Today Next In Show brings you an indie rapper, who is not only a creative artist, but a phenomenal lyricist as well. Lyriciss represents everything that is right with hip hop now a days; from a humble attitude to always staying true to himself. Check out the exclusive interview below, where Lyriciss talks about being from the suburbs, influences, and being a part of the upcoming indie music festival, SXSW.
Next In Show x Lyriciss x
Exclusive Interview
Where
did you grow up?
I was born in Washington,
DC, but was raised mostly in Maryland. Prince George's County, specifically -
Hyattsville, Brentwood, & New Carrollton.
Did you grow up in the city or in the suburbs?
It was the suburbs, but
the thing with PG County is that...it's right outside of DC. So we share the
same culture as DC, from music to fashion to food, and unfortunately, in crime.
So it's a suburban area with a lot of the same issues as DC...murder, drugs,
low income, etc. It's sad when you look at the situation, because most families
move out of DC to get away from all of that, and while it's somewhat to a
lesser degree, it's really the same old thing.
Would you say you were a product of your environment?
Definitely so. But I'll
also say that I aim to be a positive product of my environment. I've done
things that I shouldn't have while younger...it comes with growing into a man.
You test the waters, but I also always had a strong support system with my
family and their values, so I never went too far off the deep end. I'm blessed,
and I really try to use my music to show others who may not have been or still
may not be as fortunate that there's better lives to lead than what we're told
or shown.
What music influenced you most as a young Lyriciss?
My older brother...for
better or worse, he influenced me a lot. A lot of morals and values were taught
by him. My mother also supported me through everything, especially with her
being heavily involved in the arts herself. She sings, draws, paints, writes
poems, makes crafts...she's very artistic, so that played a role in me
developing into the arts. As far as other artists, I listened to a lot of DMX,
Jay-Z, Joe Budden, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Nas, Eminem, and more when I started
to take music really serious as a teenager.
Cut
to today, and within the last year you have been named as one of the hottest
underground, upcoming artists to emerge from the earth period. What is your
secret?
I just speak my mind and
speak my heart. I think the problem with the game is everybody's focused on
being hot and finding the formula, trying to sound like whatever is hot. Even
back home right now, the most popular artist in DC is Fat Trel. Sure enough,
there's a lot of new rappers there trying to sound like Fat Trel now. I don't
do that...I just try to sound like me. I even go as far as to changing my flow
and voice up a little bit if I ever get compared to anyone. Nobody wants to
hear a carbon copy...people want something new, and I can't bring something new
to the table by copying someone else, so I just do me to the fullest.
You have been recognized on such blogs as Allhiphop.com and UK-based hip-hop site Rawroots.com for your stand out swag. I wanted to point out the fact that you are a part of URB Magazine’s Future 1000 Program. Can you explain what that is for people that don’t know?
Well, the URB Next 1000
was a program that they ran to give new artists exposure. You'd submit your
music and if it was good, they'd post you and blast it out. They even have (or
had...not sure if they still do it) another level to it, which was the Next
100, but I never reached that level because I was already on to the next thing.
I'll admit, I kinda loafed on getting the people to fully support that one.
How has your career changed since signing to Inner Loop Records?
A lot more team support,
I feel. They're an independent label, so it's not any big-budget thing, but
they really take time out to make sure the music comes out right with me. We
sit down and go over ideas, from pre-production to recording to
post-production. We figure out the right sequencing for the projects together.
They give their honest opinions on the music, which has honestly made me come
out with the best music of my entire career, I feel. I used to do my own thing
before...write the songs, record it, bong. Now, we really put together a
strategy, from the music to the marketing of it all. Even the idea of the multiple
EPs leading to the album and deciding on using an abstract artist to draw the
covers was a team decision. So yeah...it makes things easier.
The man that put me on to you was FlowJo Stevo originally from Highbridge, South Bronx, NY. He know moved out to San Diego, CA to take his career to the next level. What are you doing to take yourself to the next level?
Peace to the homie
Flowjo, man! Just making the best quality music I can...going left while the
rest of the world goes right. The entire presentation of the project, as I mentioned
earlier, has made me stand out more. Killing these live shows has made me stand
out. I'm about to head down to SXSW and do 3 or 4 shows, if not more, just so I
can now reach more people and show them what my vision and my sound is. I'm
expecting this year to be a defining one for me, because I've finally truly
found myself as an artist.
The Balance: Money EP was recently released and is in rotation as we speak. Does the EP have a concept? If not explain the title.
Well, it goes like
this...the first track that started it all was "The Balance". In the
beginning, I started it off by saying,
"Money...power...respect...heart...yeah, I'm just lookin' for that
balance!" Truth be told, "The Balance" is more than just a song,
but it's a mentality, a lifestyle. For better or worse, we all yearn for money,
power, respect, and strength/purity of heart to some degree. It's all about
finding what degree and balance of the four qualities will better you as a
person. Once you find that, you've got your Balance. Some people find it...some
people never do...but we live searching for it. I've decided to name my EPs
leading to the debut album, The Balance, after those 4 qualities and have the
songs on each one themed around the subtitle. The Balance: Money had 4 songs in the realm of the money
subject.
Will there be more EP’s to The Balance?
Indeed...we already
dropped Respect & Money. Next up will be Heart, then Power. We'll drop the full debut album, The Balance, in the fall.
The
Balance EP: Money (2012)
http://lyriciss.bandcamp.com/album/the-balance-respect-ep
Not only hip-hop, but also all music is in a transition period right now. What do you think of where it is headed?
Not only hip-hop, but also all music is in a transition period right now. What do you think of where it is headed?
I think the music is
going back to being diverse for the masses. The commercial radio scene is dying
nowadays...the internet and satellite radio is getting more listens. With that
comes more freedom for the DJs to play what they find dope, so it's just really
a lot of different sounds. I like it that way, though.
What music do you have playing in heavy rotation at the moment?
I listen to a lot of
artists...I'm a fan first, artist second, you know? Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole,
Pro'Verb, Scolla, Wale, Skyzoo, Gods'Illa, Phil Ade, Logic, L./\., D. Julien,
Dee Goodz, Kool Klux Klan, Dom O Briggs, Nike Nando, K-Beta, Laelo, Sketch, Tef
Wesley, Joe Budden...there's a lot more, man. That's without even going into
music outside of hip-hop that I listen to, also. Love that "Scott Pilgrim
vs. The World" soundtrack on the low. *laughs*
Possibly the most important festival for new/indie artists is coming up this month known as SXSW. You are lucky enough to be performing this year. How are you feeling about it?
I'm feeling great, man. I
went last year and only did one show...this year, I'm looking like I have about
4 shows locked, and Lord willing, I'll hustle my way on to some more shows
while I'm out there. I'm excited...it's an opportunity to make what you have
going on a big deal if you use it right, so that's my whole plan...take over
everything that I can.
What are your expectations for the next 3 years?
3
albums...tours...providing for my family...bringing a positive influence to
this game...opening doors for the community and other artists back home.
Anything that falls under all of that, let's go.
How do you plan on reaching those goals?
By staying focused,
driven, and positive. It's on me to make great music. It's on my team to
connect me with people that can help our situation and keep me focused. It's on
my fans and supporters to go 150% for me so we all win...my supporters are more
than faceless people to me. I have so many tweets on Twitter because I really
make an effort to answer anyone who hits me up with love...I really appreciate
it. I rock with them just as much as they rock with me. So with all things
moving in the right direction, we'll reach the goals.
Thanks for your time Lyriciss. Your next in show
Thank you,
man...appreciate the opportunity. Much love.
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