Rippel will be taking the stage at Spiritbar on Saturday night as one of hip hop’s greats comes to Nelson. Rippel is a force to be reckoned with in his own right. He’s played with some great hip hop artists and has played Salmo’s Shambhala Music Festival. The crew from Shambhala caught up with Rippel before he takes the stage this weekend.
1. How many years have you been involved in the Hip Hop Community here in the Koots? and what have you contributed over the years?
I’ve been involved in the Kootenay hiphop community since 1994. I’ve supported the scene with all my heart. The hiphop music scene in the Koots has grown over the years, and we were some of the first in the area. We’re proud to have contributed to what Kootenay hiphop is now.
2. Over the years Nelson has seen some huge heavy weights come thru our small town, what do you think attributes to it?
We have “true listeners” of the music here, and when the big dogs play a show in Nelson they truly feel heard and appreciated. The hiphop community throughout North America is very tight, so that word about this area gets around to more heavyweights and they keep coming back. We treat them like people. I think that makes a big impact.
3. Rakim is a huge name in the hip hop world at large. What are you looking forward to the most this Saturday?
Oh my, I’ve been so blessed over the years to have played with many of the people in hiphop I’ve looked up to, but Rakim is very close to the first hiphop music I ever heard. He’s the king of hiphop right next to Special Ed. I’m so excited for this show, I could retire… just kidding.
4. What classics are looking forward to hearing this Saturday?
I’ve gotta say, to see It Ain’t No Joke live will be something else. As well, I gotta see Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em.
5. Rippel, you’ve played Shambhala for how many years now? What has been your involvement with the hiphop movement at Shambs? Where would you like to see it go?
I’ve played Shambhala since day one. We were some of the first hiphop pioneers to play and have kept that connection with Shambhala. We started doing the emcee battles and b-boy battles. We brought in acts and created that daytime showcase vibe. Passing that torch and seeing what it has become now is massive!
6. What are you looking forward to at this year’s Shambhala?
This year I’m really looking forward to Pretty Lights, his sound is exactly what I’m into right now. I also can’t wait to see all my friends again and hang with the 4 Real Crew, Soundvibes, Cyphanex and all my Kootenay people! Blessup! See ya at the show