Tag: undergroundmusic

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

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“The Inspiration Behind This Song Was Great Sex”: GeeLit Opens Up On New Single “Come Thru”

GeeLit (@thereal.geelit on IG) is the dopest (and only) female member of the GODS Music Group collective and with her lusty new single “Come Thru” she provides listeners with the perfect sounds to totally vibe out to.

The track, produced by THAIBEATS (@thaibeatsnet on IG), presents smoothly auto tuned vocals from GeeLit as well as a feature from Va Beach artist AUD (@therealaud on IG). When asked about the inspiration behind the track, Gee states “My songs are always about someone or an experience I had with someone. The inspiration behind this song was some great sex I had. I want that shit again . So I made this song for that person & they like it. I just want ppl to be able to relate to my music & use it to help them express themselves.”

Gee also shared that a visual for the track is in the works and will be released soon. Check out “Come Thru” here!

https://song.link/embed?url=https://song.link/i/1461542960

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G RIEL Spits Straight Fire in “Latin Heat”

Last year G RIEL brought us his “Sum Slight” visual and proved he was a force to be reckoned with lyrically, now, the artist is back with his “Latin Heat” freestyle and he is showing that he doesn’t plan on letting up any time soon.

The track features witty punchlines and a fiery delivery from the young emcee all over a simple yet entertaining beat that sort of resembles SmokePurpps “Audi”. A really interesting feature about G RIELs execution on this track as well as “Sum Slight” is the fact that he delivers with a very modern sounding flow that the “new wave” rappers use but still delivers the wordplay and lyricism that fans of the more traditional style of hip hop will enjoy.

Favorite Lyrics: “I can show you Coca Cola, I ain’t pouring up no soda.”

Check out “Latin Heat” by G RIEL here!

https://soundcloud.com/the-riel-gabe-1/latin-heat-freestyle

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Khalif Just Wants “Peace” in New Single

On his recent release “Peace”, upcoming artist Khalif gives listeners a look into his mind and tells of his journey to find both inner and outer peace.

The track displays extremely raw emotion and discusses struggles that we all can relate to such as feelings of loneliness and experiencing jealousy and hatred from our peers when trying to achieve a dream. The song has a very dreamy, hazy sound to it which when paired with Khalifs deep, intense vocals gives a very menancing vibe to the song to match the somber message that the song relays. Tae also joins Khalif on this track providing lighter, more cheerful effects to the sinister track.

Check out “Peace” by Khalif here!

https://fanlink.to/Peace

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
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Mack Derico Proves That He Is Taking “No Breaks” With Newest Visual

Mack Derico, an artist who has been bringing a new sound and face to the crunk music genre, has been making quite a name for himelf throughout the last year and with the recent release of his “No Breaks” visual he is continuing to show that he isn’t letting his foot off of the games neck anytime soon.

The artist has recently released a project entitled “Raw Is War” and is keeping the momentum going with the release of this simple yet appealing visual. As far as concepts, the video keeps it pretty straightforward and uncomplicated. The video, shot by Deddy Mobucks, shows multiple shots of the rapper performing in front of a larger than life, crystal clear screen that projects multiple images and videos that co relate to the theme of the songs lyrics. True to the artists style, this visual avoids the stereotypical flashy material most hip hop visuals contain and keeps the focus on the artist and the music while keeping viewers engaged with fresh angles and interesting effects.

Check out Mack Derico “No Breaks” visual here!