Cleveland Musician, Layzie Bone, has indented his legacy into music culture through creating an artistic movement over socially charged bars that dig deep into listeners scars. As a vital member of one of the most impactful and worldly conscious groups of all time, Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony, Layzie Bone continues to enamor the streets with food for thought and poetically prophetic lyricism that educates, ignites, uplifts and shifts the globe. In celebration of the release of ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’, I had the honor of catching up with Layzie Bone for an inspiring conversation about his intention behind the release, taking pride in fatherhood, creating timeless art that carries an impact beyond the music, wise words from Eazy E about choosing to take on a social responsibility as a rapper and more.
Congrats on the recent drop of ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’. Tell us about how your life experience continues to flow fluidly through your lyrics and the meaning behind this release.
Thank you. I come from the street era of Rap. NWA, Geto Boys, the late 80’s and early 90’s; those were my high school days. Actually coming from the streets I always felt it was necessary to kick facts in my music; the real of what’s going on in my life and in the world. Like Eazy E once said, “I’m a street reporter”, I tell it like it is and call it how I see it. FACTS! NO CAP! The meaning behind ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive’ is simply saying my music will live on as a part of my legacy for eternal. Well beyond my time on earth. I make timeless music!
Being from the Midwest between your solo work and your BTNH work, you continue to portray a perspective that tells the truth behind day-to-day life for many within your music. Tell us about how Cleveland has helped shape you as an artist.
Cleveland has shaped me not just as an artist but as a man. Anybody from Cleveland will tell you life ain’t easy in the Land, you got to be hard; you can’t be soft or you will get devoured. From having to sell drugs to merely eat, from the lack of resources that’s provided for the inner city and public schools system to the racist and overzealous police departments we have to deal with and all that, I could have easily been a Tamir Rice (RIP) and condolences to his family.
Hip Hop/music was my way out; it saved my life.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you had recently and were able to overcome over time?
I’ve always thought that people never really were genuine, like there was always an ulterior motive for someone wanting to help me or do good by me or my family. I had to do it myself. Not letting people truly know how I feel personally. Trust issues. I still struggle with that but I know now that I’m older that there are good-hearted and pure people in this world and I try to embrace that. I trust that God will order my steps and lead me to and through whatever my lessons are, good or bad.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
At first I didn’t like it at all I felt it divided us as a people, that it sped us up to the point that we lost our morality. But now, I love it especially from the POV of my business I get to be independent on a level of controlling my destiny. We made a lot of people very rich! Of course social media has its pros and cons but that’s with everything. So I just take advantage of what benefits me and my family and block out the dumb shit.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I take pride in my children. They mean the world to me. To see them grow and become respectable and responsible people is everything to me. Their behavior and mannerisms are the indication that I’ve done something right on this earth. I’m thugged out but I’m just as emotional; to see real love melts my heart.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with someone who has guided you through your journey as an artist, who would you choose and why?
Of course Eazy E and mainly because he saw leadership in me even though we had such a brief time together. I just feel I would be up there with the richest in the game if we had more conversations. Another person is Russell Simmons. He allowed me to be a part of his Hip-Hop summits awhile back and that really stuck with me. I’ve always admired the CEO’s of the labels; the James Princes’, Puffys and Master P’s–the leaders and shot callers. Uncle Rush gave me knowledge in that little time I spent around him. I don’t think he would know how much he affected me with the financial literacy I learned when he was starting the rush card and we were rocking Phat Farm. He’s a Legendary Hip Hop Pioneer.
Going back to when you were 12-years-old, if you were stuck at home as we were at the peak of COVID, what would your 12-year-old self be doing?
If I was 12 with all this happening in the world I would’ve more than likely been hard- headed and not stayed at home. I would’ve had to get this dope off! Seriously it would’ve been Xbox and I would’ve written a thousand raps for real.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
I just want to say that I greatly appreciate all of the support throughout the years and I thank each and every last person that ever purchased or even appreciated Bones music for affording me the life to provide for my family through this music I genuinely love y’all ✌🏽✊🏽🙏🏽. I wish everybody peace and blessings.
Rising Detroit Artist, Tray Little, is making his mark by sharing elements of soul that naturally pour into his music and philanthropic missions. Beyond being a musician, Tray continues to lead from the heart while using his platforms for the altruistic good of all by showcasing a real-time portrayal of life in Detroit. I caught up with Tray for an inspiring conversation about fighting for racial justice, life experiences that have molded his character, reaching millions on TikTok, learning through Gary Vee’s business acumen and philosophies and more.
