- Personal and Artistic Background
- How did you first get into rap, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
My uncle used to rap back in the day for fun. When he would babysit my brother and me, he used to always rap for us to entertain us. I started learning his raps at age 7. Around age 14 I decided to start pursuing rap as a career.
- Who are your biggest influences, both musically and personally?
Musically, people like Rakim, Jay Z, and mostly people whom I knew personally. Personally, I really didn’t have an influence. I was raised by the streets and my peers.
- What was your life like growing up, and how has it shaped your music?
Life for me growing up was hard and full of pain. I have shaped who I am and therefore it comes across in my music. I feel like you can hear the pain in some songs.
- At what point did you realize that rap was something you could do professionally?
A girl I knew in middle school once linked me with her mother who was into management. I’d never known any business side of the industry. She agreed to manage my group and we started recording and performing; it was then I realized I wanted to make music my profession.
- Creative Process
- What’s your creative process like when writing a song? Do you write lyrics first, or does the beat come first?
The beat comes first. I had stopped writing some time ago. As a matter of fact, I had a project called “Matthew 22:14” on which I hadn’t written any of the lyrics. I just put the beat on and probably remember 8 bars, then I go into the booth and lay bars as I come up with them. It allows for a more natural sound.
- How do you choose your beats or producers? What’s important to you in a beat?
I choose beats. Doesn’t matter who produced it. I’ve gotten beats from 16 year old producers. I don’t have a certain sound I don’t think. I just like what I like. Beats to me are VERY important it’s the first thing that captures you, so the beat has to be a banger no matter the bpm.
- What themes or messages do you try to communicate through your music?
I try to talk about life stuff man. I suffer from Depression and a few other mental issues so I try to tackle subjects that go hand and hand with that. I spent a lot of time homeless so I speak on that and the wide range of subjects that come with living on the streets and surviving.
- Do you freestyle, or is everything written beforehand?
I am definitely a freestyler. Not as much these days because it seems to be a lost art. I come from an era where if you saw a rapper in the street it was “on-site” with the freestyle battling.
- How do you stay inspired when creating music?
I have to be in the environment. Being on the street it’s hard to stay focused. I’m used to having equipment at my disposal. Right now, I gotta kind of push myself. Music is all I have so I’m inspired in that aspect.
- Albums, Mixtapes, or Singles
- Can you tell us about your latest project? What’s the overall concept?
My latest project was “Matthew 22:14”. The overall concept was to just let loose all the bottled-up emotion I had. I hadn’t recorded in a long time before doing that project. I wanted to show versatility with my writing so I went there. Whatever the beat said to me is what I wrote. It was a very strong lineup. Unfortunately, I couldn’t put it out for monetary gain.
- What was the inspiration behind your latest project?
Just my life. I had been through so much before then, it was all that was in me.
- Which track from your latest release are you most proud of and why?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between “Closer” with Goapele or “Unthinkable”. I really let go of those two songs. It really took no time to complete. I wrote “Closer” but there was no pen and paper for “Unthinkable”.
- Do you have any notable features or collaborations on this project?
I have a few people from Jacksonville, Florida on there. I even have a band called “Cloud9 Vibez” on a song called “The Motto”. Other than that I have Larry Bellyfate, Ble$, Moses West, Jerico Duval, Pharoah Creed, Moe Dollaz, & NO IDea
- How is this project different from your previous work?
This project is more personal. There’s more variety of subjects and sounds on this project.
- Challenges and Growth
- What’s been the biggest challenge in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge is myself. I’m an overthinker. I also suffer from depression amongst other things. The depression sometimes slows me down. I just kinda have to deal with it. It’s usually the best time for me to record. ATM I’m trying to find a good place to record.
- How do you handle criticism, whether from fans or the industry?
I usually don’t read or follow the opinions of others when it comes to my music.
- How has your music evolved since you started out?
I feel as I grow the music will automatically mature with me. So whereas I used to just rap on a beat, now I give it some substance and try to tackle certain subjects head-on. I talk about my personal fights with depression. I may talk about love or I may just get lyrical on a beat. It all depends on what the beat says to me.
- What advice would you give to upcoming rappers who want to make it in the industry?
DO IT YOURSELF! Your reward will match the work you put in. If you put in small work there’s a small reward. Find a way to do what you do like you have nothing else to do and the universe will reward your sacrifice.
- Industry and Culture
- What do you think about the current state of hip-hop?
It lacks character. Not many rappers are thinking for themselves. It’s like everyone is doing what they THINK the people want or what someone TOLD them the people want. Personally, I feel there’s a market for everything these days. If you stay true to yourself, your tribe will find you and your music, and they’ll support what speaks to them.
- How do you feel about the way social media affects rap and its artists today?
It’s a gift and a curse. A gift because you can get your music out to the masses in a matter of minutes. A curse because everything you do can get to the masses in a matter of minutes. You have to be mindful that you are a brand and have to be very careful what you say and do because it can make or break your brand.
- Who’s an artist you’d love to collaborate with, and why?
KIRK FRANKLIN IS THE BIGGEST INSPIRATION TO ME! His music has gotten me through some very trying times. If I could collaborate with him and be able to be a part of helping someone else through my music like he’s done for me; it would be priceless.
- What do you think makes a great rapper, and how do you measure success in your own life?
If you’re happy, you’re successful. Am I successful? No, not at the moment. I just want to live comfortably and be able to take care of my family. That’s success to me.
- How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your career?
I have a family that fully understands that the bag is not inside the house. As long as I deliver then there’s no struggle when the demands of my career come calling.
- Who do you turn to for support when things get tough?
THE MOST HIGH. Everybody else will leave at some point.
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Just do you. You’d be surprised how many people feel the same way you do.
- Future Plans
- What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or tours we should be excited about?
I’m under new management and working on an EP right now. Other than that I’m trying to get on the big screen and do some acting and production.
- What’s your long-term vision for your career?
I’d like to produce music and visuals for upcoming artists. I’m writing a mini-series now called “HOME”. It is based on my life being homeless off and on for 25 years. I definitely don’t want to be stuck rapping. I’d like to bring some things to life, sometimes rapping isn’t enough to display your vision
- How do you see your music evolving in the future?
Maaaaaan! The way the music is now I’m scared to even think about where it’s going. These new cats are weird to me. I’m disappointed in the new school of rap.
- Any goals outside of music that you’re working on?
Acting and promoting my book “M.O.V.E or Be Moved”.
