From the streets of Oxnard with a formidable resume yet at times a lack of recognition, Onion set about finding out who is Wildchild?

 
Lootpack - whenimondamic

Wildchild has long been on the grind as one of the West Coast’s finest underground emcees. Bursting onto the scene with a guest spot alongside the Alkoholiks and solidifying his reputation as one third of Lootpack alongside Madlib – yes that Madlib – and DJ Romes, Wildchild has made some classic tunes. Onion set the interview off by asking if Wildchild felt people had slept on his talent.
“I do feel that way to a certain degree, but ears aren’t going to know what they they’re not exposed to, like in the media, TV and magazines, which is why I try and expose them to what I can do at shows.”
When every time you turn on a video show the latest ring tone king is being forced on you, it has become frustrating to the Californian veteran.
“I’m at a point where it’s more than a slap on the face, but I can only say more power to them if people are that easily influenced and they can expose themselves quicker than an artist who has paid his dues.”
A dedication to working with the best and staying true to his values has seen the emcee alter ego of Jack Brown work alongside some of the finest producers. Names like Madlib, Dilla, Oh No and Black Milk litter his resume. Onion posed the question does he work with underground acts to be free from major label influences?
“It’s a catch-22, you want artists like that to remain pure and un-tampered with, but at the same time you want the worldwide masses to be exposed to true music, whether from a producer, emcee, b-boy, whoever. If they do blow up you just hope their aura that got them to the top remains the same.”
Currently working on some vocals for projects with Madlib, a collaboration LP with Stacey Epps and Karriem Riggins, as well as planned collaborations with Dudley Perkins and Georgia Muldrow as well as Oh No and Black Milk, Wildchild hits Australia busier than ever.
“This will be my first time to Australia and I’m still feeling disbelief that in all my previous interviews around the world I have said hopefully one day Australia will allow me to set foot out there and now it’s going to happen. It’s just like wow.”
Adelaide hip hop fans would be well advised not to sleep on the show that promises to be “old and new tracks, straight party music and some surprises as well, it will be straight up fun”.
Shane Scott
Wildchild plays Electric Light Hotel on Sun Oct 5.