the 1st artist that you seriously laid tracks with? Well I laid tracks with my first group, CCP but we broke up in high school and never put any of the music out. We did shows to the tracks at other high schools and house parties.

Q. I know things are rough in the beginning, and I believe readers, especially up and coming producer need to know somethings. What type of equipment did you start off working with? Dude, I started off with a Ensoniq board, a 4 track, and a cheap micraphone. And to this day, noone can work a 4 track like Big Squeeze. Of course, the studio is much stronger and able to do a whole lot more since then.

Q. Who were some of your influences in hip hop? As far as influences, I had a lot of influences but I gotta say KRS-1, Public Enemy, Rakim, Ice-T, NWA, all the OG rappers, Run DMC, LL. However, my biggest influences came from the Gap band, Lakeside, Parliament, and SOS. You should be able hear all that in my music. I try to be versatile ..Ya know.

Q. What are some of the projects you featured on? Basically, almost every hip hop album that has come from Tacoma, like Azarel- Representin, Mr. D.O.G.- WET, DreKno- Marks On My Soul, OG Freeze- X-Con the Don, Felony Ent.- Welcome 2 My City, SUAD- In My Rearview, Pakalolo Tribe, Tall Can, & many more.

. . . I'm on the grind 24-7. When I'm not working, I'm making beats, when I'm not making beats, I'm tracking out a song, when I'm not doing that, I'm trying to make up time to my son. I don't have enough time to sleep yet alone B.S.

Q. So who gave you your first big break? Well that title belongs to my dog, Freddie. I've done many tracks for various groups but he is the first person to take enough interest in what I'm doing to put out my first album. The name of that one was Vol. 1 and that's on Do Lo Entertainment.

Q. So do you rap as well? Naw, really I stick with what I’m best at, beats. I surround myself with tight rappers and they will be showcasing my beats on my projects and theirs.

Q. I see you signed to Bow Wow Records. How did that come about? Well Mr. D.O.G. and I have known each other since High school and I’ve worked on every one of his projects, so it was only natural that T-town’s biggest label picked up Tac’s best kept secret. We got a special sound together and thats why Bow Wow signed me.

Q. What is the difference between your deal with Bow Wow and your last deal? Well you putting me between a rock and a hard spot. Do Lo was cool, but Bow Wow has been in the rap game a little longer and at this point in time, they are making more heads turn and distributing their cds in more markets. Don’t get me wrong, I still work with Do Lo on the production end, I will just be releasing all of my personal cds through Bow Wow.

Check out his website for free downloads: www.mp3.com/big_squeeze

Q. Bow Wow Records is dropping their first compilation, NW Ridin on July 3rd with the 1st single dropping June 5th and I noticed that you done the production on the single, "Take It Off." What inspired that track, and how do you feel about the response it's been getting? Well I listened to that Mystikal track by the Neptunes. It stayed with me, and I'm the type of person who likes to challenge myself, so I wanted to try something out of the ordinary for me but at the same time show the world how talented and versatile I really am. As far as the feedback, I'm lovin it. People are really responding well to this joint. It has potential to be a hit. In fact, it is currently rated #6 on Star West Record Pool's top 15. and that's in the Bay, Oh Boy!

Q. How many tracks did you produce on NW Ridin? Just 4 but, I'm doing the bulk of Mac Money's album, and all of my own.

Q. Speaking on your new album, I peeped that you named it the Senator. Is there a meaning for this or at least what made you come up with name? Well I'm basically sticking to the script. I'm on Bow Wow, they Ghetto Politicin. It's basically just another chapter in the saga, ya dig.

Q. Is there a release date for your new project yet? And who can we expect to hear on spitting on it? It's set for next summer and only the top NW rappers will appear on my new joint. So far I have my label mates Mr. D.O.G. & Mac Money, Cool Nutz, Bullet & Shaolin, Azarel, Kenny Mack, and Mak Mahd of the Phranchise, plus I got a soulful ballad from the songstess, Kisha. We aint done yet, but trust me its gonna be fire! We are also in the process of trying to get Mac Dre and/or Kokane on a track

Q. What are some of your best pieces of work in your opinion? “Aint Sweet” with Cool Nutz & Mr. D.O.G. off the All or Nothing Soundtrack is definitely one of them. “We G’z” “F’em” & “Take It Off” are a couple more. Personally, I think all my tracks off NW Ridin bang with the bigger names on this one, but really I think my best will be seen on some of these unreleased tracks that I’ve been dropping lately.

Q. Any other projects that you've been working on that will be coming out in the future? Yeah, Cool Nutz- I Hate Cool Nutz, Ill Will- Lyrical Disecta, Mac Money- Tales of a G, Bullet& Shaolin- Dedication & Desire, Mr. D.O.G.- Diabolical Deeds.., plus Azarel, and DreKno's new joints.

Q. Any last words to the people? Yeah cop that NW Ridin, & Vol. 1. It's wet! Support NW hip hop and stay trill to yo' self. Plus, holla at yo boy if you need beats. If you aint know, now you know. May Yah bless.

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