Category: Meet The Artist

Meet The Artist

#MEETTHEARTISTMONDAYS : Meet R Locko

When it comes to ingenuity, creativity and lyricism, R Locko is a someone who epitomizes these things and embodies the definition of a true artist. This week we got a chance to hear more from him on his inspirations, his influences and his ideas on the underground culture.

 

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m from Virginia Beach, VA! Where we skate, create, and most importantly, SHOW LOVE!

 

Q: When and How did you discover that you had a passion for music?

A: CRAZY STORY! It was game 5 2014 NBA championship Heat vs. Spurs. My uncle and I had a freestyle battle over text during commercial and I guess I bodied my stanzas, because he came to me in person and told me I need to start recording what I’m writing. 3 months later, a week after I turned 16, I created my first song in a studio one of his homies from college owned. I always wrote since about 6th grade, but I never took action and really realized my passion until I released my first track in October of that year. (2014)

 

Q: . Who do you consider to be your biggest influences?

A: Definitely 3 artists musically, they’ve always influenced me and my life substantially from the physical to the metaphysical. In this order, ASAP ROCKY, TYLER, THE CREATOR, CHILDISH GAMBINO. Live Love ASAP, Bastard, Because the Internet. CLASSICS. Skateboarding really fuels the way in which I create as well, before music I was trying to go pro skateboarding.

 

Q: What has been the hardest thing for you to overcome as a creative?

A: The feeling of complacency. There are times where Ill create and create and create, and not feel as though I’m evolving in the ways that I should. My brain is like a movie reel with no cut. I’m always getting new ideas for songs, but its the boundaries and limits of those songs that make me feel boxed within my own confines of imagination. I haven’t figured out how to stimulate all the senses with the sound yet.

 

Q: . What do you think is your biggest accomplishment thus far?

A: Being able to meet the new faces, and just seeing the journey’s folds. You know, new energies, new inspiration, new places and ideals! A lotta people get caught up in the milestones and whatnot but for me, its about the distanced traveled towards those milestones that make me feel sedimented. The failures, the in-betweens, behind the scenes are always cooler than the curtain call.

 

Q: What upcoming projects do you have in store for this year?

A: I have a project called “T.A.S.T.E.” coming out this summer. Its sort of an idiom on the wave of short-term music coming out since the Soundcloud wave came and went. Whole lotta autotune, pretty much parody on how easy it is to harmonize and create without meaning, LOL. My next project is called, “BODY EVERYTHING 19” an annual installment of LOCK. Straight heat, heavy hitter project. Then I have, “Autotune Blues” coming for the winter. I have ALOT in store this year, execution is key. 

 

Q: How do you feel about the underground scene? Do you feel as if it is too oversaturated and unoriginal?

A:  VERY UNORIGINAL. Oversaturated? Maybe.. Nowadays, I’m a lot more focused on who actually has something to show and say, than those who have something to gain from this shit. Clout isn’t currency to me, nor is currency consistency. Its so easy to sellout and lose your image and your reality as a human being. To me, an artist is the most human you can be, and how that humanity can be portrayed sonically. The vibe shit coo though, FOR THE PIONEERS THO (that was their original style)

 

Q: What qualities about yourself do you feel separates you from other artists?

A: My versatility, I can basically do anything with my own twist. I also do it all myself! STUDIO TIME??!?!? I have something to say to. Every song portrays a state of consciousness, within its field of energy. There’s only ONE LION in this jungle. 

 

Q: What was your biggest failure as an artist and how did you overcome it?

A: My biggest failure as an artist was and still is not believing in myself. It sucks being discouraged from time to time with my talents fighting the battle with real life at the same time. To overcome that, I must physically instill my ability into myself through banging my own shit and rapping to myself. I look at the DMs and love shown over the years from time to time to reassure myself that I’m touching people with what I express. Its sucks when you feel unimpressive, but for all my artists out here; FUCK THAT SHIT. YOU GOT THIS. YOU FEEL IT. SOMEBODY GOTTA FEEL IT TOO.

 

Q: What advice do you have to upcoming artists who want to make a name for themselves?

A: TAKE. YOUR. TIME. Only work with who YOURE INTERESTED IN. REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED. I’d also say, don’t believe what you see online. Overnight success took at least 7 years.. think about that. LOC FROM DA V YALL. BLACKHEARTSCLUB IS THE BEST PLATFORM FOR YOU; REAL ASPIRING ARTISTS.

