It is hardly commonplace for hip-hop and rock to become bonded bedfellows. And it takes a crafty vision to mesh the disparate musical species in a way that begets fire and ice in a single song.
“Under the Bridge,” the 1992 global hit from Red Hot Chili Peppers, is a moody, potent exposè about alienation, despondency and the search for one’s truth. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis penned the platinum-selling song as he found redemption on the other side of addiction. Who can forget the indelible chorus: “I don’t ever want to feel, like I did that day/Take me to the place I love, take me all the way.”
-How is it going with the lives of Chino XL and Rama Duke in the music industry these days?
Chino: Just enjoying the successful reception of the single and working on A Bad Day For Sorry’s full length.
-Where did the idea or ideas come from to do a song like “Under The Bridge” as a cover?
Chino: I always love the song I wanted to do a remake on my last album I wasn’t able to due to time restrictions. Rama and her band have a great rock cover version that Jared sent me tracked out months later and luckily and amazingly the rest is history
Rama: Chino had the idea to do it for some time when he brought it to me. I happened to be in the studio recording with some amazing and uber talented guys and it all just came together. “Blood Sugar Sex Magic” was also a favorite in my household so I was very familiar with the song as well.
How was it working in the music video for the song?Chino: A labor of love. The director Ra Dreyfus picked one aspect of the song from my verses that she thought was universal enough for everyone to relate to and mixed it with her own artistic vision along with some of Rama and myself during a strong performance and it came out great.
– How important are music videos in the industry today? How do they compare to videos from 20 years ago?
Chino: People have become much more visual and having videos is almost a must for a song you would really like to push.
Rama: You know I can’t say I know. From my view of things, people seem to need more of a wow factor these days and it’s not so much just a showcase of the band or artist with a thought provoking or just silly or simple concept.
– Can you name some of the most notable artists you have played with throughout the years?
Adrian Younge
Ghostface killah
Travis Barker
Cypress Hill
Immortal Technique
– Are you a fan of Spotify and similar streaming services? What are your thoughts on this?
Chino: I was slow to the party with it, but I realize you have to be available on platforms wherever the people get there music to stay relevant.
Rama: You know I’m so old school I’m only just now getting familiar with streaming services. I’ve known of them up till now but have not used them. I still listen to my good old CDs.
-What’s your take on the sex appeal in the music industry? Is it as important for men and women?
Chino: I think music itself should be judged without prejudice. As far as sex appeal accompanying it as a full product regarding the artist and being a sexy motherfucker myself, and pretty much the ultimate male LOL just kidding. I don’t know, but for Rama she’s not too bad on the eyes.
-Do you see a biography being written someday about the experiences you acquired or will acquire in your life?
Chino: For me, hopefully one day I can write my own story as compelling as Anthony Keidis’ Scar Tissue, or maybe a movie like Purple Rain.
Rama: You know I can’t really answer that. I guess time will tell. My life has been an interesting ride so far for sure
– Any words of wisdom to share with aspiring artists?
Believe in your vision and as long as you can write great material , you will always have a career.