The fusion of talents and persistent without denial has formed this extraordinary rap group called SkunkWerkz. They practically grew up together studying, going to school, and making music which kind of explains the chemistry. They are almost like a basketball team, learning each other while anticipating the actions of their teammates. Their music is soft, interactive yet distinct; it’s lyrical but beat driven.

While awaiting the release of their mixtape “Spaghetti Kat”, Nigerianhiphop.net connected with SkunkWerkz to find out what the rest of the world doesn’t know about them.

Denotes

MS – Matt Sesoo / RR – Roger Rabbit

Name/Age/Hometown?

MS: Sesoo Mathew Igbazua. My hometown is Rock City (Abuja). I was born in Benue State actually which is where my parents are from. But I grew up in Abuja.
RR: Chibu Nworgu, my hometown is Abuja as well. I grew up in several places on the african continent and around the world due to my mother’s work in the foreign service but abuja has always been my home.

It is obvious that both of you are Rock City (Abuja) lyricists. How did you get to know each other? And was there an instant feeling like I want to work with this person?

MS: We met in college (Howard University). We’ve been friends for a long time and the decision to work together came from a shared desire to break the norm. I got tired of complaining about music and when beezy and i formed the label we brought Chibu on board and signed ND.

What brought about the name Matt Sesoo and Roger Rabbit?

MS: Matt Sesoo is an inversion of my first and second names.
RR: Roger Rabbit is a character in the Steven Spielberg produced and Robert Zemeckis directed 1988 film “who framed roger rabbit”. The Movie uses a blend of live action and animated characters. I’m all about blurring boundaries in thought and expression.

SkunkWerkz is the name when both of you join forces to bless a track why is that?

MS: Skunkwerkz or SkunkW is a play on the name skunk works which was a United States government code name for a defense project they gave lockheed martin back in the day. The unique thing about this project is that it was virtually free of all government regulation; hence the firm had complete autonomy in its direction and implementation. The notion of autonomy in creativity is what drives us. We want to make music that comes to us and hopefully enough people can relate to it. I think that will be easy since our material will always be based out of the different layers of human interaction and the entertainment we derive from it.

SkunkWerkz sound is very unique (I mean the delivery is insane) what was peoples initial reaction?

RR: Initially, we played our music just for friends to get feedback. Some liked it, some didn’t – that’s just a microcosm of what we expect in the market. The fun part has been the growth. I play what I consider our old stuff now and I just laugh at how silly it sounds. I wouldn’t bump that lol.

You’re about to release a mixtape, “Spaghetti Kat”. Where did the title come from and what can we expect from it?

MS: The Spaghetti Kat project is named after a character that featured on “The Soup” a show on the E network that is hosted by Joel Mchale. Frankly it means nothing – that cat makes me laugh everytime it comes on. It says nothing but its impact is powerful to me. The mixtape is going to explore different sounds and concepts. We are here to entertain, foster thought, and challenge your comfort.

You have worked a lot with ND (a label mate) and you are still working with him. How has it been like working with the sensational R&B act?

RR: Working with ND is a rollercoaster ride. His growth gives me something to look forward to everyday. Writing, composing, arranging for his album has been so much fun. There is nothing as rewarding as seeing someone grown from a young man with talent to an international star; which is what he will be when his album drops – mark my words.

You recent work with the aforementioned act is “StarStruck”. What is the track all about?

MS: I knew this question was coming. lol. It’s loosely based on a situation one of us has been in with the girlfriend of a popular Nigerian artist. The song is in good fun. These things happen.

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Download: SkunkWerkz ft. ND – StarStruck

What elements does each of you bring to hip-hop as a genre of music?

RR: We bring a hammer. lol. Breaking down so called barriers and norms of what music should sound like.

Who are you listening to today and which rap artists have you had the opportunity to see live?

MS: I listen to Nas, Outkast, Kanye West, The Roots, Amy Winehouse, DOOM, Fela. I’ve seen a lot of artists live but Nas is the most memorable.

Which artists would you say have had the most profound influence in your music?

RR: Michael Jackson and the late “Fela Anikulapo Kuti”.

Dead or alive, who would you want to collaboration with (both local and international)?

MS: Femi Kuti, Don Jazzy, Kanye West,Tupac, FELA!, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Wande Coal, Jesse Jagz.

Obviously, you are both talented; do you have any plans to branch out into something different in the near future?

RR: Yes but we can’t reveal details.

What advice would you give to other aspiring artists trying to be trendsetters?

MS: Discover if you have talent or not. If u don’t be ready to work like hell to make up for it. Get a minimum of a bachelors degree, education is everything. I get interesting remarks for being a rapper with an MBA but my education is my most prized possession and that encompasses the education i have received in schools and outside of classrooms.

What can we expect from you in the near future and any plans of returning to Rock City (Abuja) to rock the MIC live?

RR: SkunkW Mixtape dropping soon, ND’s album dropping soon…rock city I’m coming back baby.

What would you like to say to your fans and any shout outs?

MS: Thanks so much, shout out to the spaceman music family: Beezy, ND, Cody. Nigerianhiphop.net, Big ups to Huey. Shout out to all Nigerians around the world…I couldn’t be more proud to be a Nigerian.

You can connect with or become a fan of SkunkW via their MySpace. Stay connected to Nigerianhiphop.net as you’ll be hearing alot from SkunkW also watch out for their Mixtape on this blog.

Don’t forget to listen, download and comment on their new single.

Tags: Abuja, Beezy, Cody, Huey, Matt Sesoo, ND, Nigeria, Roger Rabbit, Skunkwerkz