Beyond the traditional bluster of hip hop comes a voice from its thoughtful side. When Chee Malabar is on the mic, he’s an open book. His strife becomes yours as he relates his personal journals through a flowing cadence. From vivid descriptions of his first home, India, to his generation zero American youth, Chee spins tales that leave you with a memory of his life thus far. We caught up with the MC and asked him to drop some knowledge about his style and the projects he manifests it in.

Who are some MCs that helped you forge your style? Some albums?

Ice Cube and Paris were a revelation early on. Later on, I got into artists like Hieroglyphics, Saafir, Nas, Native Tongues, and Rakim.

Chee Malabar was raised on Hip Hop. Photo credit Yashraj Dhillon aka Roarkyd

I’m probably leaving out so many artists and records right now, but I grew up on hip hop in the early to mid nineties, and a classic record dropped just about every Tuesday. I was so into hip hop that I’m sure everything I heard somehow found its way into my own work.

The albums that really inspired my awe early on, just to name a few:

Soul on Ice by Ras Kass, Illmatic, by Nas, AmeriKKKa’ss Most Wanted by Ice Cube, and No Need for Alarm by Del Tha Funkee Homosapien.

In “Postcards from Paradise” you describe everyday scenes in India. Where do you feel more at home, there or in the US?

That’s tricky. There’s home, where you live, and there’s “home” — the place you feel you sprang from.

But I was raised in India until the age of 12, so there are these obvious childhood memories I have that I sometimes feel like I’ve dreamed up, but I know they’re real.  Leaving one’s homeland permanently is a shock to the system, and with passing years the idea of home takes on some romantic associations, at least for me it did, and you begin to view it through a different lens. Each time I visit India I’m reminded of this idea of home, and it feels right, but after some time, I look forward to returning stateside. I’m an American, no question. 

Is there any traditional Desi music that inspires you?

Absolutely. I grew up listening to my mother’s records (Lata Mangeshkar, Pankaj Udhas, Talat Aziz, Jagjit Singh), and they still inspire me.

I also dig some of the older Bollywood movie soundtracks like Silsila and Abhiman. I grew up, like almost every other Indian kid, revering Amitabh Bacchan, and mimicking his dance moves, but into my adolescence, Rakim and Ice Cube seemed to be more fitting heroes for a kid living in an American city.

You released your first record in 2003. How has your style changed since then? Your outlook on how you want to sound?

Well, for one, I’ve grown since them.  The early Himalayan Project records were political and full of rapper bravado, which was where Ray and I both were in our lives then.

Now, I’m much more willing to share personal things on records than I once was, so my content reflects this growth. I’m more concerned now with telling stories and creating narratives. I think the key for me was to simplify and hide some of the “craftiness” of the earlier records.

If you’re based in the Bay, why the Yankees hat?

New York is my spiritual home. I’ve lived on the East Coast since I was sixteen, and more specifically, Brooklyn, New York for the better part of it.

Chee Malabar's definition of "Harsh Truth" is open-ended. Photo credit Yashraj Dhillon aka Roarkyd

In the song “Harsh Truth,” who are you talking to? Ultimately, what is the harsh truth?

That’s the beauty of art –– I’m talking to whomever the listener thinks I’m talking to, or they’re talking to; the specifics don’t matter. Hopefully, anyone listening to the song finds a piece of their own lives reflected in the song.  I credit my friend Tanuj Chopra, who is a brilliant filmmaker, for plucking this song out of complete obscurity and giving me a little YouTube presence!

As to the second part of your question, I’d like to think that the harsh truth is just that –– a careful assessment and honesty about one’s own life.  I’ve been privileged to work with a group of incarcerated youth who are very talented writers, and I am humbled by their honesty and rawness.  They’ve helped me become less guarded and more open to seeing the power of vulnerability in art.

We love the beat from that song, and the Elton John “Love Song” sample. Do you dig Elton John’s music?

The sample is actually from a cover of ‘Love Song’, originally written by Lesley Duncan, but recorded by an unknown lady.  My producer Ali Abidi scooped up the White Label record on a dig.  I hadn’t heard the Elton John version until very recently. No way that we’d be able to clear Elton John records though.

What do you look for in a beat? What makes you want to rhyme over it?

There isn’t anything specific I look for in a beat.  If I hear a beat and start mumbling rhymes to myself, chances are that I dig it.

What’s next for you music wise?

I’m releasing a solo album, Burning Tire Artisan, produced by the talented Ali Abidi, in early 2011. I have some dope emcees featured like Mo and Toki Wright.

Toddy Shop, collaboration between Anand Subramanian (from Fair & Kind) and me, should be released next year as well, and I believe you have the lead single from that project, “War City.”

(He’s right, we do have it) Toddy Shop – War City

I’m also working towards another Oblique Brown album and Himalayan Project album.

Anything you’d like to say to the Desis of the world?

Thank you for your time and support over the years.  It’s been a privilege to meet some of you at shows, panels, and random dive bars.  Cheers!

Chee Malabar’s video for “Harsh Truth”