In an era where many production styles recycle the same formula, it’s intriguing to hear a beat that you can’t quite categorize. Sometimes when you listen to a track, you can imagine a certain rapper or R & B artist placed over the song. But there are producers that the staff at Blind I enjoy like Flying Lotus and Daedelus that channel their innovation into a more obscure sound, that is distinguishable from your everyday beat on the ratio. This kind of abstract energy inspired Blind I to feature Kameleon, a producer from California that is flying right under the radar.

More and tracklisting after the jump.

If the name Kameleon rings a bell, it’s probably because you’ve downloaded some of his music through one of the monthly compilations that we’ve previously posted. Hailing from Southern California, and now based in Philly, Kameleon formed hip-hop group Soul Students during college and honed his production skills in Virginia, the regional hotbed for classically dope beats. Blending sultry soul samples with jazz references and hip-hop, Kameleon has garnered nods from the likes of Talib Kweli, 9^th Wonder Kev Brown and Nottz, all the way to old school vets Roy Ayers. Blind I sat down to pick his brain about beats, rhymes and life.

Blind I: What kind of records do you usually sample? What’s your most obscure pick?

Kameleon: I pretty much sample anything, but I think a majority of my stuff comes from jazz artists since I play bass, keyboard and sax. The weirdest music I’ve probably tapped is some folk music from an artist named Joan Baez that I’m sure you’ve never hear of! I definitely dig deep. But I listen for something that hits my ear just right and I can get that from any artist from any era.

Blind I: What’s your process for creating a beat?

Kameleon: I study music before I use it. I’ll listen to it in the shower, while I cook, when I’m driving- until I understand the song inside and out. I also like to study the actual artist and the intricacies of their music, so I’m not just drawing from something at random. That way, it feels more like collaborating with that artist rather than just stealing their ideas. I like to build from a dope sample and blend it with others on top of any live instruments I may add.

Blind I: How do you describe your sound?

Kameleon: I’m a product of the 90s hip-hop jazz fusion-you know? The Tribe Called quest approach to making the sound that fuels the rapper. I like to make ‘thinking music’ not just a beat. Shit that’s a little more thought provoking and inspiring. I make music that you can play and just reflect. Some of it is smooth. Some of it is more complex. It really depends.

Blind I: Who are your major inspirations and influences?

Kameleon: I’d definitely have to say RZA, 4^th Disciple and really a lot of the early Wu Tang made an imprint on me. Ski Beatz, who produced a lot of old Camp Lo and Jay-Z was also key in shaping my approach to music. I think Dilla is a genius and I marvel at what he does but I didn’t pull that much from him to use for myself because he’s just THAT DUDE and I could never understand how his mind works. Both DJ Premiere and Large Professor are big influences too, but Preemo particularly, because he can take a beat and totally transform it camouflage the integrity of the original song.

Blind I: Who are your top 3 dream collabos?

Kameleon: First would have to be Marvin Gaye without a doubt. The way he built a song backwards and his mind was just ill. He laid all his background vocals down before he sang the lyrics so that’s just a testament to his vision and creativity. My second surprisingly would be Sting. He’s just so abstract and he’s collaborated across the board which makes him versatile. Third would be my favorite emcee, Nas. I don’t always agree with how his albums are put together fundamentally, but at the core he’s just solid.

Blind I: You’ve rapped for almost the entire decade you’ve produced. Are you done with that?

Kameleon: Absolutely done. I find it easier to express what’s on my mind through melody than words.

Blind I: You grew up in southern California but you’ve spent a bulk of your adulthood on the East Coast. How have those influences molded your sound?

Kameleon: I think transitioning from the West to the East definitely helped round out my sound. But when I lived in Cali, people said my music sounded like it came from back East and the same happened when I came over here. But I definitely represent the West Coast through my music. It’s mellow like I am but still intense.

Blind I: What role are you trying to play in music today?

Kameleon: I’m trying to make music for the demographic the industry has forgotten. Like the late 20s early 30s sector that relates to older Nas and Rakim. People tell me that when they hear my stuff it kind of takes them back to that era and moves their soul. I just want to be the portal to the days where rap was only played after 10 on some stations and people weren’t in music 100% for the money you know? Now there are so many artists that are empty pods. Like instant-artists; just add water. Through music, I’m trying to slow cook on the pot, not just add water. Nothing like a home cooked meal.

1. I Am Yours
2. Leaves on Branches
3. Leaving
4. Walk On
5. Leyte
6. Pacific Coast Highway
7. Essence
8. Keep On
9. Planets
10. Kingpin
11. Fire
12. Garfunkle
13. Carnival
14. Knight
15. Stella Artois
16. Strange Fruit
17. Beautiful

Indulge!

If we’ve piqued your interest and you want to hear more, check Kameleon out or contact him via his MySpace.

DROPPED BY *Maiya*

Tags: Blind I Artist of the Month, Kameleon, Producer

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 at 7:01 am and is filed under ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, Blind I. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.