Sir Mix-A-Lot may forever be linked to 1992 mega-hit “Baby Got Back,” but you’d be off-base in labeling him a one-hit wonder. One of hip hop’s ultimate DIY practitioners, he was a platinum-selling artist long before “Baby Got Back” introduced suburbanites everywhere to the glories of the big, bad booty. He founded his own record label, produced his own tracks, created a Seattle hip-hop scene from scratch and was among the first hip-hop acts to collaborate in the rock genre. These days, he is working on a new album due out next year and generally surveying a scene hugely influenced by the music he created two decades ago. Sir Mix will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all this week. Read our Q&A with him.
Sir Mix-A-Lot: OK, so we know it’s coming. The engine as we know it is already outdated. But can you car companies do me a favor? Don’t force me to drive a plastic box! Could you see me driving a tiny-ass car with a hybrid sticker on the side? Please allow us guys to maintain a little dignity. Me in a Prius just says, “Hi, I’m a former cool black guy trying really hard to blend in.” How about a Rolls Royce Phantom Hybrid? Or better yet, leave it gas powered and change the hood ornament to a middle finger.
