Tag: Hype

MidSõlis – Changes [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic, honest, unique

Tell us a few things about your new song “Changes”. What is the story behind it?

‘Changes’ is a track about my trials and tribulations during the summer of 2019. Narratively, it is split in two sections. The first one follows me dealing with rejection from someone by hanging out with my friends and joking around. The second is an introspective view of how I wasted part of my summer by chasing after women’s validation rather than hanging out with my friends more.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

For this song it has to be:

“​​Writing lyrics like they’re
Hieroglyphics matter
Real interpretation
Comes from he who flipped pyramids”

For me, this is truly special because when you get the context it paints a clear picture.

I like writing my verses with explicit and implicit details. It gives me more satisfaction knowing that for my listeners to get what I’m saying, they have to engage actively with my words. So, I think of my lyrics as hieroglyphs. Linking to that word, I use ‘pyramids’ to connect this part of the song to the previous one. When I hung out with my friends, I would flip into the river. When anything hits the water and sinks, it makes the water around it move to the sides, giving the illusion of an upside-down pyramid. So, I’m flipping pyramids by flipping into the water. In a few lines I’m providing a lot of context of me as an artist and me during that time period.

Favourite album of all time?

Good kid, m.A.A.d City by Kendrick Lamar. It has so much emotion and amazing storytelling.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

Acknowledging you always have to learn. You can’t become comfortable if you want to be great. The biggest and most influential artists are who they are because either they or/and their teams have been students of the game they’re playing. So, I’ve learned that no matter what point I am at, I have to keep working to be the best and most educated version of myself, as an artist and individual, so I can keep making music and enjoying that process from start to end.

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

Mid90s is really inspiring. It’s where I got my name from.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Sticking to schedule. Little flourishes to finish a song can start another and by the end of the session I just have two unfinished tracks. When I set myself schedules, I’m good at meeting them, but I don’t usually set those to let creativity lead the way. I’m starting to find a middle ground though, so you’ll get new music quicker from that.

Thank you!

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A.D. – Whoa Feat. MC Beastly And Weez [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new song “Whoa”

“Whoa” was originally gonna be a solo track but I was in the studio chucking beats around with MC Beastly and Weez and I told them I have this one to hand because we were looking for something weird. They gravitated towards this one so I told them I’ll take my verse out, we’ll extend the beat to create a 3rd verse and we’ll get it cracking. I also re-wrote the hook to be catchier and voila…”Whoa” was born!

How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

I’m actually on the verge of changing my creative process as I’d like to stop using leased beats as much (keep your ears peeled for song I’ve produced myself!) but usually I’ll jump on something like YouTube or dive into my inbox where producers have sent me beats and I’ll pour over those until I get something. I usually know the mood/vibe I’m going so I’ll search by that. There’s not really a number of beats I’ll go through before I strike gold, sometimes it’ll be the first beat I click on, often times it’ll be within the first 10 beats, sometimes I’ll be 20+ beats in and still haven’t found something. Once I land on it though it’s time to get cooking and so then I’ll start writing my lyrics in direct accordance with the beat, taking into account how the beat varies and matching my bars to that. It doesn’t take me long at all to write my songs from beginning to end (these days it’s never really more than 2 hours including time to practice and perfect the performance of it) but once I’ve got it done and dusted I’ll record a video of me doing it so I remember how the song is meant to sound/so I can hear it back and eventually I’ll lay that down in the studio.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

It’d either be “I’ll always show love and I’ll always show respect // But I’ll die before I ever claim to be content” from my song Content (the last song I wrote right before my dad passed away in 201or “My dear beloved pops, I’ll do my best to stay alive // But I can’t believe I lost you at the age of 25” from my song Letter To My Dad

Favourite album of the past decade?

Of the last decade?! I can’t choose! I’ll just go with my favourite album of the last year which is “The Off Season” by J. Cole.

Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

The great thing about Hip Hop is that it’s ever-evolving and only getting stronger and more popular year on year. Think about how things started in Hip Hop from the 1970s and where we’ve ended up…the past gives way to the present and that’s simply what we’re seeing with trap. It’s already going into drill music and that, too, will give way to something new.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

Some of my fans tell me they’ve got my song in their gym playlists so I imagine they’re trying to get hyped and motivated whenever they’re listening. Otherwise I imagine they’re looking for a vibe while they’re driving so they’ll bump my music.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I’d say it was when I was falsely arrested for suspicion of possession with intent to supply. I wasn’t actually in any trouble whatsoever and the police even admitted to me that they didn’t think I was a drug dealer but purely because I was with people where drugs were found nearby THEM that’s why they arrested me. I’d never been arrested in my life and I was furious that I was targeted for it when they knew and I knew that I was innocent. It was also extremely embarrassing to be put in handcuffs in front of a growing crowd of people for a crime I didn’t commit. I’m a person who likes to avoid trouble at all costs so I don’t take chances with legal things. I don’t drive without insurance, I don’t dabble in drugs, I don’t pick fights with anybody, I just keep myself to myself and live my life accordingly so to still be singled out by that really made me feel a certain type of way at the time. Being a young black man never gets any easier

Thank you!

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Ovtsxder – Money Talking [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Hype, Creative, and Chill

How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

Well honestly when I first was coming up my homeboy who also raps, he goes by the name of JC 1700, made a bunch of beats for me to rap on and I really fw his beats because of how unique they were so it’ll be like one or two listens and I’m already making a new song

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

If you ever check my catalog, my song Skye has many honest lyrics it’s about my daughter Skye who passed away in 2019 and also the lyric on Money Talking “Getting money I can’t chase a hoe” always live by those words because they come and go but you gotta keep them pockets swole

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Honestly I used to fw mainstream artist and producers but the underground is killing it right now! My homeboy JC 1700, RedTheKid (@redthekid__), Prod. TUGIN, My homeboy upo_surge on Instagram, and Prod Deliriousare my favorite producers right now plus more to come. And I’m my own favorite artist I love listening to myself I mean I’ll listen to Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi, Lil Yatchy, YN JAY, Kasher Quon, and even Wu-Tang Clan from time to time

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop symbolizes growth and just the love of sound. I’ve heard so many artist be creative and do things others wouldn’t even attempt to do. Ol’ Dirty Bastard is definitely a great artist to listen to he was unique and ahead of his time

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

I binge watched Regular Show almost all Quarantine Rigby be having me crying lmao

One last thing we should know about you?

This is only the beginning. Soon Ovtsxder will be a name to remember, Music Videos, Video Games, Comics, Movies, Collabs, Fashion, so much will be coming involving Ovtsxder. I’m here to stay. Also add me on Instagram @ovtsxder_ for all new content I got a bunch of new songs dropping and soon an album so look out for that and don’t forget to stream “Who I Am” on all platforms. Shout out to my boys y’all will know all our names soon so be on the lookout

Thank you!

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Odd Wall – Fear [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Original, Current, Honest

Tell us a few things about your new work “Fear”.

‘Fear’ is my debut album which has been in the works for over a year. I’ve worked with artists from all over the world. United States, Japan, Brazil, Grenada, and my home the UK. I don’t stick to one genre, you will find some hip hop, r&b, chill out, drill and uk garage, all the genres i grew up listening to. You can definitely hear who my influences are on this album and a couple of the songs are very personal.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

This is a tough one to answer but i’ll go with ‘Radio’ just because its a really personal song about a friend of mine who passed away a few years ago. When i started DJ’ing over 20 years ago he was the one that helped me the most, at the time he was the best underground DJ on the pirate radio scene and his shows were legendary. This song is all about wishing I could hear him on the radio one last time. I think this song reflects me the most because it’s about the man who got me started.

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

Oh definitely, there are so many independent artists out there doing their thing and i thinks that’s where its found. It just takes a bit of effort to find it but it’s there. You listen to Grizzy Hendrix, Locksmith, all the rappers on my album etc.. THAT is underground hip hop.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

To me it symbolises a way of living, a culture. Growing up as a teenager in the 90’s it was my escape, my hobby, my life basically and still is to this day. It symbolises honest truthful music and i think it also symbolises hope to people from all walks of life.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Believe in yourself and don’t let other peoples opinions stop you in your tracks. This is the reason I called my album ‘Fear’ because I was always scared to put music out or let anyone hear it. That fear I had in me that someone was gonna say they didn’t like it but you have just gotta believe in yourself, and finally that’s what i’ve done. Also younger me, invest in bitcoin lol.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Haha this is a good question. No comment.

