Lost & Found: Alternative Ending Interivew

Nigerian dynamic duo, Lost & Found have achieved international crossover with their latest material. For their Alternate Ending album, they have put together a masterpiece that is the perfect follow up to their 2016 Face Off release.

Consisting of rappers Boogey and Paybac, these emcees have crafted an original sound never heard before. Their upbringing and hip hop influence comes full circle on Alternate Ending. I caught up with this pair for a quick interview, as they openly discussed their upbringing, reason for putting out music and their cultural influence.

Check it out below.

Lost & Found Interview

The Hype Magazine: Why did you all decide to do music together?

BOOGEY: Apart from our producer Charlie X being the connecting factor, “Real recognizes real” as they say. You’re drawn to create art with people who can match your passion, drive and energy. I put my whole heart and soul into the music just like PAYBAC does. I’ve been through a lot in and out of music just like he has. It was only right that we would complement each other’s expression.

PAYBAC: ‎Really it started out cause we work with the same producer but then I think it started to happen more because of all that talent co existing in the same space.

‎‎The Hype Magazine: What was the inspiration behind Alternate Ending?

BOOGEY: Everyone thinks “what if?” every now and then. The multiverse theory fans the flames of our what if fantasies. We released the Face Off album in 2016, painting a picture of our individual journeys and struggles. What if it didn’t have to be that way? Most people would change their stories if they could. A glimpse of what it could be, even if just through 13 songs, can be satisfying. This sequel album was fueled by that fantasy.

PAYBAC: It’s very simple I think. The first album was more about struggles with mental health, career etc etc. This album tells a more positive story. The symbolism just helps to envision this better world. You can say it’s a mix of bits of pop culture that influence us. The matrix, super hero movies, fantasy, anime etc.

‎The Hype Magazine: How would you best describe you all sound?
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BOOGEY: More than anything, it’s honest. What you hear it, it is who we really are. Regardless of the type of music, true music lovers can hear authenticity. They know when it’s missing. Our sound is us. That’s the only way to properly describe it
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PAYBAC: I think the lost and founds sound is really just making the best rap music in Nigeria regardless of what genre the instrumentals are grouped into. Like how UWAKA is a trap song and SHUN SIR is an edm record. Individually I think we all have different strengths but together that always seems to be the outcome.

The Hype Magazine: ‎How has your Nigerian upbringing impacted your music career?

BOOGEY: Positively and negatively. Positively, it’s taught me to be a gritty go-getter, to never “carry last” (get left behind) as we say. It’s fueled my drive and passion. If you can make it here, you can go anywhere and rule. That’s the Nigerian spirit. It’s one of the reasons why I still do what I do after all these years.

Negatively, There are times when I feel like it has stunted my chances. It’s a society that takes innovation with a grain of salt. We’re generally terrified of anything that challenges our customary ways. That includes people who think differently.

There is often only one right way to do things and that mentality affects the almost structure less music industry too. This is a demon I have had to battle for 7 years, through 8 projects. However, there are faint signs of change. Alternative music is gradually breaching the Nigerian mainstream stage and I hope that soon, hip-hop lyricists will get that chance too.

PAYBAC: I think as an artist your story and background is usually a very big part of the art you create so being from somewhere as culturally vibrant as Nigeria I think even without trying it leaks into the music. I think it’s helped me have a very diverse palette.

The Hype Magazine: Who are some of you all’s musical influences?

BOOGEY: Talib Kweli is my favorite MC of all time. I don’t think he was ever the most skilled but he attacked the art from an angle that was an intellectual and emotional mix. I loved it, learned from it and related to it.
Eminem is the most talented rapper of all time, in my opinion. Obviously, his technique has influenced mine a little bit.

As far as writing style, I would say Cory Gunz. I watched Cory Gunz at the Bet Cypher in 2008 and it changed my whole way of using words. I’m grateful for that moment.

I love Erykah Badu and her music. I wouldn’t call her a musical influence per se but I always admired her ability to stay true to her personality and style no matter what people thought. That inspired and influenced me.

PAYBAC: Off top I love everything from Kendrick, Frank Ocean, Jay Z to the Beatles, Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan to Fela. I also just started getting into post civil war Nigerian music. They had some shit. ‎

‎The Hype Magazine: Can you talk about the importance of your production team?

BOOGEY: They were amazing. Most of the production was collaborative. No egos, everyone communicating and expressing themselves for the common good. It is a beautiful thing to be part of. They made it a fun album to record.

PAYBAC: Man on this project specifically I think they’re more important than the vocalists. I’m looking for a way to convince them to appear on the artwork if we ever do another one. Also they doubled as songwriters on almost every song so yeah they literally deserve all of the credit.

The Hype Magazine: What are you looking forward to most this year?

BOOGEY: Looking forward to getting the plug for major concerts and shows. Looking forward to doubling and tripling the fan base. Looking forward to finally getting rewarded for our hard work. I feel like it’s imminent.

PAYBAC: ‎Just constant improvement. Constant growth.