EFF – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
I’m a Nashville, TN native. I’ve been making music since I could hold drum sticks as a kid. I play most instruments, guitar, piano, bass, percussion, etc. About 2 years ago, a couple Nashville artists, Timpo, Southwest Music, Miles D, and myself started YOK RECORDS. We have a small studio in Antioch, TN where, between the 4 of us, have produced, mixed, and mastered 11 mixtapes, 4 EP’s, and a few beat tapes in less than 24 months.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
My team. Hands Down. They push me to be a better and more original artist with every recording session, which happen frequently. Timpo, who is working on his 8th project and engineering my 5th, drives me to make as much music as possible. Also, it’s a challenge in this city. I’ve watched Nashville’s Hip Hop scene bloom in the past 18 months. And so far no one has really made it in the city. You have veterans like Lito and Don Trip, but no truly local artists have broken out onto a national platform. It’s bound to happen with the amount of good artists that call music city home, but I also know they aren’t in the studio till 5 am every night like we are. I ain’t scared to make it. And i love the hustle. So time will tell.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
Describe my music……? It’s not your everyday shit. I come from a melodic and musical background, So i feel as if that has a massive effect on my music. Every mixtape is different. My latest release, “THOUGHTS FOR THOTS”, was written during a strange time in my personal life. I’m the type that writes about what he knows and experiences, that being said, my music is alot more relatable than other rappers. We all go through the same trials in life, we just experience them through different eyes. Different realities. I try to embrace that and make my music universal.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
As far as rappers, I’m kinda picky about who i make music with. I’ve made tracks with Nathan Grey, Sean Micheal, Rikki Blu, Escoe Perfecto, Breezy and E-Trill, and of course Pretty much everyone from YOK RECORDS.
I’d really like to reconnect with Isaiah Rashad and make a track with him. Out of all the national acts he really stands out. To be honest I’d love to work with anyone from T.D.E.
But more than anyone else, Danny Fucking Brown. He’s got to be the most original artist I’ve ever seen. and his live shows are a drug in themselves.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
I feel like people misconstrue what Underground Hip Hop means. In my opinion it’s about being independent. Independent artists make up a large percentage of the millions of people who follow Hip Hop culture. It’s not about being a backpack rapper anymore. That doesn’t make you Underground. Underground and commercial Hip Hop are really not all that different. Underground Hip Hop just involves a vascular system of artists, producers, fans, and haters. You have to be involved intravenously in order to understand the culture.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
I love Ta-ku and Mr. Carmack. They’re my favorites right now. My production is done by a slue of people. I’ve made a few of the beats on the tapes and then there’s Miles D, J Tramel, Southwest Music, Fast Eddie, B Hood, and prolly other people that’ll be pissed I didn’t mention them.
I’d really like to work with Mr. Carmack in studio. I’d give my right arm to collab on a beat with him.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
“THOUGHTS FOR THOTS” is my pride and joy. i released it on May 11th of this year and I’ve had great response. I’m currently working on my 5th Mixtape “Pretty Good Coffee”. I’ve got about 6 tracks completed so far and I’m taking more of an R&B approach. I’m extremely satisfied with what I’ve got. And I’ve got some vicious features from the team.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Thoughts For Thots? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.
I wanted to explore the theme of sexuality. I feel like i touched on all the different types of relationships that men have with women in this day and age. From one night stands to long-term relationships. I also was doing alot of psychedelics during the time i was working on the project. So I’m sure that had an effect on it.
The album artwork was made by Southwest Music. He’s in school for graphic design. The picture really intensifies the whole concept of the Mixtape. I feel like it’s a great representation of a succubus. Which was one of my favorite things to think about on the nights I’d be tripping mushrooms at the lake and writing for the tape.
Where can we find your music and info?
http://www.datpiff.com/Eff-Thoughts-For-Thots-mixtape.610047.html
https://www.facebook.com/effmusic
Any shout outs?
Of course! Gotta say whats up to YOK RECORDS, H.O.B, Lianna Joy, Nathan Grey, YOK Sparrow, and of course Chelsea Lynn.
