Author: HipHopsRevival

The windy city has produced a lot of great talent over the years. Today we are sharing with you a new artist by the name of Shye aka Shyecitymycity. He started rapping in high school but he really didn’t take it serious until he won a contest for $500. He thought, why not make this a career? Motivated by his family, he started pushing daily to meet his goal – to make it. Recently dropping his single “Squad” he expects to catch your attention. We chopped it up with Shye and got to know more about him. Check out the full Q&A below 

Explain who you are for those who dont know
I go by the name of shye aka shyecitymycity originally born in Nigeria then moved to Southside of Chicago bout 92-93…father born in Nigeria and mother from the south side of chicago…I would always come back and forth to the states to visit. It was definitely a change for me pretty spending my childhood in Nigeria and then coming to the states and having to adapt to a NEW society, way of thinking, culture, clothing etc all you can think of…it was always questions about did you live in the bushes and shot like that but you know how that shit go with growing up and jokes…I wouldn’t change for the world the experience of living there and being from there and still got family there..I plan on going back this year…

How did you get your start in your music?
Started rapping in high school freestyling and people use to say I can rap..then I went away to college and I entered a talent show for $500 and won…from then on we been grinding and never looked back…I released a project called I got bangaz vol. 1 on dat piff in 2009…after that was working with a producer that had to leave town and took all my music with him…so I had to start back over and find a new way to get my music out…we actually had vol. 2…3…done and ready to be released…

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in my family that has been supporting thru it all…thru wanting change for my family and for my people as a whole…thru wanting to make a change in people with my music…

What motivates you?
My motivation is my family again….wanting to be great and let people hear the music and maybe change someone outlook on life or struggle or to be a better someone

How did the single SQUAD come about?
Man the single squad was a amazing experience on the recording process….it was things I had to learn as far as studio etiquette and it made me better….we were constantly in studio llistening to beats and we heard that record and before you know it squad was born….creating a hook that was frequently used by the youth and we made a hook out of it…I wrote like 5 to 6 verses before I just pieced different lines from each verse…

Talk to us about the Squad madness give a way..
The SquadMadness was a marketing strategy that we put together to create awareness to the SQUAD brand new video by increasesing our numbers with views….social media…and downloads.

So we doing a raffle on the month of march with the energy of the march madness…we are giving a way tickets to a chicago sport team game….concert tickets to a fan favorite artist…and last but least $250 worth of clothing from a chicago brand…

How can people get more info on it?
I will send you over the flyers with all the info and rules to enter…but they can get the info from my ig @shyecitymycity

What are you working on next?
Right now we are working on a debut project called off n running…we don’t have a date yet but it’s coming before summer gets here…

Anything else you would like to say?
Man just want y’all know that its something special happening in Chicago and just fortunate to be a part it and being here in Chicago….its the renaissance going on…

@shyecitymycity on ig & Twitter…facebook fan page etc…

www.Soundcloud.com/shyecitymycity

Youtube link shyecitymycity

-HipHopsRevival 

 

OG Kyle B is a new artist from Virginia with a passion for music. He only started making music a few months ago and he is already making goals. He has plans to goto Full Sail to pursue his music career. With influences like Young Dolph, his music is something that means a lot to him. We got a chance to talk with Kyle about the history of his music and life. Read about it below 

Where you from?
Ettrick, Va

How did you get your start in music?
I was playing on soundcloud and uploaded a snippet of my song Gotta get this Bread. Then my homeboy heard it TherealKlou.. and he wanted to collab on the song. Eventually we went to this studio called Longevity Recordings. Afterwards the song was finished I dropped it and people were bumping it so I kept making music. Shoutout D.E.B thats the fam in our community basically. We all out here grinding and eating.

How long have you been making it?
I been making music for 4 months.

Who are your influences?
Biggie Smalls, Nas, Kanye, Chief Keef, Young Thug, Young Dolph, and Lil Uzi Vert.

What motivates you?
My fans, my fam, and Gods plan

Talk to us about your EP, whats it called?
Well my new ep you can check out is called  Along the Road. It has 7 tracks on it. Go peep I wanna bag, Assumptions, and 400

What made you want to create it?
I was making one of the songs 400 in the studio with my bro Young Kash Baby. Then the idead hit me to create it. This happen about 5 weeks ago

Whats your favorite song?
My favorite song is Slave Owner by Young Dolph

What does music mean to you? 
Music had been in my life since I was 6. I started by playing the drums 6-10. Then I just stopped playing and picked up music in middle school. I played the trombone 6-8th grade. Then I stop playing music when I started high school. Then I started rapping after I graduated over the summer. Furthermore, music helps me express myself and vibe to anything I want. Its addicting to me its a hobby that turned into a passion.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself being my own independent label

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?
The new wave is lit I feel like a change was going to happen in it. The old heads don’t understand it but they will get hip to eventually.

