Record labels have seem to forgotten a key step in producing and launching albums, artist development. For the most part record labels have ignored this step in their plans. Why? Maybe, because it means more investment in their part, better musicians, specialized engineers, vocal and lyrical coaches. And simply someone who guides a band or group through the process.

It is this step that Big Duke (The Psycho Realm) and Frankie Knuckles, two of the top Hip Hop producers in underground hip hop, have been successful with. They both are focused on offering their development and production services to new and experienced artists through their production company 'Sickside Street music'.

And this is how The Legion of Slugs was formed. Frankie Nuckles set out to find some of the most dedicated MCs to form Legion of Slugs. The group is formed by Frankie Nuckles as producer and MC, Alkaline, Fdubs, and Mars. The groups has spent many hours alongside Duke and Frankie developing their music and talent. What do you get? some of the best underground hip hop available, with only months as a group, Legion of Slugs has already been hard at work performing at shows, printing merchandise, and currently printed their first EP. You can download one of their songs here on LaUnion1910.


 The project has just began and the Legion already has a head start. Keep posted here on LaUnion1910 for al the updates on Legion of Slugs and other groups coming out o fthe Sickside Music camp. Check out the brief interview below and make sure to visit their website and myspace profile.

01. How did you guys come together to form the hip-hop group 'Legions of
Slugs'?

Frankie Knuckles - I decided to produce a project, and ultimately the MC's here, are what I saw fit.
Mars -Frankie Knuckles selected us.
Alkaline - I heard Frankie Knuckles from The SICKSIDE STREET MUSIC was gathering a few emcees to be on the 'Legion of Slugs' Project. So I hit him up and scheduled a few meetings and it all went on from there.



02. How did you each choose your name? what's the significance of the name
'Legion of Slugs'?

Frankie Knuckles - 'Legion of Slugs'? We plainly regulate in your face.
Legion of Slugs is plain and simple, we regulate. Frankie Knuckles stands for how I Knuckles up against other productions.
Mars - Frankie Knuckles choose the name. The names means that we are a group of regulators through our music that hit ya like the impact of a slug.
Alkaline - Just some name I went by while freestyling and shit since high school. Legion of Slugs was Frankies Idea, the name pretty much sums us up.

03. What is Big Duke's (The Psycho Realm / Sickside Street Music)
involvement with the Legion of Slugs?

  Frankie Knuckles - He co-produced the project along side myself.
Mars - He co-produces the tracks with Frankie.
Alkaline - Big Duke helped us out with co-producing the entire project.

04. Your first show, as a group, was well received at the Airliner (Los
Angeles). We also saw other very talented hip-hop MC's that night;
Concrete Guerrillas, Kemo, Sicko Soldado, ISuppose, amongst others. How
does Legion of Slugs stand out as a new group with so much competition?

 
Frankie Knuckles - The last thing we're worried about is competition, most importantly we're entertainers, and that's exactly what we come to do. We're concept driven, so there's a purpose for every track we rock.
Mars - As you can see we were there to regulate with our music and put on a show as entertainers not rappers. We are on our own trip and don't trip on competion. We understand it is a competive industry and that is why we are so distinctive with our style, delivery, personas, and music. We are here to set trends not follow them.
Alkaline - The way the music sounds, and the diversity of our group alone stands out. Each of our deliverys and styles are completely different.


 
05. How would you describe the Legion of Slugs style and sound?

Frankie Knuckles - It's very dark and melodious and at the same time it carries different elements rhythmically.
Mars - We don't rhyme just to rap, we make sure we make sense on every topic or concept we are writing about. Plus we all have our own unique style that differenciates us from each other and every other hip hop/rap group.
Alkaline - There's really no set style, we just go with whatever we are feeling.


06. Tell us about the the song that is now available for download here
on LaUnion1910. Will these be part of your first EP?

Frankie Knuckles - Yes, but you can only get them here for now, until their available for purchase at an event or record store.
Mars - The songs are pretty much staight forward and self explanitory. We just make sure we flip it for ya on that street level that is intensifiying when you listen to them. Yes they will be featured on the EP,

 07. Are you guys working on an album? Will Big Duke (The Psycho Realm /
Sickside Street Music) be part of the production of the album?

Frankie Knuckles - It's in talks right now but nothing is solid. Check www.legionofslugs.com for updates and status on the Full Length Album.
Mars - It is in the process
Alkaline - it is being discussed.


08. What should people look out for from Legion of Slugs in 2008?

Frankie Knuckles - To catch an elbow to the face at one of our shows, we've got the mosh pit thing going with some of the fans.
Mars - We are going to promote the fuck outta the EP and take it one step at a time.
Alkaline - Events, merchandise...everything.
 
09. What are some of your upcoming shows?

March, 29 2008 at The Westwood Brew Co. The People Rhythm Movement
The Westwood Brewing Co., West Los Angeles, California

10. Thank you for the interview. Any last comments?

Frankie Knuckles - Yeah, we got some dope shirts for sale and that Ep coming real soon, you need to cop that. Check back for more info on the Legion of Slugs @ www.legionofslugs.com
and or myspace.com/legionofslugs also get your free download on launion1910.com while it's still available.
Thanks Again Oszie & Launion1910.com Stay Up!!
Mars - We are here to set our mark for legacy in the underground hip hop scene world wide and fill ya blocks with that hard core, ruff and rugged shit that ya can't get enough of and keep wanting more.
Alkaline - Thank you. THE LEGION WILL BE TAKIN' OVER THE WORLD!!