Mezmah – HipHop Paranoia

Describe your sound in 3 words

It’s a combination of melodic, conscious and cross continental hip hop, taking the best of those three and meshing them to create what you hear on my songs

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

Its been going from strength to strength, I thank God. I think me taking my time honing my craft throughout the years, progressing with each song and reflecting that in the music is showing and reaping the rewards my way. For example, I’ve had labels approach for management and as of a month ago this year, I was recently approached by a big music PR company that wants to work with me, which I’m excited about. It can only mean I’ve been heading in the right direction over the years

What first got you into music?

Boredom honestly. I’d like to say something more exciting but this is whats brought that excitement ultimately. I used to come home from college on days where there wasn’t much going on and just play around with a skype headset and audacity (shout out audacity for all those that know) out of sheer curiosity and from there on, began the journey that’s got me here. I also feel that this, as well as having stories to tell myself, just made it so it came at a perfect time to gel that together

Favourite album of the past year?

I wouldn’t say I had a favourite up until now with Kendrick’s Mr Morale and the Big Steppers album

What would you change in the music industry?

I think education and development on how to strive as an artist, especially for independent artists. Whilst I know this is counter productive for labels and some, I think teaching the ropes and business side of things could be incorporated as this has been abandoned over the years, even looking at how an A&R used to develop an artist for example. It’s now a lot of take take and forget everything else

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be too be prideful for things and know that any worries you may have are miniscule in comparison to your potential and ceiling

You’d give up making music for…

My religion

Thank you!

Follow Mezmah
Instagram

Describe your sound in 3 words

I’d say my sound is melodic, conscious and cross continental hip hop, taking the best of those three and meshing them to create what is my sound

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

I usually have days where I go down a rabbit hole of listening to beats on youtube or those sent to me and just select the ones that I like (maybe 3 ot 5 at most) but the actual amount I listen to itself are too many to count haha. My creative process revolves around listening to what feeling the beat gives me and then I begin writing to it on that basis. So for example, if I hear a beat with a moody backdrop, It’ll tend to be quite an introspective track, whereas something more upbeat will be one evoking just that. There are some I try and will try to break that mould with just however just to be out of the box with my creativity

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Two sides to me, separated like apartheid but holding me together just like being apart, tied

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

I think there definitely still is, and there always will be. I just think when you say “true”, that refers to it not being as prominent as it once was, say like in the 90’s/ early 2000’s. With that being said, it definitely still exists and is thriving as its own entity if you want to find it

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip hop for me symbolizes a social way of life, a culture that influences everyone around the world. From dress sense, to how people talk and act, it’s an influencer in itself. Furthermore, I think it’s the truest medium in music that depicts reality and tackles issues around the world, so it’s been a voice for the voiceless. Sure, it has things represented that don’t speak to that, but the art itself was founded on tackling poverty, racism, exclusive and crimes, and for me that’s what makes it a movement

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

It’s pretty normal- outgoing, socializing and keeping up with my personal life away from the music. I’m big on sports too, so there’s always time for that, either to watch or participate

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

No comment

Thank you!

Follow Mezmah
Instagram

Tag: Mezmah

Mezmah – Nairobbery [Interview]

Mezmah – Smoke + Mirrors [Interview]