With the release of a new EP titled “Diagnosis,” and a sold out show at Los Angeles’ famed Roxy, summer 2016 has been one of growth for rap-roots trio Warm Brew. Natives to Venice, friends Ray Wright, Serk Spliff and Manu Li have “been rolling together since the 9th grade,” creating a sound clearly rooted in ’90s-era L.A. rap yet still very distinctly of this era, including the group’s lyrical approach, which includes the appeal of a more evolved level of tolerance as compared to their fore bearers.
As their sound implies, the group is very connected to its city and in addition to music is known for its tight relationship with streetwear brands BornxRaised and The Hundreds. As much as rap in recent years has moved away from the concept of city-specific sound, it’s appealing to see a group walking the walk when it comes to loyalty to and appreciation for one’s own roots and community.
The first in our “Cali’s Finest” coverage, our West Coast correspondent Soleil B. recently caught up with Warm Brew to learn a bit more about what experiences and influences inspire their laid-back, feel good party anthems.
Snobette: How would you say the California culture has influenced your sound over the years?
Manu Li: Our sound has been growing with our maturity and lack thereof. The world has been changing so we grow with our music and don’t let the bullshit take over.
Serk Spliff: Music is about experiences and being from California; the guys and I have experienced a lot and music is a form of human expression.
Ray Wright: It’s influenced us a lot. If it wasn’t for the Cali culture, Warm Brew wouldn’t exist.
Snobette: You were part of The Hundreds inaugral SpitSet block party and have shared stages with L.A. legend YG and Alexander Spit, among others. What was that like?
Manu Li: SpitSet felt like home, because of our relationship with [Spit]. It felt like a party and it was wild.
Serk Spliff: It’s like making the first team, it felt like we were supposed to be there, it felt like we were starters.
Ray Wright: It’s a humbling experience to be on stage with those guys.
Snobette: You’ve done a lot of live performances. Can you tell me about one of your favorite memories of a show here in California?
Manu Li: Favorite show was our album release show at the Roxy and it’s our favorite show because of how hard we worked and it solidified us in L.A. culture.
Serk Spliff: Easily the most recent Roxy show. It was a sold out crowd so the energy was electric. Something special is in the air when the room is packed. We were all rocking, from us to Poly[ester the Saint], to Duckwrth and everyone else included in making that show special. We also had a blacked-out show in Pasadena once which was pretty tight.
Ray Wright: Roxy because we sold it out and the Dom Kennedy show in San Diego was a dope show show where many fans showed love.
Snobette: Collaborating with other L.A. based brands and supporting homegrown homies is a big part of your ethos. What have been some of your favorite local projects/collaborations you’ve been involved with?
Manu Li: Venice Originals because it’s really close to home and I’ve always admired them. Now that the shop isn’t there anymore I felt that moment was very special to me.
Serk Spliff: Anything that has built up the community really. We’ve done a lot of different things throughout the city, whether it be making shirts with local restaurants, or buying out pages for the local football teams program, we’re all about it. All about bringing the city up.
Ray Wright: Those Folks because they’re family and have been there since day one.
Snobette: What are some of your favorite spots in Los Angeles?
Manu Li: Gilbert’s on taco Tuesdays. I like to go there with the homie Dody and post up and eat 26 tacos.
Serk Spliff: The Library, Sam’s, or any kinda function really.
Ray Wright: Casablanca, when you’re there try the nachos with chips on the side.
