Elijah Miguel (Queens, NY) – “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 Ravenswood Projects in Queens, and I’ve been making Hip Hop since I was 8 years old.

What influences you have to making Hip Hop?

My influences to making Hip Hop comes from my real life experiences growing up, what I’ve learned from, what I’ve seen, real situations that I’ve honestly dealt with which everyone can understand and relate to.

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

My music represents the voice of a people that needs to be heard, I represent those who don’t have the courage to speak for themselves. What separates me from other Emcees is, first I’m a freestyle emcee that knows how to make records, and secondly I’m also a musician whose sound is not limited to a specific style.

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

Up to this point, I have only collaborated mainly with Independent artists and DJ’s up to this point for example: Doc Ahk and Jay Drilla of BPM 718, D.Anthem, Mark Marvel 2090, ENC, DJ Giallo Point of the Cratez Division, from the UK to name a few.   I don’t really have a list of artists I would like to work with in the near future; I just want to work with those who honestly want to work with me.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

My definition of Underground Hip Hop is that it’s not the nonsense that is going on in the mainstream. It’s the genesis the root of where pure Hip Hop comes from, the heart and soul of an independent artist that is not trying to compromise, that won’t stop being true to themselves, where real freedom of speech truly exists.

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

Production wise my main influence actually comes from watching live bands, from different genres of music. For example Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Tito Puente R.I.P. The Roots, watching them perform live inspires me to rhyme to beats with live instrumentation.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

Nadhir “Enc” Encarnacion for ENC Productions, DJ Giallo Point of Cratez Division, Rogen Miller of Track Majors Productions, Esdras Charles of HYPE MUZIC/UMF Productions, Jay Drilla aka “Riddles” of BPM 718, These talented brothers are all amazing producers who have done production for me, whom I will continue to work with.  I would definitely like to work with 9th wonder, Just Blaze, DJ Premiere.

Describe the process of making “Enough is Enough”?

I’ve been pushing my album Enough Is Enough, and The Awakening EP which is a joint project that I worked with BPM 718 and DJ Giallo Point that was released in the UK and the U.S.

Describe the process of making “Enough is Enough”?

The process of making Enough Is Enough took around 4 years to finish. It’s a complete body of work which takes listeners on a musical journey about my life experiences, my return to music, my failure and success through 19 amazing tracks. People will really connect with me after listening to this album.

Where can we find your music and info?

My album Enough Is Enough is available now on  Itunes, Google Play and Amazon.com

You can connect with me on twitter.com/ElijahMiguel

Youtube.com/ElijahMiguel718  and www.ElijahMiguel.com

Any shout outs?

Much Respect to Man Up Management, 2090, BPM 718, ENC Productions, and Giallo Point