Photographer:Thomas Presti
WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DRAWN TO HIP-HOP?
The freedom it gives me. Hip Hop has no rules. You can say and do things that aren’t really accepted well in a lot of other genres of music, especially as an artist. There isn’t a filter on you, you can be who you are without the worry of it being ‘wrong’ to certain people, as long as you are true to who you are.
WHAT FIRST SONG OR ARTIST DID YOU LISTEN TO AND SAY "HEY " I CAN DO THAT!
Hopsin. I heard “Ill Mind of Hopsin 5” for the first time in 7th or 8th grade and it was the first song that I connected to on a lyrical level. Everything he was talking about, I could relate to my situation at the time with starting to get into high school and getting older. I heard what he was saying and it made me think to myself, “I have a lot I want to say too and could get my thoughts out through song like him if I give it a shot.” So, I started writing lyrics more on my own and I eventually fell in love with it.
DO YOU WRITE ALL YOUR OWN BARS? IF YES, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ?
Yes, I do. I love writing songs especially when ideas are flowing effortlessly. Although, like a lot of other writers, I get annoyed sometimes, especially when the idea is fresh in your mind but the lyrics aren't coming as easy as you’d hope. But, I found that pushing through that phase in the writing process is when everything starts falling into place. Some songs have taken me less than an hour, and others have taken me a week of trial and error. But if your perspective of it is a certain way, you find beauty in the entire process. Especially when you listen to the final product and think about the journey you endured while putting it all together.
ARE YOU NERVOUS ABOUT BEING A WHITE HIP-HOP ARTIST? IN THE AGE OF #BLM MOVEMENT?
No. I am not nervous about being white in Hip-Hop. I acknowledge that I am a guest in the culture and I appreciate the experience and opportunities it has given to me. The Black Lives Matter movement is necessary and I stand with it and everyone else involved. There is a lot of hate in this world and I believe the hate we see today towards people of color is taught, not something born with. Change is needed and possible with effort and time. I recognize that I am blessed to have a voice in such an influential genre like Hip-Hop. It gives me the power and responsibility to express my beliefs and where I stand with the Black Lives Matter Movement.
WHAT MAKES YOUR MUSIC DIFFERENT?
I have diversity. I can hype you up before a big moment or game, tell you a story you can follow and connect to, or sing your girl to sleep. I say that with confidence because I have put so much time and effort into perfecting my craft in every aspect. Whether that is singing, rapping, writing, producing, or mixing my music. I know I have a way with words and the time I spend in the lab has proven to me my progression and capabilities. I love what I do and I think that's pretty evident when you hear my music.
WHO WOULD YOU IDEALY LOVE TO TOUR WITH?
I want to tour with NF. I think his whole idea of not giving up and fighting through the tougher times and struggles, is something I not only connect to, but also incorporate in my music, but in different ways. I think my fans like me for a lot of the same reasons why NF fans like him. I think giving them a taste of my music and vice versa would be an awesome experience.
HOW HAS YOUTUBE AFFECTED YOUR CAREER? WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
YouTube made my career possible. Will forever be grateful to YouTube for giving myself and other aspiring artists the opportunity to showcase their talents, passions, and capabilities. And not only that, but the platform gives you the ability to build and grow with an audience that supports you. It is a huge blessing to have YouTube be a thing in my lifetime. I love it.
HOW CAN FANS REACH OUT TO YOU VIA ONLINE FOR 2021? ANY PROJECTS TO ANNOUNCE?
My handles are all @iamtherealak. I try responding to as many people as possible through social media. And to answer that last question shortly, yes. But I won't say much more than that. To anyone that’s reading this, good looks I appreciate you!