Typically, when you hear of a new artist, you can guess their subject matter and sound depending on where they are from. Usually, when you think of Southern Hip-Hop, the thought is, “more crunk, more snap, more 808’s.” But, in case you missed the gems that have come from the “Dirty,” Basic Vocab will surely open your ears.The trio is extremely similar to Little Brother as far as lyricism. JL Sorell, Mental Growth, and Tony Galvin complete a group that provides 9 to 5 music. Basic Vocab mouths the average American’s aches and pains like dealing with life and verbalizing their opinion on politics. As their name suggests, the group take Hip-Hop back to the basics. Without knowledge of their region, one just feels the music and nods their head to songs. Not once will the voices of the MC’s give hint to Miami, but that is where they hail from.

Yes, the South does have diversity. Yes, the South does have MC’s with unique song concepts. Yes, the South has something to offer. No, the South isn’t limited to clubangers and booty anthems. The South has Basic Vocab. JL Sorell felt compelled to talk about the hardships of the group and life.

JayRich: Little Brother almost got a classic album rating in the Source, Nas’ first LP, Illmatic was classic, but neither moved many units. Being that your group revolves around lyricism, do you find it more challenging to produce sells?

JL: “You gotta think, Little Brother was getting mainstream play on MTV, went on tour with Fort Minor, and had the backing of a big label. You gotta wonder if it was Little Brother or was it the people just not buying it. What people need to do is to cop the album instead of trying to get it free. People have to support the artists if they want the music.”

JayRich: Do you feel as though you can chart with the material on the album?

JL: “We don’t have that sound. Our single that’s out, “Come Git With It,” is a real good song, but people aren’t digging the sound. People are into “snap” and when they hear our song, they say, “That’s a good song,” and that’s it. I feel like we got good music that can compete with the rest, but realistically, I know the industry isn’t into our sound right now. I’m real about it. We’ve talked about this. We would love to get all the dough, but we make music because we love it.”

JayRich: Speaking of the “snap” movement, critics are quick to say that the South is lacking in terms of the lyrics department. But, guys like T.I. and Lil’ Wanye are making a mockery of such statements, how do you feel about those criticisms?

JL: “Overall, it does lack a little lyricism, but, like you said, Lil’ Wanye and Outkast are lyricists. I also think Young Jeezy is a lyricist. Most of the Southern music is based on the beat. We try to balance that. I would say the South as a whole isn’t lyrical, but you can say the same thing about West Coast rappers. Even some New York rappers.”

JayRich: Within the industry, what’s the greatest evil?

JL: “I would say the money. People are glorifying the material goods, and blowing it, instead of investing. The kids are seeing this. 15 year olds are spending money on grills instead of worrying about school and the real world.”

JayRich: As an artist, what’s the greatest evil?

JL: “The beef. The diss records. You know, they make noise, but its not good when people take it to the next level. The “real” next level. You shouldn’t have people getting shot like they are now. T.I.’s entourage getting shot at. You shouldn’t have to worry about doing a show, then, getting chased and shot at.”

JayRich: They say politics and sex sell the most. How do you feel about that.

JL: “Politics is the most natural part of Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop is supposed to voice the opinions of the urban youth. Sex sells, bottom line. You can’t turn the T.V. without seeing it. You know, it is what it is. I don’t necessary condone it.”

JayRich: Hip-Hop has shown the tendency to be dominated by a region or a coast for a certain amount of time; how long do you feel the South will run things.

JL: “That’s a good question; I was just talking about that the other day. I think if the South can adapt to the change of sounds, it can last for a while. With what T.I. and Young Jeezy is doing, it can be 5 to 10 years. T.I. adapts, he can flip his voice to many samples and beats. You know, the “Laffy Taffy” sound will grow old real quick.”

JayRich: Speaking of them (D4L), how do you feel about them and Dem Franchise Boys beefing over a dance?

JL: “To tell you the truth, I don’t know anything about it. That’s the first I heard about it.”

JayRich: Then it’s not worth bringing up. Its not much to talk about. What’s the next stop for Hip-Hop?

JL: “I think its going to be some of everywhere. The Bay area, Atlanta, the East coast, everywhere. People need to respect the different sounds. It’s just going to be Hip-Hop.

JayRich: How do the people within the group affect the music?

JL: “Me and M.G.(Mental Growth) are a lot a like because we both have 9-5’s. Tony‘s (Galvin) job is to make beats. I may have an opinion on politics that I want to talk about and Mark (Mental Growth) will just flip it from another perspective. Mark may have a experience from a past relationship that he wants to talk about and that’ll be the record. Tony produces, does a little writing here and there, and he helps with the hooks.”

JayRich: What’s the biggest obstacle your group faces?

JL: “I got a 9-to-5, Mark got 9-to-5, and Tony got a 9-5. Tony stays in Atlanta most of the time. I’m back and forth between Miami and Virginia because of work. Until we make enough money in music, we gotta do what we gotta do to feed our families. Getting all three of together is a challenge. We just make it happen.”

–By Joe”JayRich”Robinson

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