Every Nardwuar interview with ‘rude’ musicians

Nardwuar, The Human Serviette is a Canadian radio host and revered for his off-beat humor and mind-blowing interviewing skills. If he wasn’t pulling deep cuts on the person he’s interviewing, he shares hilarious interactions with rappers Tyler the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, and Snoop Dogg.

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6 times celebrity interviewer Nardwuar encountered ‘rude’ musicians

For the internet, it is a sin to be rude to Nardwuar due to his immense contribution to the Hip-hop community. He is also a litmus personality test for celebrities and public figures alike. Here are seven times the music journalist encountered ‘rude’ musicians on tape.

Playboi Carti

Narduwar tried to interview Carti but.. pic.twitter.com/gA927mhlPZ

— Lidesty (@Lidestyworld) June 26, 2023

Rapper Playboi Carti received flak on Twitter after a video of him allegedly ignoring the Canadian radio host at the Summer Smash Festival surfaced. The clip showed that Nardwuar approached his vehicle, but the “Magnolia” star drove away. Although Playboy Carti’s face was not visible in the video, the passenger-side window rolled up, and Nardwuar tried to get closer. Later on, security at the venue blocked the journalist from approaching the vehicle, trying to score an interview. Neither the rapper nor Nardwuar commented, but according to RapTV on Twitter, the latter was trying to give a gift to Carti.

In an interview with kid journalist Jazzy, he list Playboi Carti as one of his dream interviews.

Kid Cudi

At the end of every interview, Nardwuar delivers two signature moments: telling his interviewees, “Keep on rockin’ in the free world” and saying, “doot doola doot doo” with an expected reply of “doot doo.” The journalist would then freeze into a quirky pose for an uncomfortable time. The interviewees are not always expected to play along, but Kid Cudi went above and beyond. Cudi walked out after he made truthful observations on “Day n Night.”

English rock band Blur

In 2003, Nardwuar interviewed British rock band Blur for the show Going Coastal on MuchMusic. Blur’s drummer David Rountree was especially rude to the journalist – going as far as stealing his hat and glasses. Rountree also cut off some of the interview questions. In 2008, Rountree ran for office for London’s Labour Party.

He made sure to address the viral interview with Nardwuar, revealing that the reason behind his behavior was his coke addiction. According to Rountree, he kept a video copy to help him stay clean and apologized to Nardwuar. Meanwhile, Nardwuar told Vancouver publication “The Straight” that he does not remember receiving an apology from Rountree. He also mentioned that he loved how Rountree kept their interview video on the phone. “I love the fact that someone is using my interview for motivational purposes,” Nardwuar added.

Henry Rollins

Former Black Flag lead singer, Henry Collins, could not keep up with Nardwuar’s rapid-fire questions in an interview back in 1988. He said, “…pick your two best shots because we’re not gonna sit here and jack off all-day.” Although he was impressed by the amount of research and dedication that Nardwuar put in, his annoyance got the best of him. He made an off-color statement right before the interview concluded, telling Nardwuar to brush and floss his teeth. 

The two later reunited in 2011, 13 years after the infamous interview. Collins appeared more tolerating to Nardwuar’s antics in comparison to the ’80s. Nardwuar also revisited the previous comment of Collins telling him his breath stinks, he goes on to say it improved, but in Collins fashion, he told the famed interviewer that he was wasting his life. 

Lydia Lunch 

In January 1996, Nardwuar interviewed Lydia Lunch and Exene Cervenka in Starfish Room, Vancouver. Nardwuar began the interview with his usual cheery voice, and Lydia immediately responded by being annoyed. The two girls then proceeded to have a conversation on their own with Nardwuar in front of them. Despite asking earnestly, the journalist was met with consecutive side-eyeing and condescending tones.

“I’m hungry for an intelligent conversation which I’m yet to find,” Lydia tells Nardwuar 56 seconds into the interview.

Pusha T

Nardwuar had the opportunity to interview Pusha T at SXSW 2013 in Austin, Texas. Throughout the interview, the two immediately forge a bond. Pusha T introduced his crew, which Nardwuar was familiar with from Vancouver, Canada. The rapper then expressed excitement over American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA’s Liquid Swords. Everything was going well up until the final seconds. By the end of the interview, Nardwuar froze onscreen while doing an awkward pose.

Not knowing what to do, Pusha T responded by dropping the vinyl records (that he had just promoted) by Nardwuar’s feet.

Also, for those asking, the music journalist is not the ‘feds’ or work for the government. He revealed in a TED talk his inquisitive questions and deep-cut facts were credited to his tremendous preparation, research, and asking relatives and work colleagues.

Overall, being interviewed by Nardwuar is not just an honor for musicians. It is also a test of character. By parading with eccentricity and childlike curiosity, he can bring out the best and worst of his interviewees.