As a bass player, would it be safe to assume that your tracks start always with the bass line? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
No, I unfortunately left my bass back home in Italy, therefore here in LA I can’t do that yet. Usually my tracks start more with keys, since that is my main instrument but it can also start with drums or with any exciting sample. “Peach Flavored Vodka” is actually the first song I started with a bassline but I’ll definitely do that more in the future.
Since I’m a producer, I love to start producing and writing at the same time. The distinction between the two often blurs for me, since production gives me endless possibilities of where a song can go. Other times I write piano songs and then turn those into hip hop beats. All the first songs I wrote were mainly piano songs.
Your video describes your 15-year-old past self. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Enjoy every moment while it lastsand embrace your age.
Favorite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Kanye West (both)
Moving from South Tyrol to Berlin and then to LA, which are the main differences between these places and what do they have in common?
South Tyrol stands basically for small town / countryside vibes. It is very quiet, peaceful, people are very friendly but there’s not really an artistic open-mindedness. The mountains, even though they’re beautiful, unfortunately block people’s horizon.Berlin and LA, on the other hand, are major cities where you can be whoever you want to be. Berlin just has the downside that its music business is still limited in its variety and you won’t find enough support to sustain your career in every genre you’d like to create.In LA you have the wholemusic business and that’s why it became my current home.Aside from artistic freedom, it is also the center of the music industry, which inspires you to keep pushing because you know there arepossibilities forsustaining your career.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
Audrey Nuna
Favorite music related film?
Inside Llewyn Davis
Any future plans?
Becoming successful in the industry, either as an artist or as a producer.
Hello my name is Albert Collins Williams IV so that’s where my stage name came from. shocking my list of bad rap names is only two I started 0ff as POETIClly inspired then I switched to collin_the inspiration so third time the charm I think I will stick with iv_collin. I started rapping my freshman year of high school but really started taking it serious my sophomore year after doing a poetry unit for my English class.
Describe your sound in three words
I would describe my sound as introspective, relatable & gritty I do my best to not sugarcoat anything with my music I want you to feel like you know me as if we been friends for years.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
If I can talk to younger me I’ll tell myself to never change be yourself everything will be okay. I chose this lyric because think of how much time we waste trying to seek validation from people who will never give it to you. Not to mention that most of them are trying to seek their validation from someone else.
Best Hip Hop album ever?
Alright not you tryna got me in trouble haha I know the typical answer is the blueprint by Jay Z or illmatoic by Nas. But this a hard question but ill give you a couple options I think are the best.
Good kid mad city by Kendrick Lamar My Beautiful dark twisted fantasy Kanye west 2014 forrest hill drive J Cole To Pimp a butterfly Kendrick Lamar
Why are misogyny and sexism so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?
You know at times it feels like we are stuck in the past but honestly I feel like the women in hip hop are breaking dow n barriers for years now look at Cardi b, Meg the stallion , Rapsody and the city girls.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
I think Jon Keith is an hidden gem I been listening to his album anti hero a lot this year .
Favorite music related film?
I would say 50 Cent get rich or die trying I grew up in the 50 cent era so that movie means a lot to me.
Any future plans?
My futures plans are investing more mercy for my label H.W.N.S (Hustlers With No Sympathy) I just made some new stickers that everyone should checkout at hustlerswithnosympathy.com. also I’m working on the sophomore album Last Call to Paradise the first single Seat at the table is available now.
My name is David Jordan Larkins. A lot of my friends call me Davi Jordan, and musically, I go by Blaze Trackz. I am a hip hop artist, composer, producer and engineer. I was raised in Newburgh, NY (a suburb outside of NYC), and currently reside in North Hollywood, California. I have had a hell of a life, and could talk about it for hours. Some good, some bad, but it has all helped me to find myself, and a path of living and thinking that I endorse and try to spread through the music I do. I consider the music that I do as “Virtue Rap”- a style that pushes forth support of fellow man, mutual respect, and a sense of responsibility in the community and household. Also, it has a turn toward fiscal awareness and responsibility. A brief of my life with highlights is that I dealt heavily in illegal activities at one point, have been married and divorced, have been homeless for a set of time, achieved a bachelor’s degree from a major university, and have found the Lord Jesus Christ and love in my current relationship with my fiance, Whitney. Wow. Listing that off was a journey for me in itself. Nonetheless, a lot has happened and I’m proud to say that it has helped me grow as a man. I try to push the idea of love and growth in my music.
Describe your sound in 3 words
Three words to describe my sound are altruistic, poetic, and analytical.
Altruistic because, at the core of the music I do, I do put forward care about how I can affect those who listen to my music. Lyrically, I enter the songwriting process asking questions of who my audience is, what their needs are, and how I can relate. Music is a conversation, so without a 2 way street, there isn’t much connection.
Poetic because I love words. Finding the right ones to express the right thing, in the most concise manner. Sometimes I can be long-winded, so maybe cogency is not the strong point for me, but my aim is to cut through. Metaphors that nurture relatability are important for me.
