Category: Interviews

PeacefulPinder is an artist from Seattle with a lot to prove. His goal? To become what he’s meant to be. We got a chance to talk with him and got to know more about the man behind the music. Get to know more about him below: 

Where you from?

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, lived in LA for a couple years at the start of my career and just moved back to my hometown.

How did you get your start in music?

I started songwriting after years of writing poetry, I learned about my talent for freestyling rapping in general at parties in high school.

How long have you been making it?

I have only been writing music for about a year and a half, I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of my full potential.

Who are your influences?

Nas has always been my favorite artist. Logic and J.Cole are huge inspirations nowadays and people like Joey Bada$$ and NF.

What motivates you?

Pain. Plain and simple I was put through hell because of my parents choices and substance abuse, I am here to spread healing through music to youth and anybody who deals with adversity on their lives. Which at the end of the day we all do in some shape or form.

What are you currently working on?

Currently working on putting out my Debut Project “206 n Beyond” a 10 track EP that represents me becoming a man and really standing up for and taking action behind what I believe in.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Selling out Madison Square Garden in New York. Constantly on tour internationally and spreading PeaceGang vibes across the world.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?

Not a lot of time and effort into the music nowadays, the Mona Lisa took 20 years. Nothing is by accident great timeless pieces of art take a great time and energy investment. I think nowadays artists are brand building to monetize and employ eccentric marketing techniques that are not understood by the general public. no such thing as bad P.R!

Anything else you would like to say?

Shout out to everybody supporting the PeaceGang movement, Peace, love and Unity to everybody lets come together and make the world a happier more positive place.

https://www.instagram.com/peacefulpinder

https://twitter.com/peacefulpinder

 

Linksey is a new artist from Boston who is working on becoming the greatest he can be. We got a chance to chop it up with him and talk about his motivations behind music, whats next for him, and more. Check it out below 

Explain who you are for those who may not know

I’m Linskey, a well known barber out of the Boston area and I have been producing/rapping/engineering for a while now also

Where you from?

I’m from Boston, Ma

How did you get your start in music?

I’ve always been rapping and writing rhymes my whole life, and would watch a lot of interviews when I came across producers making beats on Fl studio. I immediately downloaded the software and started messing around with producing beats

How long have you been making it?

I’ve been at the music for 2-3 years now, which doesn’t seem like long but I’ve put in a lot of hours daily and made the most of these years progressing to be a better artist

Who are your influences?

I grew up loving Akon, T-Pain, Chris Brown, and also listened to a lot of Jay z, Tupac, Nas. Currently I listen to a lot of Drake’s older music, Nav, Gunna, etc.

What motivates you?

What motivates me is the feeling of doing what I want to do and not giving a f*** what someone says because I’m successful doing it. My first passion was to be a successful barber and I made my dream a reality so there’s nothing anyone can tell me that would stop be from chasing the life I want

What are you currently working on?

I have an album planned for late June, exact date isn’t confirmed but it will be soon on all of my social media. Also have a follow up EP to our first project with another dope artist named Essence out of Boston also, make sure to check that out on my soundcloud.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself wherever god takes me. I worry about doing what’s right daily and he takes me where I deserve to go.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?

I completely respect the new wave of rap, but I do feel simplicity is too much of the norm. Some of these beats sound like beats I made a month into downloading the FL studio demo, and some of these bars are the same you hear in every other song. I feel like it’s raps disco era. It’s about the vibe not the content

Anything else you would like to say?

Make sure to follow my IG Linskey97, Twitter @alinskey97 and my soundcloud. link to SoundCloud in both bios. Thank you to hiphopsrevival for the shoutout and the interview and there will be plenty plenty plenty of good quality music coming your way from this side

Ig: linskey97 

Twitter: alinskey97

Soundcloud: Linskey 

Snapchat: linskeyscuts97

Today we bring you a dope new artist from Baltimore that goes by the name of Chad Focus. Working in music for over a decade, he has a lot of history and experience in the game. After linking with Pete August, they decided to take it to a whole different level. Pete is a 24 year old entrepreneur. He has gone from unemployment, being on food stamps, to now running his own marketing platform and making a stamp in the industry.

Their work together has placed Chad on the top 40 on Billboard with his new hit single “Dance with Me.” Pete does it all from Social Media marketing to Radio campaigns to featured blog placements. Making his company truly a one stop shop for any kind of artist, both indie and major.  With Pete’s work and Chad’s talent, the two are planning to make it far. Check out the full Q&A we did with Chad below and be sure to stay tuned for more from him in the future.

