Portland’s 2Reps are back like they never left, recently releasing a music video for their single I Just Wanna Smoke featuring appearances from Uncle Snoop & Mike Epps. The two emcees also took a little time to hit LA and Vegas, and gave us a glimpse of their adventures in their new Reppin’ It vlog. Episode one features Snoop, Swizz Beatz, Choppa (of Making the Band fame), and more familiar faces.
Watching that video really made me miss Tao. Anyway, interview + vid after the jump. #OutHere
For those who may not know, tell us a little bit about yourselves.
We’re from Northeast Portland. Biological brothers 2 years apart. We’ve been rapping since ’96. Our stage names are Five Star Freddy & Ace Kane.
How would you describe your sound?
Our overall sound is fun, some could consider mainstream rap. We’re extremely versatile, but our main goal is to bring positive vibes to our fans.
You were formerly known as just The Reps, then took a break from music. What prompted the name change, and why the hiatus?
The name seemed contradicting. 2Reps is blunt and makes much more sense. The reason for the hiatus was us reaching the ceiling in Portland & lacking the resources to branch out to the national market.
Your return to rap made some national waves online with the “I Just Wanna Smoke” video featuring Snoop Dogg & Mike Epps. How did that connection happen, and can we expect a Snoop feature soon?
Yes, I Just Wanna Smoke has made headlines in a few different markets and it continues to do so daily. Our management company D2 Entertainment works closely with Snoop & Mike. We bridged that gap & Mike is now our co-Manager. [As far as] the Snoop feature…we’re not at liberty to speak on that but, stay tuned!
Who is your favorite artist(s) from the town & why? Anybody you’d like to collab with?
Our favorite artists from the town would have to be ourselves. Being that it’s two of us, we both have our own strengths, [and] we only pay attention to one another. We’re our own competition. As far as collabs, we have a few in mind. We’ll see how the cookie crumbles.
Favorite producer(s)? Which ones are you working with if any?
Our favorite producers would go in this order… Battlecat, Terrace Martin, 1500 or nothin’ & Sam Troxel. We’re working closely with all of the following.
That’s an impressive list. How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop in the NW?
The current state of hip-hop in the NW is kinda non existent. Definitely a lot of creatives & there is no lack of talent. However, on a national scale we are not represented. We believe Macklemore is in a lane of his own. Although, there’s a cat out of Seattle that could possibly be making some noise here soon. He goes by the name of Choice. Other than that we plan to be the Northwest reps on a national scale.
Dropping singles for now or can we expect an album soon? Any shows lined up?
We have a few more singles dropping off our upcoming album. And yes we have a few things lined up show wise. We’ll keep you guys updated.
Where can people grab I Just Wanna Smoke?
You can get [it] on iTunes.
Where can we find you on social media?
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter @2Reps. Our website is www.the2reps.com.