Browsing Tag

rapper

Nsilo – Peterbilt: A Truck-Sized Tale of Unreckonable Grit

Posted on 25 July 2024

Nsilo’s latest single, Peterbilt, revved onto the hip-hop scene with a force as unstoppable as the eponymous truck it salutes. The narrative arc in the artist and producer’s hit may seem unconventional, yet the juggernaut of the road became a powerful parable as it becomes the centre of the track that positions Nsilo as a fearlessly untouchable contender in the annals of old-school hip-hop.

When Nsilo waxes lyrical, it’s impossible not to feel the force of his bars that have been honed by his love for 90s hip-hop greats and classic poetry alike. Yet, Peterbilt exhibits the up-and-coming artist as so much more than just an adept lyricist with a razor-sharp ability to find the perfect cadence to make every bar bounce with maximum impact.

The track’s production is a masterclass in balancing dark, layered textures with lighter elements. Waves of caustic reverb slice through the beat, resulting in an atmosphere which haunts as it uplifts and exhilarates. The meticulous synthesis attests that Nsilo knows exactly when to cast shadows and when to let the light in, mirroring the complexities of his storytelling which reflects on the values of blue-collar work, ensuring every hit is infused with authenticity and grit.

Stream Peterbilt on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Salon is an icon of raw authenticity in his alt-rap hit, About Me, I’m Real

Posted on 10 July 2024

Salon’s latest single, About Me, I’m Real, is an unflinching testament to the power of raw, unfiltered self-expression in a world that often demands the opposite.

The heart-piercingly poignant single doesn’t just hit close to the bone, it’s enough to tear your soul in two through the choked-with-emotion vibrato in the vocals, the strident reflections of a frenetic soul through hyper-pop hooks, and the intimately intricate guitar layers which conjure elements of Midwest emo into this alt-rap hit, which serves as a visceral statement of intent from an artist determined true to himself, regardless of whether facades would serve him better.

Each lyric hammers intense emotion into your psyche, guiding you through a bittersweet lament of how authenticity can be your downfall. This track leaves no listener unscathed; its confessional nature, while pensive, invites you to embrace your own idiosyncrasies and reject incessant pressure to conform.

Since 2018, Salon has used music as therapy, transposing feelings into something tangible in the same vein as the late Chester Bennington, who left a sonic void of catharsis behind. Bennington is a big artist to live up to, but Salon, with his ability to turn vulnerability into salvation is succeeding on a profound level.

About Me, I’m Real was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

East Meets West in Koza’s Impassioned Inferno of a Drill Track, SHADOWS

Posted on 2 July 2024

Koza’s second single, SHADOWS is a fierily impassioned inferno of frenetic rap cadences that reach the pinnacle of rhythmic fervour; by embracing his cultural roots in the exotically produced hit, punctuated by hard-hitting drill beats, Koza couldn’t have been more authentic to himself in the soul-baring release, which delivers an unforgettable introduction to one of the hottest drill rappers on the UK scene right now. It’s only a matter of time before he teams up with GRM and goes viral.

There are few artists who can match his heat and do so with maximum conviction that spills straight through the soul instead of the ego; all the lyrics serve to viscerally make a statement of intent as they cut through the atmosphere laid out by the diaphanously ethereal Hollywood-esque backing vocals and delicate instrumental layers which contrast sharply with the bass-swathed beats.

SHADOWS is a significant shift from Koza’s debut track, KOHLI; by underpinning the release in his personal philosophy, modernising the East-meets-West production with ahead-of-the-curve beats and anchoring it in vulnerability by narrating themes of self-discovery, the breakthrough artist broke plenty of ground with this stormer.

SHADOWS dropped on June 28; jump on the track on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unveiling cye: From Vegas Roots to Hip-Hop Heights

Posted on 22 June 2024

In this interview, we dive into the dynamic journey of cye, an emerging artist with roots deeply entrenched in Pomona, California, and the vibrant culture of the Las Vegas Strip. From the hardships of the 2008 housing crisis to the pivotal moments like his photoshoot with Mike Tyson and joining Entourage, cye shares the experiences that have shaped his artistic persona. He also discusses the inspiration behind his breakout single, “NYC in the Backseat,” the creation of his debut album “The Keeper,” and his ambitious plans for THE IONIC WORLD TOUR.

cye, welcome to A&R Factory! Before we delve into your music, we’d love to start the interview by giving our readers an insight into the start of your dynamic personal narrative. Can you share some insights about your upbringing in Pomona, California, and how growing up on the Las Vegas Strip influenced your music and artistic persona?

