Facelift has a very nice melodic flow uppon a classic trap beat. Tell us a few things about it.
It’s a collaboration between me and my good friend Jaheem, featuring the always talented Jay Coast. Jaheem and I are on production while Jay lays down his dreamy vocals. It’s an ode 4/20; one of our favorite unofficial holidays. Not just is it a celebration of a holiday, but a testament to our work, how far we’ve come and how far we will continue to go. This is also our first collaboration with Jay, and the videographer Blunt Lung.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
Honestly the amalgamation of all the lyrics are my favorite. No one bar can do justice to the joy the entire song brings.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
In all honesty no. There are too many sounds circulating through the hip hop stratosphere to solidify on one underground sound.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Every emotion that can be brought out of you. Hip Hop is my beating heart. The reason I’m still alive. Hip Hop isn’t a symbol but apart of reality; of life.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“Only the best performers get nervous.”
One last thing we should know about you?
I’m working on a lot of music right now.. soon I will be flooding the world with my name. I can’t wait to show you.
LOL. has a lovely atmospheric vibe. Where did you draw inspiration from?
I drew inspiration from my trips to Florida in 2021, I would fly there to work every month or so. It’s something about that Florida water, southern swang and Jamaican food just brings a different vibe out of me!
For which lyric you are most proud of?
I say a lot of cool things but recently my favorite has been “Even war zones have sunsets” – speaking to the silver lining. No matter how much chaos lies on earth, through all the smoke the sun will still shine.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
The artist that I’m into right now is “My Favorite Color,” a super dope rapper from LA.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip hop represents freedom of expression.Its not just music….its a way of life, nonconforming to the normal standards society tries to put on us and being yourself. Speaking the truth.Its the voice of the streets.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I hope people relate to my music as an outlet. An expression of the things they feel but can’t exactly put into words. Whether it’s love, anger, bliss, comfort whatever I may be expressing at the time, I know God is using me as a vessel to show people they can be themselves and be unashamed. Just stay true, have faith and be fearless.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I got kicked out of school for throwing too many parties in my apartment
Tell us a few things about your new album ’13th Apostle L.P’. What is the main idea behind it?
The 13th Apostle is a project where I mainly preach the Ghetto Gospel. It is meant to inspire everyone that have had an upbringing like mine. It is not meant to make you dance as the intro suggests but to help you meditate and to make the right decisions in life by not giving up hope, to see the beauty in the struggle because that’s what shapes our character.
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
Honestly, this is a tough question, lol. 98% of all my music speaks to me and have their own place depending on my mood. In this current mood, I’d say ‘Who I Gotta Be A Man For’ because it speaks to a future me, reminding myself why I’m doing all these things.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
I don’t have a favorite rapper but I have a favorite singer and artist overall. Brandy. I think her music and voice inspires me although I’m a rapper.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
HipHop symbolizes freedom to me. It’s a form of expressing myself in a very raw way, mixing and experimenting different elements to make something beautiful.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
a. I watch Sci-Fi films, especially alien and time-travel related films. b. Playing Chess. it sharpens my concentration skills c. Gym, I’m at the gym at least three times a week d. In the stock market analysing charts and making very risky investments lol
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Hahaha, if I reveal that now, I bet the F.B.I would come knocking on my door as soon as this article is released to the world. But maybe someday I’ll reveal them in my music..
The three words to describe my sound would be energetic, fun, and gay!
How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
The creative process is a fun part for me. I usually have a sound in mind for a song and then look at a catalog of beats to see which is close to what is in my mind. After I pick the beat, I find beats that fit in the same element. Thus, creating an album/project based on that. My debut album’s track list was changed five times before being satisfied.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
It was very important to me to show vulnerability on my debut album. A lot of artist are straying away from that and it sucks. I love getting to hear an artist’s story and what made them who they are today, so that is why I wrote “IS This What You Wanted?” and put it as the opening track. I also wrote “Memory Lane” and “My Heart Is Looking For Yours” to give more of an insight. These three songs are my most personal and honest lyrics.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
My favorite rapper is Megan Thee Stallion. She is killing the rap game and I hope to do a collaboration on a song with her one day. My favorite lyricist is Doja Cat. Her music is so transformative and she is one of the best. My favorite producer is “bckgrnd,” he produced “Pretty Ricky, Vol. 2” and “Fraudulent.”
