Jul 2011 05

Catching Up With … Rubox 2

Posted by Lola Pak

*In light of Kollaboration Atlanta’s pending 5th-year anniversary, we’ll be taking a look back to see where previous performers are today in their artistic endeavors. Today’s featured Q&A is with Kollaboration Atlanta alum: Rubox

Q: So, what you been up to since your Kollaboration win in 2009?

A: Since my Kollaboration win, I’ve performed at Kollaboration’s Hip-Hop show in L.A. at the Ford Amphitheater and came back to do an encore performance in Atlanta [for Kollaboration ATL 3]. I also opened up for the Fresh Festival 2010 at BB King’s opening for hip-hop acts like EPMD, Naughty by Nature, Das FX and Brand Nubians. Then I recently had my CD release party in February for my album, “The First Layer.” Now, I’m working on digital distribution with a bonus with my hip-hop group, Andromeda.

I’ve also been headlining shows around Orlando and collaboration with a bunch of Orlando hip-hop artists on stage. I’ve been doing a couple of beat box workshops in Atlanta and Orlando and joined an a cappella group called Yella!, not only doing vocal percussion, but singing and arranging music as well. I’m also involved with another group involving turntablism/DJing, called The Tablehogs, where I help organize monthly scratch/open turntable events.

Currently, I’m working on a mixtape and doing a couple of shows with another hip-hop group, T-Study-in-a-Box.

Rubox (right) scores the grand prize of $1,000 at Kollaboration ATL in 2009 from former Exec. Director, PK. Photo credit: Steph Yang

Q: Looking back, is there anything you would’ve changed about your Kollaboration Atlanta performance?

A: I think that performance was definitely one of my favorites. The crowd was really receptive and [the performance] showcased the art of beatboxing to people who may have never seen it done live. I wouldn’t say there is anything I would’ve changed. I fit a bunch of routines into the minutes that I was given to hit the different aspects of beatboxing, like the basic one-mic routine, use of the loop pedal, and instrumental (harmonica).

Q: What did you end up doing with the grand prize check? Anything crazy?

A: I was thinking of spending it all on lottery tickets to increase my chances in winning more money, or spending it all on 99-cent movies for life. But no, didn’t get anything too crazy. I ended up buying a scratch DJ mixer [to pursue] my love for scratching and a monitor for my live gigs; I saved the rest for a rainy day.

Q: What’s the next step for you, musically speaking?

A: I will be working on a love-themed beatbox CD that is more melodic in nature and collaborates with some musicians as well as vocalists. I am continuing to record with Yella! on some demos and using my DJ skills to work on a mixtape with female emcee/vocalist, Collete Chantel. This will be released by the end of this summer.