Smokin' Boots: The Fiery Debut of SickInTheHead

PerformanceMusic
Written By Jahtiek Long
A young Black man with dark sunglasses, short hair and a beard smiles in slight profile, wearing a t-shirt and jacket with red, black, white and orange geometric patterns. He stands in front of a boom box and a book shelf.

Meet SickInTheHead Staten very's own. photo by Amalia Nunez (Courtesy of SickInTheHead )

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with SickInTheHead, aka SITH, a hip-hop artist who recently released his powerful debut album “Smokin’ Boots.” SickInTheHead shares details about his creative process, the meaning behind his stage name, and what it is like being an artist on Staten Island.

For those who don’t know you, who is SickInTheHead, aka SITH? When and where does your story begin?

SickInTheHead: A human, a creative, and much more. Haha. Born and raised on Staten Island, NY most of my life. Been writing and recording music for a bit over 15 years. I come from a musical and artistic family. Yeah, that sums up the basics, I think.

What’s the story behind your stage name? Are you a Star Wars fan, and do you get that question a lot?

SickInTheHead: The name came to me while I was walking to the store. I thought “S.I.T.H…SickInTheHead….yeah I like that, that works.” I am not a Star Wars fan. Nothing against it, I’ve just never watched it & yes, I get that question very often. Producers even send Star Wars sampled beats sometimes. It’s hilarious.

What inspires your work, and what are your influences?

SickInTheHead: Life inspires my work. My experiences and relationships with others. Whenever I’m in a creative rut, that’s when I know I have to come out of hibernation and get around people to feed my mind.

“Smokin' Boots” is your debut album, and it’s such a strong project. What was your thought process in creating this body of work? Also, could you explain the meaning of the title?**

SickInTheHead: This album was me picking out a selection of solid songs that I had been working on, or had finished. I recorded this album with my guy Wavy Bagels, who was an integral part in helping me pull this project together sonically. The title came from the thought of “Smoking you out of your boots,” as in being that good at what I do. Being at the top of your game.

Smokin’ Boots Album cover artwork by Devaun Dowdy (Courtesy of SickInTheHead )

I also think your cover art is really dope. The art style reminds me of 90’s cartoons but is also similar to the “Boondocks” animation style. The cover of the album seems to feature a professor of some type or a very well-dressed man studying “Smokin' Boots,” while the children featured in the image are in awe. The man is cool and seems unbothered by the spectacle. Can you elaborate on the meaning, and does this figure represent you? What made you go in this creative direction?

SickInTheHead: The cover was inspired by the cartoon “Hey Arnold” and the music video to the song “Interior Decorator” on the album, in which I’m wearing the tux. That’s dope you noticed the gaze towards the fire; that wasn’t intentional, but it’s definitely me. I was probably dissociating or something. The boots are on fire because where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The music is fire, so it makes sense for them to be on fire and surrounding it.

What is your favorite track on the album?

SickInTheHead: Probably "K7 Avengers" because of the beat and how it came together with the song.

Being from Staten Island, what are some challenges that you face in your career?

SickInTheHead: Hahaha, the immediate assumption, but you know it’s true being from here. It’s twice as hard to “blow up” when you are from here. Or to do anything really. SI is not connected to the rest of the boroughs by train, and I think that plays a big part in its reputation, along with its political and racial views from many of its residents. I think we are starting to change some of that though, through our music and media definitely. People don’t know because stories need to be told.

Staten Island or Shaolin? Do you think they are the same thing when talking about this place?

SickInTheHead: For me, sometimes I use “Shaolin,” such as the song “Comin Outta Shaolin” on the album. The end of the hook was sort of a nod to Method Man. Anyway, “Shaolin” is a Wu-Tang word to me. It represents the borough through their perspective. Of course, I think they are the same thing, but I feel “Shaolin” represents a specific era in Staten Island history when the clan’s presence was practically everywhere. However, we are more than that.

Where is your favorite venue to perform on the island, and why?

SickInTheHead: Anyone that will let me perform, haha. If I had to pick, it would probably be Hub 17.

What’s next for you?

SickInTheHead: More music. I’ve also gotten back into making beats after a long hiatus, so I’m having fun with it. Definitely a self-produced project. No names on anything yet, but dopeness is coming.

You can find more information about SickInTheHead @sickinthehead92.

Check out SickInTheHead’s music here https://linktr.ee/officialsith

Black and white image of a Black man with short hair and glasses smiles directly at the camera, with dark jacket and camera strap around his neck.

Jahtiek Long is an interdisciplinary artist, musician, community organizer, and co-founder of the Shaolin Art Party. He loves photographing the island and playing the ukulele. Jahtiek is passionate about shifting the narrative surrounding Staten Island and showcasing the vibrance of the borough. He’s also really excited about all the new Ramen spots popping up. @Jahtieklong

Jahtiek Long

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