Substance – Q&A Interview

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

I grew up in Port Huron,MI up until 3 years ago. I started writing rhymes seriously around 2003, I always had a passion for poetry and the eloquent use of words.

How is the AZ Hip Hop scene? Do you see any growth or is it dead? Along with any other opinions on the AZ Hip Hop scene.

Lots of talented MCs here! And what I love most is its pure hip hop, no watered down bs…

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

I put my life in my music, I’m very honest in my lyrics about a lot of things. I think what separates me is my ability to make music that is very relatable to the average person. Yet at the same time it’s packed with lyricism, wordplay etc

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

The most notable artist I collaborated with would be Wordsworth, it was on the intro to my album Black Market I released in 2010. I’m always collaborating with my fellow MCs from my hometown, you can hear a lot of them on my album OSOM. Like my dude Choze would say “my city is betta than yours”

Our most popular question, what’s your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
Music that doesn’t adhere to “fads” or what’s popular in general. In general any hip hop that isn’t considered mainstream is underground imo

Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production?  And who would you like to work with?

Myself and producer Blaise from Saskatoon Saskatchewan are releasing a EP soon titled “Fixation” Blaise produced it entirely. Besides that I work with a large select circle of producers. To name them: know it all, bon beatz, Soundstate beats, steet gang beats, milklord, chysty productions, pro logic, conflikt, notion, treal, waydoe beats

My dream would be to get a beat from Dj Premier

Where do you see yourself in 5 years

Still making music that’s for sure!

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of OSOM? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Album/Mixtape Cover Art.

I didn’t think of the album title OSOM and then make songs to fit the mood. I made most of the music first and noticed it had a vibe to it, and a lot of the content was me talking about my life since moving across country. By the time I new the title I probably had only 3-4 songs needed for the album so that’s why I only mention the phrase “outta sight outta mind” in a few songs. Also I recorded the outro first and the intro last.
As far as the album art I had the idea in my head for a very long time and my bro Che West took a picture of me in his studio and we went from there. He made my idea a reality, still can’t believe it came out like that. I remember describing it, taking the picture, sitting down with Che and it was like it just happened..

Where can we find your music and info?

You can find all my music at www.substance2015.bandcamp.com

You can view my electronic press kit at
http://www.reverbnation.com/rpk/Substance810

Twitter,Facebook,Instagram,sound cloud are all: Substance810

Any shout outs?
Shout out to my mother and my father, my son Tyree and my daughter Vivianna.