Known for their production work, as members of the France based instrumental hip-hop band Hocus Pocus and DJ crew C2C, who obtained this month their fourth DMC team world champion title in a row, we sit down with 20syl and DJ Greem to talk about their music and recent successes.

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GIANT STEP: Why so much jazz in your music?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: We began listening to rock music. Then, hip-hop became our passion and we discovered funk, soul and jazz thanks to the samples. We were interested in playing the original version of a track with its cover. We also met “Magic Malik”, a French jazz musician, and he gave us the idea to use a “live” sound. This kind of sound was not usual in France.

GS: When did you begin in Hip-Hop?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: We began in 1995 with our first “mix-tape.” We already used “live” drums and bass. Then, we discovered all kind of machines. Our favourite bands were Wu-Tang, De La Soul, Cypress Hill, Gravediggaz, Blazay Blazay, A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock, etc. The quality was so high at that time.

What were differences between your first E.P. of 2001 and your new album?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: The first E.P. was only a demo for the records companies and for our shows. Success was a real surprise for us because the sound was not really great. Now, with the new album, we paid a great attention to the quality of production, to the sound originality. The way we write lyrics is more “adult”. The evolution of our style during the last three years has been real great.
We also took more time and more money for the new album. This new album is a challenge for us.

GS: Your success is surprising because you are totally independent: How have you managed it?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: Yann, our manager is responsible for this success. He does incredible work. Also, our music is really the kind of sound the audience is looking for today. Most French rappers give priority to the voice and their flow. We give priority to the beats and to the quality of production, just as in the USA.

What is your method of work?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: 20syl is in charge of the lyrics. He writes the lyrics, then we search the good sounds, the good moods for the lyrics. Sometimes, we do the opposite. Everything is about “feeling.” Our aim is to create a very unique and personal sound. We also try to avoid repetition and we are always looking for something new. This time, we have a real brass section.

GS: 2005 and 2006 was a great year for you. How do you feel about the success?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: Yes, it’s true but we don’t think about success. We’re always on tour and the band is more and more popular in France. We had great concerts in Paris at “Elysée Montmartre” and “la Maroquinerie”…We just want to go further with quality.

GS: What are the differences between Hocus Pocus and C2C?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: It’s two different and independent projects but DJ Greem and I, 20syl, are in both bands. With C2C we are the “DMC” world champions for the fourth time: Historical!

GS: And what about the differences between Hocus Pocus in studio and Hocus Pocus on stage?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: Stage is a big work for us. We think about our music in a new way. Everything is just more spontaneous and there’s more jam sessions.

GS: You went on tour in Tokyo: How was it?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: They welcomed us as kings! People are really nice and they already knew our music thanks to the 12 inch and to our “DJ battle.” In Tokyo they really are open-minded and the culture is important. People are so positive.

GS: Do you have new projects with other artists?

Hocus Pocus/C2C: Yes! DJ Greem is working with Tribeka , an afro/soul band. It’s music with bass, drum, guitar and balafon and it’s jazz with an African style and hip-hop touch. It’s new and great! We tried the concept on stage and a new album should be released soon.