You have stepped up and played a major role in the BLM movement in Detroit. Tell us about your experiences protesting and how they have personally affected you to do better for yourself, your community and the world.
This was my third time attending a protest but first time leading a protest. My purpose has always consisted of being a voice for my city while traveling the world performing my music that reflects my experience in the city. Leading the protest in Detroit became a way to fight for racial justice and do it publicly with hundreds of people from different backgrounds marching for the same mission. It’s given me a stronger purpose beyond just traveling, social media and making music.
Being from the Midwest, you continue to portray a perspective that tells the truth behind day-to-day life for many within your music. Tell us about how Detroit has helped shape you as an artist.
Growing up in Detroit has given me the grind, hustle and resilience that makes me who I am today. It has given me the story that I tell that has changed thousands of lives and has changed my life along the way. That’s the reason that I’m finding success and reaping the benefits that people are now seeing. People are inspired by my story of having a 15-year-old mom, losing my dad when I was four-years-old, living actively in the street wars of Detroit but still making it out alive and successful despite the setbacks.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you had recently and were able to overcome over time?
I have a lot of friends and family that are still in the streets risking their lives to make it day by day so I’m constantly losing people either to jail or mostly death. I have to remind myself that I have to make it far in life to display and provide different opportunities to those watching me.
Being that you’re in your 20’s and pursuing your career independently currently, tell us how utilizing TikTok has been a source to elevate your platform and how TikTok has changed your career so far.
TikTok has helped me find success because it took me less than a year to get 1.1 million followers and that is a big milestone that has gained me credibility in the music and entertainment industry. The platform allows our content to be shown to millions around the world and even celebrity creators see my videos so I’m constantly getting opportunities to work with well-known artists and influencers. It has also given me a rapidly growing fanbase that supports my music and gives me the voice that I have today.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
It makes me feel good that I don’t have to lose my character and still be able to maintain relationships. I love having the support of great friends and family that love me no matter what or what I don’t have.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with someone who has guided you through your journey as an artist, who would you choose and why?
I would sit down and talk with Gary Vee because watching his videos has help me understand that coming from nothing can be an advantage if I stay hungry and learn how to tell my story to connect while relating to my audience. He’s also helped get the context of knowing that the fruits of my labor comes later as a result of my hard work and consistency. I learned from him that I should chase contentment in the process and not just chase the final destination of what I am working for.
Going back to when you were 12-years-old, if you were stuck at home as we were at the peak of COVID, what would your 12-year-old self be doing?
If I was 12 years old during Covid I would be in the house playing video games and maybe riding my bike around my neighborhood. I might sneak and hang out with some of my childhood friends in the neighborhood.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
I want everyone to know that we never have to sell ourselves short to become someone we don’t want to be for success. If we are patient and are willing to learn from any interaction that we have with someone we could apply that knowledge and keep growing. There is no limit with how far you can go if you learn how to take the hardest things in your life, use it as your story and learn how to motivate people. Never doubt yourself or the things you’re passionate about.
San Diego Duo, Vokab Kompany, use their music as a source of healing for both themselves and all of their listeners. In celebration of the recent release of ‘Small Viktories’, I caught up with the guys for a fun chat about developing their skillsets throughout quarantine, the importance of being a good person, being on the right side of history and more.
Congrats on the release of your new LP, ‘Small Viktories’. Tell us about the creation process and what your intention was behind this release.
Robbie – Been a long time in the making for this one. Respectfully Burkey and I have been working on our side projects too, (check Red Giant Project & B3k). However, we’ve been at this for over a decade having put out a total of 6 albums in addition to the collaborations with so many of our favorite artists! Needless to say, we have been needing to put this out! Our last album, The Good Kompany Album, had a total of 15 songs on it. While this one only has 9, it feels full of story and substance. It’s definitely a viktory for us! Can’t wait to play this live. We will be streaming a show July 24th at 6:30 PM – – Tune in here.
I know that the Coronavirus has been really impactful on all, yet tell us the lowdown on how you have been utilizing all of your time in quarantine.
Both Burkey and I have been practicing our craft and developing more musical skills. I have been learning Logic Pro and he’s been learning guitar. We’ve also been getting that outdoor exercise building gardens, hanging with our families and trying to be better people and lead by example during all this crazy stuff.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you had recently and were able to overcome over time?
