Lateb & Oblivious

As individual MCs and with their other projects and collectives, Lateb and Oblivious have touched Greater Boston’s hip-hop scene in various capacities over the past several years, bridging the heady underground sound that has dominated around here since the aughts with more contemporary rap that bumps nationally. Collectively, however, they are W.O.K.E., touching on topics ranging from creeping fascism and artificial intelligence to prison and debt. Their music is hard without fronting and even addresses the studio gangsterism that is so damn prevalent in commercial hip-hop. I sat with them for an interview on my Disrupt Boston radio show, The Young Jurks.



Tell us about W.O.K.E.

O: It’s a collaborative effort from Lateb and myself supported musically by super producer Jon Glass. Over the past few years we have recorded songs and we’ve finally been able to narrow it down to the ones we believe best represent not only ourselves but the message we are trying to portray. This project represents a testament to our growth—not only as individuals, but as artists. We were both extremely proud of the effort and look forward to sharing it with the world.



I’ve known you through your music and activism for decades now. What would today’s Oblivious be telling the younger version of yourself?

O: You have a lot to learn, never stop! Oh, and it’s OK to love yourself.



You touch on a lot of topics, where’s the inspiration come from?

O: Just life in general, trying to be as conscious and observant as possible, also being fortunate enough to have an extremely diverse group of people around me to constantly push me to grow and do my best to understand and document the world around me as I see it. Nowadays it’s not all puppies and rainbows.



L: Oblivious really makes me step up my game substance-wise. He has a vast wealth of knowledge and we are both very opinionated, but at the same time, not naive. Observation is key, and my lyrics on a project like this are inspired by things I personally have experienced. I am a victim of Sallie Mae to this day; I have been targeted by police, and have felt unsafe many times, as have many people in my life. I have been in the prison system and seen the ugliness and the mindstate of people who can’t get out of their own minds. It’s a vicious cycle. Not everyone will agree with our views, but as long as we make people question things that maybe trigger new thoughts and ideas, then the goal is accomplished.



I recall seeing you, Oblivious, at Occupy Boston in 2011. Looking back, what’s your feeling about that movement today?

O: Occupy, I mean, though I was young and full of leftover teenage angst, I guess I still believe in what myself and many others set out to accomplish. Successful or not, it taught me a lot about myself.







You mention Colin Kaepernick on this release. Do you want to elaborate on why you wear his jersey?

O: I guess it is my wordless letter of solidarity to the plight of the indigenous and melanated peoples—not only of our country, but worldwide.



Any advice for struggling creatives today?

O: Greatness is attained through hard work and dedication. Study those that came before you and mastered their crafts. Most of all never compromise your integrity for anybody or anything. Be yourself.



L: There is no substitute for hard work. You can enjoy something and not be passionate about it and that’s OK. Your passion can be your hobby too and maybe you luck out and blow up, but we know 99.9 percent of the time that doesn’t happen. My advice first and foremost is to look within yourself and ask yourself if you have enough passion to go through the struggle to sacrifice much more than even an above average person, to fight for it. Musically my advice is to force nothing. If you don’t feel it, don’t do it, but mostly keep learning, reading, researching, trying new things and don’t burn bridges, because you never know when things will come full circle.



Where do you see yourself over the next decade? Longer term goals?

O: Wiser. Established.



L: Living of my passion with the ability to help people other than myself. Being Peruvian I would like to help underdeveloped Central and South American countries in some sort of way. I’ve seen what good nonprofits like Worthy Village based in Guatemala have done. Maybe that’ll be my swan song. A Grammy would be nice too, but it’s not the ultimate goal.



What’s your hope for the future of hip-hop?

O: Ain’t shit changed but the date. There has and always will be different styles and approaches. There will be the innovators there will be the imitators. The good, the bad, and the ugly.



