Describe your sound in 3 words
Cleverness with finesse.
How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
I have over 500 beats that I’ve collected over time and listen to on rotation. Sometimes I write a song immediately after finding a new beat, and sometimes I stumble across an old beat that resonates with my current mind state. My favorite place to write verses would be in the forest. In Oregon I go on hikes frequently, and find that the solitude of nature puts me in the zone. Where I grew up in California, I used to write to escape. Nowadays, I escape to write.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
In this particular song I chose less complex bars because it was more about the vibe. My favorite line though is “frigid like O’Shea Jackson, this a cold game.” I was giving a shout out to Ice Cube, but also commenting on the fact that I’ve seen some coldhearted things over the past couple decades.
You balance between old school and new school. Tell us which is the biggest influence from these 2 eras.
If I had to choose one influence from each era, it would definitely be Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and J. Cole. Bone is one of the smoothest sounding rap groups of all time, and J. Cole has mastered the art of dropping knowledge while still making me dance.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
For me, Hip Hop has always been a voice for many who would never be heard otherwise. It’s an opportunity to share yourself, but more importantly, make connections with others through the medium of music.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy being a father and getting out into nature with my kids. When stuck inside, I produce beats, edit videos, and a variety of other music related hobbies.
One last thing we should know about you?
I am a firm believer in quality over quantity in all areas of my life.
Thank you!
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HipHop Paranoia 