The Humble & Militant Poet is a Sunshine Coast Hip-hop group from Nambour. Their self-titled EP “Humble & Militant Poet” is now available in most places online.
Were there any musical or writing influences that you had?
Nothing in particular, but I was reading a bunch about Kabbalah, Gnosticism, and general esoteric thought at the time, so I can see quite clearly the parts where that vibe seeped in.
Was this album recorded and put together all in the same place?
Pretty half and half between my place in Nambour and Pharos’ place in Banyo.
When did you begin creating material for this release?
The first two verses for Believe in Love are old, literally written 7 or 8 years ago. But everything else both lyrically and musically has been produced over the course of the last year and a half, which seems longer than it should be really, but as we’re both working and split between the coast and the city things always take that bit longer. Also we probably could have released five or six months ago if not for licencing issues with Sony on the Superted sample, but I’m delighted to say that we got there in the end.
Does the album title reveal anything about the nature / meaning of the album?
Alas this one couldn’t have less subtext. Humble is me (the lyrical guy) and Militant Poet is the beat master. I think going the self titled route ultimately reveals a lack of consensus with the other names we had up our sleeves at the time. Some of the rejected names from this EP will likely see use further down the line.
Any favourite or stand out songs / singles? Why these ones?
Colleseum Cipher is probably my favourite. It’s got a massive summer blockbuster-style beat and it’s the only posse cut on the album. Different flows really highlight each other and i get tired of the sound of my own voice. It’s a tasty ole party bag of different styles and i love it.
Did you try and capture any overall mood or theme?
Lyrically I dance around several recurring themes, all of which are part of my broader, pseudo-academic, vaguely esoteric vibe. Musically we tried our best to make different types of songs within a hip-hop framework.
What do you think is unique about this release?
My perspective and use of language and the mash up Poet’s natural instrumentality with his production smarts make for a heady mix. I’m not sure if my lyrical content is the most commercial out there, but i do go to great lengths to make sure it’s unique… Actually if I’m honest it just sorta happens by default cause I’m moderately odd.
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