Sneek Rothstein: Sky’s The Limit

Let’s hop right into this latest LP, Menace — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

It represents me as a veteran artist, and a complete person. I’ve been dealing with a legal issue for some years now, and during my hearing I was labeled a menace, a threat, a danger to the environment and a societal nuisance. Conceptually on this album, I take you on a ride with me through my life. I flipped the term and experience into a positive. I’mma lyrical menace!

How does Menace either differ and / or compare to that of your previous bodies of work?

This is my first major distribution release, so it doesn’t compare to the others. I’d say this offering is a hybrid of all of my previous works. I was fortunate enough to work with the legendary Mr. PayBack and Big Hutch [Mansa Musa].This album to me just has that feel and right energy. I kept it consistent with Too Nasty [UK] on the production, as well as engineering and mastering. I wanted to take it back to the classic albums and works we all know and love. Menace is a S.R.E. Records (through Empire) project.

Menace Link Click HERE

What are your future plans and goals for the label? And who all, besides yourself of course, make up its current artist roster?

Constant music, dope production, talent development, films and staying active. At this current time I haven’t found any worthy of signing yet, but I do have a few prospects.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Sneek Rothstein?

Man, hearing 1580 KDay through my younger brother sparked my curiosity. We would faithfully listen and try to emulate what we had heard. My introduction to Hip Hop was early N.W.A., Toddy Tee, Mixmaster Spade and King Tee, to name a few…on the East Coast tip; shit, LL, Run-DMC, Kane, etcetera; the legends!

Now you’re a native of where exactly? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I’mma native of Lynwood, California, by way of Cerritos. Most of my musical influences vary from West, South and the East Coast. My strongest individual musical influences would be Cube, Rakim, E-40, Dre and Snoop Dogg. Aside from Gangsta and Bigg Tupp, I didn’t have any major artists on my radar or catching my attention.

In having said that, how do you categorize your overall sound and / or style?

My sound is dark reality rap. My style is a mix of all of my musical influences. Obviously you’re gonna hear where I’m from in my songs. California being so rich in inspiration and history, you can’t help but be creative and active. I’mma product of my environment. I hung with gang members, and grew up in the most dangerous and pivotal time for Hip Hop.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

My name came from being fast with my hands, and being able to do certain things without getting caught or detected. As I progressed as an MC, I snuck up on them as well. The last name Rothstein comes from my love for Mafia culture, and being affiliated with “Wise Guys” and “Bosses.”

Switching gears here…

Longevity, what do you feel will be the ultimate key to your longstanding success as an artist?

Consistency, solid relationships, staying creative, motivated and constantly working. Also, constantly elevating.

What do you want people to get from your music?

A feeling of euphoria and appreciation for great music. A Drodian experience, and a trip back to when music actually had a message.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

It’s going to constantly evolve like life. It will never stay the same. We as OG’s must continue to do our part, and be solid pillars and bright beams of light. Wack MC’s balance out the ecosystem. Everybody can’t be dope. The predators gotta eat, and it’s levels to this shit!!!

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I would love to get into voiceover work, animation, cartoons and feature films. I also wouldn’t mind design and fashion. Music is a vehicle to open up other doors.

You also have Drodian TV — First off, what’s a Drodian? And secondly, talk to me about the television venture…

The DRODIANS are a collective of artists, musicians, actors, beat producers, performers and very unique characters. The core members are myself, Irie 2012, KillahRonh and Nick Furee. The name comes from a play on the word “Calidro.” We started with two members, and as we multiplied we became “Drodians.” The Drodian TV venture hasn’t matured yet. We planted the seeds a few years back, and have been steady working on sketches, film scripts, videography and engaging content.

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

The greatest career moment hasn’t happened yet…stay tuned and stand by.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

“Better Days.”

Finally, what’s next for you, Sneek?

The sky’s the limit, man! Whatever God has planned for me, fam, I’m ready. I have a baby girl and a family, so it’s not a game for me. Money talks and business gotta be right.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Nah, we covered everything. Yo, to all my fans – haters included – go pick up Menace, and get it in your rotation ASAP! Google me, I’m Googleable. I been here, Y’all just been overlooking me. Ask about me…

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Live your life to the fullest love yourself and keep it “West Coasting.” If you ever in L.A.,“Come Ride With Me.” See Drodian is a “Way Of Life,” and the streets are a bloody “Warzone,” but we stay dippin’ “Into The Night.” Getting money is “Automatic,” and if they on that bullshit tell ‘em, “Get Out My Face.” We a Cartel like the ones from “Sinaloa.” I pray for “Better Days,” and peace amongst us all.