SCIFEN
Yak Ballz
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Barmak Badaei

As the state of Hip Hop music is becoming ever more uncertain, we at Scifen feel that Yak Ballz AKA Yak Skywalker is the future.  Since the green age of 17 Yak has been killing beats on vinyl, merking foes in battles and making his mark on the Indie Hip Hop scene in NY as a nasty MC and creative lyricist.  A product of the legendary Fondle'em era via Bobbito Garcia, Yak is still at it now harder and better than ever with the release of his new album, Scifentology II, approaching and scheduled to drop on January 29th.  We asked Yak a few questions regarding his anticipated new album and how he came to be an important part of the Scifen family.  From the galaxy of Queens, New York, Scifen proudly presents Yak Ballz. 

What is one thing Scifen and Yak have in common?

We share the same vision.  It just materializes differently.  Scifen is clothing with concepts.  My music, especially Scifentology II, is based on unique themes and concepts. 

What kind of concepts? 

Most are directed towards waking people up, making them aware of their surroundings, and issues that are affecting our society.  Other's are story lines, some fictional, some nonfictional but all are based on real life events occurring now and those that have happened in the past.  I call it "Progressive Rap." 

What is your connection with Ewok?

I met Ewok at Bobbito's Footwork through TCK crew.  A big group of us used to go to Rock Steady Crew anniversaries in the Bronx and then Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.  E and I got acquainted in 98, but it wasn't until a couple years later that we became better friends.  I always used to think the characters and pieces he left in people's blackbook's were special.  We used to call a certain style E had "Computer Rock."  It was futuristic.  He did this one thing where it was a "how to" book, a step by step tutorial on how to draw a piece, drop the 3D, shading, coloring, etc.  It was so ill.  He did the cover of one of my first 12 inch releases, "The Freakshow" that came out on Definitive Jux Records and he's done a number of my CD covers since then including Scifentology II, which is my new album coming out January 29th on FloSpot Records.  I think Ewok is the graphic artist version of myself.  He creates worlds in his art like I strive to do in my music. 

How did "Scifentology" come about?  

4 years ago, I linked up with Scifen through Ewok and formed a relationship with the company.  Scifen was much smaller then and I was anxious to spread my wings as an artist.  We were talking about creative ways to cross promote, help each other grow, and accomplish certain goals together.  We decided on a mixtape.  I came up with the name "Scifentology" one day in class when I was in college and from there on we went through the normal process of putting out a collaborative mixtape.  We wanted the mixtape to be different so Ewok did an eye-popping cover, the music itself was obscure and full of themes and messages that Scifen and I wanted to get across.  Everything about it was done as if it was a record but it just wasn't one.  

How did it translate into your new record, Scifentology II coming out in January '08?

Eventually I signed with FloSpot Records and started recording new songs for a full on new album effort over unique and progressive production.  The songs were similar to the mixtape as far as direction and originality but they sounded more refined and polished.  I decided the album needed to be called Scifentology II because if Scifen and I knew everything we knew in the beginning, this record would have came out a long time ago.  The mixtape was the experiment and now this new record is the experiment coming to life and getting the proper promotion and publicity.  Scifentology II features production from the likes of Aesop Rock, Camu Tao, and Mondee.  It also has guest appearances from Cage, Tame, One and Slow Suicide Stimulus.

Some people don't know your affiliation with Cardboard City.  Can you tell us what Cardboard City is and your role in it?

Cardboard City is like an artist ratpack.  I guess you could say it's a social network or a group of friends who like to make different forms of art from film to graphic design to music.  Everyone in CC is in it for a reason.  All Weathermen are CC including Aesop Rock, Tame One, Camu Tao, EL P and Cage.  Also, F. Sean Martin from Hatebreed and Daryl Palumbo from Glassjaw and Head Automatica.  Shia LaBeouf from Transformers and the upcoming Indiana Jones movie, as well as Alex Pardee, who is an incredible artist that has done album covers for The Used, Synthesis and Juxtapoz mags. My role in Cardboard City is to be the best artist I can be and represent the squad with the same integrity. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully still making music and working for Scifen.  I've always wanted to live in Cali.

Barack or Hillary?  

Barrack but I'm down with Joe Byden and John Edwards too.  We'll see.