Tell us a few things about your new mixtape ‘Reality Rap Highly Anticipated Mix-Tape’. What is the story behind it?
Texaco Dreaming was a resurrection of the original blueprint. Process growth evolution…To release this project 15 years laters after the SWAGGA EDITION MIXTAPE… and to do Texaco Dreaming the same way with the same peoples was history in itself
For which lyric you are most proud of?
In monarays two stepping like it’s calabasas “errbody”
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
I do however I don’t think it’s a specific sound or one sound in particular it’s more of like the rawness
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
Spotify is the modern day Dj…this is where records are broken if they aren’t being played in the clubs and in radio
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The best advice I would give my younger self would be embrace the process and the journey
Tell us a few things about your new song ‘Break My Heart’. What is the main idea behind it?
My debut single ‘Break My Heart’ is a true story song inspired by my 10-year relationship ending abruptly one month before our wedding. Its the sonic representation of human fragility that touches on loss, self reflection, and healing from it. I used the pain from loss to fire a dream and hope that my story can inspire others to do the same. Life is too fucking short man, chase that shit and don’t look back!
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
I really try to be vulnerable in everything I write. I feel the most personal and honest lyric in ‘Break My Heart’ specifically is “I know our shit got crazy baby, I barely got through, and thats the truth. I almost killed myself over you”. I hit an all-time low and the moment I decided the life was worth living I wrote this song and jumped in the studio. I genuinely was struggling with purpose when I was going through the experience and in the process of healing I found that spreading love is my purpose. I hope my art continues do that even when I can’t physically be present.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
That’s an interesting questions because they both have there perks. Writing really helps get my shit out, find balance and perspective but there is nothing like the energy of being on stage performing. If I’m being completely honest, performing scares the shit out of me every time I’m about to go on stage. But while I am up there nothing else exists in that moment and thats a special feeling that can’t be replicated.
What would you change in the music industry?
I love love so I think the only thing I would change about the industry is to see more unconditional love and support for each other. We’re all just chasing a dream and watching friends succeed is so inspiring.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
‘Break My Heart’ is about heart break and I feel it’s a song that people would listen to when they really want to dig deep and feel into their feelings. I like to mix it up though. No one wants to be sad all the time! haha I dig writing upbeat vibes as well. My second single ‘Stumble’ which comes out March 4th is chill and fun.
What is the most useless talent you have?
Haha fuck I don’t know. Uhm…. I’m pretty good at beer pong!
Tell us a few things about your new Back To Life. What is the main idea behind it?
Back to life was recorded as a sequel to my earlier release, Your Home the main idea behind Back to life is that whenever you’re surrounded by negative ideas and aura. You feel those ideas are limiting and causing you to go deeper into despair. However, there is always this one person in our lives who’s ready to dive in headfirst no matter how dark our thoughts are, how depressed we feel, or how broken we may seem; he’s always willing to overcome those challenges holding the key that will free us from our chains of despair and sorrow this song is a direct call to that person. Hence, whenever you feel you’re in desperate need of help and can’t take it anymore, make sure to send this song to that person so that he knows that you need his help that you’re in need of him to bring you back to life. The idea becomes crystal clear once you take a look at the artwork for this song the orca chained represents once self unable to move and overcome the darkest times in his life. The chains represent whatever is holding us back. The orca being flipped on its Back means that it cannot resist and is being dragged even deeper into darkness. The red eyes represent all those emotions and thoughts blocking your path to freedom, making sure you’re drowning instead of going up. And finally, there is the other orca with the key in its mouth, which represents that person who’s always diving headfirst to free from the shackles that bind us, ready to bring us back to life.
What is the story behind your name?
The nickname Orca was given to me by my close friends and teammates earlier in life. Despite being a visually-impaired induvial, I used to play soccer and basketball with relying heavily on sight. However, with my other senses heightened, I was able to evade my opponents and score for my team with extreme accuracy, thus nicknamed Orca because, in a way that an orca attacks its prey with extreme precision relying on echolocation at first, the debate was on whether to be called a dolphin. However, thanks to my aggressive playstyle, I was given the nickname Orca instead of carrying it with me.
What first got you into music?
My passion for music cannot be expressed or measured. I used to play with keyboards and sing since I was a child growing up with English music. Even though my mother tongue is Arabic, I fell in love with English music. But thanks to some unique circumstances, I was only able to start releasing music at the age of 30 in January 202
Your dream collaboration?
