How’s the Chicago hip-hop scene? Do you consider it a healthy place for up-and-comers or is there a lot of friction?
The Chicago hip hop scene is picking up a lot of momentum right now so I could say it is a healthy platform for new artists to try and be heard. The only friction would come from rappers who are from different hoods in the city who might not get along. Also the drill scene is huge here, so hip hop heads like me are trying to wade through that to get Chicago behind us too, but it’s a lot better than it was about five years ago.
What do you think sets you apart from every other rapper in the game right now?
I’m a one-man band, and I’m not a rapper. I’m an artist that just happens to write, produce and engineer. I try make music that has a soul. I put myself in my music and not just reproduce what’s hot right now. I’m looking for longevity, not an overnight fling with hip hop. I want people to remember me and that I had something to say. I want people to tell me that my music spoke to them.
What do you think is the most important ingredient for success in today’s industry?
I think there are several ingredients to having success in this industry, but in these days and times all you need is awesome production and a catchy chorus that everyone can chant and you’re good. I also think you have to have a loyal and solid fan base because the fans make the industry move. Andre 3000 said it best in “Elevators”: “If you ain’t moving your feet then I don’t eat”, so without the fans we as artist are just doing a hobby and the industry goes down the drain.
If you could have one wish granted this year, what would it be and why?
Win the lottery for ten million, so I could put my family in a good position and fund my music career efficiently. But seriously, if I could get myself in a position where I don’t have to choose between doing this music thing and putting food on the table for my family and making music the people believe in, I’m winning. Fortune and fame is nice but I just want to eat comfortably doing what I love.
What do you think is the most important ingredient for success in today’s industry?
I think there are several ingredients to having success in this industry, but in these days and times all you need is awesome production and a catchy chorus that everyone can chant and you’re good. I also think you have to have a loyal and solid fan base because the fans make the industry move. Andre 3000 said it best in “Elevators”: “If you ain’t moving your feet then I don’t eat”, so without the fans we as artist are just doing a hobby and the industry goes down the drain.