What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and when did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
At the young age of 12 I found a passion and comfort in the art of poetry. As I got deeper into writing poems my brother realized the potential I could have by telling my story through words and combining that with my love of music, especially Hip Hop. One of my favorite rapper’s Lil Wayne inspired my style and flow that I have worked on mastering over the past 16 years.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
Some of the biggest challenges I have faced as an independent artist are: Dealing with faulty record labels, branding my name and myself, and finding my own sound. I have overcome some of these challenges by staying as an independent artist, rebranding myself and getting new management, and staying true to my own style of rap.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
Some of my biggest musical influences are Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Tupac, and Nipsey Hussle. They have influenced my shape and style by staying true to themselves and where they come from. Being a native from Oakland, California I always looked up to the artist who made it big in the industry that came from the same struggles and hustles just like me. They made me feel like I had the ability to overcome where I came from and make a name for myself.
How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics and melodies?
I approach my writing technique for my music based off of real life and the personal experiences that I have faced.
What can listeners expect from your upcoming album or project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
Listeners can expect to hear a new sound from me, a more mature sound than on previous albums. I decided to approach my latest singles such as “Breathe” ft Yung D from Connecticut People Records and “ What Is A Legend” with more of an East Coast vibe opposed to my past sound on albums I have made where I let my West Coast roots shine.
How has your background or life experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I have gone through a lot of traumatic experiences in my life such as heartbreak, losing my sister to cancer, finding out I was adopted when I was 6, and losing my friends to gun violence. These experiences molded my artistic vision by being able to express my life’s story through the art of music in the hopes that my listeners can relate and feel where I am coming from.
Can you talk about a particularly memorable or inspiring performance you've had, and what made it special?
The most memorable performance I had was being apart of “ Juneteenth” 2022 in West Hartford, CT as a headlining performer. It was memorable to me because I got to be apart of history and celebrate my ancestors who paved the way for me as an African American male in society to be able to pursue my dreams and have the freedom to do so because of the fight they put up for equality.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, and what message do you want to convey through your art?
I hope listeners take a positive message from my music and my story and also I want to influence my listeners to live life to the fullest by relating to them through the messages my music portrays.
How has the music industry changed since you first started, and how have you adapted to those changes as an artist?
The music industry has changed since I first started as an artist because everyone out today sounds the same and the music styles are more repetitive. I have adapted to these changes by staying in my own lane and staying true to my own sound and flow. I have also adapted by not being afraid to think outside of the box and not necessarily follow trends but to make music that helps me stand out from the rest.
What advice would you give to other emerging artists who are just starting out in the industry?
The advice I would give to upcoming independent artist: stay consistent and do your best to be original and stay true to yourself and how you want to be as an artist.
