By Dustin Chambers
It’s a rainy Thursday afternoon in Atlanta and Mike Walbert is sporting a nice shiner on his right eye, while lounging in the SMKA studio. To his right, partner-in-crime and production wunderkind 808 Blake is Facebook stalking. Believe it or not, this is as slow as the days get for the two high school best friends and business partners who four years ago decided — at a Chick-fil-a — to showcase 808′s production talents via a lending them to other up and coming artists in the Atlanta scene.
A few months after that fast food pow wow, l was living in Chicago and got a call from 808, along with Mike and their third co-founder 7King. They had an idea of putting together what they would call, “The SMKA Experiment Vol. I”,” an album featuring artists from all over the ATL, but produced mostly by 808 and 7King. The fellas asked for my help in finding some new names and others they might not have heard of quite yet to collab with for the project.
In the 1,460 some odd days since those conversations we all grew up. And by grew up I mean I got balder, slimmer and landed a corporate J-O-B. As for SMKA, their own growth has been undeniable and the fabric that ties their city’s Hip-Hop community together has in some ways been single-handily made tighter and stronger by these guys.
They’ve managed to produce two more “Experiments,” (fourth one on the way) collab’d with everyone from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to George Clinton and they do it all out of the guest house at Mikes’ parents crib. Oh, and they sure as hell didn’t need me for any more artists recommendations because they were all going out of their way to find SMKA. I could go on for days about 808 and Mike, (who once went with the last name Walberg instead of his actual “Walbert”) but as they would tell you the music does most of the talking.
Ahead of their 4YR Anniversary party this Saturday at ATL’s Star Bar, I hit both 808 and Mike with what I like to call, “10 the Hard Way.”
808 Blake
One phrase to describe Mike: He’s like Wolfman from Wolfman and Donna. If that doesn’t paint a clear picture of what Mike is then you need to go look at Wolfman and Donna.
First record you bought with your own money: “Totally Krossed Out” – Kriss Kross
Drink of choice: Fat Tire beer
Best song to make love to: “Seduction” – Usher
Favorite superhero: Han Solo or The Dark Knight aka Batman
Signature SMKA song: “Dear Momma” – Yelawolf. “Donkey Kong” – ALEON CRAFT
Best advice: “Good is the enemy of great.” – Dad
Worst advice: “When you get money you’ve got to stunt first.” That was the stupidest advice I’ve gotten. I won’t say who said that.
Rihanna or Beyonce: Paula Patton or Rashida Jones.
What will it say on your tombstone: “I did it, guys. Nailed it!”
Mike Walbert
One phrase to describe Blake: The Herman Cain of Hip-Hop. Blake: Eh, don’t get my black card revoked!
First record you bought with your own money: “Back Up Off Me!” – Ed Lover and Dré
Drink of choice: That changes every week, brutha. We’re brewing our own beer called, “A Beer Called Quest.”
Best song to make love to: “Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO
Favorite superhero: Growing up my favorite hero was always Gambit – card player, was smooth and had a staff. Everyone wants a staff.
Signature SMKA song: “Donkey Kong” – ALEON CRAFT
Best advice: “Friends come and go but always appreciate your family.” Unknown
Worst advice: “Swing first!” – Unknown
Rihanna or Beyonce: Beyonce
What will it say on your tombstone: 1984 to…2065?
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