 

How did you get your start in music?

We got started in Music looking for record deals over a decade ago. With no resources in Baltimore, we turned to song writing, publishing and trying to focus on branding. At the current time those emphasizing anything but being an artist dealt with the loss of full creative control but also received the financial backing to have leverage in this industry. We all had a background loving music. me personally with 12 years professionally trained in piano I knew I could combine what I Iearned from college and the real world and apply it to my musical talents & have a chance. 3 years ago I formed a music label with my 3 cousins, we independently distributed and published all our content. We Own 100% rights and showing the rest following us how to put out good music and keep your integrity. We just kind of fell into these current positions. Music, marketing, & business, we love it all.

Where are you from?

Currently living in Washington D.C. Spent my early childhood living in Manhattan. Later moved to Maryland.

Who are your influences?

My influences are Diddy, 50, Dre. I love to see the young brown brother make a different on a Mogul side of things. They are the example of true entrepreneurship and mastering one’s craft.

What motivates you?

The opportunity to help others and give value motivates me. Success, respect, they come in due time. I’m challenging myself to be the best person I can be everyday. My family and my kids motivate me and help me keep going!

What are you working on?

I’m currently working on the Dance With me music video, my 2nd album and also a tour. I want to really take off this summer!

Where do you see yourself being in 5 years?

I will be the top RnB artist in the world in 5 years.

How do you feel about the current state of HipHop?

I love the current hip hop scene. So many blessings and people contributing to the culture! I love it! Dance culture is back and so is live shows!

Hit RECORD ALERT! @ChadFocus -#DanceWithMe ft. @tpain & @upsincetuesday prod by @iamjoliver410 PLEASE VOTE by commenting 🔥🔥🔥 or 💩💩💩 below 2 WIN a chance to MEET @chadfocus and win a FREE hover board or SWAGbike 👽👽👽 #stayFOCUSED #focusMUSIC Stream/DOWNLOAD now by hitting the link in the bio 🔌🔌🔌 👽👽👽 The world premiere of the #Remix Hit Single #DanceWithMe that’s already charted in @Billboard #Spotify #Itunes #DRT #Shazam by @ChadFocus & @upsincetuesday prod by @iamjoliver410 continues to break industry Records! #ChadFocus debut album #GetToTheMoney has over 10 Million Streams on @Spotify and has been the top Download on @Tidal and @AppleMusic . Chad Focus has teamed up with GRAMMY AWARD WINNING BILLBOARD CHARTING ARTIST T-PAIN! This monster collaboration follows up his most recent Charting features with artists such a @dreezy @smino . Watch as @Tpain re-emerges into Main Stream Hip Hop culture with his Transcendent #AutoTune Production. His Impact of #DanceWithMe brings the worlds of Bronx, Baltimore and Tallahassee all together all under one track. DO YOU LIKE FEEL GOOD MUSIC? Do you want to Dance Again? Then #Support Soulful Music & Let’s bring back that #Vibe! #Baltimoreupnext #R&Bvibes #DMVartistalert #StayFocused #Indielabelmovement #Ownership @Rocnation #Hiphopdaily #Singleofthesummer #NYC #Tallahasseesupport #Showlove

A post shared by Chad “Focus” Arrington (@iamchadarrington) on May 10, 2018 at 9:37pm PDT

Anything else you want to say?

I want to make sure I shout out my mom. I love you. We’re going to the future of streaming and I can’t wait to show the world what we have in store for them!

Chad Focus

@iamchadarrington

 

Matt Helfer is a dope new artist from the DMV. After the release of his song “Smoke & Chill” – we wanted to get to know more about him. We got a chance to chop it up in this exclusive Q&A and did just that. We talked with him about his start in music, his motivation that keeps him going, and more. Check it out below:

Explain who you are for those who may not know 

My name is Matt Helfer. American rapper and producer.

Where you from? 

Currently living in Washington D.C. Spent my early childhood living in Manhattan. Later moved to Maryland.

How did you get your start in music?

Back when Jay-Z had released his “Show Me What You Got” record in 2006 I was watching T.V. and saw that he had teamed up with Budweiser to do an ad. In the ad Jay-Z, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Danica Patrick were racing through Monaco while Jays new record was playing as the music for the ad. Later on there were big boats involved, woman, and much dancing. As a small kid at the time, that really put an imprint in my head and I told myself that thats what I wanted to do. Nine albums later that imprint hasn’t faded.

How long have you been making it?

Been writing for ten years and recording for six of those years.

Who are your influences?