Anything else you would like to say? 
Im just blessed, humble, and thankful for the opportunities. For all upcoming rappers keep grinding we all can follow our dreams just believe and manifest into your dreams because doors will start to open

https://m.soundcloud.com/ogkyleb

Twitter: @K__ramon
Insta: og_kyle.b

B. Cloy is is a 20 year old artist from Havana, Florida. He is sort of new to music, he only started a year ago. You can’t really tell if you listen to his music. It sounds like he’s been at it for YEARS. Influenced by artists such as John Legend, his style is very nice and grown. We got the chance to talk with B about his new project “Looking For Love” and more. Read all about it below 

Explain who you are for those who don’t know
My name is Brannon Cloy but I am known by my artist name B. Cloy. I am 20 years old and I am from Havana, Fl.

How did you come up with your name?
Funny story actually. So, I originally used my real name as my artist name but I found out there was already an artist under that stage name. So I decided to use my the initial from my name and combine it with my last name.

How long has music been a grind?
I have been working on music for a little over a year now. I’m relatively new to it but I love it!

When did it start?
It started around the summer of 2016. I realized I wanted to pursue music during my senior year of high school but I didn’t record my first song until January of 2017.

Who are influences to the struggle?
Some of my biggest musical inspirations are John Legend and Emeli Sandé. I love everything that they embody.

What is the motivation behind the grind? 
Music. It’s the only thing I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. Nothing can ever replace it.

Talk to us about Looking For Love. How did it come about?
I came up with the title

What’s your favorite song from the project? 
Crash and Burn

Why?
I put a lot into that song. It took me a while to write it because there was so much emotion behind it that I knew I had to take my time if I was going to create the song.

Do you think it’s your best work?
No. I think my best is yet to come. I’ve written a few songs in which I thought, “Man this is the one.” But I think I’m just getting started.

Define what HipHop is to you 
Hip Hop is more than music. It’s culture, it’s struggle, it’s success. But mostly it’s a story and every artist is just another author who is contributing to the story.

What is in the works?
I’m currently working on releasing the music video for Crash and Burn. I’m also working on my next EP “Emotions pt. 1” which will be out in May.

What is your 5 year goals? 
In 5 years, I see myself performing on tour and selling out shows. I also see myself as being one of the best artists in the music industry.

Anything else you would like to say? 
It’s not always easy to follow your dreams and I know there are people right now who are doubting me, but I want those people and everyone else to know that I will be best.

Instagram: b.cloy
Twitter: @BrannonCloy
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/brannoncloy/sets/looking-for-love
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/looking-for-love-ep/1296187653 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7enQoN03fjh6tXY7XwoZaF
Personal Website: www.bcloymusic.com

YungRock is a Little Rock artist with a lot of ambition. He has been working on music for 3 years and ready to take the next step. Rather he is writing, recording, promoting, he spends his time investing in himself. We talked with Rock about where he’s from, his start in music, whats next for him, and more. Check it out below 

Where you from? 
Little Rock Arkansas

How did you get your start in music?
I always wanted to make music since I was a kid. One day I decided to try and see how it go

How long have you been making it?
I been making music for 3 years

Who are your influences?
Micheal Jackson, 2pac and future who really influence me

What motivates you?
The struggle motivates me

What are you currently working on? 
I’m working on a mixtape call The Cure.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself successful helping others

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene? 
The hip hop scene is a mystery because I don’t know them like that. I don’t know if they real or fake

Anything else you would like to say? 
I do music from my soul and hopefully I can spark somebody mind and light up they day. Light it is something I came up with to change the world for tha better

Twitter @1dakidd
Instagram Dream1991a1

Contact: Rockstara1@icloud.com 

 

Chicago artist IAMNOTU is grinding. It’s hard to make it out of the Windy City but he’s making the best out of his situation. Grinding daily to make a buzz, his music speaks for itself. The talent he has is amazing!!! Inspired by his father, he started making music at a young age. We got a chance to learn more about him as a person in this exclusive Q&A that you can read below.. check it out 

Explain who you are for those who may not know
“I call myself IAMNOTU but other peoples call me Rello Rich.”

Where you from? 
“Chicago, IL.”

How did you get your start in music?
“I used to see my father rap and produce beats when I used to visit him for summer break as a shorty and that shit just rubbed off. I would be up in the school rapping to students and shit when I did step foot in the door, that’s how I got my Freshman year bussin because everybody was hearing about my young ass making music or into it with peoples.”