It’s good to be back on the road piecing things together. Vegas is home to us. I’m set out to make it a point for people to understand what this city means to me. Real sh*t happened there… I grew up in Vegas during the 2008 housing crisis. We didn’t have a lot all the time, but I take pride in the fact that my momma worked hard to give us a good childhood. My momma is my everything. And Vegas built the whole understanding of my entertainment standards.

The 2021 photoshoot with Mike Tyson at Tyson Ranch seemed like a pivotal moment in your career. How did that experience shape your journey?

It was cool… Really changed my whole life… It’s family and love over here, for real, like, my cousin Matt has been in business with Tyson for a long time. And Uncle Meco has been taking me with him everywhere I need to be in Hollywood and D.C. We’re all close and spend a lot of time locked in on this sh*t now.

Joining Entourage, a full-service sports and entertainment agency, was a significant step. How did that opportunity come about, and what impact did it have on your career trajectory?

That was back in Hollywood, I think 2022… Working with these companies is cool and all but it’s more hands in the pot, really… I prefer to stay to myself but when certain steps are necessary then, so be it. I am not one of these artists that’s on a mission against the industry. That’s lame sh*t. Can I say that? There has been way too much of that “F- the record labels” talk over the last decade. As a young artist, you have to identify what you want for yourself and allow the space for others to move how they need to. All that negative sh*t is flat…

“NYC in the Backseat” was your breakout single in early 2023. What was the inspiration behind the song, and how did it feel to see it resonate with so many people?

Actually, when I recorded that I hadn’t ever even been to New York City, yet. There was already a plan in place to produce and master the album in Brooklyn, though. I think Andrew [Krivonos] reached out to my manager, Mason, and set it up… Can’t remember exactly how it went. But I love NYC. It’s been dope as h*ll to see so many people, kids, grown women and all that vibe out to my sh*t. I’ve only performed the song a few times live and I’m real amped to see how they respond to it.

Your debut album “The Keeper” was released in November 2023. Can you tell us about the creative process behind the album and what message you hoped to convey through it?

It was really just an introductory piece… We wanted to provide a solidified sound, no gimmicks, with a hefty production team behind it but it’s really not a debut album in the sense of what we are working on putting together, at this point. Our team is not naive in the understanding that we have a long way to go before y’all know who I am… Understand, we spent more than $100,000 to finish TK in its entirety… Independently released and funded by my label, Recovering Child Music. There’s a lot that TK cemented into reality for me. TK is a building block of RCM, and everything else that I’ve set out to craft in this sh*t.

Working with Andrew Krivonos and having your album mastered at The Brewery Recording Studio must have been an incredible experience. How did those collaborations come to be, and what did they bring to your music?

It’s really as simple as it was… Like I said. Andrew and I work really well together. We were at an event at his studio in Los Angeles, before we did the album in Brooklyn, and we had a few drinks and talked about what my music can do, for real. I’ll always remember that. What we created together on TK is timeless sh*t that will always be noted as the music that started this whole thing.

You’ve recently announced “THE IONIC WORLD TOUR” for 2024 and 2025. What can fans expect from this tour, and how are you preparing for such a massive undertaking?

Yeah, touring is a learning process for me and I’m enjoying that. I’ve really taken my time stepping into this new space I’m in… Moving with the utmost respect and discipline in my approach. I love what fans do for the music, man. They keep us honest. If they don’t like something, they will let you know. That makes my job easier and makes their days at these festivals worth it. There are artists that waste a lot of people’s time and I’m not into that. If you’re going to spend your money to get live at one of my shows and stand in the rain and sh*t… The least we can do is give you the best f*cking music you have ever heard in your life. I want people to leave with a memorable night behind them so they can go home and f*ck and sleep good. This sh*t one big therapy session, for real. I swear that’s what Recovering Child Music is meant to be… Therapy.

The tour includes stops at over 200+ hip-hop culture shops and universities across North America. What inspired this unique approach, and what do you hope to achieve through these visits?

It’s marketing all over the world, really. I grew up in the city, that’s just how we move when you find yourself downtown. There are a lot of folks running these spots that hold down the whole culture of Hip-Hop and keep it rooted in something real. Otherwise, this sh*t would just be gimmicks re-uploaded over and over again. The people make the culture… And I stand by that. I’ve been in the streets with the people in every city we’ve been to build a connection, really.