My influences change all the time. Sometimes while I’m online I see some artist who is still trying to make a name in the industry and he automatically becomes my favorite. Sometimes it can be an artist who has somewhat of a fan base but isn’t quite mainstream yet. Very rarely are my influences mainstream artists because everybody already knows about them and it doesn’t seem as if i have much of a connection with them as opposed to some artist who is still trying to make a name.

What motivates you?

I’v been doing music for a full ten years so at this point it sounds corny to say but it feels like its just in my blood. If i had to choose some motivations I would say that its the fact thats its been been my lifelong passion and nothing has changed since I’v started so I want to see this lifelong passion be fulfilled which is not something to many artists can say they have experienced.

What are you currently working on? 

Just got back from performing at South by Southwest (2018). Most of my current projects that are being worked on I rather not say for the sake of just keeping it a secret but I just recently released two singles. One featuring Que (OG Bobby Johnson 2013) called “Silly Games”, and the other featuring Smiggz (Bern One Ent.) called “Smoke & Chill”. I have been getting in contact and collaborating with some very well known artists as well as some up and comers and I’m very excited for those releases.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I hope to see myself with more connections in the industry big and small. Each one counts. And of course, a bigger fan base. Also, just wiser about the industry in general and about how to maneuver within the business world.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene? 

As said, I don’t listen to many of the mainstream artists out now who control a big portion of what the hiphop scene is today so I’m not invested today’s scene as much as others. I still follow whats happening though. Also, I do listen to a lot of other genres each of which has their own scene. Mostly, I’m just focusing on my next career decision.

Social Media Info Below: 

Twitter: @matt_helfer

Instagram: @matthelfer

 

Today we bring you a dope new producer from Missouri named L.A.N.C. We got a chance to talk with him about his future in music, his motivations, and more. Read it all below: 

Explain who you are for those who may not know 

I’m a 24 year old artist and producer from Springfield Missouri

How did you get your start in music?

I started playing the piano at age 10, both of my parents are musicians so it came naturally

How long have you been making it?

I got my first beat pad at age 18 so I’ve been producing for the last 6 years

Who are your influences?

I gain influence from everything I hear.  Music is an timeless and constant force, I just take it all in and reflect my interpretation.

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by the struggles that I’ve experienced and the lives and struggles of those closest to me. I try to put truth and emotion into my work, and hope it can be heard.

What are you currently working on? 

I just released a 15 track album, so I’m trying to get my work out there. Lately I’ve just working on new beats and back on my grind as a producer working on a few projects for other artist. But the next LANC project isn’t far away

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself working as a producer for the rest of my life, so the next 5 years will be full of heat. Guarantee

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene? 

I excited about what’s happening current hip-hop. All the rules are gone, people are making whatever they feel and I’m in love with what I’m seeing. The world is changing

Social media: @_itsnotlance_

-HipHopsRevival 

We got the chance to catch up with B.Eveready and talked with him about what he’s been working on. He talked with us about a car crash that affected his life, his follow up EP, & more. Check it out below and be sure to stay tuned for new updates with him.

What’s been up with you lately? 

Chilling man, just putting in a lot of work.  I can’t wait for everybody to hear what I’ve got in store.

What you working on?

I’ve been working on a follow up to my 2015 EP “#GrindSeason” called “#GS2”.  It’s really a project that will show my overall growth as an artist & how serious I take my craft.  I really took my time with this project.  I reached out to a lot of producers to find the sounds that I wanted to bring to the audience.  I didn’t want to settle for what I’ve been hearing lately – I wanted production that pushed my pen to a different level.  I think this project is going to be my most impactful because of the time I put into every single line.  I made sure that everything I said was important to the record.  I’ve always been concerned with the quality of my work, but I’ve really obsessed about this one.

Talk to us about your car crash in 2016, what happened?

My wife & I were driving to work, and this young lady in front of us thought it would be a good idea to speed in the rain.  She fishtailed, went headfirst into the guardrail, and came back into traffic.  She slammed into us & sent us spinning into the other guardrail.  It could’ve been much worse than it was, but we still went to physical therapy for a few months.  But I thank God we all walked away.

How did it affect you?

It just made me think about how quickly it can all be over.  As a Black man in America, I’ve always been sensitive to that, but when this happened, I thought about how much work I still have to do, and leaving here without fulfilling my purpose is something I’m not ready to do.  So it pushed my focus & drive to another level.  I’ve been working on music for over ten years & haven’t reached the amount of people I’d like to, and that’s my fault.  I had to take a step back and say, Am I doing my absolute best at everything?  Am I networking in my city the way I should? Am I marketing & promoting my music in a way that separates it from all these other artists?  Am I making music that stands above the rest?  Once I got on top of those answers, it got me here.

