What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and when did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
I’ve been an artist since a kid. Music is just in my blood so it came natural. Once I seen the way i can evoke real life emotion upon others based on my own story, it was set in stone. There’s nothing in the world that feels better than being on stage and the love you feel from the slightest head nod!
2. What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
One of the challenges I’ve faced is trying to gain and keep relevance, no matter how hard you work it doesn’t matter until you’re known for it. Otherwise you’re just another carbon copy of who got known for it first. Another would be navigating the fakes, scams & janky people in this industry. It’s so many that just take advantage and rob the little guys and give so much false hope and fake narratives. I stand for artists out here trying to make it and find ways to give real opportunity and knowledge to help others move forward and Dodge the mistakes I’ve made!
3. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
Musical influences? Nobody! Nah just kidding. It’s just so many though, but narrowing it down a little. Eminem, Crime Mob, Three 6 Mafia, Doc Jam, Linkin Park, Sum41, Donnell Jones, Simple Plan, Dre, Snoop, Pac, Big, Ye, Jelly Roll, …..CASH (Johnny)! Like it’s just wayyyyy too many influences and I pull from some of everyone! I’m a real music lover, a fan and a student at the same time as an artist!
4. How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics and melodies?
My writing process stems from melodies first, I’m big on cadence and flows! Even in straight up rap vocals, it’s a cadence to everything. It’s funny because I’ve literally written or freestyled every song I’ve ever made to the same beat in my head! Inspiration is situational.
5. What can listeners expect from your upcoming album or project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
I’m pulling from even more places and going to things I’ve never really tried before, stepping outside of hip hop more and getting comfortable not being comfortable! The dance and drill scenes are things I want into and want to dabble also so it might be some of that in there, also some country vibes, Punk vibes, date u say maybe even a little grunge. Who knows? Sky’s the limit! Stay tuned!
6. How has your background or life experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Trying things and getting real world criticism and mostly support has helped out tremendously. Like it’s not a bunch of “yes men” around me anymore so I can trust in opinions more because people don’t care about my feelings and can be honest and elaborate. I’m open to giant works as well as solo or personal with just me and one other person so the vision can be as grand or as simple as I need it to be. All my so called friends simultaneously turning their backs on me at once taught me I can be alone and it’s ok, but having everyone around showed me I can lead a stadium if need be!
7. Can you talk about a particularly memorable or inspiring performance you've had, and what made it special?
My first show back out by myself was an eye opener, my manager/best friend couldn’t go with me and I didn’t have any friends anymore. So I was quiet and pretty nervous. Was only a showcase but I was alone and my song wasn’t known because it had just dropped not too long before. I got on stage and just ran the song, next thing I know all cameras were on me with people hyping me up and by the time the second hook came people were already singing along! Someone even got my phone to record for me because they seen me trying to record myself! The dj put my song in full rotation and the night was amazing, the love made it special!
8. What do you hope listeners take away from your music, and what message do you want to convey through your art?
Your whatever you can dream already, no one and nothing can stop you but you. Haters and doubters are always gonna be there, right under your nose. FUCK EM! Make a song about em and get it out and keep it moving. If they hating now they was hating then. Even the closest to you can be a opp! But at the same time, I love you for who you are! Thank you for showing me that!
9. How has the music industry changed since you first started, and how have you adapted to those changes as an artist?
Labels are pretty much extinct because all the tools you need are right within reach. There’s no such thing as development or anything anymore (I never believed in that anyway) is just like you ready it you not but if you catch a hit be ready for the ride! I haven’t changed much, just get better with time. I’ve been working the same way because I’ve always been independent anyway so all I know is hustle and go get it.
10. What advice would you give to other emerging artists who are just starting out in the industry?
Don’t give up! Even if you think you’re at the end. Don’t give up. When you think no one cares and no one hears you, don’t give up! Keep going, only person you gotta prove something to is you! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming (dory voice)!