You’ve experienced life in both Hollywood and New York City. How have these two iconic locations influenced your sound?

I grew up going between Vegas and Los Angeles like once a month, it felt like. Especially as my brothers and I started to get older… So, Hollywood always had a grip on my soul, in a way, where I knew I had to get out there just to see… And New York City is way different. I never experienced anything in my life like getting to the city, man. It’s a whole other level of living out there and we got busy right away. Even though I’m a little less into the luxurious vibe, I feel NYC does it best. I lean into what I like, and experiment once I’m in the room. My favorite sh*t in my life is shrooms and late night Hollywood / Bev Hills, too, though. It’s a cool balance.

Your stage name, cye, carries a unique identity. What’s the story behind choosing this name, and how does it represent you as an artist?

That came from my dad. I’ll end up telling this a million times but I showed this man “Cyclone” by Baby Bash and T-Pain, yeah? And while we were playing basketball and listening to the song, I put up a shot that circled around the rim a few times before going in… He said, “you put it down like a cyclone…” and called me cyclone for the rest of my fourth grade school year… 10 years later, it got shortened to cye and scribbled into my iTunes library… And I was crazy as h*ll as a kid so I always liked that name.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the next few years in your music career? Are there any new projects or collaborations on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?

A lot has been scooped onto my plate over the last half-decade. I’ve got work that needs to be completed, right now. We’ll be in Africa next year… It’s crazy. I want to create something for the fans of this music, and maybe I have it figured out already. It’s a lot of awesome f*cking people out there, man. I’m going to get where we are meant to be in this sh*t… And I couldn’t do it without The Bullies.

Please, visit cyeforever.com to connect with cye.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

So Royal The Music Producer Earned his Crown in ‘Royal 24’

Posted on 26 May 2024

So Royal The Music Producer’s standout production, Royal 24, is a hard-hitting homage to old-school hip-hop, infused with a fresh, scintillating edge that sets the independent artist and producer leagues apart from the assimilators masquerading as originators.

The track captures the soul and grit of the genre’s roots while showcasing So Royal’s exceptional talent as a beatmaker. His use of cinematic aesthetics heightens the evocative atmosphere, with playful rhythms that prove charisma isn’t just for rap bars.

So Royal crafted the perfect platform for his dynamic verses, which constantly switch in cadence, vibe, and tone, creating immense anticipation over what will follow, and there’s no room for disappointment; each progression is a testament to his versatile and chameleonic skill.

There’s an undeniable sense that Royal 24 comes from a place of pure creativity and emotion, making it easy to get lost in the innovative production. The single is a flawless exhibition of So Royal’s ability to blend the traditional with the contemporary, creating a soundscape that thinks forward leaving fans tripping over the authenticity while respecting the genre’s roots.

Royal 24 is available via Apple Music and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Be Bigger Not Bitter with Tago’s Feel-Good Hip-Hop Juggernaut, Let Me Talk About Mine

Posted on 16 May 2024

Tago stepped back into the spotlight with his latest single Let Me Talk About Mine, which is set to be a significant moment in his career. The Dallas-based rapper and producer, who has spent the better part of a decade behind the scenes, enriching other artists’ careers, now takes centre stage, showcasing his own story with soul-infused conviction that demands attention.

With Let Me Talk About Mine, Tago crafted lyrics that are both sharp and introspective, set against a backdrop of electrifying beats and cutting-edge electronica aesthetics that shake the dust off old school while tapping into the grit of it.

This single is an unreckonable assertion of self-worth and an invitation to witness his ascension in hip-hop. His narrative is potent, steeped in personal growth and the gritty realities of forging one’s path against the odds. Tago captivates through this monolithic hit, employing kinetic rhythms that propel the listener through his journey of self-realisation and unflinching ambition.

It’s a track that will stand the test of time as a testament to Tago’s ability to weave traditional influences into a modern sonic landscape that pulsates with energy. If you’ve ever felt overshadowed, step into the limelight with his emboldening instant classic.

Stream the official music video for Let Me Talk About Mine from May 16th.

Follow Tago on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Majesty defined her hip-hop legacy in ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’

Posted on 15 May 2024

Karma may be a bitch, but there are few fiercer figures in the hip-hop industry than Majesty, who will be reigning supreme after the drop of her legacy-defining single, What Goes Around Comes Around.