L: In death there is also rebirth. People with less talent became popularized and simplicity more glorified, but with it came the introduction of melodies into the genre which was previously deemed not hip-hop. I’m a fan of music, so while I too disliked a lot of music during that cultural shift [identified by Nas on Hip-Hop Is Dead in 2006], I took from it some good things that we now even on this W.O.K.E. project have incorporated. Hip-hop will always exist. It may shapeshift at times and give birth to things we don’t like, but there will always be those exceptional talents that are unquestionably great in any era.



#WOKEISCOMING DROPS IN SPRING. CHECK FOR W.O.K.E. SHOWS AROUND BOSTON IN MARCH AFTER LATEB AND OBLIVIOUS RETURN FROM TOURING EUROPE. - The Dig Boston

“How long before we’re all computers? Integrated, artificial intelligence make your pistol irrelevant, we too busy takin’ selfies to see the devil developin’,” Oblivious kicks off the newest record from his duo with Heddshotts’ emcee Lateb, together they are known as W.O.K.E, by digging deep into the ideas of government control and the hold that social media has over a large majority of the population. Their newest video release is a remix of Eminem’s record “The Ringer,” and features the two emcees showing off their lyricism- but more than that this record challenges listeners to really look into their own views on certain aspects of society and what is happening to it as technology and government continue to feed their own appetites for power and control. Lateb jumps in with a melodic hook, then challenges listeners and “the youth to vote, so they can choose and hope to rebuke the old, and move the boat. We can shift the tide ‘cuz they been hypnotized that we can’t make a difference in this big divide.” These bars emphatically challenge all of us as CITIZENS to stand up for what we believe in- because there is a way to make a change in this world- and it does not have to be one revolutionary person; instead of the ways that media can portray society falling apart and dividing, we can come together and push for the change that society really needs, or in the words of Lateb above, “shift the tide.” The video for their newest single is shot and edited by the multi-talented Rose Glen Entertainment, who has also been a staple in the New England hip-hop scene as are Oblivious, Lateb, and Jon Glass. Rose Glen, whose visual and audio talents far exceed just music videos, takes this one to a different level through his visual editing and having key lyrics pop up throughout the video. You can follow Rose Glen on all social media platforms at Rose Glen Entertainment.


Though their history as peers and friends goes much further, Oblivious (of Quincy, MA) and Lateb (originally from Hartford, CT) joined forces last year to create the group W.O.K.E; embarking on a project with the one and only Jon Glass to give us an incredible, self-titled project that is scheduled for a Spring release. The first single, entitled “Up, Up and Away,” dropped at the end of the 2018 summer and features M-Dot. The high-energy record produced by Jon Glass and IV the Polymath saw an immediate reaction spanning the ears, as well as high energy performances at the Hip-Hop Kemp Festival in the Czech Republic in August when Lateb & M-Dot hit the stage, then again at the Boston Freedom Rally in September when all three emcees hit the main stage that you can see in the link below, brought to you once again by the incredible Rose Glen and the folks at Talking Seaweed. As in their newest video, you can see Oblivious rocking a Colin Kaepernick jersey while on stage, showing support for the free agent quarterback’s stand against police brutality across the country. Check out Talking Seaweed’s recap of this year’s past Hempfest, including the lead single, “Up, Up and Away,” as well as highlights of M-Dot, Oblivious and Lateb tearing up the main stage on Boston Common below!


The duo continues to expand their following as well as their horizons, as they prepare to embark on a European tour of their own from the end of January until the early days of March; the tour encapsulates their ambition, as they will travel and share their message throughout Denmark, Switzerland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and more! Their inspirations range from Jedi Mind Tricks (not to mention Lateb’s collaboration with Vinnie Paz- or did I just do that?), to Jessie Reyez, to Oblivious’ own father (a country singer/ songwriter), Stone Temple Pilots, EPMD, Arrested Development, Black Thought, and many more. You can hear the influences on each artist, going back to Lateb’s “Live Brutal” album with Stu Bangas, to Oblivious’ “East Shit” Tapes (Vols. 1 & 2), all the way through to their newest venture as W.O.K.E. The plethora of sounds, melodies, hard-hitting punchlines, unique flows, and song meanings brought by each artist throughout their catalogs is truly fascinating and worth every second of listening.


