URBAN NEWS WAREHOUSE PRESENTS
"FUTURE"
"FUTURE"
--HomeTown?: New Orleans, LA
--How long you been rapping?: For 7yrs now. Started rapping with cousin’s group called Mpire.
--So who influenced you in the rap game growing up? : Tupac Shakur
Lil Wayne Outkast
Jay-Z
-I’m mostly inspired by the late great Tupac Shakur. The fact that he can make a song about any topic and make it hot, inspired me to never limit myself when it comes to my creative process. Lil Wayne is also an influence in mine growing up and even today. Back in the day when he was a part of the Hot Boys, to even now, Wayne shows that you have to stand out and make a name for yourself. NO matter if your part of a group or featured on a song you have to be noticeable……stick out from the rest. Outkast showed me that if you be yourself you still can be a successful artist. You don’t have to follow the trends or make the kind of music that’s hot at the time to thrive in this business. Not only Jay-Z’s skills in the booth, but his business mentality helped me look at this game in a whole different light. Growing up and seeing him build up Roca-fella Records, creating Roca-Wear clothing, to becoming the business icon he is today can’t help but inspire.
--What do you feel you can bring to the game? : I feel I can bring something different to the table. I make songs about what I’ve been through or things that are going on around me. I feel like I had a different upbringing than most artist. My Mom raised me in the hood, but she protected me from the violence and the drugs growing up. So you’ll never hear me talking about the TRAP or shooting somebody because I never did it. I make songs that everyone can relate to: relationships (good & bad), growing up, party music, or just a creative “metaphor” based songs.. My creative thought process is never restricted. I try to never make the same type of song over and over again.
--How do you plan to separate yourself from other artist?: The thing that separates me from everybody else in this industry is the fact that when I wake up “I’m me” and when I go to sleep “I’m still me!” I stay true to myself. I never try to follow the crowd or try to make the same song as the guy next to me. I always let my personality shine in my music. I try to put some humor in my songs, anger, or whatever emotion I was feeling on that particular day. My songs are always concept based, and I like stay on that particular subject throughout the song.
--So, how has the grind for you trying to build that street cred and good fan base?: The grind has been hard, I’m sure like everyone else’s journey. I’ve been lied to, tricked by promoters, and kicked off stage before……but I wouldn’t change it for the world because it helped me get to where I am now as an artist. Of course I wish I was signed to a major label like every other new artist, but I believe that everybody gets their chance in due time. As long as you work hard, stay committed, and deserving of such an opportunity it will happen. The fan base comes from constantly making great music and heavy promotion. People respect a hard worker who puts his passion into perfecting his craft.
--What’s out there for people right now to hear from you (CD/Mixatpes)?: I have a Grayline promotional mixtape out right now, its called “Never Been More Ready.” My website is up at Futureofgrayline.com……Don't forget to sign the guestbook!!!
--What’s next for you? : I have 2 solo mixtapes both dropping in Feb. '10. "Somethin' Different" & "Freak of Nature" Then I'm working on the Grayline Album. Then a solo album.
--Most rappers first album is real life based, mostly what they’ve been trough, what can the people expect from you?: They can expect a wide range of fun, emotional, and personal songs from my project. There will be something on there for everyone from the ol’ heads to the younger generation. Everyone can anticipate greatness from me and my camp. 2010 will definitely be the launching pad for my career. Sky’s the limit!!!
UNW - Future
Mon, 4th January, 2010
what do you think