Do you still have flash backs? 

Not really.  It definitely affected my wife, and I’ve done my best to support her through everything.  I just think about making the most of every day so I’m honoring my gifts.

Did it teach you anything? 

It taught me to trust your instincts.  I felt different when I saw that lady driving all wild, and sure enough, the accident happened.  It wasn’t a premonition, I just felt like, “this isn’t good”.  So with that in mind, I just pray about any decision & go with my gut.

When can we expect new music? 

I just dropped a few loosies recently; a video for my freestyle over Alchemist’s Red Carpet instrumental (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uuzZwWSjqp4), and I put out a dope joint over a Jansport J beat called “The Convo Different” (https://m.soundcloud.com/beveready/the-convo-different) .  But the 2nd single from the #GS2 will be out everywhere on Friday, 5/18, and I believe it’ll be my biggest record to date.

Where do you fit in the game/marketplace?

I think I fit in right at the top.  I’m a versatile artist that can make big records, and I can also write very intimate material that blocks out the rest of the world.  I think I’ve lacked exposure, and I’m taking steps to rectify that.  We’ll see what happens.

What’s next for you?

Dropping this new record & finishing up #GS2.  Once I’m done with the music & videos, I’m looking to get on stage & perform this material for the people.  I’ve been working with some other artists as well, so their music is on the way as well.

Anything else you would like to say? 

I appreciate the chance to chop it up – for the people, please check me out at BEvereadyRap.com or on IG @b.eveready.  I look forward to sharing this new project with everyone.  Peace & God bless.

-HipHopsRevival 

Crown is a new artist from Daytona with a message. We got a chance to link with him for a exclusive Q&A interview. Get to know more about him below:

Where you from? 

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

How did you get your start in music?

WATCHING HOUSE PARTY AS A KID AND MIMICKING THE SCENES

How long have you been making it?

 MOST OF MY LIFE (since adolescence)

Who are your influences? 

OutKast, 2Pac, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Jay Z

What motivates you? 

GOOD MUSIC

What are you currently working on? 

THE JUNE TAPE produced By King June (@kingjunetm) Written & Performed By Me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

LEADING THE CULTURE. Providing opportunities for Quality Artist. & Walking In My Purpose

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?

It’s Cool. We At The Very TOP and there’s a new Standard Being Created the rules are being rewritten in real time and Theres a New Top 5 In making

Anything else you would like to say? 

Thank You For All Of Your Support. Check Out My Lead Single “DEREK JETER” On all digital Platform and Be Sure To Follow Me On All Social Media @Whoiscrown

Josh Jacobs is a new artist from New York with a lot of moves in the making. We got a chance to chop it up with him and got to know more about the man behind the music. Check it out below and be sure to follow his movement. 

Explain who you are for those who may not know

My name is Josh Jacobs and I’m a hip hop artist outta New York.

Where you from?

Born and raised in Brooklyn, currently reside in Queens NY.

How did you get your start in music?

I started writing rhymes when I was 9 years old and started recording seriously when I was 14.

How long have you been making it?

I’ve been doing this for about 14 years strong and have met and done work, and been mentored by some legends that have been in the game for years. (Blahzay Blahzay’s, Masta Killa, Domingo Beats, Pharohe Monch, Grafh, etc.

Who are your influences?

Eminem, Biggie, Tupac, Prince, MJ, Jay Z, Nas, Queen (the band) and as of recent, Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole.

What motivates you?

My aim is to speak truth, tell my story, the stories of others, and to use my music to help people thru their struggles in life. This motivates me to be a better me and to help others be better and know they are not alone.

What are you currently working on?

I work with my music, but I also work 2 Jobs as a waiter/bartender and an outside salesman to support my dream until I make money full time from my music career.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

On tour around the world performing in some of the biggest venues and making a living off doing what I love to do, making music. I want to be known as one of the best that ever did it.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?

I feel like people like Kendrick , J.Cole, Logic, Rapsody, Dave East, Joyner Lucas etc. are keeping lyrics and real hip hop relevant and trying to promote the right message through higher levels of creativity.  I’m not myself a fan of the mumble rap scene so to speak, but I do admire their work ethic. However, I don’t agree with their message and I feel it can be detrimental to the kids that listen to them. And that the radio should be playing more positive music and artists along with the quote on quote “mainstream” music they put in rotation in order for there to be a balance and give these listeners and kids more positive role modes to listen to.