How long have you been making it?
“I just recently stepped off the porch with this music shit so I ain’t gon say I made it yet. I for real think I don’t do enough with the music, like some days I just be uninterested with it because ain’t no grace or honor in this shit no more. I don’t give a fuck about the new wave, the industry just watered down with some rainbow haired, one hit wonder, self snitching ass artists who fucking up the culture.”

Who are your influences?
“My father had a influence on me when I was younger and he still do as a grown man. I ain’t gon say I looked up to peoples as a shorty because at young age we was involved in what the old heads was involved in. My momma ain’t want me in the streets dangling with my cousins and them but I still got out there on some disobedient child shit. When I was out here cappin the violence, drugs, and money influenced me and the peoples who was with me and as of today ain’t nothing changed. I just move smarter and with caution.”

What motivates you?
“I think what motivate me is knowing I can bounce back from any loss because I understand I ain’t gon win in every situation I get into. I learned when I’m out here by myself it’s just me vs the world and every decision I make gon fall back on me and only me. I get locked up, that’s on me. I make 100 million dollars that’s on me.”

What are you currently working on? 
“I been working a couple projects and singles. I got a mixtape called “Open Eyes” releasing sometime next month and a EP sometime during the summer. I just released a music video in late January called “S Austin” shot by my boy Jake Rench. I be publishing my new music on SoundCloud but I don’t think peoples fuck with me on the app like they do with my music videos on YouTube or social media.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I see myself somewhere put up outside of Chicago. Prospering with the peoples I said I was gon prosper with.”

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene? 
“I don’t take HipHop serious because it’s just entertainment in my eyes. Rappers today give artists like me a bad image to the listeners and people who watch us. I just be on my IAMNOTU shit though. I don’t speak unless I’m spoken to, I got a ‘I Don’t Fuck With Rappers’ mentality.”

Anything else you would like to say? 
“Yeah, Y’all gon head cop my project when it release because that bitch finna fuck y’all heads up.”

Twitter: @EYEAMNOTU
Instagram: @eyeamnotu 

T.Lake is from a small town in Texas with not much opportunity. In a place where everyone settles, he’s making a change and chasing his dream. The risk of chasing it is huge, but when your passionate, the risks don’t matter. After some friends in high school passed away, he decided to focus on music and make something of himself. We got a chance to link with T and talk with him about his history. Check it out below 

Explain who you are for those who may not know: 
My name is T. Lake, real name is Trenton. I’m from a small town & just trying to change the world with my music.

Where you from? 
I’m from Orange, Texas. Home of the Fruit

How did you get your start in music? 
3 if my close friends from high school passed away & I wrote a poem to speak at their funerals & I saw how my words could really impact people. I always loved rap music & Lil Wayne at that time was my biggest idol so I decided to write & transmit it to rapping.

How long have you been making it?
For about 8 years now, but I’m just now releasing my music. I’ve finally found my confidence & the style I’m wanting to pursue.

Who are your influences?
My biggest is God of course. I wouldn’t be the I am today without the Big Man Upstairs. My brother, Randyn & of course my Momma & the rest of my family. As well as Lil Wayne. He made me fall in love with music & to this day he still makes me want to make music all the time like he did.

What motivates you?
What really motivates me is what I see in my future. You ever see something that nobody else sees or even taste something so close that it can’t be tasted? It’s weird, but I know where I’m going with this music & one day it’ll take care of my family, my team, & my city.

What are you currently working on? 
Well right now I’m trying to get booked at as many places as possible where I can get my name out there. I’m performing in Htown this week & actually flying out to Denver to shoot a music video called “2 the top”. It’s going to be my first visual & I’m super pumped about it. The single will be out on iTunes in a couple of weeks. I haven’t gotten the date yet. Then right after we touch back down in Houston, we’re going straight to Austin to perform at SXSW on the 16th & 17th this month. I’m also currently working on a new mixtape called “Hotel Heartbreak”. It’s currently just in the making. I’ve got some great ideas for it & maybe a few more covers for it. My new single for it “Stay With Me” is currently out now on my SoundCloud. So y’all check that out, but lots of things working right now. Tons.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself comfortable in a great position in the music game. I feel like once this music hits the surface & I keep chasing towards this dream then the right people & the right things will fall into place. In 5 years I see a smile on everyone’s faces because we’ve got it made. It gives me chills sometimes.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene? 
It’s a lot different than it was when I was growing up. To be honest, when I was growing up it was a lot different than it was in the Tupac & Biggie days. I’ve noticed it’s not about bars really anymore, but instead it’s about a good sound, catchy melody & hook. Which to me makes the rap game to me more approachable than it was a long time a go. With the new style of music, I’ve had to transition my way of rapping & this new way fits. It’s on another level & I’ve really enjoyed the transition of music. It’s helped me grow myself in music & has gave me a great foundation to start at.