The solid beats, sharp flows and even more cutting wordplay establish Majesty as a triple threat in the genre filled with pretenders that would kill for her ability to deliver conviction with soul. As the luxe jazzy instrumentals that are filtered through a filmic lens take you back to the ‘90s East Coast hip-hop sound, Majesty’s cadence attests to her determination to perfect her craft and inspire through her independently released hits.

Anyone who hits play on What Goes Around Comes Around will find themselves vindicated by the rhythmically explosive exposition on the sweetness of karmic justice. Along with everyone else who can’t get enough of this hit, we can’t wait to hear what Majesty has locked, loaded and ready to drop.

Stream What Goes Around Comes Around, which has already racked up over 3k views on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rice redefined hip-hop with the big beats in his latest hit, Blog It

Posted on 5 May 2024

After a suspenseful two-year hiatus, Rice stormed back onto the hip-hop scene with Blog It, a track that pulses with cinematic grandeur and a defiant declaration of his undimmed presence. This single is not just a return; it’s a bold reaffirmation of Rice’s command over the genre.

Rice, known for his role as an entrepreneur and philanthropist as much as his music, melded monolithic auto-tuned bars with EDM-adjacent beats to create a soundscape that’s as luxurious as it is massive. The production quality, more designer than Prada, amplifies Rice’s charisma, proving that none of his magnetic allure has faded beneath the technological sheen.

Blog It is laden with lyrical potency and rhythmic complexity that showcases Rice’s matured artistry. His background as a visionary artist who transitioned from management to centre stage is evident in every beat.

This single is a narrative of persistence and a sonic explosion that heralds Rice’s readiness for a Grammy. It’s ironic yet fitting that a track titled Blog It is the one I find myself blogging about—what could be more meta? Yet, if I’m a pawn in anyone’s game, I’m glad it’s Rice’s; the major player is ripping up the hip-hop rulebook and setting fire to the confetti.

Blog It is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

In Conversation: Frostbyt3 Breaks Down ‘OUTCHA MOUTH’ and Talks New Horizons

Posted on 18 April 2024

This week, we explored the defiance and high-energy expression in Frostbyt3’s latest track, “OUTCHA MOUTH,” featuring Juice Box and ETHNL. Released on April 12th, this single marks a significant shift from Frostbyt3’s earlier pop and R&B influences, diving into a realm of gritty, experimental rap with a live-performance feel designed to rally the crowd.

In this interview with A&R Factory, Frostbyt3 reveals the inspiration behind the creation of an anthem that not only challenges the negativity from others and self-doubt but also sets the stage for a much-anticipated album. Dive into the conversation as Frostbyt3 discusses the transformative journey from SoundCloud experiments to major stage ambitions, offering insights into collaboration dynamics, creative processes, and long-term visions

Frostbyt3, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for the opportunity to sit down with you and discuss your latest single, OUTCHA MOUTH, featuring Juice Box and ETHNL which dropped on April 12th. We love how you brought your high-vibe energy to a track that asserts boundaries with maximum conviction in the bars and beats; what inspired you to create this track and run with this infectiously expressive style?

Thank you so much for having me! I am super excited to talk about my music! I would say coming off of my last album, “EMOTIONALLY UNAVAILABLE”, that was very pop and R&B based. I wanted to create something that sounded different from what I usually make. I wanted to create an anthem that was show-ready and had a hook that was easy to memorize. Recently, I have been watching a lot of rap performances and seeing what artists have brought to the table with that type of energy. That is exactly what I wanted to bring out with this new single. A fresh new take on how I want everyone to turn up when they listen to the song.

What inspired you to create the track?

The track idea came at a time when I noticed not only with myself but with the media in general how people like to try and drag others down once they see they are making something good out of their own life. Not only that, but it also plays a role in how we sometimes talk down about ourselves and we might not even realize it. There have been moments in my own life where I was like “Am I even built for this?” or “Am I good enough for this?” when I know I am and have proven myself time and time again. I would say this single is a commentary on negative talk in general, whether it’s from others or yourself. Keep any sort of negativity out of your mouth. As far as the production on this track, in the car, I listen to tracks like “FE!N” by Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. I did take huge inspiration from the album, “TESTING” by A$AP Rocky. That album is so amazing and the energy on that album is incredible. If you’re a fan of grundy and experimental rap, check that album out.

