Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: It’s always a challenge to say where I come from because I was born in Saskatchewan, but grew up in Ontario. I lived in Stratford, Sault Ste Marie and Sarnia. I also spent time in Scarborough when I moved to Toronto and my fathers family is from Scotia – so a lot of places that start with S!
I wanted to start a career in music number one because I was a fan of Hip-Hop, but the more that I worked on the craft, I liked how rap is a genre that really allows you to tell your personal story so it became an outlet for me.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: Lately I’ve been listening to J-Cole and to Russ. I really like their lyricism because nowadays you don’t often see artists focus on that. But I also really like artists that I am friends with as it gives me a chance to support them and to get to know what is going on in their lives. So for that reason I listen to Beatchild, Classified and JRDN a lot.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: LL Cool J was a big influence for me because I liked how he could rap about being an underdog, could make music that I could listen to while I played basketball and would hype me up, and could play at house parties.
Fresh Prince – Will Smith was also a big influence, because I liked how he could tell great stories, and that they were funny. He wasn’t scared to be who he is so I always respected that.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Appreciate Ya’. Is there a story behind it?
A: The song is influenced by my relationship with my mother and other strong women that raised me from my cousins to grandmother. It is influenced by 2Pac’s Dear Mama where he says “There is no way I can pay you back, so the plan is to show you I understand – you are appreciated.”
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: I’m excited to be working on new music! I think an album is in store soon too. I find that after I’ve written a few songs that I like then I realize I am working towards an album – so I’m almost at that stage. As soon as I’m done my tour, I look forward to finishing the album.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I think that my career as a motivational speaker has had a big influence on my music. I rap a lot about my life and about people that I look up to. I think people respect the honesty in my music and that I’m okay with being vulnerable.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: The longer that I have done music, the more I find that I really value when someone takes time to listen to your music and especially when they say how a specific song really connects with them. I just saw a fan make a fan account on Instagram and I thought that was really cool. So I’m good with that and I never take fans for granted.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: I usually start freestyling to a beat and then eventually will come up with a concept. When I have that in place I’ll work on the chorus and then the verses. I’ve learned it’s always great to have the concept in place first so that the music stays on theme.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I think the hardest part was not having a manager. I’ve had to do a lot of the business work myself, but now I realize I appreciate it as it has allowed me to be in control of my career.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I always think about the performance we did in Singapore as a career highlight. It was awesome to be halfway around the world performing downtown Singapore and to do the performance with my crew. With motivational speaking, a lot of my work is done solo, so I enjoy when I’m with my good friends.
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