Robbie – With all wild shit that’s going on, it’s now more important than ever to make sure you are a good person to all! Whether that’s protesting for civil and human rights, or staying in your house wearing a bubble suit, do it and do it fucking right! Let’s set the new gold standard of being a quality human. No matter what race you are, don’t be a part of the divide. Be a part of the connect. Be a part of the change. And be a part of the support.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Robbie – It’s a necessary evil! But for real if you’re not using it to learn, you’re lost. Granted there is a bunch of bullshit out there however, there’s also a bunch of great information and tools we can better ourselves with. Also, be nice to the computers. One day they’ll own us.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Burkey – Being a parent drives me in all aspects of my life, from how I perform, to how I create music. It becomes the driving force of how I navigate my relationships in the music industry, as well. Being an educator also impacts how I view myself and others. For example, I don’t like writing songs that I wouldn’t play in front of my children, students or parents. I’ve found that if I keep them in mind when responding to most situations in my life, I can be more accountable for my actions. At least this is the mantra I’m striving for.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with someone who has guided you through your journey as an artist, who would you choose and why?
Mrs. Keurac. She taught me how to play trumpet through middle school. But then I quit! I would tell her, don’t let me QUIT! Also, I would go back to my 20 year old self and say, don’t throw out all your hip hop tapes, dummy! I had such a nice collection.
Going back to when you were 12-years-old, if you were stuck at home then as we are now, what would your 12-year-old self be doing?
Burkey – I would be playing hoop all day errrrrday!
Robbie – I would be riding my bike as far as I could go without getting in trouble by my moms!
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
WE FUCKING LOVE YOU! Thank you for hanging in there with us for so long. Stoked you guys are celebrating this record with us! #SmallViktories! Can’t wait to play for you again soon.
Bay Area Musician, Chow Mane, continues to level-up his game through emerging himself in his work while attracting both long-time and casual Hip-Hop fans. I caught up with Chow Mane for a great chat about the drop of “Silk Road”, sharing his life experiences through his artistry, learning how to be a good cook over time, the importance of making sure to analyze your artistic journey while sticking to your own script and more.
Congrats on the recent drop of “Silk Road”. Tell us about your experience working with Oksami and what it’s like collaborating on a track during the pandemic.
I wanted to mess around with different sounds on “Silk Road”. I actually had produced the title track “Silk Road” myself; that riff for the bassline was stuck in my head for days, so I just combined that with some drums to create that funky bounce. For the B-Side, “Xanadu”, I wanted the complete opposite of that so I asked Oksami if he could help me create something a lot more flourishing and musically complex which is more up his lane. We actually worked on these two songs last year before the pandemic hit, but the process was similar. I sent him “Silk Road” and asked if he could almost flip it on it’s head to create what we now have as “Xanadu”.
Your music continues to grow as you tackle multiple genres and continue to experiment. Tell us about how being in The Bay has helped shape you as an artist.
As a recording artist and producer, I just love experimenting with different sounds and vibes. “Silk Road” was a really over the top, energetic rap song that had everybody in the studio laughing at how wild some of the bars were. I wanted to take the wild energy of an artist like Comethazine, the punchlines of an artist like Wayne, the flows of my local scene, and my own experiences in the South Bay to put together this song.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you had recently and were able to overcome over time?
Each one of my songs is true to a part of me and my experience. I don’t want to be boxed into a certain perception of identity based on one song. At the same time, it’s hard for an artist to capture everything they want to within just one piece of work, so I try my best to bring multiple facets of my personality to my music.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I think social media captures a snapshot of people’s experiences but doesn’t give the whole picture. For most things I prefer to be more private, but anything that would interest fans I put out there to share.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Other than music, I’m pretty happy my cooking has gotten better. I’ve been slowly learning traditional family recipes that are coming out amazing.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with someone who has guided you through your journey as an artist, who would you choose and why?
I think everyone has gone through their own individual journey to get to where they are and what works for one person won’t work for everyone. I have a lot of artists I really look up to, but I think I need to carve my own path rather than trying to follow someone else’s.
Going back to when you were 12-years-old, if you were stuck at home how we were at the peak of COVID, what would your 12-year-old self be doing?
I would probably be at home playing Maplestory and making beats on FL Studio.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
I’m really excited to show y’all South Bay Summer; to put on for San Jose & the South Bay and to help everyone ride out these summertime vibes for the rest of the year.
