Still Filthy showcases the same booze-filled but razor-sharp technical lyrics alongside the comedic wit and storytelling fans of Filthy Animals have come to expect of the duo, over a mixture of boom bap and trap beats produced entirely by Pnutty Goldust, and with guest appearances by a handful of the Deepcave Records collective. Still Filthy is proof the Animals still have what it takes… after all it is the best Filthy Animals album so far.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Filthy Animals about the latest release, motivations, challenges, listening preferences and much more.
Full Q&A along with music and videos below.
Who are Filthy Animals? Where are you from?
Big Bear: Filthy Animals are a hip hop duo consisting of Pnutty Goldust and Big Bear from the birth place of Pizza Pops and Winnie the Pooh, home to the Winnipeg Jets in the center of Canada: Winnipeg, Manitoba.
What style of music do you create? What attracted you to this genre or style?
Big Bear: Our style is that old school 90s golden era type, but we dabble in the new age trap style as well. And mainly as Filthy Animals we were attracted to the lack of that old school sound that has been lost in the new age of the same formula everyone seems to mimic.
Pnutty: We create our own brand of filthy hip hop, underground vibes with our own personalities put to it. Being teenagers in the late 90s was a fantastic time for rap music. Rugged beats and thought-provoking lyrics is what we grew up with, so naturally that’s what we create.
Who or what influences your rapping? Your production?
Big Bear: Rap-wise, Awol One from the Shapeshifters is my favourite rapper, but I listen to anything from Lil Dicky to Wu-Tang, Vinnie Paz to Barenaked Ladies to Guns N Roses.
Pnutty: As far as rapping goes, we all look up to the greats of our generation, and also the new cats that are coming out strong. I think it’s important to keep an ear to the streets to see what new ideas and artists are coming out, ‘cause at the end of the day I think everyone inspires each other. And as far as production goes, for me personally, I listen to anything from David Bowie to 6ix9ine. I enjoy all types of music and challenge myself everyday to get better.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Big Bear: My first solo album was released in 2003, independently, and been a part of a few groups with Filthy Animals being my main project. Always willing to work with new people that are like-minded and different then the norm.
Pnutty: I’ve been rapping and making beats for about 20 years and putting out material since I started.
What motivates you to keep going?
Big Bear: At this point its more of a job that I enjoy doing. Escape from problems and the reality that surrounds me on a daily basis. We’re able to create art with technical word play and diverse patterns.
Pnutty: Honestly, the hip hop scene in general keeps me going. When I hear an artist put out a hot song or hear a producer with some hot snippets I get competitive as hell. And I’ll be like, “Well, my shit’s hot, too,” and I’ll make some dope shit and bam here’s my contribution to the culture. And hopefully my work inspires others as well and the cycle continues.
Why should people listen to Filthy Animals?
Big Bear: Its something different, original, and is for the children. Haha, just kidding… Main reason to listen to us is to be able to help us to live and keep creating new product.
Pnutty: We work hard on putting together great records for our audience ‘cause a lot of our fans are hardcore hip hop heads. So when we put out something different or too mainstream-sounding, trust me, we hear about it. So if you’re down with dope hip hop then it’s a must you give us a spin.
What is your new release? How is it different from previous releases?
Pnutty: Our new release is called Still Filthy and it’s available on Bandcamp, Apple Music, etc. We wrote and recorded this album as a duo. Originally we were a trio for the first 2 albums we put out. We had a 3rd member named Geoffrey, he was just a guy who used to do our videos and he rapped on a few songs before quitting in 2014. So this is our 1st album as a tag team. And we’re here for the title.
Big Bear: One member moved on in life, but we weren’t ready to hang up the mic yet.
Did you set out to accomplish anything specific with this album?
Pnutty: What we meant to accomplish with this album is to show our fans that although the line-up has changed, and Geoffrey is no longer our hype man, the core members of Bear and Pnutty are still filthy, hence the album title.
Big Bear: We got lucky with the great people at Hand’Solo Records that have been pushing us more then the independently-fueled level we were on before, where most of our music wouldn’t get out far enough across Canada, let alone America or the world, for that matter.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? And to discover more of your music?
Big Bear: www.youtube.com/deepcave has a wack ton of videos and work we have created over the years.
Pnutty: Bandcamp, Apple Music, and we both stay active on the big 3 (FB, IG, Twitter). Our instagrams are @pnutty.gold @filthybigbear @filthy.animals.4life, Facebook is Facebook.com/deepcave, and Twitter is @pnuttygoldust @filthybigbear. Also Soundcloud is SoundCloud.com/filthy-animals SoundCloud.com/pnuttygold
Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Big Bear: Personally I use none of those. I’m a CD guy. I like the ‘em all, though.
Pnutty: We’re fans of all streaming services, I think it’s great to have your music accessible across all platforms ‘cause it increases your audience tenfold.
What about vinyl, CDs, and MP3s?
Pnutty: Physical media is also very important ‘cause we both come from the CD era. We’re both avid collectors of music, from vinyl to cassette. MP3s are the best for transferring unfinished music back and forth between each other.
As an indie musician in the digital age, how does the technology help and how does it hinder your art and career?
Pnutty: Technology is great in the sense that people can access your music anytime anywhere in the world. But what comes with that is also a horde of amateur artists who are also able to serve their music to the masses. And therein lies the issue; you’re definitely going to have to have some sort of talent or personality in order to stick out from everyone else who’s doing exactly what you’re doing. There are 300 hours of content uploaded to YouTube every minute, everyone is creative these days, and I think it’s great. But the way to be different is to be yourself.
What are your other biggest challenges in attracting an audience to your music?
Pnutty: The biggest challenge is getting people to listen. There’s a billion rappers and producers on Earth who all want the world to listen to them. And truth be told, most of them aren’t very good or they all sound alike. So the biggest hurdle there is, is getting somebody to press play on a link. But once they do, they’re definitely down with the Filth.
What was the last song you listened to?
Big Bear: I’m stuck in the world of Red Dead right now. Lots of gun shots and horses running, haha.
Pnutty: All I Want For Christmas – Mariah Carey
Do you tour or play live? Where can music lovers find out where to see you perform?
Pnutty: We have quite an enjoyable live set we like to freak every performance. You can find out when and where we gonna be at: Facebook.com/deepcave or instagram: @filthy.animals.4life
What’s next for you?
Big Bear: Filthy Animals are always workin’ on new material. Right now we’re workin’ on a collab album with a surprise MC; an album with our homie that passed away, Royal-T; and also our solo projects. And expect a new mixtape and album next year.
Any last thoughts, shout outs, or words of wisdom?
Big Bear: Shout outs to Meowser and Metal Mark. Keep on keeepin’ it filthy! Strive for greatness and be excellent to each other! POWER UP!
