UPSCALE – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?

I’m originally from Dallas, Texas by way of the Bay Area, CA. I’ve been making Hip Hop for almost 11 years. I started out producing music back in 2003 then transitioned into rapping almost a year later.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

For me, making Hip Hop is therapeutic because it allows me to express myself through creativity. Hip Hop has always been a positive outlet for me when I would’ve been out in the streets doing negative things.

Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?

My music is a mixture of street and mainstream. I write songs about my past life situations, which were mostly in the streets, but I also write about my present situation which is striving to be great. When I say “mainstream” I mean that my songs are catchy not “commercial”. This is not to offend other MCs, nor saying that I’m better than them, but I’m tired of hearing “fad music”. I’m into creating “timeless music” that my fans can listen to that doesn’t go out of style.

Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?

Thus far I’ve collaborated with independent artists such as Nump, Zyme aka Zyme Dynamite, Mike Dash E, Big Cas, Cadillac Mike, Hunid, Poise, Kid Flame and many others to strengthen the Underground Hip Hop community. I would like to collab with artists who are emerging as well as those who have forged their way in the industry.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

Underground Hip Hop is making hip hop for the love, without being controlled by corporate. As an underground artist it’s about staying based, regardless of what others think or the level of success you achieve.

Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production?

And who would you like to work with?

Production wise, my influences range from DJ Premier to Dr. Dre to Rico Love to Zaytoven. I work a lot with Big Hurt from the Bay Area, TrackBangas, Jimmy Dukes, Zay Prime, and The Magnets from Paris.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

I’m promoting my latest project titled, ‘My Lifestyle Is’. I’m currently working on the first volume of my mixtape trilogy which is set to release in the 4th quarter.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of My Lifestyle Is? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Mixtape Art Cover.

‘My Lifestyle Is’ was like a brand new beginning for me. I had recently changed my artist name from Tre Paper to UPSCALE, because I felt like it fit me better. With that change there was also a change in the type of content I was writing, based on new experiences. On this project, I can really see my growth and development as an artist. The ‘My Lifestyle Is’ artwork represents a refined version of me. To me, being refined means projecting confidence, poise and grace in your words and actions.

Where can we find your music and info?

You can check for me @

upscalemuzik.com
soundcloud.com/upscalemuzik
twitter.com/thekiddupscale
instagram.com/thekiddupscale

Any shout outs?

First and foremost I would like to thank God because without him none of my talent would be present. Second, I would like to thank my family, team and fans for believing in me and giving me honest feedback on my music. Third, I would like to thank all of the artists and producers I work with. Last but not least, shout out to UGHHBlog for allowing me share who I am as an artist!