Anything else you would like to say? 
Don’t ever pass up on a dream. Where I’m from, people settle. Never settle. If you chase something that’s worth chasing, you never know.

IG: 409tlake
Twitter: 409tlake
Snapchat: tmyrick420
SoundCloud: T. Lake or https://m.soundcloud.com/trenton-myrick-329549333
FB: Trenton Myrick (personal page) 

Focus is an artist from NJ with a passion for music. He has always loved music but just started making his own 3 years ago. Improving his craft day by day, he hopes to make an impact on the game. He wants to be the best rapper ever. Thats one of his motivations. We think with hard work and consistency, he has a lot of potential to do big things. We chopped it up with him via Q&A and got to know him. Check it out below 

Where you from?
Im from Trenton, New Jersey. I just recently moved to Arizona to pursue music and go to school.

How did you get your start in music?
I’ve always loved music, when I got my first studio setup about three years ago is when I started making music.

How long have you been making it?
Ive been doing music for 3 years but over the last year I put my all into it dropping a mixtape every month right now Im on tape number 7 called DREAM IT DO IT coming in March.

Who are your influences?
I like alot of rappers both past and present. However when it comes to those inspire me , I like rappers who are independent and who have their own label. Right now i’m inspired by Young Dolph, Larry June, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Bankroll Fresh (R.I.P)

What motivates you?
First. I want to be the best rapper ever. Second I want to reach people and motivate them to chase their dreams.

What are you currently working on?
Right now I am working on my 7th solo album/project DREAM IT DO IT

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I want to futher build my record label and hopefully sign some hungry and driven artist to change the culture.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?
I feel like rap is so big how that it has split into sub genres and now you see everyone adding their own flavor and twist. I feel like as long as the OG’s are respected and If an artist really lives what they say and do then its real hip hop. Rap is going to
keep evolving its going to great to be apart of it.

Anything else you would like to say?
Please follow me on instagram @therealfocusmusic and stream all of my music on apple music and spotify. Also use my music a fuel to chase your dreams and believe in your hustle.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/take-it-personal-single/1352067241

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bricks-and-bullets/1340667095

Oumar is a 18 year old artist that goes by MoFi when on the mic. His vision is clear and his motivation is strong. Coming from the DMV, its hard to make a name but he is working hard doing just that. His style is very different from most. He considers himself Jazzy you might say… Check out our full Q&A with him below and get to know him a little. Dont forget to check his music. 

Explain who you are for those who may not know 
My name is Oumar, an 18 year old rapper that goes by the Motivated Fidelity when I’m on the mic or “MoFi” for short. I’m an idealist who can see a vision where all my people are taken care of and we’re living life like we are kings through my motivation of never giving up no matter how hard it might be to make it. That’s why I call my self “MoFi”. My name is a reference to lo-fi hip hop which is a jazz like sub genre of hip hop. If you don’t know what lo-fi hip hop is, the closest example would be “The Story of OJ” by Jay Z or Jocelyn Flores by xxxtentacion.

Where you from? 
I’m from the DMV; Clinton, Maryland to be exact but I’m not a big fan of local rap music. Local rap in the DMV has a particular sound that makes it sound so cliche as if I’ve already heard it a thousand times. That’s mainly because I believe many DMV artists use a flow that most local rappers use for every song but that’s just my opinion. Artists like Logic and Kaan are different from the average DMV artist. That is what I focus on with my music.

How did you get your start in music?
I have been making music since I was 12. The idea to make music began when I was in the car listening to the radio. A song had caught my ear and had instantly became my favorite. The song was “Swimming Pools” by Kendrick Lamar. Though to an average listener it was just another hit radio song, to me it was the song that lit the spark to my music career. I started writing in a journal since I didn’t have a phone at the time and that eventually became a habit even after I got a phone. Unfortunately, making my first song wasn’t as easy as I had expected. I had the passion but no inspiration nor talent. I had to practice and expand my music selection in order to learn what makes a good hip hop artist. I studied different flows, rhyme schemes, and wordplay in order to make my own original style. This period in my life opened me up to many underground rappers which at the time, I had only listened to the radio.

