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: I’m originally from Lanett, Alabama but now reside in Forth Worth TX. I grew up during a time when people thought Hip Hop was just a fade, and it wasn’t overly accepted like it is now. The East Coast dominated the game and other than a few groups that was buzzing (2 Live Crew, Geto Boys, MC Shy Dee, Poison Clan) the South had yet to get it’s turn. My grandparents lived in Brooklyn, New York so I would go visit in the summer. My uncle was a DJ, and he would let me practice on his Technic 1200s, then I started making pause tapes and eventually started rapping.
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: I just watched and learned then used what I learned and incorporated my signature to make it me.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘ONE SON’?
A: I was influenced by Rakim, Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Curtis Mayfield, Scarface, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Nas but my strongest influence is my father his nickname is Sonny so growing up they would call me little Sonny, so over time that evolved to ONE SON, in other words ONE SON of Sonny.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Deacon Jones’. Is there a story behind it?
A: I’ve been blessed to get quite a few Sports Placements, so I created Deacon Jones as an ode to the first dominate pass rusher, today he would be considered an edge rusher. He invented the term sack, invented the head slap that is now outlawed and was a member of one of the best front fours in NFL history the Fearsome Foursome. He’s a Hall Of Famer and would probably lead the league in sacks but that stat wasn’t calculated in his time. Also, a fun fact is Deacon Jones was also a Soul Singer during his football days, his band was called Nightshift they later became the group War. I wanted to make something aggressive to match his playing style, at the same time make it relatable for today’s audience, but vintage for those that can appreciate me paying homage.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: I’m going to be releasing another single called SHOTZ which features Omega 1 and was produced by DJ Cassanova, then after that a full project called Global Warming that features artist from Congo, Nigeria, UK, and Cameroon that project will also feature Khalid Salaam, and Pharaoh T with production from Upperhand Productions.
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: The key elements in my music would be my ability to relate to real people, with real problems, that want to hear real music. In this Microwave Age that we live in there’s so much to consume that people easily get turned off but when you speak the language of the people eventually, you’ll get the ear of the people. I personally describe my sound as Hip Heart Soul Music, Hip Hop from the Heart and Soul.
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: My music is my therapy I’m able to heal myself through my music. In the beginning most of us did it for the love, I always start with that first and whatever comes I consider it a blessing.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: Living life gives me inspiration to write, I’m able to create in the midst of chaos or in a calm environment. I’ve spent a significant amount of time in Iraq, and Afghanistan I’ve written and released projects during some turbulent times. Some of that goes into the music to inspire and motivate then there’s times when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel you just got to dig your way out.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Having a daughter born with cerebral palsy is the most difficult thing I’ve had to deal with. I talked about her struggles in a song I dedicated to her called Janessa.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Getting a standing ovation at the Apollo Theatre, getting numerous placements in Film, and Television and still being able to release projects on my terms. Having a strong team Upperhand Productions (DJ Cassanova, Khalid Salaam, Doug Rogers, DJ Ty Infamous, Big Fella and J75)
After being in the game for a while you appreciate those that remain solid without interior motives. There are no hand outs only a hand up for your brother.
