"I'm a crazy person," says DJ Hush Cut. 

"(He's) the craziest DJ!" adds Nicatine.

I'd simply asked, "Who are you guys?" 

Thus begins a Sunday afternoon conversation in the heart of West Olympia's mall district, where Nicatine, DJ Hush Cut and I chill outside I.talia Pizzeria enjoying the sun.  We gather to discuss the duo's newly formed hip-hop group, Free Whiskey, which guided by both of them is making subtle noises in the hip-hop community and on hip-hop radio. Combined in Free Whiskey, Nicatine is better known as the frontman of Junkyard Gang, while DJ Hush Cut is something of a surfer/hip-hopper/adventurer.

"Hip-hop bores me," explains Hush Cut when asked how the duo got together. 

DJ Hush Cut and Nicatine crave the era of hip-hop's prevalent and upfront soul.  Each of the two reminisces of the era when Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Mobb Deep and Raekwon effortlessly dominated hip-hop - because they were honest and true to the art and culture. 

"A lot of rap is hard to listen to all the time - it annoys the hell out of me," explains DJ Hush Cut. "I'm a little weird. I listen to funk, soul, R&B and punk." 

A reputed party animal on the microphone, Nicatine chimes in about Free Whiskey's solution to the boredom. "I had a lot of requests for solo projects (aside from Junkyard Gang) and I've always wanted to make and ode to Mix-A-Lot and the Beastie Boys. They had fun doing it and that's the feeling our listeners have with Free Whiskey. ... As a solo artist I'm a bit crazy too, a bit more than with (Junkyard Gang)."

Everyone has the right to philosophize, but what about the tangible value?  Nicatine has a powerful reputation as a promoter, artist and even on the battle circuit; why did he chose to work with DJ Hush Cut specifically? 

"Hush Cut is a good friend and we share musical taste. With him as my DJ, we have a crazy and fun set, which is exactly what's needed," says Nicatine. 

Free Whiskey plans to utilize their skills by showcasing what Nicatine describes as "throwback careless party jams," as well as performing with some Oly punk bands in the near future. Hip-hop and punk shared many a venue and worked well together during their New York City infancies in the '70s, and the teaming is likely to prove refreshing in Oly as well.

"We want to see who (we) appeal to and we're going to perform as much and as many places as possible." declares DJ Hush Cut. This will start with the duo's fall 2010 Free Whiskey Tour slated for October/November. 

The Free Whiskey "eight to ten track" album, as the duo refers to the self-titled evolving introduction of sorts, is currently features the singles, "My Best Friend," "Hey Lil' Mama" and "Strippers and Drugs." It also features appearances by XP, Billy The Fridge and exclusive production by Smoke. 

With the recent emergence of serious South Sound artists and groups in the hip-hop communities, Free Whiskey may offer the proper dosage of medicine needed to lighten up the party - for the moment. We still need thought and edutainment though. 

Look for Free Whiskey to appear soon at a house party near you. Did I mention they drink it, too? Especially if YOU'RE buying.