In the dynamic realm of Hip-Hop, some artists stand out not just for their beats but for the unique journey they embark upon. Tha Blaqsmith, a trailblazer since 2011, entered the musical scene with no formal composing background but armed with an unparalleled willpower and a penchant for vinyl records and drum breaks. Several releases down the road, he continues to infuse the new generation of Hip-Hop with his essential raw, dope, and chill essence. Join us as we delve into his journey, upcoming releases, inspirations, and an exploration of his impressive discography.
Your journey in music began in 2011. How did you navigate the initial challenges of entering the industry with no formal composing experience, and what motivated you to pursue a career in Hip-Hop?
I just learned and observed a lot of knowledge from reading and watching interviews on hip-hop greats. Google and YouTube was my actual mentors for music. I always had a knack for putting different sounds together, but I never played or used an instrument in my life. And living with my mom and my brother, we were lower middle-class people that often times could afford things but we didn’t at times especially when it comes to music equipment. And growing up, I never had an instrument. I will always make beats with my mouth or my hands Once I had my hands on a drum machine. It was a wrap. Having a drum machine motivated me to do this. The process of making a beat from scratch in your own creation, fascinate me.
With several releases under your belt, including “THE PATH TO SUCCESSION” and “The Last Days EP,” can you share some insights into the themes and inspirations behind these projects? How has your artistic vision evolved over the course of your discography?
The Path to Succession is basically whatever path that you’re on, don’t ever give up on that path because you never know, you might be closer than you think. So I tried my best to make certain instrumental beats that give you that motivated vibe to keep going forward. The Last Days, is whatever you’re doing in life, doesn’t matter what your profession, as long as you give it a 100% on it, even if it’s your last day on this earth.. my idea for the album was to be more precise and discipline instrumental album. I have a certain vision for my albums, because nowadays it’s not a lot of content with music, it’s just a lot of music with no meaning so I try to keep a good content with it to give the audience.
What upcoming releases can fans anticipate from The Blaqsmith, and can you provide a glimpse into the creative process or themes we might expect in your future projects?
I have a few upcoming releases coming out in 2024. I have a Beattape coming out pretty soon called “LOOPMANIA” just basically an instrumental album full of reoccurring loop instrumentals. Most likely it will be a series of LOOPMANIA going forward. I have a few remixes beat tapes in the works and more collaborations as well.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hip-Hop, who or what are some of your primary inspirations? How do you incorporate these influences into your work while maintaining your distinct musical identity?
J Dilla is my all-time inspiration, but I have some on Honorary inspirations like, 9th Wonder, The Alchemist, Timberland, Dr. Dre. I’m a hip-hop head so I know what those guys bring to the table. I’ve always love that gritty, eerie underground, smooth sound. Those vibes are immaculate and that’s why I like implementing that into my sound.
Your discography reflects a range of collaborations and projects. Could you shed light on any particular collaborations or associations that have significantly impacted your artistic journey? How do these collaborations contribute to the growth of The Blaqsmith as an artist?
I did an EP with an artist from the inland empire and my closest friend “El Fuggins”. He’s very talented. Raps, sings, direct. At first, it was a little difficult to mesh with him but after a while, he motivated me to think outside the box, in the area where I was accustomed to. The name of the EP is called “Heel Turn” Heel is a term for a wrestler when he becomes a bad guy. “Babyface” is a term good guy. So we made this EP not only because we’re wrestling fans but to shed light on the comparison between wrestlers and musicians. There are so many musicians, releasing good music, that it never has the good following or fan base to support it and the artist normally goes rogue or gives up on the art. I typically don’t want to give up. Lol. The whole album process made me think more creatively and to be more unique around making beats and I like being challenged in those moments. Not only I learn, but I also evolve, musically.
Find out more about The Blaqsmith here.
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