Say Something: Saigon

By James J. Sander
Contributing Writer

The rapper Saigon comes to Fargo March 19 with Johnny Richter, CottonMouth Kings, Krizz Kaliko, Tech 9, Strange Noize and a couple other guys from Suburban Noize Records, the label Saigon is signed to the label his new album, “Greatest Story Never Told” was released on. Saigon is new to the big label tour scene, and he shared some previous experiences in the industry and his music philosophy with HPR.

High Plains Reader: What has been the biggest influence on your musical style?

Saigon: My Mother. She always told me that if you’re going to do it, say something that resonates with you. You should say something that is meaningful, if they are going to give you a stage. And if you’re going to say something, it’s is going to be actual, that’s good and positive. Instead of,  ‘I’ve got a lot of girls and cars,’ you know, dumb stuff.

HPR: I listened to your new album and it seems like it has political tones to it.

Saigon: I wouldn’t call it political. I mean you can if you want, but I take it as social commentary. It deals a lot with society. Society’s ills, especially, in the black community ‘cuz when you look at Hip-Hop, you would perceive the black community as everyone throwing money around and it is a big hip club with all these naked women all around and we’re throwing money around. That is not reality; there aren’t Ferrari’s in black ghettos.

HPR: Did growing up in Brownsville affect the reality that you are trying to portray of the black community?

Saigon: Yeah, yeah…yeah, of course. It’s all poverty and inequality. What it is, is that we have a lot of issues and being that rappers are our new black leaders, unfortunately, but it is what the kids cling to. It’s always been like that with music…it is a connection to the music. It is a craze and what kids cling.

HPR:  Fargo must be a different venue to perform. Do you like performing in places like Fargo?

Saigon: Yeah, I like to see new people, new styles, new energy. I love it. It’s easy to go do what you’re used to doing. But, when you come across a new place there is nothing like it. ‘Cuz you never know what to expect. You put it out and pour your heart out on that stage. I think that the universe is the common denominator. I think people coalesce and want something that is authentic. No matter, where you are from I think it comes across.

HPR: How was making the “Greatest Story Never Told”?

Saigon: It was great! I got a chance to work with one of the greatest producers in the world, Just Blaze. We made this album from scratch, together. I think as time goes on he will be named with Quincy Jones, one of the greatest producers of his time. It was like working next to a living legend. It was incredible… it was intimidating as well… I think we did a good job.

HPR: I saw on your Twitter that you are trying to reinvent black music. How are you doing that? 

Saigon: I mean like I said, talking to our people. Music became so corporate, it’s all about who buys music. It’s not music. People are thinking, ‘What’s going to sell?’ It’s more about an image, then the actual music. Markets are taking all of the actual music away. They care more about your outfit, who you’re dating, what you’re wearing; more so then your actual music. Black music, especially Hip-hop…for instance has always been a reflection of our communities. See what I’m saying?