Prozak Teams Up With Slipknot’s Sid Wilson on ‘The End of Us’ — Premiere

Later this month, Michigan rapper Prozak will be unleashing Paranormal, his latest collection of dark, eclectic and edgy hip-hop. Signed to underground rap mogul Tech N9ne's Strange Music label, the album boasts guest appearances from the likes of Twiztid, Krizz Kaliko and N9ne himself. But Noisecreep readers should especially take notice of "The End of Us," a track that features none other than DJ Starscream, otherwise known as Sid Wilson of Slipknot.

Noisecreep has partnered with Prozak to bring the exclusive premiere of "The End of Us." Check it out below, along with our chat with the rapper and Wilson.

Tells us how you first met Sid from Slipknot and how he came to collaborate on the song with you?

Prozak: I first met Sid in 2004 on the Hostile Takeover Tour. Myself and Tech N9ne were performing in Des Moines, Iowa. I was on the tour bus gearing up for my performance when some dude walks up on the bus wearing a wig and sunglasses, gold grill with fangs, and yielding a camcorder. He walks up to me and says, "You're in Iowa. Tell me what you think about it?" I replied, "I'm in the home town of the greatest metal band of all time." He replies, "Oh yeah, who is that?" I said, "Slipknot!"

He pauses then says, "Oh, you actually like them guys?!" I then got a little salty thinking he was a hometown hater and went about my business. Later that night Tech N9ne asked me if I met Sid from Slipknot. I was like, "He was here?" Tech was like, "Yeah. He was walking around with a wig and a camera all night." I then met him several more times and began a friendship with him.

Listen to "The End of Us (Featuring DJ Starscream)"

Sid, what was it like working with Prozak?

Sid Wilson: Shit was dope man! I love Prozak. We've known each other for a while now, years, and we got the same wavelength, man, it's crazy! It's nice to link up with someone that understands where you're coming from. Plus, he brought it to me with his boys straight metal style so I was naturally like, "Fuck yeah, let's get down and record this thing!"

Besides music, you're an accomplished director with two horror movies under your belt in A Haunting on Hamilton Street. How different the movie industry from the music business?

Prozak: It's very different, yet it is very similar. Both of them have the same artistic conception. You start with a concept and then you have to go through several stages of similar processes. With music, it's a song concept, then writing the lyrics, recording, mixing and then finally mastering everything and getting the album art together. With film, it's a story concept, then writing the script, shooting and editing it, then final post and DVD art. I think my experience in music give me an advantage in film. I have learned the value of patience, production, and dealing with the talent. I could go on and on about this.

You've dabbled in horror movies and your music has a lot of dark themes. What is it about horror as a genre and that dark side that inspires you?

Prozak: It inspires me on several different levels. To me, the dark and macabre strikes a basic primal nerve in people, as it does to myself. It's the unknown, the element of the inevitable, life/death. My music isn't necessarily "horror" in the sense of the gore and those other kinds of concepts. It's the horrors of life and consequences. I am aware that most people look for entertainment like music and film to make them feel happy. This is why pop music and feel good comedies dominate the business. However, there are those out there looking for depth and meaning, something to rage their frustrations to. This is where artists like me are needed.

Where did the inspiration for the album title Paranormal come from and why was it the perfect fit for this record?

Prozak: I chose this title because I feel that best describes what type of artist I am. The word "paranormal," by definition, is something that cannot -be explained, or out of the ordinary. I cross into several genres, and seem to break all the "fundamental rules" of hip-hop. I make what music I want, for whoever might want it. I don't believe in self-glorification, or writing rhymes according to what sells.

Sid, what are your thoughts on Prozak's fusion of metal and rap?

Sid Wilson: The infusion of rap and metal is the future soundtrack of aggressive urban lifestyle and culture. People like Bird and Lil Wayne love that shit! They are working with Limp Bizkit right now. Shit is crazy man! I got to peep some when I was in Florida with Fred Durst. I can't wait to do more music with Prozak in the future!

Your sound has a bit of everything from rock, hip-hop to elements of metal in there. You've said that your sound doesn't conform to the music industries box or labels. Does your ability to transcend musical boundaries help or hurt?

Prozak: Both, for sure. It helps in the sense that I offer an array of sound and style to the listener. It hurts because small minded cookie-cutter publications and industry heads shun such artists. I think they are wrong, because listeners are way more diverse and intelligent than how they are viewed by the major labels. In my opinion, the best talents of the world were misunderstood until they proved their worth.

What can fans expect if they pick up Paranormal?

Prozak: Lyrics, lyrics and more lyrics. Excellent production, thought-provoking songs. I'm talking political flows laced with melodic aggressive guitar riffs, even some inspirational anthems.

Prozak's Paranormal will hit stores on April 24 via Strange Music. Pre-order the album at this link.