H.R. ("Human Rights")—better known as the frontman of the world's original punk band, Bad Brains—sits down with Details to chat about the new documentary Bad Brains: Band in DC (which is currently making the rounds at film festivals), the early Washington, D.C., punk scene, recording tracks via jailhouse pay phone, and his friend Lil Jon.
DETAILS: It's about time a film was made about the Bad
Brains! How did you meet director Mandy Stein?
H.R.: We originally met over at CBGB's before it closed down,
maybe about four or five years ago. I got together with a friend named
Ben [Logan], who is actually Mandy's husband, and he asked me if I would
be interested in doing some work together. Mandy was working on a
documentary about CBGB's, and I automatically said that I would love to
work together. Bad Brains and I played a show, where he then introduced
me to Mandy, and that's how it happened, just like that! It all came
together very naturally.
DETAILS: In the film, we get to see where you and the Bad
Brains first met, during middle school in the 1970s. What shows were you
going to back then?
H.R.: Well, I originally went to a school called Central High
School in 10th or 11th grade and got the chance to meet a few brothers
such as Chuck Brown, James Brown, and also Al Green, to name a few. At
the Capital Center I got to go to a Bob Marley show and that was the
first authentic, grassroots culture event I got to experience as a kid.
Another concert that struck a chord with me is the Ramones show I saw
back in Maryland.
DETAILS: The movie really gives you a feel for the early
Washington, D.C., punk scene. Do you think that the energy of the crowd
back then was any different than it is today?
H.R.: I do. The crowd today feels to be a little more
intellectual and educated. I think more kids come out today, too. During
the early days it was about 50 to 100 people attending, and now we have
kids come out by the thousands. It's a great feeling and a great energy
to have around you.
DETAILS: In the film, we get to witness some pretty
ugly fights that go down behind the scenes. Did it ever feel invasive to
have the cameras rolling?
H.R.: Well, it was a little bit peculiar! But through it all, I
got to meet some very nice kids and teach them theories and principles
along with spreading good music. Little by little, we all got to know
each other, and that made it more comfortable.
DETAILS: One of the most captivating parts of the film is an
animation sequence that depicts the time you were forced to record
vocals for the song "Sacred Love" on a jailhouse pay phone while you
were serving time for pot possession in the early eighties. Can you
speak a little on this?
H.R.: Well, I had a little bit of a drawback with the group, as
you mentioned. We had been rehearsing and working together, getting
ready to release an album. We did all of the other songs for our record
in New York. Wooster, I believe. There was one other song the band wanted
to pull off, and they asked what I would feel about recording the vocals
on the telephone for the track. I said, "Well, I'll give it a try!" and
we gave it a try . . . it came out pretty nice, pretty all right! Everything
happens for a reason, and that record wouldn't be the same without that
experience.
DETAILS: We really leave the film with that PMA (Positive
Mental Attitude) that you and the Bad Brains put out.
H.R.: That is the exact message that I want, PMA! I wanted
something that would be fun, thrilling, and exciting. I want to help the
young audience to understand what is up for them as students and
citizens in the world today. We also want to be able to reflect and give
a chance for people to be a part of the history and documentation of the
movement and music of our time. I hope the film gives solutions and
answers for supporters who have that curiosity inside of them and want
to know what's going on in the world of music.
DETAILS: Throughout the film, there are appearances by many
well-known musicians who speak very highly of you, including rapper Lil
Jon. How did you two meet and come to work together?
H.R.: We all met in a D.C. space, the original 930 Club on 10th
Street to be exact. It was a little gathering that led us to become
great friends. Back in '04 he recruited our band members to back him on
one of his songs ["Real N*gga Roll Call"], which appeared on a
limited-edition release of his album [Crunk Juice].
DETAILS: Are you a fan of hip-hop? We read that you and R.
Kelly are buds, and now you're rolling with Lil Jon. Is there a secret
side to H.R. we don't know about?
H.R.: Haha! As human beings, yes, I am a fan and I enjoy their
companionship. They are my brothers and good youngsters who aspire and
reach phenomenal distances with their music. As far as the music goes, I
enjoy it, though it can feel a little mainstream and intimidating. So
for me, it's good to have some reggae music to balance out that
intimidation and friction of worrying about the actual possibility of
going head-to-head with anyone in the streets. Through reggae it is with
proper love, care, and companionship that we are able to make it a
one-love vibration and even it out.
DETAILS: What music can we find you jamming out to these
days? Where are you drawing your inspiration from for your new solo
album?
H.R.: I'm kind of an original individual, and I find the brothers
from Parliament and Steve Wonder to be great. Having jam sessions with
my brothers is really my main inspiration. My mother, father, and my
Baptist church in Alabama truly define me as a person.
DETAILS: What can we expect next from H.R. and the Bad
Brains in the future?
H.R.: What you can expect in the future is a whole lot of cool,
groove-on music. Combinations of Eastern and Western love songs are
coming together. A little Egyptian, a little Ethiopian, a little West
African, being able to groove it out with that special magic touch. It's
a little bit of everything. A-plus productions from my mind, guarantee it!
DETAILS: So no remixes with Lil Jon, then?
H.R.: [Laughs] Well, the Brains and I have our East Coast
tour coming up. You'll have to come out to see us and hear what we're
doing. Cool running!
—Alanna Raben is a native New Yorker with a knack for journalism, DJ'ing and filmmaking. Follow her on Twitter at @alannaraben.
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