Thank you!

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Wolf – Mentality [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Energizing, genre crossing and different

Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?

Well, believe it or not ‘Mentality’ was written a few years back (circa 2017-2018) whilst I was still in Uni. During that time, I was hyped just the thought of releasing music way before any work or thought was laid down. Few years later, I had a collection of lyrics and thought to myself ‘right, it’s been 3 years since I’ve written the lyrics and established myself as an artist, I might as well work on said song’. I was torn between 2 songs but Mentality was the one that spoke to me. It’s ironic and funny how the lyrics for Mentality is so relatable today what with Covid ruining everyone’s lives and the government is failing its citizens. Originally, the whole premise of Mentality was to flip the middle finger to those that has forced you to change who you are just so you are accepted in society. There’s one of you so be unique and be yourself!

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Definitely ‘Fuck what you think coz I don’t need no acceptance’

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Rapper would definitely be Eminem (who doesn’t love a bit of Em), lyricist would be Scarlxrd (always speaks the truth and not afraid to show his weaknesses and vulnerability through his music and lyrics) and my favourite producer has to be Sullivan King

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

Definitely getting heard and noticed by others. Music is being released every day, every minute and every second so your art is going to get buried among the hundreds of thousands songs every day. Nowadays people listen to music that’s relatable to them (well most of the time) and Mentality for me speaks to every aspect of it. It’s relatable and is the ‘now’ song.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I don’t know, I don’t think I’ve received any best advice before (in terms of music anyways). Although I will give advice to the upcoming producers/bands/aspiring musicians; ‘You do you, fuck what others say. At the end of the day, you’re doing music because it makes you happy not for the pleasure of others.’

One last thing we should know about you?

Check out my band ‘The Wolf Within’ on Spotify and other streaming platforms. We’ve got new music in the works. If you like our music, go and follow us over on IG: @thewolfwithinofficial

Thank you!

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A Certain Energy – Fake Love [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new song “Fake Love”. What is the main idea behind it?

When it came to writing “Fake Love” I was in a spot within my career where I didn’t know where some loyalties were at. I’m still in that same spot, but at the end of the day I still have to move forward with my career regardless. “Fake Love” is about the conception of someone giving fake support, or “love”, to your ambitions and goals. This can be towards anyone from personal friends, family, co-workers, etc. I’m all about honest feedback, and I’ve came across so many individuals who will say one thing to your face and another thing to the general public. At the end of the day you will always have your own support in yourself, and that’s what matters most.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“It’s not fair when I give my all, just to watch me fall. From all you caused, broke my heart, went too far, I’ve had enough. It’s the end of us”

This lyric set was from a feature I did for Highrise, an artist located in Iowa. The song is called I’m Not That Lonely, and it’s about the toxicity within an unhealthy relationship you just can’t seem to escape from. I gained influence from not only other relationships, but mainly my own whether from the past or present. This song will always have a special place in my heart.

Favourite album of the past year?

I haven’t had a favorite album this year as of yet. I’m a big fan of a lot of singles this year though. There has been a lot of strong ones that I just can’t get enough of like “Fool’s Gold” by Aries or Please Just Hate Me by Tello. If I can make my own compilation of singles to make the ultimate variety album that would be my choice of album of the year [laughs].

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

I would have to say finding a life balance. Music isn’t just a career, but a lifestyle. Finding that balance with your personal and professional life can be challenging at times. That’s the beauty of it though as well. This isn’t for the faint of heart. This isn’t for the weak minded. The only avenue I see to take is to move forward regardless of the trials I have to face whether it’s relationships, finances, time, etc. All we can do is do our best as human beings and achieve what we believe is our calling.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the way contracts are presented to rising artists. Too many artists sign a contract without properly understanding it. This causes so many issues for careers down the line, and I find it to be the biggest issue in the longevity of things. Sure we can get a lawyer to go through the fine print, but I’d rather have that knowledge in the open for everyone to understand when signing to a partnership, label, etc.

Favorite music related film?

I love “Hustle & Flow” so much [laughs]. I haven’t seen it in such a long time, but watching it made me visualize the concept of “doing what it takes, no matter what.” That ideology brought me to the level I’m at today, and I’m thankful for it. It’s honestly a cult classic in the music industry, and if you disagree.. Well, let’s hope people don’t [laughs].

