Q. So how long have you been rapping?
A. I would say I started writing raps between 10-12 years old. I figured out how to format songs at a young age by listening to the greats. I started writing whole songs at like 14 and recording on tapes with some of my friends from the neighborhood. At first It was just a fun thing cause I wasn’t rapping bout a damn thing. No real concepts just a bunch of different shit. The personal lyrics that were more of an outlet for me to express my emotions and anger towards school teachers, unjust acts, and various real-life situations I kept to myself. Overtime I began to record those songs as a form of therapy and thats when it all started. I would say at about 18 I decided I wanted to be a rapper for a living and began going to professional studios.
Q. You say,”listening to the greats” so with that being said, name some of those greats?
A. The lists is long but off top some that I consider great are probably Nas, Tupac, Mobb Deep, The Fugees, Wutang, Naughty by Nature, L.L Cool J, Biggie, DMX & the list goes on.
Q. So are there any industry artist that you are listening to now that has a major influence on your music and style?
A. To be honest, as an up & coming rapper my goal is to be as unique as possible. Listening to a lot of these industry artist can really take a toll on my creativity because it almost makes you seem like you have to dumb down or make bullshit music to WIN in this industry. So with that being said “nobody does”. I’m really not inspired by none of these rappers cause i’m sick of the same story. The game is way to trendy now and theres not enough real men in the game. Too many boys behind the mic and too many frauds & faggs behind the business. I consider myself a standout for making the decision to do it my way. Next time you think about how black people are portrayed in the media ask yourself… Are we portraying the truth or is the man with the money paying us to show the world what he wants us to be portrayed as. For years this is how its been, and now its at an all time high. So in conclusion the ones watching and listening believe what they see & hear then eventually it turns into a reality……but to touch back on the question I do want to give credit to all the legends that I listen to for inspiration, but I don’t think there is a current artist that influences my music and style.
Q. You just got real deep for a couple minutes there….
A. Haahha Yeah I know and thats the type of topic that can be a whole nother interview, but i’ma leave it like that. Feel me… to sum it all up I was basically saying, “How can I be inspired by artist who aren’t even in 100% control of there own thoughts or music”
Q. So how was it to be featured on MSNBC.com, Philly Burbs, and your local Burlington County Times newspaper, and now here with me on ShayStar.com?
A. I mean I look at all these as stepping stones to place me in a position I would like to be in within the music industry. Every little thing counts. I make sure that with all the accomplishments I still remain humble. My mom always used to tell me as a child that “the humble calf suck de most milk” …. I applied that old jamaican proverb to my life and to my music grind. Up & Coming artist tend to get caught up in there small achievements and forget that there still unknown the next town over. I give myself a pat on the back and continue to perfect my craft of making good music.
Q. So the cd your dropping on May 17th is called “Chill Pill”… What can we expect different in this project?
A. Well, this is the first cd where everything was in-house. I didn’t have to wait on anybody with this one. The production was all by N-Omega. The visual, artwork, recording, engineering was all me. Life is real for me and the word “BUDGET” doesn’t exists. Piff Entertainment is all from the muscle. Chill Pill exemplifies that. The quality music is there, the listeners just have to accept something different and more importantly accept & condone something REAL for a change. Theres also growth from the last cd “The Dre Skuffs Project.” I feel like the music is legendary. Overtime I only became better because I’m big on mastering my craft. We all know practice makes perfect. The “Chill Pill” is a smooth ride beginning to end.
Q. Why call the cd Chill Pill?
A. N-Omega production is real soulful and laid back. I wanted the theme/name of the cd to reflect on how the music would sound. N-omega came up with the name and I ran with it.
Q. What do you think it will take for people accept your style of rap?
A. They do. People love my style of rap. Trendy people are scared to admit it cause they don’t wanna seem like the oddball. The people that appreciate it will support it. My supporters just have to help spread the word. Once the my music blows up I will have my on lane in Hip-Hop. The radio needs this type of music that I’m pumping out. There just scared because a person like me can’t be controlled. My word is My word. Another thing is that I don’t just have one style of rap. I’m a professional rap artist. I can get on anything that has rhythm and treat it like a blank canvas. I’m a great painter.
Q. Anything else before we wrap it up?
A. Of course its been a pleasure Shay Star. I love what you do and appreciate you reaching out! Lets grow! I need you on my next cd. Don’t forget to lookout for the Chill Pill cd which dropped on May 17th and it is available for download. Follow me on twitter @dreskuffs and go to ShayStar.com everyday. Put it in ya favorites and all dat!
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