Analytical because I am a producer and composer, too. I enter the engineering side of things thinking about tempo, tone, and mood so I can give my fans the best experience possible when listening. I have an upcoming record, FAITH. “Gang Gang” is a cut off of that project. I hope listeners can hear the story that I am trying to tell and how I intertwine the music together to try by best to draw on big picture.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer
Favorites are difficult, because art is so subjective. When naming a favorite, what can I base things on? As a rapper, if I base it off of passion, Tupac Shukar. but if I base it off of overall longevity and success, Jay-Z. Last, if I base it off of lyricism, I’d have to go with J. Cole. But there are so many great artists out there, I could go on for days on my influences and why each one is amazing. My favorite producer is Timbaland. He has always broken the mold, and I am very influenced by his sound when I produce.
Best Hip Hop album ever
For me, the best Hip Hop album ever is “Get Rich Or Die Trying”, by 50 Cent. The cohesivity of that project is breathtaking.
Top Hidden Gem Artist
One artist I love to listen to, a newer artist, is Reason off of the TDE imprint. That would be a Hidden Gem Artist, for sure. Lyrically, he’s dope. If you haven’t taken a listen, I would recommend,100%. That’s for rap. As a producer, and for any composers out there, if you make beats or sample or anything, listen to Labi Saffre, Donny Hathaway, and anything under the Jazz music genre. I promise it will add to your sound immensely.
Future plans
After releasing the “Gang Gang” record (dropping 11/1/20), which is sort of a commentary on the socioeconomic environment we live in today, I am planning on releasing my new record, “FAITH: For Anyone Interested To Hear”. Working through this now, but most of it is done. “FAITH” is around 14 tracks, not sure if it will stay that way, but it is fully produced, written and recorded by me. This project is and speaks to a slew of topics including personal relationships and how to navigate through insecurity and grow. It also speaks to my actual faith in Christianity, values as a man, and transformation into a more mature mindset. The content I would say is a bit conscious, but this is not a traditionally conscious rap record as the composition and feel is more mainstream.
I hope that following the entire COVID pandemic, when that is all over, I can get in some solid performances. I just really want my music to reach as many people as possible, so that is the goal. Pushing hard on connecting with my people via social media in the meantime, IG, Twitter, TikTok, all of it. Just trying to continue to connect and help others through their lives with my art.
Hey everyone, my name is Loby, I am an Alternative R&B and Hip-Hop artist that is practicing and improving my craft everyday. Loby is not just me as a person, but more of a movement about my, and the listeners emotions. My goal is to allow listeners to enjoy a sound that they might not have ever heard of while also relating to it on a deeper scale.
Describe your sound in 3 words
I think three words that describe my sound are ambient, smooth, and sensual but taking those words into account, I still use sounds that respect the classics in both R&B and Hip-Hop genres.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer
Although my sound is not like his, my favorite rapper is definitely Kendrick Lamar, G.K.M.C changed my perspective on creating music as a whole, as not only are the lyrics and sound amazing, but the story is so amazing displayed that it made me reevaluate everything. My favorite lyricist is André 3000. He was most definitely ahead of his time as you knew whether it was with Outkast or as a feature, he always does and still can deliver. My favorite producer is Illangelo as his work on The Weeknd’s early projects most definitely influence my sound.
Best Hip Hop album ever
In my opinion, as mentioned above my favorite Hip-Hop/Rap album is good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Just everything about it is so game changing, I still can’t believe Kendrick got snubbed at the Grammys. He was robbed.
Top Hidden Gem Artist
The top hidden gem artist that I am listening to is this artist named Brakence. This guy is crazy talented and could do it all. He is more of an alternative/indie artist but his voice and flow is absolutely ridiculous. Just listen to his songs ‘sauceintherough’ and ‘dropout’ and you’ll instantly become a fan.
Future plans
My future plans are just to continue dropping more music with also my first music video coming soon and a potential face reveal soon. I have plenty more in store and I am more than excited to show you all 🙂
My name is Jay Gudda. I hail from New England. Listen!
Describe your sound in 3 words
I DO ME!
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer
My favorite rapper and lyricist has always been Lil Wayne. There are so many great producers that it’s hard to choose just one. If I had to answer, I’d say my favorite producer is Kanye West.
Best Hip Hop album ever
I can’t speak for anyone else, but my personal favorite album is still Tha Carter from 2004.
Top Hidden Gem Artist
Jay Gudda
Future plans
Everything is calculated, but not everything can be planned for. Expect to hear nothing but A+ music from Jay Gudda over the next few months. If you like the way that tastes, I have a special EP coming your way. Shhh.
Hello we’re ‘Soundaze’, an alternative experimental hip hop band based in Los Angeles California. Made up of three members, two vocalists (Daywu Xin and Love, Pax) and a producer (Redbeard). From Los Angeles to Toronto. We consistently collaborate with a flurry of artists in our creative family/network too. A wide net family of visual artists, musicians, designers and directors that we hold close.