Who are your influences?
I like many different styles of hip hop which gives me many different influences in my music. Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, xxxtentacion, and Isaiah Rashad are some influences just to name a few. My first influence was Kendrick Lamar for his pure skill alone. I wanted to be that talented in hip hop someday. Kendrick was the main inspiration for my song “Maniac” which I really pushed my talents to the max on. My second influence was J. Cole with his album “2014 Forest Hills Drive”. I personally don’t think he’s as talented as Kendrick but he can relate to the average person on a much deeper level as if he was once in the shoes that you are now in. That and the fact that he doesn’t care about whether he’s the best out there; as long as he gets his message across to the world. J. Cole influenced my inspiration for my song “This is Not a Love Song” for his ability to make a compelling story through a song. In most recent years, my influence has been xxxtentacion. His delivery is one like no other artist, always saying his lyrics with meaning. He was the main inspiration for my song “Make the Riches” which is filled with edgy lyrics.

What motivates you?
There were times in my life where I have been discouraged to continue making music. Sometimes it would be what peers think, lack of equipment, or people to support my dream. The most discouraging time in my life was when I was 14. I felt like giving up and pursuing after something that my peers wanted me to do but not me. I had very little support. It was during this time that I learned self love. I became independent from everyone else. This mentality helped me develop a motivation relying only on myself and the dream that I can see for myself and the people I care for. I aspire to keep this mentality to help me with my music. It was also my inspiration for my stage name Motivated Fidelity.

What are you currently working on? 
Right now, I’m focusing on my tape; learning how the public responds to certain songs, promoting my music to build a strong fan base, and ways to take my music to the next level. I’m constantly reaching out to bloggers and other artists who have music similar to mine with bigger fan bases. When I’m not promoting my music, I’m working on a new song.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m a big dreamer. Hip hop music is just one piece of the puzzle. I want to push my music and develop a big following. From there, I’ll continue my music career by touring and reaching out to more people. Eventually, I’ll reach to the masses where everyone can listen to my music. I will get most of my money from shows and deals. After I have done all I can with hip hop, I want to move on to other genres of music. RnB, jazz, rock, and electronic trap are just a few genres I want to delve in to.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene? 
I feel like the rap game is all messed up. Some rappers don’t deserve the exposure that they get but money and a little bit of luck runs the world. Not all rappers that are famous are talented. There are plenty of underground rappers out there that deserve the same amount of exposure but they just don’t get it for some reason.

Anything else you would like to say? 
“Motivation to the people” has always been my goal. Stay motivated and don’t give up on what you believe in. There’s a link to my music on soundcloud below.
https://soundcloud.com/user-677197580/sets/the-vibe

Talent is everywhere. You just have to know where to look for it. Luckily we looked in the right place when we found this next artist. Corey Andrew is an artist born in VA but raised in GA. Starting music in show choir, it has always been a passion for him. We got a chance to talk with Corey and found out a lot about him. Check out our exclusive Q&A with him below

Explain who you are for those who may not know
Corey Andrew. I Rap, Sing, Do Songwriting & Produce. Founding Member of the Balloon Gang Collective. “Your Girlfriends Favorite Rapper.”

Where you from?
Originally From Suffolk, Virginia. I’ve Lived in Georgia the Majority of My Life Though.

How did you get your start in music?
I Used to Do Show Choir and Musicals In High-school & I Sung in the Church Choir. My Pops Was Also a DJ So It Kinda Help to Expand My Music Knowledge and Made Me Wanna Do It.

How long have you been making it?
Since I Was About 17; College Is Really When I Started Taking it Seriously Though.

Who are your influences?
Jay Z, John Legend, Big Sean, My Friends That Make Music Also Keep Influenced.

What motivates you?
My Family, My Team & A Grammy or Like 5 Grammys lol.

What are you currently working on?
My Newest Project is Gonna Be Called “The Boy In the Balloon.” But I’m Also Working on A Few EP’s With Different Artists. “Shit I Wanna Say.” Is My Latest Project Though, It’s Out Now.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Grammy Award Winner, Label CEO, Working on Album #3 and Trying to Spark Some Careers For Other Grinding Artists.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?
I Have a Love/Hate Relationship. I Love That So Many Folks Wanna Rap Now, But I Hate That the Only Reason So Many People Do is For Money and Not for the Love of Making Music. So the Game Gets Uber Over Saturated With People Who Don’t Really Wanna Do This. Whether They Know It or Not, People Can Tell They Aren’t Really Into It.

Anything else you would like to say?
“Shit I Wanna Say.” Is Available Now on Spinrilla and SoundCloud. New Things Coming Your Way Soon. Balloon Gang Over Everything; Stay Up.

Twitter & Instagram: @_imnotandrew

SoundCloud.com/imnotandrew