 

Stay connected with R Locko on social media as well as his streaming platforms.

IG: R.LOCKO

TWITTER: RLOCKO47

SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/r-locko-1

ITUNES: Apple Music

SPOTIFY: Spotify

 

“ON GOD” Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

 

Meet The Artist

#MEETTHEARTISTMONDAYS : Meet OohSmoke

When it comes to versatility, ingenuity and originality, OohSmoke is a young artist from Portsmouth who is breaking barriers. This week we got the chance to hear from the artist as he shares with us more on his musical journey, his background and his aspirations as an artist.

Question: Where are you from?

 

Answer: Portsmouth, Virginia

 

 Q: When and How did you discover that you had a passion for music?

 

A: I discovered my passion for music shortly after graduating high school in 2016, I knew it was always in me because my pops was crazy with the shit. I started out playfully making songs & posting them to SoundCloud from my cellphone & though I was clearly joking around, my friends thought that I should take it serious and make real songs, which I did. I was making good records & ever since then I haven’t looked back since!

 

 Q: Who do you consider to be your biggest influences?

 

A: My biggest influences would be my Dad who’s worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. Also, Kid Cudi. I’m a huge fan of Kid Cudi. I pray to have an impact on kids’ lives as he did on mine. Young Thug is another big influence. Lastly, Michael Jackson the GREATEST TO EVER DO IT!

Q: What has been the hardest thing for you to overcome as a creative?

 

A: Writers block would have been one of the toughest things to overcome as a creative & also the balancing of real-life situations while still maintaining the hunger & drive of being an artist & still putting out good quality records (which isn’t that hard for me)

Q: What do you think is your biggest accomplishment thus far? 

 

A: My biggest accomplishment would have to had been getting the co-sign from Teddy Riley whose a legend in the game and has also worked and produced some of my idols (Michael Jackson) biggest hits, I guess it’s more like an personal accomplishment.

 Q: What upcoming projects do you have in store for this year?

 

A: I won’t go into detail about the projects that I have upcoming this year but I can say that I have 2-3 projects coming in 2019!

 

 Q: How do you feel about the underground scene? Do you feel as if it is too oversaturated and unoriginal?

 

A: The underground scene is cool I guess! The shit is definitely too unoriginal though! Too many egos not enough love.  The shit is full of talent though. I’m def one whose trying to go mainstream, I’m trying crossover and do all type of shit in the game.

 

 Q: What qualities about yourself do you feel separates you from other artists?

 

A: My voice within itself. I have a very distinctive voice a voice that can’t be multiplied nor duplicated. My mindset is another thing that sets me apart. I think very different from others! I’m not afraid to step out the box and try new shit. One day I can give u trap vibe & the next I could be on some dancehall shit. There are really no limits to my creativity and I’m very open minded! But more than anything I am MYSELF I never try to copy or imitate any other artist. I rarely listen to any other artist besides me and my niggas shit. That way I know any ideas generated came from smoke and only smoke. Don’t get me wrong though, I do listen all genres of music to learn from, etc.

Q: What was your biggest failure as an artist and how did you overcome it?

 

A: Honestly I can’t remember any big failure for me just yet, but I am prepared for it because it happens to the best of us.

 

 Q: What advice do you have to upcoming artists who want to make a name for themselves?

 

A: My advice to any upcoming artist trying to prove himself would be for him or her to be themselves, remain genuine, trust the process and know that no one human can put limitations on you or what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to be different and try new things. Know the difference in those who really fuck with you or those who are trying to benefit from you. Travel and expand your music beyond your current living state. Believe in yourself and know your worth! Study the game and study the industry. Lastly, remain humble always!

Check out Oohsmoke on his musical platforms as well as follow him on social media. Also, be sure to check out his performance at our third anniversary showcase OFF THE WALL 3 June 21 at Charlie’s American Cafe in Norfolk, Va!

