Uncle Head (James Hardnett), one of the high-spirited rhymesters from 90’s rap group, Splack Pack is releasing new music, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Splack Pack augmented the Miami and Atlanta sound with their singles Shake That A** B***h, Let Me See Ya Work and one of our favorites, Scrub Da Ground.
Scrub the Ground was a definite thumper, guaranteed to liven up any party or cookout atmosphere; however, if you are a conservative that winces at the mere mention of twerking, you surely wouldn’t have survived the 90’s— and much less, the aforementioned song.
Honestly, it’s still one of those wistful tunes that us old biddies can’t seem to shake out of our systems.
“It’s a blessing because it’s been 25 years that I’ve been in the game,” Uncle Head shared. “At first, when we did the song, I didn’t want to do it. I hated the song. I did not want to do that song. Our previous songs did very well, but when “Scrub Da Ground” took off, that’s when I got [the popularity of] it. I thank God for it though… I didn’t know [it would do so well]. A lot of people that hate their songs, it’s usually their hit records,” he said.
Scrub Da Ground
“It feels strange to see my kids dance to it. I have to argue with certain people about it because they didn’t know I was in a group. They usually think it’s a new song… I wish music nowadays would be more timeless. I can’t name a new song that will be out in 10 years or 25 years down the line.”
Uncle Head with the Bad Boyz of Bass at the Bliss nightclub
Incidentally, in 2015, “Scrub Da Ground” was featured in the Miami New Times as one of the top 10 bass songs of all times, landing in at the number four spot.
“A lot of people don’t take time with their craft. I like a little of the new-age music, but I’m old-school, so I’m going to stay by the old-school rules. The only thing that changed with me is the internet. Artist, now, they are stumbling [accidentally] on these hits. There are too many one-hit-wonders going on now. I want to hear music besides Beyoncé and the “Single Ladies.” That song is something you will hear 25 years down the road, but not these songs that’s coming out—you won’t hear that.”
Agreed, the context of hip hop will change. Mumble rap will either gain more acclaim or it will cease to exist, so we totally get Uncle Head’s reasoning behind his last statement.
“I just know how to change [my music] with times. First, I’d like to shout out TJ Chapman, who runs “TJ’s DJ’s.” He has a music store in Tallahassee, Florida. I was running the store. I learned the retail side of the business. When the Splack Pack broke up, I had to learn the profession. I went to a lot of music conferences like “Jack the Rappers Music Convention,” and “Impact Music Conference.” I read a lot of books and learned the game. I got manipulated in a lot of ways when I was young, but I didn’t know it at the time. I didn’t see that we were getting robbed. Once I got older, I got a partner and then we started Bottomlyne Records in 2000.
I knew the entertainment aspects and I knew the other side, but once I learned the retail and the business side of things [it took off]… I have a younger crew that keeps me polished, and then I learned to transition with time. I keep my old-school ways on the new-age music. It’s a blessing. People are loving my sound, and they are checking for it.”
Uncle Head learned the rudiments of the industry. He still frequents the underground scene with his music, but he’s touring with the 69 Boyz, 95 South and JT Money. He’s planning to open a laundromat in addition to launching a food truck. He’s conditioning Bottomlyne Records, to conscript other artist that are serious about their careers.
Inspired to make merrymaking jams,
Uncle Head released new singles Vybin with Her and Super Freak.
“This is for the grown folks, which I know the younger artist will gravitate to it. I was inspired by the music that’s out now. It keeps me going. It makes you fight harder to bring real music back.
I’m motivated by God. He keeps me going and inspired to do it. My family inspires me as well. My mom had a stroke in 2015, and then she had another in February. I have to help take care of her too. My mom took care of me, and now it’s my time to take care of her. I want to give my kids a better life, because I’ve lived. I’m not into the things that I was in when I was younger. Now, it’s college and tuition, setting up [a future] for my kids. It’s like, the afterlife, and that’s what I’m setting up for.”
Uncle Head pictured with Kool DJ SupaMike
The artist said they had to show and prove in the 90’s, to get a record deal.
“We didn’t have internet back then. It was none of that. It’s easier for artist right now. We auditioned with a boom box, sat it down, and pressed play. It was easy to go in offices then. Now, you have to go through thousands of security just to get to the man.
‘When we performed “Shake that A**, we were offered a contract right on the spot. Back then, it was easier, but still difficult. Music was more real back then because we didn’t have internet and everybody couldn’t just go out and do music.
We had to be foot soldiers. We had to do in-store’s [meet and greets], sitting at the table and signing autographs with fans. We hang posters and gave out CD’s. I still go to stores, hang posters, and give out CD’s.”
Uncle Head distributes flash drives to his fans, because newer modeled cars have accessibility for that; however, he still uses conventional methods to market and connect with his following.
“There’s so much to learn. There aren't a lot of people that’s built for this business. They can’t handle it. You got to be strong because it’s stressful."
Uncle head said that his dopest freestyle session was with Cool Breeze. “He ate me up, spit me out, and ate me up again,” Uncle Head laughed. “I was cocky, but I had to learn. He got me, I won’t lie about that.”
Before the music, Uncle Head considered joining the army because he had gotten into a lot of trouble while in the streets. His mother moved him to Atlanta from Florida. At 21–years-old, he toiled at the community Pizza Hut and Little Ceasers, but once they did the first cut to Shake That A**, working became obsolete.
If Uncle head could collaborate with anyone, it would be with Chris Breezy.
“I like Chris Brown. I like R&B—I like TI, but as far as the younger generation, I like the Migos.”
Uncle Head is listening to all kinds of music currently. His play list is chockfull of bass compositions as well as the gangsta hip hop from UGK and J. Cole… Well, Jay Cole is a little on the “Stay woke, Malcom X, Fight the Power” genre, but we definitely aren’t knocking it. Anyone who’s listening to J. Cole is alright with us. Clearly, the rapper has a well-honed ear for an assortment of music or better yet, hip hop.
Summing up our interview session: Just click the links below and get acquainted with the seasoned vet. Let us know what you think about his music.
Click here more information about Bottom Lyne Records.
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