Hip Hop Artist, YONAS, is riding the high from his #GoodDayChallenge viral momentum which continues to attract millions of users on Instagram and TikTok. Though YONAS spearheaded livestream culture through maximizing the features on his YouTube Channel prior to the IG Live quarantine boom, YONAS continues to weave a fresh culture of fun into his artistry which is both refreshing and liberating. I caught up with YONAS for a great discussion about the inspiration behind “Good Day”, resilience, balancing the business side of music, being mindful of healthy eating while on the road and more.
Congrats on the success of your “Good Day” challenge so far. Tell us about the message and intention that you intended to portray throughout the track and challenge.
Thanks! I wrote “Good Day” in a time where I needed to remind myself to remain positive. I wrote it from the standpoint of “look at all these things happening in our daily lives, how can we not be happy!?” We had been sitting on the song and given how strange the times are right now, the team and I thought that it needed to surface now. We launched the challenge around it to further the messaging of positivity. Seeing how many people have taken part is nuts, hopefully we can keep the good vibes spreading!
As we are all in quarantine, how have you been occupying your day-to-day to remain grounded and driven in the eye of COVID?
I’ve been spending a lot of time with my daughter which is something I haven’t taken for granted. My work has me on the road a lot but Covid has slowed all of that down so it’s been a blessing in disguise. I’ve also been working on a ton of new demos as well as working out daily again.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
The idea of retiring from being a performing artist. When you do something because you love the artform but then it becomes a business, it’s tough to maintain your passion at its purest form. I love the business side and I’ve been fortunate to have made great money from music, but as an artist I’m in it to compete at the highest level artistically. To have the music I create exposed to the masses based on its quality. That’s really hard when you have artists like 6IX9INE, Lil whoever, etc. getting praise for average lyrics and average music all because they have extraordinary marketing dollars and shock factor gimmicks. What is the music industry really if not about the art? The percentage of artists that make it based on talent is so minuscule, it just gets discouraging at times. I don’t want to sound naive… I knew this was the industry from day one and I’ve been fighting the good fight for nearly 10 years independently. But it’s just challenging to continue fighting a machine with endless amounts of cheat codes. At the end of the day though, I’m resilient, and I found a way to set up new goals, continue to raise my profile, get back into that fighter’s mentality, and I’m now seeing doors open that can be career and life changing. Love for the arts always conquers, and always wins in the end.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I love how interconnected we are. I wouldn’t have the career I do if it wasn’t for the digital world and how it allows for discovery of music and art from anywhere in the world. The culture of social media is constantly changing which always feels like you’re fighting an uphill battle. One week we’re pushing all of our fans to like my Facebook page, the next week you can’t even reach them without spending tons of ad dollars. Just a rapidly evolving space.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I just take pride in my resilience. Life isn’t easy for anyone, and the only thing we’re guaranteed is that things are bound to go wrong at some point in life. It’s how you deal with it and how you push through it that defines you.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I try to eat well while I’m on the road. A lot of tours just stick to the fast food/gas station world, but if I eat like that, I feel horrible, and that’s reflected in my mood, sleeping, and performances. I try to make sure I’m well caffeinated and eating healthy while on tour. It does wonders for my physical, mental, and emotional health.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with your younger self, what would you say to him?
Your life is just a moment in time. Don’t overthink it. Contribute all that you can to the world, turn over every stone, and do everything with the intention of pushing human civilization forward. Think forward. Build forward. Create forward. And when the history books are reviewed, you’ll be among those that did life the right way.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Appreciate all of you. We’ve taken this movement from a kid in the South Bronx to an artist who has toured the world. Lets keep it going!
Norway Rockers, Mantric, have joined Solid State Records and are still in the midst of celebration during quarantine as they have put out their latest release, ‘False Negative’. In celebration of the recent release of ‘False Negative’, I caught up with John Robert Mjåland for a great chat about the trajectory of the album, the advantages of technology, taking personality tests, hanging with the family during quarantine and more.
Congrats on the recent release of your new album, ‘False Negative’. Tell us the message that you intended to portray throughout this release.
Thanks! The album has been baked together over the last three years, so I don’t feel like there’s a red thread in our lyrics, it’s definitely not a concept album, and we’ve all been writing lyrics, so they differ a bit. Maybe one theme, or something that comes close, could be “relationships”; how we interact with people, what values and beliefs we hold, motions and emotions. When we were brainstorming the album title, Tor, our guitarist, came up with the medical term “False Negative”, which works as a back layer for the album figuratively speaking, but we had no idea then that the title would hit the nail on the head clinically speaking, exactly when the corona epidemic hit the western world.