What is the most useless talent you have?

I never thought about it honestly. If I were to have a useless talent it would have to be able to wake up at a certain time without an alarm clock. I just have to think about it 5-10 times and then I’ll automatically wake up at that exact time [laughs]. It’s not technically useless, because it does come in clutch when you don’t have an alarm. Now if your phone dies.. Now that’s talent. I’m still late to events even if I wake up on time. I guess that’s also a talent [laughs].

Thank you!

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Stuart Brignell – Speedin (I Need U) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Musical. Emotive, Slappy

Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?

The idea behind “Speedin” started with my manager pushing me to create a drill inspired beat using the west African Kora instrument. The beat turned out good so we found some dope artists to feature on it. They all ended up writing about the same topic and the story flowed consistently throughout all their different verses. The funny thing is that they never collaborated on the plot of the song prior to recording, it just happened that way by chance! The song sort of wrote itself.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I didn’t write the lyrics but to me when Darlinao says “thicker then cream liquor” yea I felt that haha.

Who is your favourite beat maker and which rapper’s flow do you enjoy the most?

J Dilla for sure. The man was a master. So much inspiration from his music and life. For flows I think it’s either Black Thought or Kendrick for me. It’s a tough call though!

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

To me Hip Hop can symbolize many things, but most strongly its the overcoming and perseverance through extraordinarily difficult circumstances and still retaining your essence and spirit through these adversities.

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

When not working on music I love checking out other bands/ artists around Toronto, cooking or spending time in nature.

Future plans?

Future plans are a new single on the way in the fall, and an instrumental mixtape before the year is out, and a possible tour of the Dominican Republic in November

Thank you!

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2AM Ricky – Whatchu On (Ft. CeCe Peniston) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I would describe my sound as refreshing, soulful, and euphoric, bringing listens back to the 90s style vibe.

Tell us a few things about your new song “Whatchu On”. What is the main idea behind it?

“Whatchu On” is my single off of my upcoming album “Carolina Boy”. It features the legendary voice of CeCe Peniston and is a song of self-motivation and empowerment that also meshes LGBTQ/Ballroom culture and hip-hop.

What is the story behind your name?

The name 2AM Ricky has multiple meanings. For one, I am a transgender male, and earlier in my transition, I wanted to ensure that listeners focused more on my music than my gender, so I chose a name that was very neutral. 2am, (or late at night), also is a time and space where creativity flows, reality turns into late night thoughts, and fears get lost into dreams; its a place of vulnerability, and I allow listeners to join me in that space and lose ourselves in the music together.

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

I think that hip-hop culture in general has become so evolved that there is no true “underground hip-hop sound” anymore. Artists are more diverse and it’s no longer just boom bap and trap.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-Hop to me symbolizes unity and power through freedom of expression. It’s a wave of Black pride that shifts the American and World culture on a daily. From vernacular, to fashion, hip-hop runs the world and through our music, we’re able to not only express ourselves but empower generations.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

Honestly, listeners are able to enjoy my music in any state of mind but specifically, those who may be smokers, enjoy night rides, or may just need an extra boost in the morning or through a workout each may find something in my discography that caters to them.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

My biggest vice is constantly feeling like I need to prove myself, I’m an overachiever. I’m so accustomed to being viewed as an underdog, especially in hip-hop due to it being a heterosexual male dominated industry. Many judge or discredit me due to my gender identity and that in return makes me want to go 10 times harder. In every success, I’m constantly focusing on what I can do next and sometimes that can be a downfall, because although success comes, sometimes you forget to stop and enjoy smelling the flowers.

Thank you!

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Cullen The Great – Bad Intent [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I would describe my sound as charismatic, energetic, and exciting. Something that gets you hype but also feels like you get to know the real me through my music.

Tell us a few things about your new song Bad Intent. What is the main idea behind it?

