What's in Your Fridge: Madchild

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      What’s in Your Fridge is where the Straight asks interesting Vancouverites about their life-changing concerts, favourite albums, and, most importantly, what’s sitting beside the Heinz Ketchup in their custom-made Big Chill Retropolitan 20.6 cubic-foot refrigerators.

       

      On the grill

      Madchild

      Who are you

      One of the Vancouver hip-hop scene's most enduring warriors, Madchild is known as a solo artist (check out Lawn Mower Man and Dope Sick) and a founder of Battle Axe Records. He's most famous, however, for his day job as an MC with Swollen Members—watch for the group's highly anticipated new album, Brand New Day, which hits finer record stores on June 17. 

      First concert

      The first concert I ever saw was David Bowie in Grade 7. I’m pretty sure Duran Duran was opening, as I tried to dress like them at that point in my life, with the hat and all. I had a lot of pins on and I went with about five girls. It was quite a big deal being allowed to go without parental escorts. I was late for band class the next day and remember getting in trouble for it. I can still play “Hot Cross Buns” on a recorder.

      Life-changing concert

      I would say seeing Cypress Hill with House of Pain at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco was my first hugely impactful show. Seeing a young Everlast get called out by B-Real to play “Jump Around” for the first time ever in San Francisco was a special event to witness. I had already been there (San Francisco) a while , on my hip-hop-and-finding-myself quest, but that was a defining moment for me—that not only was I sure rapping was my calling , but it was cool to be a white-boy MC! Beastie Boys opened the gates of course. I’m happy to say Everlast and I are now friends many years later, and he is still one of my heroes.

      Top three records

      Beastie Boys Licenced to Ill  The summer that the Beasties Boys’ first major album, Licenced to Ill, came out was very memorable for me. That album became a part of me. I remember driving around in a ’63 Mercury and hitting the beach, drinking Coronas, riding my first Vespa scooter, and riding my skateboard. Sorry to sound cliché but those were the good old days. This album takes me back to a time when life was much simpler. This album basically defines my teen years.

      Wu-Tang Clan Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)  It’s simply one of the best hip-hop albums ever made. It brought a new raw energy to hip-hop that is still very much a part of what I do today. I remember working at the Bomb Shop in SF the year this album came out. I was supposed to do my second interview with them for the Bomb magazine. When someone from the crew called I was very excited and must’ve said the wrong thing because they said, “They are very busy” and hung up.

      Willie Nelson Greatest Hits  I still share this bond with my stepdad today. He is an amazing guy and one of my very best friends. There’s something special about your dad introducing you to an artist that you end up loving as well. I have a tattoo of Willie Nelson on my forearm. On my birthday on tour back in 2006 in Texas, as a surprise gift, I was driven up to Willie Nelson’s ranch to meet him. I got to walk around and see the grounds. When we met, before he said anything, he grabbed my arm and knew exactly where the tattoo was. He just smiled and then we shot the shit for a while. This was a very special day for me. We drove up on our tour bus and parked beside his, which is awesome. I remember seeing an old pickup truck and 10-speed that he rode around on and thought to myself, this is the coolest motherfucker on the planet. We talked about the Johnny Cash movie that came out and he laughed and said it was missing some good stories.

      All-time favourite video:

      Action Bronson “Strictly 4 My Jeeps” As far as a favourite video I’ve never been a guy that really watches too many videos. How about my good brother Jason Goldwatch’s video for Action Bronson, “Strictly 4 My Jeeps”. Jason Goldwatch is the best video director in my mind, for the genres of music I pay attention to.

      What’s in your fridge?

      Maggi: One thing I’ve always had in my fridge that may seem strange is Maggi. It’s a special salty liquid that makes steaks and anything else taste awesome. This is a tradition from my grandma, who is Polish. We would put it in our soup etc.

      Monster Energy Drink: I always have a Monster in my fridge.

      Steak: I always have a steak. It’s the one thing I can cook extremely well. My secret is to use lots of crushed garlic, seasoning salt, and Maggi. Get the pan super-hot and use good olive oil to fry the steak in: five to six minutes on each side. I slice lines into the steak, so when I rub the garlic on it stays on. Then I use Lawry’s seasoning salt all over the same side. Then when pan is very hot, I fry it till it’s charred on one side then flip it. A bit of garlic butter on top after and voila! It’s a heart attack waiting to happen. But damn is it good!

      Comments