When we first arrived in Oregon a few years ago, I hadn’t even heard of Albany. Now that we’ve been residents for nearly 3 years, there are still details and aspects of this “small” town that surprise me. Something that you may not catch, if you were just passing through, would be the depth of talent cultivating in this hip-hop vineyard between the I-5 and Willamette River. Albany (Oregon) isn’t just a haven for homegrown rap aspirations, it has become a destination attracting groups that are chasing the dream from places as fairly near such as The Bay and as far as Louisiana. Suganuts is one such welcome import bringing with him a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the local rap scene. Suganuts is a family man who is doing right by taking care of his own while blowing up mics with the full support of his wife and four doting sons.

HC Is there any significance or story behind your name?
SN Yep. It began as a nickname from then my girlfriend and now my wife….lol.
It then was the shock of it being said. As how the lyrics from my music make people react…. HONESTY…

HC How did you go from dreaming about rapping to performing live and cutting albums?
SN Well, I started writing in ‘91. About my life and real life situations. It helped me release my anger and stress. I did my first show when I was 16 opening for Green Day in 1995, but never have been as active as I am am now here in Albany.

HC For those who are unfamiliar with your set, how would you describe yourself – do you lean towards a particular style of hip-hop? What can we expect from a Suganut’s show?
SN Yo! You can expect to enjoy the set no matter what type of music you enjoy. I guess you can say its an interactive in your face performance with real music, but its tough to pump up your name to folks. Gotta stay humble ya know what I mean?

HC I had no idea that Albany had such a robust hip-hop community, you mentioned that you’ve been doing this for 17 years, have all of those been in Albany?
SN Albany Or is amazing I love it here. I love the artists and the fans, because they love the artists. check out (Yung Royal, Markus tha Great White, Poverty’s Posterboy & Bilyeu, Weside Ink, Soufside Ink, Bent, Treu AKA Tha Hustla, Paradox and thats just a few of my homies with extreme talent).

HC Has Albany always been good to hip-hop or has that been a lot of work by yourself and others to get it to this point (what can you tell us about the history of hip-hop in Albany)?
SN I didn’t even come close to starting this movement if anything I may of just helped it succeed. I have only been here for 11 months, but this will be the 2nd album I have dropped in this time span. Im not sure if the town has always embraced rap as it does now, but I hope so. As far as the history goes I remember Murder Creek. Went to one of their shows back in ‘99, a pretty good show. Mafmatix, Paradox, Weside Ink. Those guys are why I can do what I do today.

HC How would you describe the Albany rap scene? Are there other hot spots in Oregon that you have found to be receptive and enthusiastic about rap/hip hop?
SN NOPE…. This is what I call THE CITY OF RAP. I’ve performed in the other towns from here to the Bay, but there is nothing like performing here in Albany. Most people still don’t see and understand that these artists are something special.

HC What are some of your early influences that got you into hip-hop?
SN I’d say my Uncle Ron who got me to start writing and who co-wrote my first jam, all Bay Area rappers and my mother who has always told me that I was born to do this.

HC Where are you currently grabbing inspiration and/or frustration from and how has this been affecting your music?
SN Fake family members and people. Real people and my wife and children. I just do me, work and do music in the late night hours. If there is a sticky situation in my life you can probably bet that there will be a song about it.

HC Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?
SN Call me 541-286-0131 or txt. Trust me I will respond because I can’t stand when someone does not. Also MySpace.com/mrsuganuts.

HC You are having a CD Release party at Bogey’s Bar and Grill in Albany (Oregon) on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009. Where did you record this album and who did you work with? What are some of your favorite tracks from this one?
SN First of all yes this is my 5th album release, but most importantly this will be the biggest showing of local talent (rap) ever. That’s the most important to me. I hand picked all of my favorite artists and closest artists. I recorded 80% of the album here in my home at my computer, one song at reEvolution studios and two songs at Poverty’s Posterboy’s Studio – NORTHWEST NOIZE… There are a ton of local artists on the album: Treu AKA Tha Hustla, Yung Royal, Krossbreed, Pov & BIlyeu, E Of CB, Contra & C-Logic, SOUFSide Ink, Weside, Bent, and MY BEST Buddy Trial who is currently in ARKANSAS. Also Beats by alot of different beat makers in town… TruBeats, Krossbreed, Pov, Bilyeu, Myself – PRICELESS. A few of my favorites on the album are F’N Around, Like It Used To Be and M.I.L.F.

HC What have been some of the most important lessons for you as an aspiring artist? Any words of wisdom for those wanting to pursue their dreams of rap stardom?
SN *BEING REAL AND DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO!!!!! * BE humble… There is always someone better than you!!!!! * AND last but not least *bleep* what they think about you!!!!!

Tags: Albany, Hip-Hip

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