Bad Intent is like my baby, I love everything about that song. I really learned a lot and had so much fun in the process of making it. There really isn’t any true inspiration behind it, I heard the instrumental and thought, ‘damn this some grimey sh*t’ so I started thinking grimey and threw my own little twist on there. Funny story, I actually started this project back in June but ran into computer problems the same day and was forced to upgrade my entire setup. I could’ve gotten my laptop reset and it would’ve been fine but that meant losing this file and that wasn’t something I could give up so I ultimately made the costly sacrifice and upgraded. I was without my computer for a month, I was literally going crazy. The only sort of productive thing I could do was write, so I wrote and I wrote and I wrote and I wrote some more. But when my computer finally arrived I was like a kid on Christmas, I cancelled all plans I had, barely had the thing plugged in and set up, and was already in the studio recording the rest of this song. I’m super proud of how it turned out and think it shows true progression from where I first started to where I’m at now. This song makes me feel like a rapper, not just someone making music in his room.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

To be honest, I’m super proud of my entire first verse. I was really diggin the rhyme scheme and flow I had going on, plus I felt like this was my cleanest sounding mix yet, so it all just fit together perfectly. But if i had to pick a lyric in Bad Intent that I am most proud of, it would be the section that goes like, “Oppressions of expressions only lead to more suppression, while progression of recession brings out all the true confessions.” Cause if you really dive deep and analyze the lyrics in that section the message behind it is mind boggling. Definitely one of those things that made me think, “Holy sh*t, how did I come up with that?”

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

This is such a tough question for me. I was inspired to start making music during the infamous Soundcloud rapper days. That distinct style and sound influenced a lot of my music, however, I feel as though it became so
popular that the underground vibe became mainstream and the mainstream sound became sort of outdated. I do believe there is a true underground hip-hop sound, but I’m not sure the industry (and fans) are
quite over the SoundCloud era. Right now everybody is just rocking with what they got, being original, and not trying to ‘fit in’, and there ain’t nothing wrong with that!

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Change. Hope. Inspiration. Hip-Hop is oftentimes looked at in a negative light given it’s history of origin, but what people overlook is that Hip-Hop is used as a tool to express, inspire, educate, create change, give hope for a
better tomorrow, and let you know that you’re not alone in this world. It’s something that goes deeper than lyrics, it’s an attitude, it’s a lifestyle, it’s knowing that life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows and when the going
gets tough, so do you. If Jay-Z ran from every challenge change brought, or quit when he lost hope, he wouldn’t be Jay-Z. You never know what you can do and what you can accomplish in life and hip-hop is the perfect
example of that.

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

This is gonna sound so cheesy because every other artist says the same thing, but I don’t really do anything besides make music. I truthfully spend 99% of my free time working on music, whether it be writing, recording, mixing, promoting, researching, photoshoots, video shoots, and everything in between, my life 100% revolves around music. I am a big outdoors guy though, I love to fish, hunt, camp, really anything that lets me get out in nature and enjoy nature is the way I spend my other 1%. I am a big family guy as well, any opportunity I have to spend with them I take it.

Future plans?

I have so many dreams and ambitions other than music that I would love to pursue during my lifetime. The biggest one for me right now is the fact that I want to write a book one day (I have this super sick idea that involves music, murder, betrayl, and hella twists.) I also want to eventually open a chain of studios that gives engineers the freedom to freelance work in professional settings. Eventually I’d love to act one day, but who’s got two thumbs and is a terrible actor? This guy! But of course mostly, more music. I may or may not be working on an EP currently, but we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds for our Idols.

Thank you!

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Richard – Diary [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My sound would have to be exploration, haphazard, and old school

How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

Whew the number can vary depending on what I am sent or what I come across. Sometimes I listen to twenty something beats before a flare of inspiration strikes.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

From this record, I think the most standout to me is probably, ummmmmm “couldn’t see past they greed geez Louise, not even a sorry or please”. That’s from the most lyrical track on the record I feel called “Shopping Cart”

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

No, everyone is going for A sound and it is very easy to tell, nothing ever really is underground. I miss the days where you could find an artist and be so amazed by their sound instead of a Tiktok or trend

Why is sexism, and even outright misogyny, so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?

That is a question I ask myself daily. It is almost like an expectation to be a certain way when you rap or else you can’t “sit with them”, but I do think it is changing because females and gay rappers are dominating which is indicative of change.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I don’t know, I hope when they are ina mindful state. I share my story to get people who share the same experiences to reflect on how they can manage or coexist with whatever problem. So yeah defintely mindful and reflective.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Most trouble, depends haha. I sold some dope once and got arrested for that. That’s bout it tho.

Thank you!

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