A_Rival performs "A_Rival" at Hotel Utah San Francisco, CA. [December 21, 2007]
A_Rival represents Wave Theory from PlanetSkill. He is a chip hop MC from San Francisco, California. Check out his music at myspace.com/arivalwt
1. What are folks reactions when they first hear your blend of chiptunes and hip hop?
People really, REALLY like it. Their first impression is usually, "Wow, I didn't know you could make beats like that with Mario sounds!". The NES is pretty universal, and solid hip-hop lyrics are not often hated upon, so when people hear the blend, they are usually all over it.
2. What made you decide to fuse the two styles together? Did one come before the other?
Actually, I had always really been into the NES sound. I grew up with it, and it's ingrained in my whole music style, reaching beyond just this project. My buddy Prozax asked me to do a show in NY for some chip-related stuff, and I figured I'd just make a few quick raps over NES beats to fit in. Then it just stuck. I have done rap shit for quite a while too.
3. How are the chiptunes and chip hop scenes in and around San Francisco?
I don't know many chip-hoppers. The scene here is actually pretty cool... I'll give a shoutout to my buddies in MicroMusicSF like Starpause, x|k, Chibitech, Tumult... we're like the bread of SF chip scene... but if you are around that area, and you do any chip stuff, let us know! The more is definitely the merrier in this scene.
4. What are some of your favorite nerdy past times?
Sheeit... I play tons of Street Fighter. Everything ranging from ST to SF4. Also, I love Bionic Commando so much... gradius, castlevania, wipeout, starcraft... that's what I'm playing right now. I also like to do web stuff.
5. What musicians are you guys influenced by?
I think my biggest musical influences are NES-era musicians. Beat-wise, I'd say The Prodigy and everyone they sample from, DJ Premiere, J-Dilla...I also really like a shitload of different MCs, all for different reasons. You can figure them out.
6. Why should people check out your set?
Our set is pretty hardcore... we have a real DJ and we are both B-Boys... other than the fact that I'm pretty confident in my lyrical content. It's just fun shit when we play live.