I know that the Coronavirus has been really impactful on all, yet tell us the lowdown on how you have been utilizing all of your time in quarantine.
In our family we’ve been able to work from home, so we’re lucky to keep our jobs, but it’s been difficult to get work done with kids hanging over and maintaining homeschooling, kindergarten and online work meetings at the same time. So I’d have to say we’ve been more busy than ever, but maybe not so productive. And I know one shouldn’t complain, probably a lot better to be in a crowded house these days than quarantined all alone, but right now I wouldn’t mind a few days of loneliness. Highlight of the day is to go outside and find a desolate place and just do something with the kids, and then have some grown up time in the evening when everyone is in bed. Anything on tv that makes you think of something other than coronavirus has been very welcome in our house.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
My wife has pointed out to me, more than once, that I can be overly meticulous at times, and especially these last few weeks where everything floats and everything changes from one day to the next, things have been challenging for me.. and needless to say my environment. I think it has to do with being in control, which isn’t easy nowadays, so stepping back, taking a deep breath, trying to take things as they come and deliberately don’t give a crap about everything has been helpful. I’m still working on this, but the current lockdown has put things more in perspective.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
The advantages of technology are incredible, not just the equipment we keep around us every day, but also the amount of information more or less anyone can access around the world. I also like following technological development and try to keep up to speed, but everything goes so fast these days. I’ve enjoyed watching Westworld among other great shows, and I think it brings up some important issues on the pace of technology and artificial intelligence, and I’m not so sure how sci-fi something like that will be in the near future. I think we will have to make many ethical considerations and decisions along the way as we make advances, and I hope and think technology in the end will save us from rather than speed up world disasters to come. As for social media, I’m not very positive. I think it’s generally destructive, and for young people growing up today I think it’s more damaging than rewarding. If you take a look at someone’s social wall online, almost everything is bragging in some way or another, very little is information or actual sharing. Many posts are sugar-coated to portray a perfect life and seldom represent reality, and young people growing up might not see the distinction between “professionals” making money on social media and their friends trying to do the same thing on a lesser scale. Building your own self esteem on social media is particularly a way of dragging others down at the same time. Maybe I’m being a bit cynical here.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I’ve taken some personality tests over the years and also followed quite a few podcasts that take on the “Big five” tests in a talk-show format, so I think I have a good idea of where I’m at personally as well as compared to others. What struck me was that I’m maybe not the most empathetic person after all, meaning being able to put myself in the place of others. I don’t take pride in this, and was a bit hard to swallow at first, but I acknowledge this somewhat lacking trait and actually try harder to empathize with others and try being more open minded about people. It has awoken a feeling in me, maybe because I’m conscientious by nature, but being aware and reminding myself helps in this case, and I think it’s possible to make some personal changes although it’s usually very difficult.
Tell us about your experience so far with Solid State Records. How has being a part of the label enhanced your artistry?
Being on Solid State has been good so far, just being on board and knowing there’s a label with people into your music, wanting to share it with the outside world. Obviously, they have a much larger network than us as a band, so they’re busy spreading the music. Promotion is half the job when the record is done, so simply making an album available on Spotify or iTunes wouldn’t do the trick.
Are there any fun or new recipes that you’ve tried cooking up during quarantine?!
We’ve taken things quite easy, I must admit we’ve eaten more hot dogs and pancakes than usual, but we’ve also gone hiking with our backpack stove to justify everything. The kids have also been a bit more eager on making treats while staying inside for so long, so we’ve had desserts more or less every day lately. We even had dessert for dinner one day, a promise made to our youngest daughter a long time ago, which was just as easy pulling off when they’re getting desserts anyway. This was a success by the way. We’ve also used our fair share of random food coloring to spice things up and gone through all our kits for making slime and homemade soaps.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Stay safe in these strange times! Go outside and into nature if you have the chance, bring your hammock and check out our new album.
Hippy Hop Musician, Mod Sun, is making his way around the country playing all of his tracks that are rooted in awareness and consciousness, yet the ultimate accomplishment this time around on the ‘Your Favorite Movie’ tour is that this is Mod Sun’s first lap in the midst of deeply embracing sobriety. Showcasing his grounded presence and assuring both himself and his fans that he has reached a place of peace within, Mod Sun stood elated on stage in Detroit at a sold-out show at The Shelter which brought in fans of all ages for a night to remember. On the brink of his birthday, Mod Sun carried out infectious energy while playing some of his hits from ‘Movie’ and sharing deeply personal and inspirational messages of hope that stem from him consciously choosing to turn this life around over the past year.