Anything else you would like to say?

Anyone who takes the time to listen I am forever grateful and would love to have as a new fan and part of my community. And that anyone who shows me love I show love back.  Love is love.

We linked with Cinci artist Jose and got to know more about him. Read the full Q&A below: 

Explain who you are for those who may not know 

I’m Jose Up & coming artist/CEO

Where you from? 

I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio, down da way

How did you get your start in music?

Just being around it from a early age hearing the big homies on the block freestyle and rap other people music. Which led to me learning how to freestyle and rap myself.

How long have you been making it?

I probably start making music around 08. But I start taking it serious like 09 when I shot my first video “step it up A notch”

Who are your influences?

My influences are Tupac, Master P, Biggie, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss the lox, T.I, Jeezy, Rap A lot, E40, Phat eye Records, Garnett Entertainment, Freeman Family.

What motivates you?

My family of course just being the oldest and wanting to provide better opportunities for them. Music always been a way for me to vent and express my everyday struggles so that motivates me. Losing my Brother and other family members also been my motivation because I want to be successful so they can live through me and do all the things they we visioned together. Being able to turn nothing into something and share my story to the world always been my motivation.

Talk to us about your current mixtape, what’s it called?

“Sorry But I Had 2” is my 6th mixtape and I feel like it’s probably my best one because I put my All into it. Where before I couldn’t afford to get my mixtapes done the way I wanted them to nor promote how I wanted to. So with this one I took my time and made sure I got it done the way I wanted too, quality and all. But it’s just me saying sorry but I gotta go in, I got to give it my all I can’t hold back no more, that’s why I gave it that title.

What is your favorite song on the project?

I would probably say the intro because that came from the heart it was a lot of feeling and pain on that one.

Do you feel good about the outcome? 

Fa sho I feel like I been getting a lot of good feed back and the buzz is picking up but I’m also not satisfied I still got a whole lot of work to put in.

What are you currently working on? 

I’m working on building the buzz for this mixtape, I’m bout to shoot some visuals and working on a Small tour. I am also working on helping my artist grow as well and branding my Label NBF.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 Years I see my self as an Successful independent artist as well as CEO, with at least 1 platinum album, a world tour under my belt. Also to have one of the biggest independent Record labels in the Game. I also see my self giving back to my city and community giving opportunities that I wasn’t fortunate to have.

And putting the culture of music in my city on a bigger platform.

What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene? 

To be honest I feel like it ain’t even about the music no more it’s all about clout and popularity. It’s no authenticity no more. Don’t get it confused it’s still lots of hot artist out here they just get overshadowed by all weird shit going on. Who am I to judge though I don’t knock no one hustle get yo money feed yo family, but I just stay in my lane and do what works for me. I try not to get out my element. But I feel there is a lot of great artist and great music out. I feel it’s just evolving nothing is meant to stay the same forever, you just gotta adapt with it.

Anything else you would like to say? 

I just appreciate the opportunity and I wanna give a Shout-out to Hip hop Revival

Jerris Harris is from Frisco, TX and he has a lot of stuff in the works. He is a fashion expert, plays ball over-seas, flies on private jets, and works for a rental company. He is a very busy person with a lot of goals and dreams. We got a chance to learn more about him. He talked with us about what he has going on and whats to come. Check out our Q&A with him below: 

Where you from? 

I am From Frisco Tx

How did you get your start in fashion?

I started Designing My own Fits And Styling Small Texas Rappers and visiting different states to form a cool lil fan Base on the Gram. Now 2018 I’m Working With Bigger Artist Getting My Name more around Los Angeles And Building My Own Team.

Who was the first person you helped clothe?

This Artist Named Nyko Bands He’s Pretty Lit Ass Artist .

How long have you been making it?

It’s been 4 years , I graduated from atascocita high school In the Year of 2016 , I Had D1 & D2 Offers To play basketball but didn’t really pay attention In class. Now 2018 I have a deal in Italy waiting to be signed to play over sease basketball !

Who are your influences?

Lil Uzi Vert

Lukasabbat

Leo Mandella

Lil peep

Marilyn manson

What motivates you?

Man Honestly I want to buy my mom her first Million Dollar home and Move My Family To Los angles.

What are you currently working on? 

Collaborations With A couple of Rap Artist now  and styling them for music videos and working in the studio with music “Aka NOT A RAPPER” – Im also working with DJ Shon, singer @mechiesocrazy, and @kingb314

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Retired And My Family Set

Anything else you would like to say? 

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.

HARRIS

@_therealharris_

Follow @_Therealharris_