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/oohsmoke/1239973724

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/oohsmoke

Twitter: @oohsmoke

IG: @oohsmoke456

Meet The Artist

#MeetTheArtistMondays Lil Percy

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Coming from the 804, Lil Percy aka Positive Percy, is an artist who prides himself in keeping the underground culture thriving in the Richmond area. In addition to making music, the outspoken, young artist has made a name for himself by hosting house shows in the Richmond area. This week the artist took the time to answer a few of our questions about his journey as an artist. Check it out!

1. Where are you from
Richmond, RVA
2. When and How did you discover that you had a passion for music?
I was like 4 and I was listening to Nelly in the car on the way to a swimming pool and I remember in my head I was like basically this shit sweet I was listening to Hot In Here that song still goes crazy
3. Who do you consider to be your biggest influences?
Lil B, made a nigga extra positive about the outcome of life and just made me accept myself for who I am seeing who he is, Being Based is really about doing you and keeping positive and I respect this lifestyle, Lil B must be protected. I remember first hearing him in 2011 I was 13 years old (I’m 20 now)
4. What has been the hardest thing for you to overcome as a creative?
Just knowing that not everyone is going to like what you create and knowing I shouldn’t try to please everyone, I please myself more than anybody and sometimes people don’t like that I guess but…I can’t make everyone happy
5. What do you think is your biggest accomplishment thus far?
Getting signed to Black House
6. What upcoming projects do you have in store for this year?
Man I just dropped Extort The Bag 2018, I got my first album coming out under Black House Records called REVENGE, And it’s coming out March or April on Everything, and I got more Extort The Bag mixtapes coming soon all on physical CD and SoundCloud only
7. How do you feel about the underground scene? Do you feel as if it is too oversaturated and unoriginal?
I mean the current underground scene is pretty decent to me cause if you REALLY know the Underground on the East Coast niggas would know shit good over here and won’t listen to an artist that aint really underground or ain’t really themselves, it’s easy to tell
8. What qualities about yourself do you feel separates you from other artists?
I’m a cloud rapper, a sensational cloud rapper and that’s really the last of a dying breed of sub genre in Hip-Hop, and it’s not a lot of us left plus I don’t feel like I sound like anyone else
9. What was your biggest failure as an artist and how did you over come it? Just other people I associated with, sometimes not everyone is for you and you have to accept that, acceptance is key.
10. What advice do you have to upcoming artists who want to make a name for themselves? Don’t do nothing harder than weed
Keep up with Lil Percy on social media at the links and handles below!
IG: @positivefriendpercy
Twitter: @vacantmayne
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/percgod
Meet The Artist

#MeetTheArtistMondays: $inbad
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Photos by Aidan Templin

 

 

$inbad is Virginia underground artist from Fredericksburg, Virginia who is one of the most noteworthy artists to come from his area. The artist, who recently had the opportunity to open for Yung Pinch, took time to chat with us for #MeetTheArtistMondays and gives us a little background on who he is as a creative. Check it out!

Q. Where are you from?

A: I’m from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Born/raised and will probably never leave.

Q. When and How did you discover that you had a passion for music?

A: I guess you could say I was about 13 when I found my passion for it, except I never really perused it. My oldest brother Michael  AKA “Millz” (rip to the realest) used to make music in my parents basement, I would sit around and watch him and friends write rhymes and search beat pages and YouTube to record over, it always made me wanna go for it but being so young I was stupid and wanted to go out with friends instead.

Q. Who do you consider to be your biggest influences?

A: Slim shady ofcourse is my main influence, but besides that, I take influence from bones, pouya, germ, Black Smurf, Xavier wulf, Chris Travis, a lot of underground legends in my eyes. I could go on forever really. Music is just an influence in general.

Q. What has been the hardest thing for you to overcome as a creative?

A: Strictly worrying about myself. That’s a hard thing to do when there’s no many other creatives around you. The more I gained in music, i really started to relax about it and stopped giving a fuck.

Q. What do you think is your biggest accomplishment thus far?

A: Definitely working with some of my favorite artists, in example; Chuuwee, Black Smurf.  Also opening for some of my favorite artists and continuing to do so. I’ve opened for Chris Travis, Xavier wulf, Yung Pinch, I was supposed to open for Jgrxxn and Omenxiii but the show kinda went south, so next time on that one, But yeah I think those are some of my biggest accomplishments, also being in the “industry” for maybe a little over a year, and gaining well over 100k plays on soundcloud, gaining close to 1k fans, and just watching my progression, when I stepped in to this “game” I didn’t ease into it, I took the steps others didn’t take for years.

