INTERVIEW: CHINO XL AND RAMA DUKE

If a poll were to be given to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ global fan base asking their disciples to choose their favorite song, many would likely select the 1991 hit that helped launch the band to international super stardom, “Under the Bridge.”

Nearly 30 years later “Under the Bridge” has now been reimagined as an edgy, strife infused hip-hop number by Los Angeles, California based 1520 Entertainment.

Multi-platinum selling and Grammy Award winning producer Jared Lee Gosselin is the brain child behind 1520 Entertainment and its goal of bringing a cutting edge independent label to the music industry market place.

Gosselin’s initial approach to launching 1520 Entertainment was to bring together various artists for one-off collaborations with accomplished producers.

One such joint effort included uniting rapper and actor Chino XL and vocalist Rama Duke to take a run at delivering a unique cover of “Under the Bridge.”

“Under the Bridge” wound up being the launch single for 1520 Entertainment earlier this year. The label plans to continue with this approach, releasing a new monthly single throughout 2017.

Before dismissing this as some kind of gimmick, it’s probably worth noting that Gosselin has the resume to warrant the music industry taking notice of his new endeavor. The artists Gosselin has worked with include (but not limited to) Eminem, India.Arie, Macy Gray, Keyshia Cole, Velvet Revolver and Young Jeezy.

There’s also a personal methodology behind Gosselin’s madness. The gifted producer is directly involved with a number of community based charities. Gosselin recently commented, “We hope that our hybrid version of “Under the Bridge” might save some lives and inspire a new generation.”

1520 Entertainment is putting their money with their mouth is. They will be contributing a portion of the song’s proceeds to California’s Action Family Foundation. The organization works with at risk youth and their families to overcome issues related to drugs, alcohol, sex and gang violence.

Rock Revolt recently caught up with Chino XL and Rama Duke to discuss their collaboration with Gosselin on “Under the Bridge,” some of their own personal demons, and what the duo has planned for the remainder of 2017.

“Under the Bridge” is one of the most iconic songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. How did the the two of you come up with the idea to cover the track while also putting your own unique hip-hop oriented spin on it?

Chino XL:

I wanted to cover the song with Jared Gosselin going back to when we were working on my last album at Frank Zappas’ studio.

Months after Ricanstruction was released I received a call from Gosselin asking me if I was still interested in remaking the song. He proceeded to tell me that Rama Duke and her band had a cool idea for a hard rock cover version of it.

He (Gosselin) tracked out Rama’s lead vocals, sent it over to me and the rest is history.

It’s incredible how well your voices blend with one another. Did you have any idea that your collaboration would generate that type of effect when you initially came together for the “Under the Bridge” sessions?

Chino XL:

I thought it would be good but I honestly didn’t know it would turn out this good. There are nuances in this song that really manifested themselves.

It’s safe to say that this was meant to happen as there are so many magical elements to this song. This composition was screaming to be heard.

Rama Duke:

We spent quite a bit of time around each other but I don’t think either of us thought that the song would turn out the way it did until we heard it tracked. It’s really a perfect fit for us.

Rapper & Actor – Chino XL

Do you know if RHCP have heard it yet? What do you think they would feel or say if they listened to your version of the song?

Chino XL:

There were certain clearances we received, especially for the video, that I believe only the band themselves could clear, so apparently we got the thumbs up.

We’re blessed, honored and we can’t thank the Red Hot Chili Peppers enough. I can say wholeheartedly that the homage has preserved the themes, lyric imagery, introspection and pain as the original version. I hope it carries the same intent and honesty that made me carry the classic in my own heart for so many years.

Rama Duke:

Honesty I don’t know what it’s like to have someone remake something so close to your heart. I would hope that we represented their feelings in a way that they’d appreciate.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were a staple in my house growing up. My mother would go see them play and come home in awe. I consider it an honor to sing one of their songs.

You recently released an amazing video for the cover. Can you comment on it?

Rama Duke:

The video is almost a complete vision of director Ra Dreyfus. Through her passion and vision she picked the one theme she found in the song that she thought would have the most gravity. People love what she’s done and it came out so well.

What does “Under the Bridge” mean to either of you personally?

Rama Duke:

I feel that everyone struggles with some kind of addiction, some are just more realized than others.

The original, and our version of the song, remind me of that feeling of hopelessness and how you can’t live without the feeling you get from whatever poison you’ve decided to bring into your life.

Vocalist – Rama Duke

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Under the Bridge touches on survival and the eternal search for one’s own truth. Have you ever felt like this in your own lives?

Chino XL:

I was struggling really bad with some of my own demons when we were making this song. It’s that bleak, stark, authentic reality that comes across on the track that I think gives people the chills. My blood is in this the song.

Rama Duke:

Yes. I’ve struggled with addiction my whole life so I connect with the song personally on many levels.

This is the debut release by 1520 Entertainment, however, I know that you’re already working on new material. Can you tell us more about one of your other projects, A Bad Day For Sorry?

Chino XL:

I’m extremely happy with the enthusiasm of the entire team.

As far as A Bad Day for Sorry, we are about to release a masterpiece on the literature side, on the sonic side and on the “break your face iconoclast” “what the fuck are you looking at” hard-core side. I’m so ready for this.

Do you have any specific plans regarding “Under the Bridge” in terms of live performance?

Chino XL:

We have some big things coming soon.

Are you currently working on anything else right now that the masses don’t know about but should be on the look out for?

Chino XL:

My entire focus is on this project right now.

Rama Duke:

I have a solo album that is finished but right now my focus is on this record as well. It’s new, exciting and it was nothing but a pleasure to learn and work with a master of his craft who cares about the music as much as I do. I hope this is one of those records you can play from start to finish and that it takes the listener on a journey.

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