Photo by Rose Glen Entertainment
As the duo continues moving forward and taking down all obstacles in their paths, they are also huge supporters of moving the hip-hop culture forward- whether that be hitting Wreckshop’s shows at Opus, or simply just pushing the agenda of the talent that Massachusetts and New England has entirely. These two have become key contributors to the entire region’s scene as they look to push New England further into the hip-hop scene, as Token and Joyner Lucas have over the past few years. Be sure to be on the lookout for much more coming from this incredibly talented duo, as well as appearing this weekend on Boston’s Big Podcast, where we will be getting even more in-depth with Oblivious and Lateb! - Bostons Big Four

The new W.O.K.E. video release, a dose of hardcore reality, is rappers, Lateb and Oblivious. Their video released to facebook and youtube was shot and edited by Rose Glen, the track is a remix of the Eminem song, "The Ringer".

The duo absolutely destroy, touching on subjects ranging from creeping A.I. and fascism, in addition to the traps of prison and student debt. They also take on the studio gangsterism that pervades much of today’s commercial music. It’s hard but it’s not fronting hard. This is as real as it gets and not dumbed down for mass consumption.

What follows is a question and answer with Oblivious and Lateb.

“W.O.K.E.” I just watched the video and loved it, tell us about this new project.

“Woke is a collaborative effort from Lateb and myself supported musically by super producer Jon Glass. Over the past few years we have recorded numerous songs and we’ve finally been able to narrow it down to the ones we believe best represent not only ourselves but the message were trying to portray.

To me this project represents a testament to our growth not only as individuals but as artists.

were both extremely proud of the effort and look very much forward to sharing it with the world this coming spring.”, Oblivious.

You have a tour booked?

“Yes. we leave for Europe Jan 29th for just under 5 weeks with numerous events spanning multiple countries including Switzerland, Hungary, The Czech Rep, Denmark, The Netherlands and the UK.” Oblivious.

I’ve known you through your music and activism for decades now? What would today’s Oblivious being telling the younger version of yourself?

“You have ALOT to learn, never stop! oh and it’s ok to love yourself.”

You touch on a lot of topics in this first drop, where do you find inspiration for the lyrics?

“I guess just life in general ya know.. trying to be as conscious and observant as possible, also being fortunate enough to have an extremely diverse group of people around me to constantly push me to grow and do my best to understand as well as document the world around me as I see it ..and nowadays it’s not all puppies and rainbows so to speak”, Oblivious.

“Oblivious really makes me step up my game substance wise. He has a vast wealth of knowledge and we are both very opinionated, but at the same time, not naive. Observation is key, and my lyrics on a project like this are inspired by things I personally have experienced for the most part because when you experience something personally it breeds passion and emotion and makes you feel more strongly about certain issues. I am a victim of Sallie Mae to this day, I have been targeted by police and felt unsafe many times as have many people in my life. I have been in the prison system and seen the ugliness and the mind state of people who can't get out of their own minds vicious cycle. Not everyone will agree with our views, but as long as we make people question things that maybe trigger new thoughts and ideas then the goal is accomplished.”, Lateb.

I recall seeing you Oblivious at Occupy Boston in 2011. Looking back what’s your feeling about that movement today?

“Occupy.. I mean though I was young and full of leftover teenage angst, I guess I still believe in what myself and many others set out to accomplish. successful or not it taught me alot about myself.” Oblivious.

You mention Kapernick on this release,, do you want to elaborate anymore than your lyrics on why you wear his jersey?

“It’s a symbol. along with the act that it in itself represents. The demonization of a man standing (or kneeling) in the face of injustice. the reflection of all that is still so wrong in our country and around the world. I guess its my wordless letter of solidarity to the plight of the indigenous and melanated peoples not only of our country but worldwide.” Oblivious.

Any advice for struggling creatives today?

