Rising hip-hop star Adlib refuses to go mainstream, but that isn’t holding him back

Burgeoning hip-hop beast
Adlib is a proud canna-warrior. His latest release on Sensi Starr Records,
called Teenagers from Marz, is a
joint effort with Rob the Viking of Swollen Members. The superior production
skills of the prolific producer, coupled with Adlib’s commanding and keen
lyrics, ensure an unforgettable listening experience. CULTURE recently caught up with Adlib to talk about what is on the
horizon for this industrious emcee.

You have a new record with Rob the Viking of Swollen
Members that came out last month. What was the recording process like?

Yeah, the record came out
April 21. We recorded it at The Chambers Studio, which is Rob’s studio. I’m in
Philadelphia, and he’s in Vancouver, and we wanted to do it organically, so
instead of sending files back and forth, I flew out there. We just kind of
locked ourselves in the studio. We didn’t want to put any limits on the record,
so we kind of went outside the box, and at the same time stayed true to our
sound.

You have worked together before, right?

Yes, he did two songs on The Highway. Those were the foundation
for the whole album. I knew I wanted to do a follow-up record with him because we
had a great chemistry.

You just finished headlining the Sounds of Sensi tour.
How did that go?

It went well! We had 27 dates
in 30-something days. Most of it was in the Northwest and Northern Cal, Nevada,
Utah, and then we finished up in Denver. It was great. I feel like every time
out, the momentum grows more and more. More people are connecting with us; I
couldn’t be happier. I was out with other guys on the label (Sensi-Starr), so
being on the road with friends is a lot easier.

You’ve achieved incredible underground success. Do you
have any desire to go “mainstream,” or would you rather keep it indie?

I don’t want to have any kind
of restraints or rules. I enjoy having control of every side of things, as far
as the artwork, the packaging, the videos. I put a record out called, Bad Newz, and we had distribution with
Universal, and so we were able to get into chain stores. It was cool, but I
prefer to have total control. The music industry has changed so much. It’s a
totally different game now.

Who are your influences? Who would you like to work
with in the future?

As far as influences, I’d say
Cypress Hill, House of Pain. Redman was always a big influence. I’m also heavy
into old punk and hardcore. I love the Ramones, Misfits, Bad Brains, The
Stooges. I also love Johnny Cash and Willie. All those guys are huge
influences. As far as who I’d like to work with, I’d love to do a joint with
Evidence. He’s super dope. I like Flatbush ZOMBiES, they’re really dope. Some
far-fetched stuff- I’d like to do something with John Lydon from the Sex
Pistols—that would be crazy.

How would you describe your music to someone who has
never heard it?

I’m very into the cannabis
culture, so anyone who likes to get smokey will enjoy my music. I’m a very
blue-collar guy, I come from a hard-working family. Anyone out there who is
working to take care of their family and enjoys the counter culture will have
an attachment to the music.

What role does cannabis play in your creative process?

I smoke every day! I would
imagine it plays a huge role. I don’t really know because I don’t remember a
time I wasn’t smoking. Nowadays I’m into trying to spread the word to try to
push legalization and all of the uses and benefits (of cannabis). The different
organizations, I’d like to get involved with. It’s decriminalized in
Philadelphia now. You can have an ounce and just get a fine. It’s just inside
city limits though. It’s ridiculous that I can stand on one side of the
sidewalk with an ounce in my pocket, and if I walk across the street, I’ll go
to jail. To have a plant be illegal is just stupid. I believe that in the next
few years, the whole country will get on board.

www.sensi-starr.com