Could you walk us through your creative process for writing and producing a track like “OUTCHA MOUTH”? Where do you usually start, and how do you know when a song is ready to be released?

It’s honestly been trial and error. I usually either have a hook already in mind and create the production around the hook and verses, or I’ll start from scratch and make the beat and then add the lyrics of what I believe the song should be about afterwards. I think, this time around, the beat was finished and I had demo lyrics. In my mind, I was like, “ETHNL would go crazy on this!”. Two weeks after sending it to ETHNL, I told myself “No. ETHNL and Juice Box would be an insane combo!”. The rest is history.

How did the collaboration with Juice Box and ETHNL come about, and what was it like working in the studio with them?

I have worked with both artists before. ETHNL and I have worked numerous times to a point where we know what works and doesn’t work. Juice Box I worked with a lot behind the scenes and we have one song out called “Honorable Mentions”. I thought this was the perfect time to have both of them back and they delivered.

From your early days on SoundCloud to now, how have you evolved as an artist? In what ways have your initial influences shaped your current music style?

As a music artist, I’m always learning. I’m always listening. I have learned so much from not only learning what my fanbase is like, but also tuning in to other musicians and understanding how they operate in the music realm. I’m always asking questions. How do you engage the crowd on stage? How do you get the fans asking for more? How did they create certain songs? I feel like these are the key concepts that, over the years, have helped shape my sound and who I want to be as an artist.

Does OUTCHA MOUTH set the tone for your upcoming album?

I would say OUTCHA MOUTH is just one piece to an entire theme-driven album. The album itself has a bunch of different tones. I’d like to think of each song on the album as having its personality. It’s cool because OUTCHA MOUTH as a single can stand on its own, but on the album, it brings life to the album listening experience.

Engaging with your fanbase seems integral to your approach. How do you hope your music, especially the new single and upcoming album, will resonate with your listeners, both old and new?

I want this album to give people hope. I don’t want to spoil a lot, but this album has been a reminder to me of why I wanted to make music in the first place. It has so many different feels and vibes, but it all has that Frostbyt3 feel that fans know and love. It truly has a lot to offer for familiar listeners, as well as people listening to my music for the first time. I encourage people to listen to some of my recent work to get a good feel of the genres I have worked with so far.

Beyond the upcoming album, what are your long-term goals for your music career? How do you see your sound and artistic identity evolving in the future?

I have some big plans in the works. I am currently planning on doing live shows. That is what has been important to me. People love and need live music. The last two home studio albums I dropped, “WHINTER SEEZYN” and “EMOTIONALLY UNAVAILABLE”, I call “quarantine albums”, because they were released during the middle of the pandemic. At that point, musicians and artists weren’t able to do much. Live music was in a weird place. Now, I feel like this is the time to go hard! I want to give people that Frostbyt3 experience live! I would love to do a mini-tour! As far as my sound and artistic identity, I see myself pushing myself further with my music. I’m always making music every day. My music and creativity are always evolving and changing. I can’t wait for the world to hear more from me.

Stream OUTCHA MOUTH on Spotify now.

Follow Frostbyt3 on Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Crafting His Own Creed: Sareem on His Album ‘YOU MADE ME YOU’ and Personal Evolution

Posted on 15 April 2024

 This week, rap luminary Sareem sat down with us to delve into his latest album, ‘YOU MADE ME YOU,’ an infectious blend of sharp rap flows and dynamic beats that trace his journey from hustle to redemption. In this candid discussion, he reveals the profound personal stakes involved in the album’s creation, reflecting on his emotional highs and lows and the introspective process behind his music. His narrative weaves between personal accountability and empowerment, all set against the backdrop of challenging industry relationships and intense self-discovery. Join us as Sareem unpacks the layers of his latest work, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist who not only embraces but celebrates his complexities.

Sareem, thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your new album, YOU MADE ME YOU! First things first, we would love to hear the story behind the intriguing LP title and how it encompasses the 13 tracks contained within. 

Hi Amelia, thank you for having me! The title YOU MADE ME YOU is a way to take responsibility for my actions. The only person standing on every decision I make is myself. Throughout the album it’s responsible for my hustle, degeneracy, coming to terms with reality, and eventual redemption. It’s a mantra that alternates between blame and empowerment. I came up with it when I wrote a draft of BURN IT DOWN but I scrapped that verse for the final version you hear today.

