Vancouver, BC - When we first introduced you to Syndicate Villain (January 25th 2004) [click to read the interview], he told us about his upcoming album debut and various other endeavours he had taken interest in. Ultimately, Syn Villain decided he would hold off on a hasty release and push the album back until he felt it was ready to come out. While growing as an artist and producer respectively Syn Villain has been able to hone his craft and really make his debut Army of One something special. With an impressive roster of guester appearances and having produced over 80% of his own album, Syn is setting himself up strong to be one of the west coast's main contenders. Check out the interview below:

HHC: Originally the album, Army of One was scheduled to come out in fall of 2004. What happened that caused the album to be pushed back? Were you upset that it took a lot longer to put out this release?
Well the album got pushed back for a few reasons. I had enough tracks at that point to release, but you only get one chance at your debut, so I decided to keep creating beats and tracks to pick the cream of the crop. Secondly, I wanted to increase the street buzz around the record. I definitely think it was the right decision now that I look back at it. I wasn't upset, obviously as the artist I want moves to be made fast, and for the most part they have been. The music industry is full of delays and false promises, so I know it's just a part of the game.

HHC: Let's discuss the featured emcees and production you brought on board. Let the people know whom you got on there and why you selected each person to be apart of your album.
Some features on the album include Crooked I, Bishop Brigante, Nuttso, Amir, Young Kazh, my labelmate Hydro and some amazing singers including Kou who sang the hook on "Greedy Eyes" and another producer/singer we've been working with lately Hazel. In terms of production, I co-produced 14 of the 17 tracks with my partner Jeff Grout. Also Deev, who is an artist from Iran, did the intro for the album's title track "Army Of One". My emphasis was not just to showcase my skills as an emcee, but also as a producer. We got Crook cause he's one of the best rappers on the West Coast Period! Bish cause he's holdin' it down for the East, and Amir cause he inspired me a few years back being the first Persian rapper making any news... so I put him on the record.

HHC: Tell us about your new video "When We Ride". For those that haven't seen it, breakdown the treatment and who you worked with to put it together. Will there be any more videos?
"When We Ride" is the first video. It was co-directed by myself, my manager and Thaddeus from Triton Films. All the ideas and concepts came mainly from me and my manager and then Triton Films made it happen. Yeah, there will be more videos, the next video will be shot in December for the track "Greedy Eyes" which I'm hella excited about. The concept is nuts!

HHC: You've grown a lot as an artist since we last had you here at HipHopCanada.com. How have things changed since working with a Major (Warner)?
Things haven't changed too much. We're still doing all the business and dirty work ourselves. We were just fortunate to have a major label backing it. But in terms of work we put in, this shit is 24/7. Through Warner and more particularly HRM Records/Bodog Music… they have given us some dope contacts in the industry but Warner's main function is distributing the record to every music store in Canada.

HHC: What are your views on sales expectations? Do you feel an added pressure to sell since you're working with Warner?
Well putting this record out is an experiment for both the artist and the company, so my expectations are high but still I stay realistic considering we are talking about the Canadian market, which is unfortunately not yet striving like it could be. We're also pushing the record on a worldwide scale online and through other media outlets like PMC (Persian Music Channel) and its definitely helping push sales. As we explore getting deals in other markets, my sales expectations will also increase. I'm very proud of the record, I just want everyone to hear it, and not judge it before they hear it. The production is insane!

HHC: Last time you were here we found out about Feel Me Gear. You aren't at Ecko status with that yet but what kind of advancements have been made with the clothing line?
The clothing game is still in full effect and our clothing is just getting better and better. You can visit http://www.feelmegear.com to cop the gear. The Syndicate Verse T-shirts and the Feel Me Hats are the best sellers and we're definitely starting to gain some presence.

HHC: You also mentioned opening a clothing store… How has that come?
The clothing store is still something I think about, but right now I am way too busy focusing on the record I just released and future business endeavours. But don't put it past me, it could happen sooner than expected.

HHC: Now that your album is out, what kind of promotion are you doing to make sure the heads are aware of its availability?
We've done a lot of things as far as getting the single and vinyl out to college and major radio stations. That got us on some charts and we just dropped the video that is airing on Much Music. We've done a TV ad campaign with Much Vibe, a lot of street team promo with posters and I'm about to tour to support the album. We're just going to keep it moving with the next single and continue to promote the album in various ways. We dropped the mixtape, did some magazine ads, got some press, and we're getting like 30K hits a day on the website right now so I know its working. Just wish half of 'em bought the album!

HHC: Are there any streets releases out for the mixtape fans?
We just released Feel Me Records Mixtape Vol.1 which featured Hydro and myself mainly on original beats with a load of guests as well… from Checkmate to Bishop to Crooked I to Bless to Warren G to RBX and so on. You can cop it online at http://www.feelmerecords.com. Stay tuned for Vol. 2 and we're currently in talks with DPG to release a DPG Canada mixtape.

HHC: What's good with the Feel Me Records compilation?
That was the mixtape we put out to get some buzz going before the album dropped and it worked. We got the label to press up 5,000 and pretty much gave them all away as promo. Got a few hundred in the Maritimes, few hundred in Toronto, and flooded B.C. with them. It was a great way to use some marketing money to let people hear what didn't make the album… showcase all of our collaborations and affiliations with other crews and have something to give away to all the stores, shows and events that we're a part of.

HHC: You've been working with a lot of West Coast greats including opening recently for DPGC and doing a joint with Crooked I (which was featured on HipHopCanada.com's Canadian Choice Cuts). Are you putting any focus on breaking the market in LA and surrounding California areas?
I am going to try to break that market for sure. First, cause there is a massive Persian population down there, and that market is already onto me… my video is blowing up on their satellite out there. Second, cause it's the center of the entertainment industry. So given I wanted to try a shot at acting, or movie producing, or whatever then that would be the place I'd want to be. There is so much talent there, and Hip-Hop is more embraced there so it would be a sick place as an artist to work creatively. I'm actually going there within the next month so we'll see what happens. We're going to continue to work with West Coast artists as well. Hydro just collaborated with Daz Dillinger for his record. He's in talks with Ras Kass to get something going. A lot of the East Coast artists will look at New York rappers to get with but we're taking the West Coast route and will continue to do so.

HHC: What's next for Syndicate Villain? Are you working on your next album?
Next for me is dealing with the next couple of singles. Also securing more deals to make sure my music is heard on a global scale. Besides that, I've started on the second album; I'm producing for various artists, and just grinding my record hard.

HHC: What do you feel about the state of Canadian hip-hop? Who are you checking for?
I don't really try to pay to much attention to it, I just do what I love to do. I'm for the success of any artist trying to make it cause that opens the doors for everyone including myself. I think pretty soon somebody is going to break that barrier… become a global hip-hop icon from Canada. Though it hasn't happened, I think the time is near. But as for the present state, I wish there was more support because there are some amazing emcees/producers/entrepreneurs up here that deserve recognition. I'm looking for Belly's album, Bishop's, Hydro's...

HHC: Any closing thoughts or shout outs?
Buy my album "Army Of One" in stores everywhere…HMV, A&B Sound, I Tunes, Puretracks, Amazon, Everywhere! Shout Outs - my friends, family, and fans that have supported me… Bif Naked and the HRM family... Anyone who bought the record, I thank you... J Greezy, Pom Peezy, Dub J… also DJ Kemo, DJ Stallion and J Swing for their support.

Editor's note: For music and more information about Syndicate Villain check out http://www.feelmerecords.com.

Listen here:
Syndicate Villain f. Crooked I - Greedy Eyes [mp3]