Khrysis: Major League All-Star

by, Hunter Walker

If you bend down and put your ear to the streets, wherever you are, chances are you’ll hear a rumbling off in the distance. That’s because there’s an incredibly gifted group of musicians in North Carolina who’ve been making a lot of noise lately. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m talking about the Justus League. Recently, through the magic of MySpace, I was able to get in touch with one of the main architects of Justus’ smooth sound, Khrysis. Here’s a glimpse into my inbox so you can hear straight from the source about what it’s like joining Justus, living with 9th Wonder, and being a producer standing on the edge of the highest levels of stardom.

Hunter: As a way of introducing yourself to folks who might not have heard your music, how would you describe in one sentence the essence of the Young Khrysis sound?

Khrysis: In one sentence? Hmm... Anything can happen.

Hunter: You have emerged as part of an amazing stable of in house producers with the legendary Justus League down in North Carolina. When I look at the roster you guys have put together I’m just blown away. Is there something about the area that lends itself to this abundance of amazing producers and emcees? In your case, how did you get involved with the Justus League?

Khrysis: In my case there isn't much to do here. So I just keep myself busy doin somethin musical.

I met Chaundon at North Carolina Central University at the campus radio station when I was 16. It’s also when I was fresh into makin beats. I was usin this bulls**t ass program called SAW. He later introduced me to 9th. Fast forward to my freshman year at Winston-Salem State University where I bumped into 9th while he was visiting family and checkin out one of the rec b-ball games, we just started using Fruity Loops around the same time ironically and from then on we kept in touch trading FL tips and beats. Then later on I moved back to Durham and he moved back to Raleigh around the same time (once again ironically) and he introduced me to the league. Me and Boog got heavily involed makin music together so we started The Away Team. Then I was recording sessions for the Foreign Exchange project and when it was over they voted me in.

Hunter: Have any of the Justus League emcees ever gotten into a fight over one of your beats?

Khrysis: Nah, not yet...There have been complaints tho...even one would say "I could've done that better" but oh well...

Hunter: Being a part of the League, you’re working with both Nicolay and 9th Wonder, two men who are constantly being discussed among hip hop fans as all-time greats behind the boards. Personally, I’d put you in the same category. Is this praise just hype?

Khrysis: First off let’s get this straight, Nicolay is NOT, I repeat is NOT a part of Justus League OR the Hall of Justus Music Group... however he is talented. In my eyes 9th deserves every bit of credit he gets. He worked HARD for what he has... I remember there was a point in time when we lived under the same roof... we would get in so many arguments over records, time for the computer... mainly on my side cuz as soon as I got up he would sit down and not get up...so its not hype.

Hunter: With all of the buzz about 9th and Nic, do you ever feel like you’re being unfairly thrust in the shadows?

Khrysis: No. Its a matter of circumstance. He's the one that cracked first. In my opinion if it was the other way around you would be saying that to him. I get my time when I get my time. Even if we pop up on the same album. Not to mention at the moment we are at 2 different places musically right now...So now we're REALLY distinguishable.

Hunter: You’re coming from below the Mason Dixon line, and I know one thing that certainly seems to be eclipsing the music you’re making in the public eye is the so-called ‘Dirty South’ sound. What do you think about the stuff that’s been dominating the airwaves down there for these past few years?

Khrysis: There’s some that I like and some that I don't like. The surprise is how many of them are our fans too..

Hunter: A lot of these Southern fried forms of rap are seen as being some of the best styles of music for club hopping. Meanwhile, there’s a persistent perception that underground hip hop doesn’t get people’s bodies moving. You’re an independent artist, can I really throw on a Young Khrysis track at a party?

Khrysis: One day...I got beats right now that would fit right in...hell I'm ready do a joint with Jeezy right now...

Hunter: Hip hop producers are known for being a crazy bunch, spending long hours in the studio on low sleep and less than legal substances. What’s your creative process like?

Khrysis: A fresh crate, 2 22oz beers, my computer, and a turntable. And a do not disturb sign.

Hunter: Recently a lot of premier underground beatmakers such as MF Doom, Pete Rock, Nicolay, and the late, great Jay Dilla have all released instrumental albums. Is that something you’d ever consider doing?

Khrysis: I JUST put out an instrumental mixtape called "Khrysis On The Boards With The Heat" available @ hiphopsite.com right now...

Hunter: So, what is next for Khrysis?

Khrysis: Sean Price "Jesus Price Superstar", Joe Scudda, Chaundon, The Embassy "It's Not A Movie", Sean Boog "The Great Adventures of Sean Wayne", and more which I can't mention at the moment.

Hunter: Finally, we brought up the late night scene a little earlier in this conversation. You’re one of the hottest producers out right now, but I imagine it’s impossible for you to chill with your friends at a club or a concert. How insane does it get with fans wanting face time and aspiring emcees cornering you with demos, asking for beats, or for you to host their mixtape?

Khrysis: Honestly, it is kinda hard to handle... I'm still tryin to get used to that especially since I don’t get out much these days... I'm happy to say that for the most part I still have my Clark Kent (c/o Sean Price YAAAY) so I don’t get spotted much. So if u see me at a show and I seem a certain way it’s not cuz I'm an asshole. I still get wierded out cuz I honestly couldn’t tell u how far the music goes... However thanks for the love and for listening.

Hunter: Word.

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