The Spectator: What activities were you involved in at Stuyvesant? Anything music related?

Himanshu Suri: I was in chorus for three years before I left so I could hang out with my friends more senior year. I was Vice President of the Student Union in ’01-’02, during 9/11 when we were relocated to Brooklyn Tech. I was in whatever the Indian Club was called. I was in Big Sibs for two years. I also “stole the show” my senior year in SING!.

Ashok Kondabolu: I constantly listened to music on an Aiwa boom box throughout my tenure at Stuyvesant High School. I believe I occasionally used a minidisc player to do this.

TS: What influence has Stuy had on your music or the path you chose, if any?

HS: You sound like my mom when you refer to my means of making money as a “path I chose.” Stuyvesant was where I met Dap. It was also where I discovered different types of “wilding out.” It was also where 9/11 happened and freaked me out for years to come.

AK: I was “depressed” the latter half of high school and it took me a few years to get busy enough to not have time to feel that way anymore. Stay up my sadkins! I also spent a lot of time with Himanshu and our friend Dashiell and listened to large amounts of music, sometimes on an Aiwa boom box.

TS: How would you describe your music?

HS: Rap.

AK: Bugolgi Riddim!

TS: How does it feel to be getting so much recognition, from “Spin” to “The New York Times?” Did you and Vazquez anticipate the success of Das Racist?

HS: It feels very nice. We always knew this would happen.

AK: Feels bad! Victor did not anticipate the success but enjoys it nonetheless.

TS: Do you have any upcoming projects?

HS: I’m working on my first novel right now and a series of boxes inspired by the art of Joseph Cornell. I’m also writing this from Amsterdam where I am on tour right now.

AK: I’ll probably have a “‘cult’ television show” in a few years. I plan on leaving this city for most of the year and living on a farm of sorts with Bronx Science dropout Aleksey Weintraub and six strong dogs.

TS: How did you decide on the name?

HS: Names choose you.

TS: What is your personal philosophy about rap or music in general?

HS: My personal philosophy about rap or music in general is to be good at it. Shout out Mr. Polazzo, Mr. Mott, Mr. Sandler, AND THAT’S IT.