When it comes to collabs, I never thoughts of it since I’m only focusing on improving my abilities behind the mic, but when I’m asked about the first person that comes to mind is T-pain, he’s the reason why I fell in love with hip-hop and pop music in the first place my second answer will be an artist who’s willing to accept me and also willing to recognize my talent as an artist. As artists, we need to stick together and try to spread the message as much as possible why am I saying this? Because it’s a part of my dream to spread my music across the globe and share it with as many people as possible, creating a movement of those who’ll support and help me release more music as well as those who’ll connect with my music and will consider my music their escape and the place they’ll always come to in order to face their daily challenges and ideals or can make their dreams a reality.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
The biggest challenge that I’m facing at the moment is divided into two parts. The first part is me being alone right now. I write records do some basic mixing manage my socials, and run my own website. For a visually-impaired individual, this is overwhelming and can burn you out quickly, so my biggest hope is to find those who’ll support me so that I can focus on releasing music. The second part is the fact that I’m struggling financially when it comes to music I’m always ready and always got ideas to share. However, unfortunately, I can only release one single a month due to a very tight budget which is very depressing and affects me heavily. I wish to share as much of my music with the world as possible with my being limited. The task is becoming more and more difficult that is why I’d like to share this message with the rest of the world: please help and show your support to me so that I can shine and share my talent with you because without this will be impossible to accomplish I recently started a donation page help me realize my dream and let us grow together my biggest wish is to spread the word because my philosophy is “Always To inspire and get inspired because music can fix what words alone cannot” with that said I’m looking forward to your help and support thank you.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I promote myself as a visually-impaired artist, and my music includes: 400% Love 400% Romance, and 200% of all that is between this promotion is no joke. I want my music to reach as many people who might need my music as possible, so you’ll be finding different topics in told uniquely within each of my releases, and depending on the listener’s state of mind, he’ll be able to choose the song that elevates his current emotion. But deep down in my core, I’m a Love/Romance artist who’s always in love and is ready to express his feelings spectacularly and mainly.
You’d give up making music for…
Financial crisis because if I don’t have money, there is no way I can create music because I’m always in need of help from those who’ll pick up where my disability left. For example, when it comes to mixing, mastering, or beat making, those tasks require a good ear and good sight. That is why there is no way I can create anything on my own currently; I pay a London producer by the name of FlipTunesMusic so that I can access his beat catalog, a producer/Audio engineer who goes by the name Larry Ohh! So that he can help fill in the blanks with tasks that require sight and come up with the final product. And finally, I pay an Australian designer who by the name Beartrix so that she can help bring my artwork ideas to life. All those require a huge amount of cash, and if I get to the point where I can’t pay any of them, this might be the end for me, so for anyone reading this, show your support for me and my music and let us keep on pushing
Tell us a few things about your new EP. What is the story behind it?
My EP is a story about love, finding joy and being an open person.
Which song (if any) of the EP is your favorite and why?
My favourite song on this EP is holding on because it resonates with me in the means of me holding on to everything that goes on in life.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I enjoy songwriting the most because my listeners get to experience my emotions through how I see and feel my experiences
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
I think that Spotify definetly helps in getting your music out there and listened to by many
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Follow your passion regardless of what obstacles or challenges arise.
You’d give up making music for…
I would not give up making music for anything or anyone. It truly is how I express myself the best and I won’t let anyone take that feeling away from me.
Tell us a few things about your album ‘Recovery’? What is the story behind it?
All of us have been having to hit pause during the pandemic, and for most they’re also facing various injuries of some kind – lost time with family, lost jobs or work hours, lost opportunities to perform or travel – not to mention any hardships they’d been facing before the pandemic began. So I curated this tracklist of songs to soothe the listener – to remind them how strong they are even in their darkest hours. All of us have the ability to bounce back.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
Postcard is the most personal song on the album. I wasn’t sure I’d ever release it, since it’s a song about my dad passing. One of my collaborators who worked on it said it really spoke to him and resonated with him as he processed losing his own father, and to me that made releasing it worthwhile.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
I love people who are talented but also really make an effort to make a difference. Alicia Keys, Dolly Parton, Betty White, Matt McGorry, Justin Baldoni – the ones who really use their talent and their platform to reach people, speak up for those treated unfairly, and lend a helping hand. As musicians we always hope our music does that whether we’re in the room with that person or not, that our music can find them and reach them wherever they are now.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Biggest – hard to choose just one. The main one I had to overcome, which really drove this album, was being hit by a car years ago in 200I had to have a major hip surgery and learn to walk again, and even years later I still have to wrestle with health issues that may turn up as a result of the surgery or some remaining weakness on that side. We all like to think that when we face a difficulty we confront it and move on but some things stick with us or return later in a smaller way. Recovery is cyclical, it’s not always a straight line of falling down and immediately picking yourself up again. Sometimes it’s taking small steps and just being thankful that you’re moving at all, and remembering you’ll return to the bigger and faster steps down the line.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I love to review books for #NetGalley and Bookstagram. I’ve also started working with wellbeing and skincare brands on my social media now that I’ve amassed a following of about 70,000 followers and fans across my social profiles. I’m also working on a novel presently which we’ve begun to pitch to publishers and literary agents, and we started getting some great response in the first week. I love to have multiple projects going at once in various stages, so there’s always a new place to pivot your energy no matter what stage a CD, novel, screenplay, or charity effort is in.
