Coming Of Age
When going into Happ G's apartment for this interview, lots and lots of records greeted me. Records were on the floor of the living room, the kitchen, the counters, the tables, and the walls. Everywhere! Happy G is the production side of 40th Dimension, although you'll also here him emceeing here and there on various 40D albums and compilations. He reminisces about one of his first musical moments, "My parents played Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder when I came home from the hospital, so from the gate I was exposed to good music." The artistic side of Happ G partially comes from his mother who is a visual artist. From grade to high school, Happ wrote and performed music, sang in choirs, acted in plays and performed magic tricks.
"In school, Scandal and I were both class clowns. We used to have a newspaper column. It was really only an excuse to get out of class." Happ decided to venture to New York University, where he graduated with a degree in screenwriting and popular culture, which he plans to use in future 40D projects. This is also when he solidified his determination to be involved in Hip Hop. "I was in NY in 1996, when the underground scene was thriving. I went to school with Alchemist, and saw how hard he hustled to get where he is. That gave me inspiration and insight to keep going."
Towards the end of college, Happ G decided to move back to Philly, where he could capture the true essence of his inspiration from the comfort of his surroundings. "My family and friends are here, I've got this city in my blood. Philly will always be my home base, even if I don't actually live here." After finally having the funds to buy nice, usable equipment, Happ perfected his beats to fit Scandal's lyrics. Happ says, "The beat and the lyrics have to be married."

Inviting Possibilities
Happ G's NYC apartment provided the atmosphere for 40D's first recording called, The Clarence Beeks Project, which was released on HiRes Records in July 2000. Scan provided the dope lyrics, which matched perfectly with Happ G's hypnotic beats. The next release by 40D was Super Scandalous (check out the dope cover), which was released on KRU Records in December 2000. KRU was formed by Happ G, and stands for Karma Response Unit. Happ explains the meaning to the best of his ability, "One day I was speaking about a past associate that just did me wrong, and at the time a lot of people I knew were going through rough times. I just said 'we all need the Karma Response Unit' and I had this vision of the karma ambulance, and it just stuck." Negativity is not Happ's modus operandi, so he didn't spend time talking about this
bad relationship, but it's one of the only times in the interview his tone was eerie and disturbing.

Happ has plans to release a few different acts on KRU in the near future. KRU also produced The Zip It 12" in August 2001, as well as The Crop Report full length in December 2001. Happ has been throwing monthly shows at LaTazza featuring different underground acts. 40D is also featured on the up and coming Arrakis Records compilation, The Spice. As if that's not enough, there is a KRU compilation coming out this year, and hopefully a fall college tour to match. Happ not only does 40D work, but his impressionable beats are what you hear behind Philly emcees such as Briz, Reef The Lost Cauze, Jake Lefco, K-Mass, Rasheed, R-SON, and Uncle T. The list goes on. Got all that? Only passion can drive someone to do all this plus hold down a 9-5. This man is busy; I guess that's why he doesn't have a girlfriend. Let me assure you, if he did, his apartment wouldn't look like it does! Seriously, he doesn't feel he has the time for a serious relationship right now. If someone came along, it wouldn't be unwelcomed, but as Happ puts it, "I just have things on my mind, that some people just don't get."

Unfiltered Positivity
Scandal explains a huge weak point in himself and Happ, "We are such procrastinators. We always wait until the last minute to do important things that aren't music related...like taxes and homework ." When it comes to music, Happ tries to make sure that every move and every lead is followed up on. Besides procrastination, Happ admits that he overindulges in everything he does, which is necessarily not a bad thing; just when it gets out of control. The reason for this is obvious; he's a Capricorn. When we do something, we do it in excessiveness. The constant craving Happ has for music guides him to have the drive to explore and experiment with anyone that is fair and down to work seriously. He doesn't entertain or tolerate fake people or people who waste his time. Happ tries to be honest when it comes to everything, "I don't lie to people, and I don't expect them to lie to me." The Philadelphia scene is flooded with emcees and groups. Distinguishing yourself from the group next to you is an objective and task that is hard to carry out. Happ gives love to all groups past and present. He doesn't fixate on others success, "I inquire about all music. I'm not overly competitive, and don't have animosity towards others. If me or Scand have problem with you, it won't be secretive, we'll let you know it." One of the questions I always want answered is what Hip Hop artist stands out in your mind, especially locally. Usually people name three or four. Not Happ! His list kept going like the energizer bunny, and included, Bahamadia, Steady B, Mountain Brothers, The Roots, Prophets of the Ghetto, Kamachi, Digable Planets, Ill Advised, Sat One, Jazzy Jeff and Last Emperor. There was more, but I figured that was enough.

Happ is far beyond excited about music in general. While at his place, he played me so much music, and I could have stayed there all night listening. He truly loves not only what he does, but also what others do. Have you ever seen when a dog gets really excited about something, and their ears go up? When Happ hears new music, he imitates that action. He is up on everything, and as Scandal puts it, "If it's out, he knows about it." 40D has ideas to do so many more projects based on the Hip Hop culture. Happ says confidently, "If I'm going to build something, I'm going to start here. This is my home." He is overall very humble about his talents as well as 40th Dimension's place in the history of Philadelphia Hip Hop. You all know I wouldn't say that about everyone, but the spectrum of dopeness is no illusion with 40D. It's deeper than I can cover and when it comes down to it; Happ G just wants to make good music for everyone to enjoy.

Article by Deesha
June, 2002