“Greatness is attained through hard work and dedication. Study those that came before you and mastered their crafts. most of all never compromise your integrity for anybody or anything. Be yourself!”, Oblivious.

“There is no substitute for hard work. You can enjoy something and not be passionate about it and that's OK. Your passion can be your hobby too and maybe you luck out and blow up, but we know 99.9% of the time that doesn't happen. My advice first and foremost is to look within yourself and ask yourself if you have enough passion to go through the struggle to sacrifice much more than even an above average person, to fight for it. Musically my advice is to force nothing. If you don't feel it don't do it, but mostly KEEP LEARNING, reading, researching trying new things and don't burn bridges, because you never know when things will come full circle.”, Lateb.

This first video drop seems like you are planting your flag and it’s a heck of lot different than the rest of the bs that is out there today?

“The song is actually a remix of a recently released Eminem song called "the ringer" ..we just decided to put our own twist on it ..were not here to play by the rules and follow trends. were here for substance.”, Oblivious.

“Flag planted. It was a lot of fun taking an atypical beat from what we are used to and engaging it with actual issues, but also keeping it appealing musically to the generations coming up. I appreciate the sounds of the new "bs" as you put it and it's fun to let loose sometimes with it, but, it really has dumbed down the culture of Hip Hop to an unimaginable level from when we came up listening to it in the 90's. All the same they do what they do and we do what we do. Music has no rules and I think that's a beautiful thing.”, Lateb.

Where do you see yourself over the next decade? Longer term goals?

“Wiser.”, Oblivious.

“Established.

Living of my passion with the ability to help people other than myself. Being Peruvian I would like to help the underdeveloped countries in some sort of way in the Central and South American countries eventually. I've seen the good non profits like Worthy Village based in Guatemala have done, but maybe that'll be my swan song. Musically I mean a Grammy would be nice, but it's not the ultimate goal.”, Lateb.

In 2006, Nas said hip hop is dead, what’s your hope for the future of hip hop?

“Aint shit changed but the date. there has and always will be different styles and approaches.

There will be the innovators there'll be the imitators. the good the bad and the ugly and I guess we’re just gonna have to learn to appreciate both because honestly it’s hard to think one could exist without the other.”, Oblivious.

“In a sense I think he was right. The ideology of how Hip Hop was supposed to sound died, but in death there is also rebirth. People with less "talent" became popularized and simplicity was more glorified, but with it came the introduction of melodies into the genre which was previously deemed "Not Hip Hop". I'm a fan of music so while I too disliked a lot of music during that cultural shift I took from it some good things that we now even on this "W.O.K.E." project have incorporated. Hip Hop will always exist. It may shape shift at times and give birth to things we don't like, but there will always be those exceptional talents that are unquestionably great in any era.”, Lateb.

Artists or people that give you inspiration?

“Everything! Love! I listen to anything from Etta James, Marvin Gaye and Bill withers to killswitch and hatebreed. Michael Jackson to Boot Camp Clik. I’ll sit down one day reading Mumia and the next have a Stephen King novel in my hand.”

“Man this list is too long so to name a few Big Pun, Mos Def, Kurt Cobain, STP, Silverchair, Jessie Reyez, Stevie Wonder, Boyz 2 Men, Jedi Mind Tricks, J.Cole, Khalid and I'll stop there Experience, struggle, and loss are my greatest inspirations as bleak as that sounds honestly.

Through the joys and pains of life one develops their identity and shapes their mind set. At least for me I can channel emotions from my past when creating certain songs to match or uplift the ambiance of whatever we are working on.”, Lateb.

Anything else you want to share with our readers?

Lateb & Oblivious #WokeisComing dropping next week

Lateb & Oblivious - W.O.K.E.

A Jon Glass Production

Dropping Spring 2019

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@ObliviousHipHop

@Latebthegod

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W.O.K.E., Lateb & Oblivious are scheduled to guest on my live streaming show, “The Young Jurks”, this Saturday at 7pm.

Photo courtesy of @trespassion - Midnight Mass