Samir

Hip hop hero Samir has been doing his thing for almost a decade now.  As part of the pioneering crew Dajoint, Samir has since gone solo collaborating with a whole host of producers and artists.  Let's find out more about this motorcycle-loving hip hop don.

Hello, so who are you then?
Hey! I'm Samir - just a regular guy who loves music and entertaining people.

Where are you right now?  Take a peek out of the window and tell us what you can see:
I’m actually at the office!  Outside the window is my beautiful custom 500cc chopper!  With bird poo on it... Oh! Man!

Give us a brief history of Samir, the artist:
Well I started with a group - Dajoint - way back in 1996, and before that I was just a regular bloke enjoying rhymes and music when it was still fun.  Chose to pursue my Solo career in around 2004, due to my members being tied down to other commitments.

Tell us more about DaJoint, and what it was that made you decide to go solo?
I was always known as Sam Dajoint, so I wanted to break away from that and start something of my own.  It was an experimental stage for me as I was still finding my own sound, character and of course breaking away from that name - to be known as Samir the artist with other diverse talents.

What’s the battle plan for you moving forward?
There is no plan actually in hand at the moment, as I’m just stuffing myself in the studio to finish up my 2nd solo effort entitled “undisputed”, but there will be something interesting brewing for sure.

What/whom are your influences (musical or otherwise)?
Musically I listen to everything and dig everything!  But my main influence in music or otherwise comes from my late father (Danny Sharman) who was really supportive of my career choice.  God bless!  As he was really into music and was actually, an announcer for our local airwaves way back then.

How would you describe your sound?
A little bit of old school hip hop (that '95 sound) mixed with a whole lot of other stuff! Hahaha Rojak weh!!!!!

Is there a message you want to get across through your music?
Actually there are quite a few!  The main thing is just enjoy music and life, as these moments are the best things to look back upon and smile!  We have to believe in ourselves a little more to achieve what we want and work harder!  Trust me its all worth the sacrifice.

You have worked with many different artists/producers – any moments in particular that stand out you’d like to tell us about?
There was this one time when I was doing my first album, and I was totally broke and it happened to be my birthday (27th June).  At that time I was working on a track with MC switch and Backslash.  It was cool because they surprised me with a cup cake and a candle hahahhahaa. Sweet sweet memories!

Are you a booze, drugs, or abstinence artist?
If none of the above, what are your vices?
Bikes! Bikes! Bikes!

What gets you excited?
A pumping Crowd! And bikes! Bikes! Bikes!

So you like bikes then...
I’m a hardcore biker!  Weird for a hip hop artiste huh?

What is it about them you love so much?
The open road helps me think peacefully.  I start my bike and just ride anywhere till I cool off. 

What, in your view, is success?  Is there anything specific you would like to achieve with your music?
Seeing hip hop emerge as a viable art form in the Malaysian music industry.  I really hope that one day hip hop musicians can stand tall and on an equal footing with artists of other genres.

The perfect crowd is…
One that supports you with immense energy and wanting to just have a wicked time!

What’s your policy on groupies?
Really don’t have a policy on that one, do I even have groupies?

Weirdest thing a fan has ever given you?
Black panties! I’m serious!

Do you have any special preparations or rituals you go through before playing a show?
I kinda touch the stage and say a little prayer to god to help me get through the show without messing up.

Musically, who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
Zainal!  He’s a genius!  Just listen to him.

If you could create your all time favourite festival line up – who would you include on the bill?
Joss stone, Alicia keys, the roots, john legend, jinn - man there’s just to many!

Describe your perfect day:
Coming back from a perfect show that the crowd really enjoyed, that is really just perfect for me!

What does your family think about your music?
Its all good hommie!  They even come to my shows without me knowing sometimes.

Tell us about the hip hop scene in Malaysia at the moment?
Well there aren’t many hip hop underground gig’s happening as to why I really don’t know.  Musically and production wise it has improved tremendously over the years.  Everyone has their own thing going (self produced tracks) there are so many talented hip hop acts out there, and they need something like AMP to support them and get their music through!

Best thing about your home town?
Lemang and rendang!

Worst thing about your home town?
Cow dung!  On the roads hahaha!  N.sembilan rocks!

Your favourite local artists are:
Jacq victor, ning baizura!, VE etc! (I like em all!)

What are you going to do right now?
Sit back and relax! There’s no work to do today!

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Whilst Samir chills, check out his tunes and videos currently on AMP.

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Posted by AMP Ed on June 15, 2007 9:56:34 AM HKT #