Detroit Legend, Royce 5’9″, routinely embraces his bold perception of both the world around him and the world within through embodying his inner contentment through lyrically sensational releases ever since the drop of ‘Rock City’ in 2002. Talking about social activism and his unique stance within the game has solidified Royce’s spot as one of the greats stemming from Detroit. Not only has Royce collaborated with some of the greatest of all time, he has now dished out eight consciously uplifting albums that serve to educate the masses and even touch the hearts of those who are known for routinely skipping classes. In celebration of the release of ‘The Allegory’, we caught Royce 5’9″ at The Garden Theater in Detroit for the first live performance of his new album.
Standing tall and spreading his wings through the lens of passion, Kyd the Band is on a humanized ride that takes listeners of his multi-genre music straight back into their hearts. I caught up with Devin for a great chat about the recent release of “Go There”, reaching a mental and emotional turning point over the past 12 months, his devotion toward his loving wife, giving back to his little brothers and sister and more.
Congrats on the recent release of your new single, “Go There”. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the track and video.
Thanks! With “Go There” I wanted to portray a short yet important message – that while it can be painful and uncomfortable, it’s 100% worth it to be real with yourself and those closest to you.
You are out on tour with Lennon Stella and NF. What are you looking forward to visiting most?
Paris. I only got to spend about 12 hours there last year so I’m excited to go back.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
One challenging thought that I had over and over the past few years is that I will never accomplish anything “great” or really be that “great”. Over the last 12 months, as I’ve begun to do a lot more professionally, I’m having a shift in my thinking and my view on myself careerwise. I’m slowly realizing that I’ve been obsessing over the completely wrong thing, and that I’ve turned my life into a mission to be “important.” At the end of the day my accomplishments are not making me feel less alone, more fulfilled or happier. I guess this is a thought I’m in the process of overcoming.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
The digital world is wild right now! I feel like everybody’s attention spans are becoming shorter. I feel like we’re all just trying to one-up each other. I feel like “viral” means “successful.” I feel like there’s no rhyme or reason. From a music industry perspective I’m seeing what feels like gimmicky/meaningless music that gets elevated to the forefront of culture. And that’s not a knock on those artists, but I just feel like as an artist you have an opportunity to say something. Especially when you have a platform like this. With everything going on in the world, why not take advantage of the opportunity.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Beyond being a musician, something I take pride in is being a husband. My wife is my biggest supporter and my family. She’s the only part of my life that I know will always be there unconditionally. I also take pride in being the oldest sibling. My little brothers and little sister mean the world to me, and while I don’t get to see them as often as I used to I feel an even stronger sense to take care of them and be there for them when they need me.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus and explore throughout the new content, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I try to limit how much I’m on my phone, which isn’t easy being in my industry. I notice that when my daily screen-time average is up that I’m also significantly more anxious, unhappy, and mentally-foggy.
If you could trade existences with your favorite cartoon character growing up, who would you choose and why?
My favorite cartoon character was Peter Pan. I’d trade with him, he can fly and looks out for his homies.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Thank you for supporting me, none of this happens without you. BAND.
Cleveland Hip Hop Legends, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, rolled through to Detroit for a show abounding with classics that have served to solidify their spot as the greatest Hip Hop group of all time. As a group of brothers who shine within beyond the glitz and the glam, the Cleveland hustlers have made an impact in the game over practically every single rhyme that they spit that will indefinitely stand the test of time. Dishin’ out 10 strong studio albums, Bone Thugs have impacted individuals throughout the world with the pure facts of life on the streets. Tracks such as “1st of tha Month” and “Mr. Bill Collector” showcase the real life scenarios that majority of society faces and the humble manner that Bone Thugs have always expressed the nitty gritty of life have kept them above par when it comes to raising the Hip-Hop bar.
Discovered by the late and great, Eazy-E, back in 1993 when they was first signed to Ruthless Records, Bone Thugs have created musical masterpieces that balances out lyricism which candidly faces the life backlash that stems from life in the penitentiary while influencing hope in listeners that desire to create the changes in their lives that will lead them toward peace. Collaborating with some of the greatest musicians of all-time such as Phil Collins, The Notorious B.I.G. and Mariah Carey, Bone Thugs consciously uplifting appeal continues to skyrocket and attract global listeners.
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