Introduce yourself, crew, affiliations etc.

Brace. Toosicks Crew, umfm.com (Keep it Surreal - Thursdays)

I hear you have retired from battling, is that true and if so why?

The 2005 Canadian finals was my 15th battle. Not including smaller local battles. I've decided that its time to focus on making music now.

How did you and Gruf get together and become the Sound Barriers?

Gruf and I have been bros for a long time. We started making music because we had such like minds.

How would you describe the album?

Working to get through a period in our lives. Struggling With the modern day world and the troubles put on the average individuals mind.

What do you use to make your beats?

1200's, RaneTTM56, Boss RC-20, ASR-10, MPC1K, PC - (for mixing)

Do you like producing or djing more and why?

I love scratching and making beats equally

What was your experience at the world DMC's like?

Overwhelming. I had a mission, and that's what I was there for, barely any partying - Except for a blunt session with Roc       

Raida and Total Eclipse.

You beat Scratch Bastid for the Canadian DMC title and then lost to him at Scribble Jam; would you say there is a rivalry between the two of you?

For a minute, but it was healthy.

What was it like battling him so soon after beating him for the Canadian Championship?

It was the heat of the battle season, battling him right after the DMC finals didn't effect how I felt. It was busy though, I was working on both scribble and DMC world at that point.

How do you begin to plan your battle routines and how much do they change from start to finish?

I just find hot records and jam. Changes happen all the way along the way, until it's complete.

What is your all time favorite sample to cut?

The one that is best for doing all cuts on is an 'ahhhh'. Lately I like polysyllabic samples

What inspired you to get involved in hip hop and how did you get started?

I lived in NYC between 91 and 94. I was influenced by a lot of hardcore punk and hip hop from that city in that time. Buying mix tapes like "The Five Deadly Venoms of Brooklyn", and "Cold Krush Cuts" inspired me to want to dj.

What is your favorite hip hop record/song and why?