Q. What upcoming projects do you have in store for this year?

Q: I have a main project I’m working on, not speaking on that quite yet. Other than that, I’ll have another EP dropping this year, and also a project with a good homie of mine and a rad artist known as VOHRTEX. So yeah keep a lookout, I dropped an ep earlier this year called PITCH BLACK. So ima just keep it going heavy.

Q. How do you feel about the underground scene? Do you feel as if it is too oversaturated and unoriginal?

A: If anything, I think in the music industry as a whole, the underground is the only original thing we have anymore. I keep up with underground artists more than tmz keeps up with Kim K. Lol

There’s a few that I think are unoriginal, that bite other smaller artists style because they have a higher “clout” but I just ignore em. Can’t get away from clout chasers in 2018, gotta look past em.

8. What qualities about yourself do you feel separates you from other artists?

A: My drive to work hard, and to try and perfect every single syllable I say. Artists now a days will be lazy on a song just because they see other artists get away with it. In my opinion, I’m trying to bring my “mainstream” lyrical sound to the underground and show the underground it doesn’t have to be all about layers and vocal pitches and weird voices to sound cool. BUT IM NOT HATING, I LOVE WEIRD VOICES AND LAYERS IT JUST AINT FOR ME TO TRY haha most of the artist I listen too are what I just described lmao

9. What was your biggest failure as an artist and how did you over come it?

A: Straight up only L I’ve seen myself take so far was getting scammed on a verse by another underground artist that I really fucked with, i won’t say no names, but they know what’s up. I don’t take many Ls tho, I try and stay low key.

Q. What advice do you have to upcoming artists who want to make a name for themselves?

A: Enjoy what you make, cause if you don’t enjoy it; then what makes you think someone else will? Gotta show that you’re passionate. That’s really it.

Keep up with Sinbad on his social media at the links and handles below.

IG: @mcmillion_made

Twitter: @SINBADVA

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sinbadva

YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOXneFky-OA

 

$inbad – Sit Back

Meet The Artist

#MeetTheArtistMondays – 1 Pump

In an industry where authenticity is scarce, we love artists who are completely and unapologetically themselves 100% of the time. An artist who does a great job of keeping it real and displaying such individuality is 1 Pump.

If you follow this artist on Twitter or if you’ve heard any of his songs such as Beater Up or Sneeze on a Bitch (which features Ugly God) then you know that a filter is something he does not possess. In addition to proving that he doesn’t give a damn, the cyclops shades wearing rapper has also proved that he’s definitely an artist you want to keep your eye on. He’s even landed himself a shoutout from No Jumpers own Adam22 (CLOUTY). We recently reached out to the artist with a few questions to help viewers learn a bit more about the man behind the cyclops shades. Check out his responses below.

1. Where are you from

VA BEACH, VA

2. When and How did you discover that you had a passion for music?

I STARTED PLAYING THE DRUMS AT 2, MY BROTHER WAS THE RAPPER THO I ALWAYS THOUGHT ID PRODUCE BUT GETTING HIGH AND FREESTYLING TURNT ME INTO WHAT I AM TODAY

3. Who do you consider to be your biggest influences?

MICHAEL JACKSON – THERE IS NOBODY ELSE IN THIS WORLD THAT CAN MOOKWALK LIKE HIM… MEECH HITS DEM FOLKS BETTER DEN THEN ORIGINATOR. MJ THE ONLY ORIGINATOR THAT IS UNMATCHED … RIP

4. What has been the hardest thing for you to overcome as a creative?

OPINIONS, IF I LIKE IT DEN DAS ALL THAT MATTER… ITLL TOUCH SOMEONE SOMEWHERE, WHEN ITS SUPPOSE TO.

