With the Recent announcement of ‘PlayStation All Stars: Battle Royale’ I found myself over joyed and full of nostalgia as our favourite, Hip-Hop Hero, Parappa The Rapper is coming back to the home console after a 10 year hiatus. I caught up with Dred Foxx the mastermind behind the music and the voice to get his reaction to the new game and to see how life has treated him since the 1997 début.
DF: I was approached in Spring 1996 by a good friend/musician of mine his name is Chris Parks, I had worked with him previously in the past, I’ve been doing Hip Hop music professionally since the mid 90’s, so we built a relationship from there. He told me about the project after he was hired to engineer the game. Antinos Management (Japan) asked him did he know anyone who raps and would be interested in auditioning for the role of Parappa? He mentioned me, set up the meeting and I auditioned for Shige Kawagoe (well known musician from Japan) over the phone, and he was impressed. I was at a pay phone at that! No cell phones,we had “pagers” back then..true! I had a second audition in person for Masaya Matsuura, (the producer, song writer & Musical Director) Ryu Watabe (Chop Chop Master Onion, contributing writer & a good friend of mine) plus a few more staff members & they loved it! Rodney Greenblat The creator of the Parappa Franchise trusted their word & the rest is history…Wassup RG!
PSER: How did you feel when the game was released & you could show people your work?
DF: I was obviously excited but had NO idea after the first meeting how big it would become. As we worked further on the projects game script & characters, I felt the energy. I was told by Ryu Watabe “Yo Dred! This is going to become major!” so I got more excited…BUT after the project was completed & I saw the first TV commercial without warning while washing dishes ( I literally drop a dish when I heard my voice on after Judge Judy!) I was speechless! “I said to myself..WOW! something huge is about to happen! And it did.
PSER: I remember in 1997 I sold all my Amiga games so I could buy Parappa on its release. I never looked back unfortunately due to a removal company losing a box of stuff, I no longer own it but still remember most of the words to the first song. Were you contacted by the fans? did you get a sense of how popular Parappa was? did you have any strange request from fans?
DF: Don’t feel bad, I lost my promo copy the same way! I was contacted by fans through word of mouth and promoting at first, but once people found out I was on Facebook through previous interviews, It’s a wrap! (rap lol) Fans from all over the World & of all ages hit me up to tell me how much of an influence I have been to them then, & their children now. Most of the gamers then (over 10 years ago) are programmers, developers, writers, even music producers, performers & songwriters now and I have been told that the game made them pursue careers in music & gaming as well as remaining devoted fans…I love it! As far as strange request..not yet. Only to do the voice (in person) because they can’t believe I am him! I’m 6’3” with flowing dreadlocks..Parappa is a little guy with floppy ears & a big heart..although we are different in stature, we’re on the same page. Positive!
PSER: Were you involved in the 2001 Anime?
DF: Unfortunately No…that was a decision made by another group of folks I wasn’t involved with. I had an idea it was in the works at the time, but wasn’t approached. The animators also weren’t part of my connections so I think that was an independent move… I have no control over that, but next time hopefully they’ll reach out to me. It’s all good! At least a whole new generation was introduced to the “Rappin Pup!” It was geared towards Saturday morning cartoon loving kids who might be to young to know the origins of the game, plus I don’t speak Japanese! yet *Laughs*.
PSER: For the 2002 sequel other musicians such as De La Soul were called upon to provide songs for the game. how much musical influence did you have? What were your feelings about the game?
DF: None. That was a deal with Tommy Boy Records & their Artist as well as Toys Factory (Japan) which was made between the companies, so I wasn’t involved in that..I wish I was! I like the material..De La Soul?! Classic! Been a fan since “Potholes in my lawn!” Also the game music script was written by Ryu Watabe, Masaya Matsuura & his writers before I was selected to do the voice..post production. BUT! Parappa had an album released around the same time called “I Scream” (for ice cream) which features me on all songs using the soundtrack music from the game series..the album is pretty good! Google it… PSER *opens new window, googles ‘I Scream, Parappa*
PSER: After 5 years of hearing nothing about Parappa, the PSP re-release once again sparked fans interest (including mine) in a 3rd Parappa were you ever approached about a possible sequel?
DF: I was glad they re-released it on PSP, It made it easier to walk with our “Rappin Hero!’ Plus in gaming as you know is like a hot song. It only lasts a minute unless you follow up or remind people… otherwise your a memory card! I haven’t been personally approached about a sequel, but I’ve mentioned it to my people involved & we agree that it should be , but it’s easier said then done. A lot is involved in creating sequels as far as people behind the scenes & the technology it takes, but like I tell ALL my fans. Y’all make the call! The consumers have the power (believe it or not ) to make things happen. Start a petition everyone! Let’s do this!
DF: I was shocked actually! I had heard on-line rumors that a game like this was on the way…Smash Brothers (I think) was the original name? Fans told me but I hadn’t been approached yet at the time, but I was looking forwards to that call. I didn’t think it would’ve been a good idea to re-create the original voice without yours truly, but low & behold I got the call. Thanks to David Collins @ SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT for that. Shout outs & big thanks to ‘SuperBot’ & their staff for involving me..uhm! I mean PTR (Parappa The Rapper) in this one! Although Parappa studies Martial Arts in the Dojo with Master Chop Chop Onion, Parappa’s a lover not a fighter, so I didn’t think he would fit in. After reading the script I was impressed! Big ups to SoundBot. great job!
PSER: Have you researched any of the adversaries Parappa will be up against? Who do you think will be the toughest opponent for him?
DF: Naww I’m neutral…whichever competitor comes his way he’ll be ready with the”Kick, Punch, Chop all in his mind…Turn, Turn, Pose!”
PSER: Have you finished recording samples for the game? Did you need to perform new songs?
DF: I’m done..no new samples, just a new script. Parappa basically has dialogue on this one..not a music game like his usual. He’s still witty & fun amidst the action packed background & sounds…he just gets more physical on this one. Rated M for Mature..he’s a little older now..
PSER: What do you think the future of Parappa is, especially as a whole new generation of gamers will be introduced to the Hip Hop hero?
DF: Endless! With this new generation of gamers, a lot of them might have thought Parappa was a soft cuddly kiddie game. Like games that are more geared towards fighting & so- called violence, they get a chance to see him in another realm doing more than rapping & dancing. Nonetheless, the original fans are back, the new fans are on-board & with games & merchandise still available, this should be a good holiday season for Sony! Once again I would like to thank Chris Parks for introducing me, Rodney Greenblat for allowing me to bring his character to life, Masaya Matsuura for guideing me musically, Ryu Watabe for keeping the language barrier open for me & of course for your friendship, Yaz Noya & the whole Antinos Management staff for making sure business was handle properly & professionally…And last but far from least the most important…My fans!!! I’m truly humble & grateful for you all..you guys already know how I connect with yall! Dred Foxx @ Facebook…anytime…Special thanks to Jon Chamberlain (PSER: Thanks Dred) @ Playstationer.net for this interview..Oh…I almost forgot, “I GOTTA BELIEVE”!! One Love All
A big thank you to Dred for his time.
Be sure to check out Parappa The Rapper on PSone or PlayStation Portable if you haven’t already and get ready to ‘Kick, Punch and Chop’ to victory with the Hip-Hop Hero this Autumn in ‘PlayStation All Stars: Battle Royale’ where he will face famous faces such as; Fat Princess, Kratos, Sly Raccoon, Nathan Drake and Big Daddy!