iWontSTFU Interview: Cali Swag District Talks Debut Album “Kickback”, M-Bone’s Death & More

iWontSTFU was lucky to get an interview with the “Dougie” teachers themselves: Cali Swag District. The hip hop group from Inglewood talked about their smash hit “Teach Me How To Dougie”, their debut album and much more.

First of all, congratulation on your huge success with “Teach Me How To Dougie”! When you recorded it did you have this feeling “yeah! that one could be it” or were you totally surprised about its take off?

We were totally surprised.  We didn’t feel like “that one could be it” until we started to perform the song and everybody knew the words and the dance.

May 15, 2011 must be the group’s most tragic day. M-Bone was killed in a drive-by shooting. May he rest in peace. How did you deal with this loss?

It’s been really hard for us.  It hurts a lot, and we miss him everyday.  We just try to stay strong and move forward.  Bone would want us to.

What can we expect from “The Kickback”, your debut album? How long did you work on it and who did you collaborate with?

You can expect a fun album with lots of energy and hard hitting beats. Be prepared to dance, laugh, bob your head, and dance some more. It didn’t take us too long to record the album. We’re always recording in the studio so we had a lot of material ready.

How would you describe your sound?

We would describe our sound as swag.  A sound that can’t really be described, just something you’ll have to hear when you get the album.

Who are your influences?

Our influences are hard working rappers such as Jay-Z and 50 Cent. Reason being, they know how to take care of business when it comes to money.

Are you going to be on tour?

We’re hoping to be going on tour real soon, but as of right now our schedule is filled with interviews, performances, autograph signings, appearances, etc. to promote our debut album “The Kickback.”

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

We hope to still be making music that our fans will appreciate.

Can you tell us a funny thing or story about each member?

A funny thing about all of us?  Hmmmm…Jayare can’t touch his shoulders…. Smoove doesn’t eat his vegetables…and Yung is a neat freak.

I always like to play a little game with my guests. I’ll say a term and you just say the first thing that comes into your mind. Ready?

United Kingdom Girls
Love Mushy
Rihanna Sexy
2011 Kickback
Twitter @caliswagdstrct
iWontSTFU Truth

“The Kickback” is being released July 13th, 2011.