5. What do you think is your biggest accomplishment thus far?

MAKING RACKS FROM SNEEZE ON A BITCH, S/O UGLY GOD

6. What upcoming projects do you have in store for this year?

I GOT HELLA VIDS IN MY VAULT I GOT HELLA SONGS IN MY VAULT.. A #SLAYENT TAPE IS ALSO IN THE VAULT… AND A SLAY WEBSITE IS UNDERWAY

7. How do you feel about the underground scene? Do you feel as if it is too oversaturated and unoriginal?

IDK I DONT PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO ANYTHING, BUT ITS MAD RAPPERS AND ARTISTS THAT SOUND THE SAME BUT THATS ALWAYS GONNA BE A THING… LET THE CREATIVES CREATE TIL THEY DECIDE THEY DONE

8. What qualities about yourself do you feel separates you from other artists?

MY CYCLOPS SHADES OF FUCKING COURSE & MY GENUINE PERSONALITY

9. What was your biggest failure as an artist and how did you over come it?

GETTING SCAMMED OVER AND OVER AND OVER….. I STOPPED SPENDING ON ANYONE NOT ON THE HOME TEAM..

10. What advice do you have to upcoming artists who want to make a name for themselves?

I AINT SHIT SO IF U DONT LISTEN TO ME I WOULDNT BLAME YOU, BUT THIS SHIT, IN MY OPINION, IS 30% MUSICAL TALENT OR MUSIC & 70% BRANDING… SO BRAND YASELF

D-Pow – Snapping 101

Zae K feat. D – Pow – If You Gon Rob Me Then Shoot Me

Keep up with 1 Pump on his social media!

Twitter – @1pump_

Instagram- @1pump

SoundCloud – https://t.co/uwhR8Nlzm2

Meet The Artist

#MeetTheArtistMondays – Zero The God

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Many of the featured artists on this website all have very unique, noteworthy traits which make them the creatives that they are. This new series we’ve entitled “#MeetTheArtistMondays” is designed to give listeners a closer, behind the scenes look into some of the dope underground artists we have come to love. Our first spotlight artist for this series is one who has built up quite the hype for himself with his distinctive, wild, in your face style, Zero The God.

With his crazy wordplay, aggressive delivery and insane ability to dominate on any beat he jumps on, Zero The God is a Massachusetts born, Virginia raised artist who is really beginning to make quite the name for himself in the 757 area. What is quite noteworthy about this artist is the fact that he gained his buzz without any major endorsements from any platform but from just pure talent and hard work. His aggressive, hard to ignore,  sound is another interesting feature that sets the artist apart; a great example of this delivery is on his “Look At Me” cover he did for the “Virginia Is For Ragers” collective mixtape (check it out here) Recently we got a chance to catch up with the artist and he answered some of our questions we had about his rap career, the underground scene and more. Check out what he had to say below.

Where are you from – Born in New Bedford Massachusetts, Raised in Norfolk Virginia
When and How did you discover that you had a passion for music?- I’ve Always had an Ear for music along as instruments from being in Drum Clubs and Drumlines throughout School. My Father also influenced me by always bumping Old School Artist such as Rakim, Krs One and Biggie around the house when i was a kid. But i began to write and record music when i connected with a friend back in 9th grade.
Who do you consider to be your biggest influences? – Biggest Music influences right now have to be Ski mask TheslumpGod & Asap Ferg . For the simple reason of Energy ! Being Explosive and all in there face ! Not scared to be original, Out there and Wild. Not to mention their amazing Lyrical ability
What has been the hardest thing for you to overcome as a creative? I’ve always had the passion, Funds use to be the only thing holding me back. But then i learned to invest
What do you think is your biggest accomplishment thus far?  Being apart of the Robb Banks Falconia Tour ! Best experience of my life Being treated like a super star with one of my Biggest rap Role models.  Robb Banks! Talking to him vibing with him and being able to perform in front of him and hundreds of other peple across the Eastcoast ! I killed every show
What upcoming projects do you have in store for this year? Winter Soulstice the Mixtape will be here in March.. And maybe even a ZTGPT3 this summer  ..but thats a secret
How do you feel about the underground scene? Do you feel as if it is too oversaturated and unoriginal? Yes i feel it’s unoriginal but that fine ..makes me stick out
What qualities about yourself do you feel separates you from other artists? Outstanding Energy u can actually feel ..and my Wordplay can be crazy ..
What was your biggest failure as an artist and how did you over come it? Really don’t look as anything as failure ..just makes u better
What advice do you have to upcoming artists who want to make a name for themselves? Stay true to who u came up with .. don’t be a bandwagon..if somebody else team is popping ..Create your own and overcome
Keep up with Zero The God on his social media, Youtube and Soundcloud at the handles and links below.