Describe your sound in 3 words
Eclectic, Emotive, Vibey
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer
Love, Pax:
My favorite rapper of all time is Murs. I love the way he’s able to weave such incredible storytelling into his verses, like a paintbrush on canvas, you can really “see” what he’s saying on the song. My favorite lyricist has gotta be DayWu though. One of the main reasons I wanted to start writing songs with him. And you can probably guess my personal favorite producer based on that too – Redbeard. I really like Greaf as a producer though as well.
Redbeard:
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer
-Gotta say Murs as well, grew up listening to him with pax. Rip mac miller as well. Lots of producers come to mind, but jake one has gotta be one of my favorites.
DayWu Xin:
So many favorite mc’s but my go to answer is Nas. The elegance and brilliance in his rhyme schemes and his profound sense of clarity on the world’s issues. That mastery of social psychology is something that I strive to present in my work. Lyrically gotta throw love back at Love, Pax. There’s an education, cleverness and intelligence in his words that conjures up some serious original ideas. My list can go on but we only have so much time. Producer I love Kaytranada. Fellow Canadian but masterful in his range and I simply just get inspired by his instrumentation. Part of why I got back into music.
Best Hip Hop album ever
Love, Pax:
This is obviously one of the hardest questions ever to even attempt to answer, and truthfully I don’t have a favorite. I don’t want to cop out though so I’m gonna go with “The Infamous” by Mobb Deep. It was the first album that I learned the lyrics to front to back.
Redbeard:
Tough to choose, gonna go with stankonia by Outkast. The black album by Jay Z was one of the first albums my mom ever bought me so that ones high on my list.
DayWu Xin:
Favorite hip hop album is Illmatic by Nas
Top Hidden Gem Artist
Love, Pax: Right now that’s between two female MC’s that I really love, Wynne and Biig Piig
Redbeard: Soundaze I think his name is, check that guy out.
Daywu Xin: There’s a mellow rock band based in Autralia called MTNS and they make great chill music. And those guys over at Soundaze are putting their hearts into some of the best music out there.
Future plans
We are dropping a 16 track project called ‘Love, Vote & Mutiny’ at the end of the month. Videos are also dropping. We plan to keep getting our music out there. A couple of us dabble in film and television too and we’ve got some exciting new movies and tv show appearances coming out.
My name is RATEDARE, I am a southern rapper/producer and sometimes singer located at Dallas. I’ve been producing for 5 years but been involved with music since I was 6. I love many genres of music. You can catch me bumping A7X, AC/DC, and Foo Fighters one day, then the next bumping Pac, Q-tip, and Freddie Gibbs.
Describe your sound in 3 words
Formless, creative, unique
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer
Favorite rapper is Dylon(Dave Chappelle joke), but for real it’s Kendrick Lamar. He’s got too many flows. Favorite lyricist is Andre 3000. Favorite producer is J-Dilla. He’s crazy with samples!
Best Hip Hop album ever
3 way tie Kids See Ghost, To Pimp a Butterfly, and 17
Top Hidden Gem Artist
If not myself my homeboy XXPLICIT. He’s a cold killer on the mic.
Future plans
I’m working on a Project named FNORD. My new song Fare You Ready, (pronounced are you ready, the f is silent) is gonna be on the project. Besides that I’m trying build my legacy in this music industry. Anyone who listened to my music thank you. To all my fans stay tuned, love y’all!!
I am Kayvahn, a producer artist from California based in Europe with roots in Iran.
Describe your sound in 3 words
My sound is dark, driving and transportive
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer
My favourite rapper gotta be Kendrick, feels like a boring answer but he impresses me on so many levels as well as his music has been a background to most of my young adult life. I’m not really big on lyrics as I am on vibes but Frank Ocean always been someone who I always find myself analysing cuz of his insane concepts, word play and metaphors. Dream collab for sure. My favorite producer is Flume probably, he set an example for me about what being artistically true to yourself is really about which is something I still hold in my mind to this day.
Best Hip Hop album ever
good kid maad city if you ask me, I love west coast hiphop and this album really had an amazing list of great songs even outside its cultural impact. I still got money trees in rotation to this day.
Best live gig you have even been
When I was 14 I went to see Skrillex live, I was big into dance music back then and that night changed my life. Skrillex is also up there as one of my favorite producers. It was that night that I knew I would do music for the rest of my life.
Top Hidden Gem Artist
pre kai ro without a second thought, been tapped in with this dude before I even released a Kayvahn tune and seen him evolve. If you haven’t heard of him, he’s really on some other shit. Peep our song “when I get home”.
Future plans
Got too many plans to list right here right now but lots of big opportunities always seem to come my teams way. We don’t want to limit ourselves ever.
HipHop Paranoia 