BTN: Only 3 years in the game?
AMEM: You know, that’s one of the big things people ask me. They are like he sounds really knowledgeable about the game, but what it is, I just studied music first. And then I was like, this is where I want to be, So yeah I studied it, and got right into it, and there it is.
BTN: Where did the name AM Early come from?
AMEM: Just came from grindin. Ever since I was young, I mean even in school, I was always curious about what was going to be next. Always been on that and stuck with it; AM, that’s my style. Being up, being on time, and being ready for what’s about to happen.
BTN: I wanted to know from studying the game; how you plan to distinguish yourself in the rap game.
AMEM: Just being diverse in everything that I do. Getting in tune and listening to the music that I’m dropping. You can see that it is Hip Hop influence. There is R&B influence; there are Jazz influences, and Trap influences. It’s everything; I want to kill the prejudice of you can be only a Hip Hop artist or a Trap artist. Or you can only be an R&B artist. I don’t sing but I feel like I can bring people from different genres and make a good song. It is just the way you perceive music and I just want to make great music.
BTN: Do you produce?
AMEM: No I don’t produce, but I got a couple of producers I been sticking with, Loose Cannon Beats, Montana Max, and my buddy Dutchie. As I said there are a few people that I stick with; and they have developed their sound around what I’m doing.
BTN: What’s going on with your new single “All Kind of Ways”?
AMEM: All Kind of Ways was produced by my boy Mike E.S.B in 2015, we put it out on Soundcloud last year and it did like 180,000 views in 7 months. It got kind of crazy and I was getting hit up by all types of people around the world. I’m talking about China and Switzerland, and I wish you could see all the messages I was receiving. My DM had Japanese writing in it. That showed me how to network, grind and be in people’s faces. You got to be in people’s faces or they will not take you seriously.
BTN: Have most of the work you have done so far been in Chicago or out of state?
AMEM: For the most part I have done a lot of stuff here in Chicago. But I have done shows in Denver; my voice is hoarse now because I did a show in Iowa last week. I did a show last night in St. Louis with King Louie and I have just been networking everywhere. Just trying to get together with everybody and do my thing.
BTN: What are your views on the Chicago Hip Hop scene versus the National Hip Hop scene?
AMEM: On the national scene they are pretty much riding the same wave. I think Hip Hop in general needs to get more aware of underground artists. Artists are developing as opposed to someone who is already developed.
BTN: Are people in Chicago more accepting of underground artists than the national audience?
AMEM: I would say no, but you can go to Oregon and they will recognize what is playing on the radio. I think the whole region needs to be more receptive to underground artists. Because I have heard artists who are unbelievable and amazing; they have no views, and no followers, but are good. Now to the Chicago thing, I can respect these kids and what they are doing for one reason and that’s the music. I’m 28, but I still feel like an OG. To me, it’s like these young dudes don’t have any direction. But I respect the music because they are rapping about what they see.
BTN: What angle do you approach the music when you start creating?
AMEM: Well my music origins are Hip Hop music and the music my parents listened to. The O’Jays, Kenny G, you know all that old-school stuff. When you listen to my first few mixtapes, you will hear that grimy sound. I still make music like that, but I’m talking about current issues. One of my favorite artists is KRS-ONE. And with artists like him, when you listen to their music, the positive content stands out.
BTN: I think a lot of older Hip Hop fans will enjoy hearing that statement. It definitely makes me more curious about what you have to say in your music.
AMEM: I just did a show with Jungle Brothers, and I started out with a “trap song,” and I did that to prove it is not about the beat but what you are saying. And the vibes I was getting from everyone were like I don’t like that trap stuff but I appreciate that you have something to say. And I appreciated that more because I wanted people to understand this is music. If it is good then you are going to play it.
BTN: Let us know what you have going on in the future.
AMEM: Well you can find me on any social network at AM Early Morning. You can find my music on Soundcloud at AM Early Morning Music. Other than that I’m just doing things organically, I think you have more success when it is organic as opposed to trying to reach people on the internet.