We love the juxtapositions between the sharp rap flows and the experimentally dynamic beats; is there a particular artist who acted as the foundation of your influence or is your style a result of a broad range of inspirations? 

Broad range for sure. I made a playlist of who I was listening to as I made the album and it’s got everyone from Danny Brown to Master of Puppets, Mac Miller, The Weeknd, Kendrick, Nirvana, etc., if you name somebody there’s a chance they had an influence. I leaned towards albums based around people who are cool having a 360 view of themselves. The Weeknd especially is a beast at doing this – his shittiness is on display and he doesn’t really care if you love it or hate it, it just exists. He’s not trying to boast either and I really took that page from him and put it on here – I can’t sing like him but that 360 view of me is very prevalent throughout the album.

Now that the album is out in the world, can you share the highs and the lows of creating the release? 

The highs were performing throughout the state for sure. I previewed this album in San Francisco, LA, San Diego and Vegas. Being on the road really puts in perspective how delicate the whole process is and I’m glad I thugged out a 9-hour drive up to SF with my DJ Yungwatercycle aka MalikTalking. I got to rap on Chuck Inglish’s beats and he let me have a ton of freedom of creating through them. David really came in clutch and we found a consistent sound by just thuggin out the recordings – I think we laid down 9 songs in a day to start it. It made me step up my game for sure.

The lows, however, shit where do I even begin! I fucked up a ton of good relationships during the process of it. The album is a 2 year biography of my time in LA and I fell in and out of love multiple times, had to get in a fucked up state of mind to write a solid amount of it, just dealing with myself. I’m a very high and low person and it turns off people who don’t know me as well. I became somewhat isolated because I didn’t like people getting the wrong idea of me if they didn’t see me daily or weekly. It plays heavily into songs like Protect my Soul, Who Was Down or Let Go. Then Burn it Down is me getting over me and everyone else’s shit.

What did you learn about yourself while creating the album?

I’m an emotional motherfucker man! I really wrote this shit from the soul instead of tryna sound clever 24/7 and it made a ton of difference. I learned that I’ve stayed consistent from my thoughts like 3-4 years ago too – I reread something that I wrote about the 360 view from 2020 – and I read it after I submitted the album lol. So that was cool to know that I’ve kept it true to myself in a way. I’ve learned how invested I have to be to make it in music and how much of a journey it’ll continue to be. But the further I get the more intense I become and the more consistency I maintain. We are who we choose to be – not who others say we are. Last thing I learned was how to be cool with being hated and not conforming to those who don’t deserve to be conformed to. I’ll elaborate on that next album!!!!!

Some of the singles have already made their way onto Spotify’s official Alternative Rap Playlists, how does it feel to sit among rap royalty with your hits ALL NATURAL and DIP SMOKE?

It feels great but it feels like it’s only a start. I need to leverage it into real work, and get onto On the Radar or XXL. A playlist isn’t the end all be all but I’ll always be thankful for what I have. Chuck produced 9 of the songs but I feel like DIP SMOKE and ALL NATURAL will be the biggest off the tape. Shoutout Relaye.

How did you hook up with the legendary producer Chuck Inglish, and what was it like working with him on this release?

I opened for Chuck when he got added to a line-up featuring Joey Purp and myself in 2022. He was DJing and I told my DJ that I had to get his number or something. So I did. Chuck is super cool and we worked out a deal for a beat tape that eventually became the album. He gave me complete freedom over everything and he’s the fuckin homie. I hope we work more in the future, he’s a great producer and an even better person.

Leading up to the release, you opened for some massive names – Ghostface Killah and Raekwon to name a few – how did those shows go down and do you have any tales from the road? 

Ghostface and Raekwon was a hell of a show – for whatever reason I was bumping Only Built 4 Cuban Linx that entire summer. Read Tao of Wu. Manifested that shit without really thinking about it? Anyways we got a ton of my homies to kick it after the show and we were just getting tossed in the green room – you know what? I tend to set up everything with my shows so I’m tame until afterwards, anything I’ve done I’ll show you off camera because I want to keep getting invited to shit lmao. Just know my songs are all based off mostly true stories 😉

What’s next for Sareem?

I will be dropping singles and waterfalling my songs for the rest of the year. I believe I have 40 songs that are unreleased that were made during this album – they will see the light of day this year. Might fuck around and go on a run wit this shit.  Thank you again for having me!! REEM TEAM OUT

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Stream YOU MADE ME YOU on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast