IAR Interview: The Cranberry Show

Meet The Cranberry Show.  Sure, the name is an atypical label for a rap duo, but these dudes are well, atypical.  Hailing from Milwaukee, WI, two childhood friends, Arcane and Young Focus, have created something very exceptional and well beyond the normal hip-hop ideal.  They approach their music with an element not often discovered in the rap game, a sense of humor.  Not humor that makes there art irrelevant, but witty and adept banter that adds depth and ingenious substance to their music, which in turn, is making them distinguished.  In the midst of enjoying the ride and growing as a group, the DOPElife reppers are not just creating a buzz, but legitimately authenticating the correct way for two rappers to not only co-exist, but thrive as a collective.  Their individual attributes play off of the other in such a way that complementary would be descriptively shortcoming.  They are incredible lyricists, savvy hook makers, and with their latest release, "Paranormal Karaoke" are proving how capable they are of creating a complete and thorough project, that lacks in no areas and provides a feel of much needed and quite often, overlooked originality in hip-hop.  This is truly a movement.

While The Cranberry Show is just getting started, they have proven in such a short time how intricate and diverse of a group they are.  Incorporating multiple styles, content, and outlooks on what true hip-hop looks like, Young Focus and Arcane are mastering the formula and work ethic, along with the resume', to promote longevity in an industry that is irrevocably transient.  It's A Rap had the chance to talk with hip-hop's dynamic duo and it's evident that their life long friendship is a testament to their musical chemistry.  They're up next and particularly in this case, two heads are better than one.  Let's enjoy the show.


IAR: How did you two link up and when did you get your start in Hip-Hop?
TCS: Arcane: "We have been friends for the longest time. Damn near going on 8 years.  But we have only been doing music together for about 3 years."
Young Focus: "Yea, Arcane was a young bit*h boy underclassman and I was in a higher grade.  He used to always try to rap with me but I would tell him to shut up and let me have sex with his girlfriend.  He told me we would be in a group some day and I denied it. (Laughs) Now Look!"


IAR: What inspired the name The Cranberry Show?
TCS: "The cranberry as a fruit cleans out the body's system.  We think of Hip-Hop as a system we want to clean out with good music.  The "Show" part is because our live performance is always a spectacle."


IAR: Your style is so dynamic, what do each of you bring individually that makes it work as a collective?
TCS: Arcane: "We are a perfect Ying and Yang.  I bring the “Steeze” to the mix.  I bring a lot of ME to any of my raps.  For me, it's never about being clever or being the best rapper.  I want to be known as an artist that said what he wanted.  Fu*k what anyone thinks."
Young Focus: "I bring the hoes.  Oh, and I kinda' come up with some songs, hooks, raps, and help production. But mainly HOES!"


IAR: Being that your music is so lyrical, how do you approach writing and do you add comedic elements to your punch lines?
TCS: Arcane:: "I don't think we add anything intentionally.  Me and Focus are naturally funny people, so it comes out on some of our records.  We have very free way of writing music.  No premeditation comes with us writing records."
Young Focus: "We write separately too.  A lot of people think that's weird but we kinda' have a telapathic thing. Like fish do."
Arcane: "Or werewolves." 


IAR: What was the SXSW experience like?
TCS: "It was pretty ill.  Our performance is like the best part of our group, so getting to display that on so many stages was amazing.  We also met a lot of the guys we look to measure ourselves up to like ASAP Rocky, Curren$y and a lot more."


IAR: What's your label situation?  I'm sure there's a lot of major label interest, are you guys shopping around?
TCS: "We're not on a label and we're not looking for one.  We've gotten offers but nothing big enough to change our minds about staying independent."


IAR: Musical influences?
TCS: Arcane: "I like Gnar sh*t, like ignorant sh*t.  I listen to Waka Flocka.  I skate so I like sh*t that gets me hyped.  Kanye usual does the trick as well."
Young Focus: "Rap actually wasn't allowed in my house growing up so I listened to a lot of Motown, 1950/60's singers and blues.  When I got older and finally got a hold to rap music, it was a lot of Jay-Z.  But rap is getting very boring to me so it's back to my singers.  Plus their more honest, rap is one big blind fold."


IAR: What was the concept behind "Paranormal Karoke?"
TCS: "We wanted to follow in the footstops of our idols in music. Artists like Michael Jackson and Lupe Fiasco both had their second full length albums have darker content than the first.  That was our inspiration."


IAR: Any artists/producers you want to work with?
TCS: Arcane: "Me and Focus like different artists.  So our lists will be very different.  But just give me the opportunity to work with Kanye West and I'll be a happy artist."
Young Focus: "I don't think working with anyone is as fun as sitting in their session and watching them create.  I'd rather do that for inspiration.  If I could sit and watch Rico Love, or Pharrell or Kanye that'd be legit."


IAR: Future plans/projects?
TCS: "We wanna hop on a tour man.  Our stage show really sells our brand.  We're gonna drop a sh*t load of visuals to end this year and start on another project too."

Download "Paranormal Karoke" at:
www.thecranberryshow.com


Follow on Twitter @www.twitter.com/cranberryshow