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?
You never know what is going to dominate the rap world next. Anything can happen, but I feel like something big is going to happen. Something very transformative and groundbreaking. Shout out to Saucy Santana, he might be the one to do it!
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I have a variety of songs that range in emotions, so it would be hard to tell, but I hope they are having a good time, laid back, and enjoying themselves as I tell my story!
One last thing we should know about you?
One last thing you should know about is I am a people’s person, if you ever see me out in public come by and say hi!
Tell us a few things about your new song Baddest Bitch. What is the main idea behind it?
“Baddest Bitch” is about self-confidence and standing up for yourself. In today’s world, it often seems that you can’t feel good about yourself or something that you’ve done without someone criticizing you. Sharks, who are people who try to use others for their own advantage, are everywhere. They are at every job that you work, they can be the people you meet, and the song is about how you handle those interactions with them that shape who you are going to be.
In this video (which is partially animated), the animation shows Vala vs. the villain – who is an actual shark, personified. At the start of the video, Vala is in a retro TV when a remote reaches to the TV and changes the channel to the animation where it’s Vala vs the shark in a series of scenes ranging from the gladiator arenas in ancient Rome to scenes in which she’s fighting zombies. All of this is to create one underlying message: be confident in yourself, and don’t let anybody try to change who you are.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
“You’re more like a mean ogre, a creepy club promoter, a mediocre poser at best…” I thought it was funny.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
No and sort of yes. On the yes side — there is a sound of what “underground” hip hop is today but it is more just a sound that was created in the mainstream, so underground hip hop artists today have taken the mainstream and tinkered to make it their own and they all have a similar sound to their music. On the no side – there is no underground sound today that I have heard that was created first in the underground. The old underground sound seems to be only kept afloat by the artists who are still putting music out that were there when there was an underground sound that was created in the underground.
What would be your dream performance venue?
The house of Blues in Boston. While maybe it is not Madison Square Garden, when I was growing up I used to go there to see some of my favorite artists and bands. I have wanted to preform there ever since.
Favorite music related film?
School of Rock (haha might be kind of a strange answer but seriously it is an awesome movie and just makes you want to write or play any and all types of music)
Tell us a few things about your new son New Ground Collab. What is the main idea behind it?
New Ground Collab was an independent group of rappers djs producers singers poets all working together to create something different. Me and Oscify were both contributors to NGC and we made this song as a paying homage of sorts. This song really hits home for me cause it felt like it was 20 years in the making. Everyone on NGC really inspired me and I definitely wouldn’t be rapping without them.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
“Versify my penmanship I’m coming with a new sound” versify being one of Oscifys biggest albums. I strive to bring something new to the table every time I step to the mic. Fun fact I actually name drop some of my favorite Oscify projects throughout my verse. Oscify in turn name drops a lot of people in NGC, not everybody there’s too many to name honestly but I know someones going to be salty about not being mentioned.
Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?
“The old school” feels like home to me. But I ain’t gonna front like there ain’t a ton of talent bubbling right now. The industry is just really over saturated and you have to dig through the crates so to speak. I’m really digging Kota the friend, marlon craft, and elzhi to name a few.
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 sound likes to go in cycles, each one different than the last. From boom BAP to trap to grime, auto tune and mumble rap. But I think we’re done seeing sweeping changes within the game. We won’t see boom BAP again or anything but we might see a sub genre of boom BAP or hip pop. I personally dabble in many sub genres of hip-hop & rap. I have trap, and boom BAP albums, Which is fine it’s all about staying true to yourself.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
When I’m not writing or working on music I’m spending time with my daughter she just turned two and it feels like she was just born. it’s amazing being a father, just a wonderful feeling.
Future plans?
I have a sequel for my album “journey to lost” coming out called “Journey II.” Drops April 29th. I’m also working on an anime inspired drum and bass album currently And I’m super excited about it!
Tell us a few things about your new song #The_Deal. What is the main idea behind it?
The latest song is called “#The_Deal” with the brilliant hip-hop/rap singer RyanMusiq with whom I previously worked on multiple singles. While there are about a million songs about relationships in this world, “#The Deal” delves into the hard parts. It’s brutally honest, direct, authentic and very relatable. Interestingly, it’s a multi-genre hybrid: hip-hop/rap vocals over a pop-rock bed. Initially, it was designed as a cinematic rock song. But when we started working on lyrics and vocals, I realized that turning it towards hip-hop/rap would be a big win.