Future plans?
I have a new single releasing January 11, 2022 that’s a remake of a 90s French hit that also did well in America in its English adaptation back then. We’ve given it an updated sound but kept a lot of the passion of the original intact, so it will be fun to see that one circulate both with fans of the original and new fans who are too young to know the first version. Snow on the Sahara is live now on SoundCloud and BandCamp and will hit all the other music platforms January 11th.
Tell us a few things about your new song ‘That Love’. What is the main idea behind it?
well most of my songs usually start with a beat that I produce. The idea comes from the vibe I was getting from working on it and tossing out some hooks and Melodie’s until I came upon the lyrics I wanted. The lyrics actually have nothing to do with current relations but are rather inspired from past flings and motives.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
sex, sex and sex. (Insert blushing face)
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Kanye West, hands down. He’s my number one goat because he does all 3 so well.
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
No absolutely not, but I believe they do still play a part. I believe most labels are still gate keepers using direct connections with Spotify to push their artists songs.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I have a little bit of everything on my artist portfolio so it can vary between emotions. But I understand the state of mind people can experience will vary within their lifetime so I try to make different songs for different occasions.
One last thing we should know about you?
I’m winging everything as I go Including this interview
Tell us a few things about your new song “Your Energy”. What is the main idea behind it?
People often equate the word ‘energy’ to experiences they’ve had with building a solid connection with another person and the feelings that come when the energy between them is positive. That’s what I’ve tried to accomplish in my song “Your Energy” – a song that inspires us to create and manifest connections that bring a positive energy that is enriching to our lives, allows us to feel safe and be our true selves, and gives way to have moments of transparency and vulnerability.
How would you describe your musical progress over the years?
My progress has definitely grown over the last 7 years that I’ve been an artist. My sound has changed along the way from being more Jazz/Gospel based to now being a fusion artist that combines multiple genres together to create something new. I’ve also grown as a producer and took it more seriously over the last 3 years. Overall, I’m always in evolution mode: always evolving and growing as the years go by.
What first got you into music?
My parents were actually the ones who pushed me to do music because they recognized that I had a musical gift and they wanted to bring it out. I didn’t start to enjoy it until I got to high school and saw that it was something that I could be great at and pursue further.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I really enjoy playing my music live and connecting with my audience in person. It has been one of the hardest things during this pandemic to not be able to perform live in front of crowds, but I’m glad that things are getting back to some sort of normal. I love the process of preparing for a live show and playing with my band.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced was getting my music played on radio stations in Canada, as well as playing at certain events. Being a fusion artist, sometimes it’s hard to get performance opportunities because my music is not only instrumental, but it’s so unique, different and not the norm.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I pour out all my emotions and I put a lot of passion into my music, so I want people to have an open mind to understand and to connect with the feelings and the message that my music portrays. I want people to be inspired to dig deep into themselves when they listen.
What would you say is your biggest vice?
My biggest vice would have to be my pickiness when it comes to my music. I’m very particular about what I want and if it’s not done in the way I need it to be, it bothers me.
Tell us a few things about your new work. What is the main idea behind it?
Is to make people aware there is strength, knowledge, health, wealth, happiness, and a true miracle when we create the necessary time to connect oneself, through our mind, body and soul. This deep connection allows us to see beyond our sights, to here even the smallest insect crawling on the ground and to feel every vibration around us.
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
Every single song in the album reflects me as they are all conceived by me, each track bears my legacy. However, “Life Nah Jeje” reflects actualized ME. it depicts my realization of life in a more holistic manner thanks to the healthy free time of reconnect with myself. Life is not about the quantity but the quality of what we understand and live of it, it is not about what we behold but the mystery it reserves. Understanding of some of these aspects allows us to craft our life bearing in mind the answer to everything is beyond human comprehension. We know of our born, but we do not know of dawn. It is the enigma that is LIFE!
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
It is hard to say or choose. I enjoy doing both equally. The writing moment is what I call a haunted moment, it can invade me anytime, any day and any where. That moment is indescribable, it’s moment which there is you, the song and everything the song speaks about. I see, I live I feel every character and scenario that makes the song. That moment on is own is magical. That feeling of relief when I am done, like, I have just given voice to someone or people that has been speaking within me is a healing. Performance is holy or ritual moment where every character in my lyrics manifests in it entire form, is it that moment of between the physical and soulfulness or spiritual-ness or better still TRANCE mode for those who can understand what it is. A moment that once again I am not in control and that when I am done, I feel like a child who just came into the world. It is a very beautiful feeling no amount of money or compromise can take away from me. I feel this because I understand this is my purpose in life. I am a channel from which messages and healings, or soothing are convened to others. Therefore, writing and performance weigh equally for me.
