On April 22, Oldominion co-founder Sleep released his solo album, Oregon Failure, via Sage Francis’ Strange Famous imprint. Since then, he’s toured with his label head—who is scheduled to release his Copper Gone album June 3—in support of the project.
Sage signed the New Mexico native in part because of what he described as “nerding out about fast rap,” and Sleep took time to weigh in on the concept of intricately delivered rhymes.
“I see heads like Kendrick and Tech N9ne doing extremely well with a complex style,” Sleep said during an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. “I would obviously like to enjoy success, but not at the expense of my craft. Slug told me one time that I was a rapper’s rapper’s rapper and told me that if I wanted to be successful I might have to tone it down a little bit. That always resonated with me, but when I sit down to make music I just can’t help myself. I love crushing tracks too much, and I feel that’s what being an emcee is all about.”
While he’s currently on the Copper Gone Tour with B. Dolan and Francis, Sleep said he has no qualms about mixing business with friendship.
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“Sage is an incredible man and a good friend to me,” Sleep said. “He’s been steady since the beginning of our friendship. I haven’t seen much change at all. In fact, he is one of the most consistent people I have ever met. I’m hella grateful for the opportunities he has given me and for our friendship.”
Sleep’s Oregon Failure is available at select retailers and online via Amazon and iTunes. He will also be performing on the following dates as part of the Copper Gone Tour. The tour’s itinerary is as follows:
6/13: Seattle, WA – Neumo’s
6/14: Portland, OR – Alhambra Theatre
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6/16: San Francisco, CA – The Independent
6/17: Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
6/18: Los Angeles, CA – The Troubadour
6/20: Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent Ballroom
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6/21: Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
6/22: El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
6/24 DALLAS, TX – Club Dada
6/25 AUSTIN, TX – Mohawk
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6/27 Baton Rouge, LA – Spanish Moon
RELATED:Sage Francis – “Grace” [Video]