How would you describe your musical progress over the years?
I’m sure it evolved, and hopefully, it is getting better. My genre spectrum keeps expanding and delving into hard rock at the moment, and I now work with some legendary musicians. 2022 showed a great start and hopefully will be fruitful! I already have three songs scheduled for release and working on another five.
What first got you into music?
I grew up too fast. I was a 5-year-old kid when our family friend, a conservatory of performing arts professor, discovered a perfect pitch in me and the tendency to feel and understand the music. Based on her recommendations, I was sent to a special music school where I received formal and comprehensive musical education from the age of 5 until I turned 1Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, and hundreds more constituted my world throughout my childhood. My professor was very conservative, coming from the old school of musicians who dedicated their whole lives to music without compromise. I learned music history and composition and spent countless hours playing the piano every day. And I was performing 6-8 performances every year, including solo concerts. After school, my career had a 90-degree turn, away from music and into the IT world, and it’s been so until late 2020 when I felt that I had lots to “say” in musical terms. I attribute it to the pandemic, lockdowns, and the need to keep active.
Favourite album of the past year?
“Mercury – Act 1” by Imagine Dragons
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I wear multiple hats on this project: songwriter, music producer, performer, marketing analyst, promoter, graphics artist and videographer. I guess the biggest challenge is that one cannot clone themself. ))
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
Great question! I hope they can listen to my music in any state of mind, and it doesn’t have to match the song’s mood. Some time ago, I sent one new song called “Safe in my dreams” to a group of music lovers for a review. One of the participants graded this song 1 out of 10 and indicated that according to her, the song was horrible because it made her cry. To me, it was the best compliment.
What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?
It would be hard to live without seeing my family and my friends.
Tell us a few things about your new song Jump. What is the main idea behind it?
The song is about the irony of being a refugee in the United States fleeing violence and looking for a better life only to discover that violence exists due to America’s fascination with guns and mental health problems.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
“Vengo a robarles la basura” (I came to steal all of your scraps) and with it build a better future better than you could have”. Me and my family really did go around dumpsters picking up electronics or furniture to fill our apartment with.
Favourite rapper, lyricist, and producer?
Kendrick Lamar is my favorite rapper, Visitante from Calle 13, my favorite producer.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip Hop to me symbolizes realness, being you to the maximum, and sharing that in the deepest and personal way you can lyrically.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be more consistent, make friends and don’t slow down.
What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?
Tell us a few things about your new song D.D.. What is the story behind it?
D.D. is a dark fairy tale. More like a nightmare, I guess. B.C. is just totally lost in life, putting himself and others at risk. He doesn’t realize there’s a way out until a near death experience, and meeting Doso. It’s simultaneously supposed to be absurdist. Life is hell. BC’s robot saved him. At least, temporarily.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
The first line of the first verse. “Stuck behind the wheel and I’m not in control.” That’s how the human condition and/or mental illness does me. I am just blindly following whatever I think will lead me to some sort of peace or salvation. The more I think I’m in control, the closer I am to losing it.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
I’m a big fan of Atmosphere. Slug is still killin’ it. I’m 38, so it’s cool AF to see a dude that’s nearly 50 being steezy on the ‘gram. We also have the same birthday.
What would you change in the music industry?
It’s not just the industry but humanity, in general. Superficialities have harmed the industry. Great artists shouldn’t have to be sexy, interesting, or active on social media to gain an audience. Unfortunately, there’s no other way. It’s human nature to be interested in the aesthetics of someone’s life or story.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
The generic “never give up” from my father. He always liked underdogs. I feel like an underdog in this industry. I’m in my late-30s. I know my chances are slim-to-none. Never giving up means never. Never. Maybe I’ll make my first industry dollar before I die. Maybe.
One last thing we should know about you?
Many people make music. Many people have aspirations. However, BC & Doso are not many people. We are simply a horny MC and his robot friend. Also, Doso is asexual. He does not have sexual thoughts, at all. Please don’t send Doso any sexual DM’s. I repeat, please don’t send Doso any sexual DM’s.
HipHop Paranoia 