Your music has lovely grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.
Thanks for that! It’s nice to hear my songs have lovely grooves. Every song has its soul, context, and purpose for me. I do not really plan to write for the sake of groove but from within my heart and leave the judgment to God who gave me the gift and the people to determine. Because every composer, creator has their unique stories, live experiences and context I cannot wish to have been in their position, I can only enjoy their grooves and appreciate God for their talents and efforts. I spend time to learn more about similar artists such as Fela Kuti, Victor Uwaifo, King Sunny Ade and others who inspires me. I have learned from them that not only it is good to create groove or lend voices to raise awareness but caring for those around us also matters a lot which is why I have an amazing musician from Nigeria I have maintained and invested in over the years, and we are one family. That beauty of togetherness I believe strongly contributes to make some beautiful grooves while juggle between physical and soul in my creation processes!
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I love to share some good time with family members and friends, I like to go for long walks in the nature or waterfront, I love to shop gift for close relatives and friends, and I love to cook my favorite specialties for people. I also just like to live by myself in silence sometimes.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I would be a nurse or a social worker. Being able to help someone in need just makes me so happy, it is a healing for me. I still do it with my music based on testimonials I receive but yes, I would be either of the two above so happily.
I started creating music because I had a difficult time understanding how I felt about situations, and writing lyrics gave me a way to dig deeper and understand my emotions, so that’s where I start usually. I write lyrics first. Sometimes I’ll listen to some moody instrumentals to get the creative juices flowing, then write something that fits the mood and reflects how I feel. After that I create music for it. I usually want the music and the lyrics to speak to what emotions the listener should feel when listening to the song. I have a tendency to listen to songs on repeat that reflect the mood I’m in, so that’s what I want to offer the listener, something they can really vibe out to and get lost in.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
Wow. That’s a tough one. Most of my lyrics speak to me very strongly at some point, but of the songs I’ve released I think the song World so Cold best reflects my tendencies. The devil on my shoulder is always whispering “life is unfair” and “people are selfish”. That song embodies those thoughts. It’s a feeling everyone has in their darkest days—feeling alone and empty, like no one cares. It’s relatable to anyone and everyone, and that’s why those are the lyrics I’m most proud of.
“World so cold heart so warm/beautiful rose covered in thorns/hurt before defense is up/everyone’s indifferent”
Favourite album of the past decade?
The music I listen to is constantly changing depending on what’s going on in my life, but right now I’ve been really enjoying Kevin Garrett’s Hoax. It’s rare for me to find an album where I don’t skip at least one song, and I never skip anything on this album.
What would be your dream performance venue?
I don’t really have a dream performance venue. I haven’t had a show yet, and I don’t know if I ever will. I get the most enjoyment out of writing lyrics and creating music, so I don’t know if the performance aspect of being an artist is something I’m interested in.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
As cliché as it sounds, chase your dreams. It’s something you hear all the time, but few people do it. I was so worried about what people would think about my music or if their opinion of me would change, and it held me back. I think the most beneficial lesson I’ve had in life is stop basing what you do on the opinion of others. It’s important to care about and understand what others think from an empathetic and self-aware aspect, but don’t let those opinions decide what you do with your time. It’s your life.
What would you say is your biggest vice?
I try not to have vices since they’re a negative behavior, but I do have a tendency to procrastinate, so I guess sloth would be most accurate.
Tell us a few things about your new song “Night Ride”. What is the main idea behind it?
Night Ride was written just after I passed my driving test, it was a great feeling to finally have that freedom. I had a lot of happy memories driving around with somebody and this song came out when I was playing around on the guitar. I think I had been listening to a lot of FINNEAS and some of those melodies were floating around. I wanted this track to be one I could drive to and just feel good.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
Probably, ‘I ain’t no genie, but I could sweep you off your feet if you just fly with me’ Aladin vibes.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
FINNEAS, Ed Sheeran, Raleigh Ritchie, Eminem, Stormzy are all very random but true inspirations.
What would you change in the music industry?
Apologies, I’m not sure I understand the question. I wouldn’t change anything about the music industry!
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve been given is to put my ego aside, a lot of musicians get trapped in trying to be better than others or thinking they’re above things (which as a younger teen I admittedly did) but I’ve learned a lot in working hard and staying humble.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I went viral on TikTok for impersonating a character called Jim from the UK television series ‘Friday Night Dinner’ I hit around 6 million views and that’s probably… my most useless talent haha.
HipHop Paranoia 