Q&A With Rising Underground Hip Hop Artist Big Mike YSE
Big Mike YSE!!!!! We would like to mention that when we got a hold of your latest album, we were definitely blown away! Much respect to you for being such a dope MC in this much-needed over-saturated Hip Hop underground market! You really stand out! How long have you been rapping? How did you get your MC name?
Thanks, I really appreciate the love. My first time going public with rap was in a 5th grade talent show. This was way before I learned to count bars so I just did a 60 second rap over the air force one instrumental. As far as my name goes, I’ve been Big Mike forever.
Your new album “Under The Influence” is really dope! Please break down the creative process to your album! How long did it take to make? And did everything go as planned?
As you may know, UTI (Under the Influence) is entirely produced by @circa30hz. 75% of the lyrics are in some way related to a dialog we had at some point. He recently moved to Houston which complicates things a bit. So it took about two years to get this together. My creative process is very straightforward. I listen to whatever beat he sends me and I just think about “how it feels”. What nerve is it hitting? What is the mood/emotion here? Sometimes it’s mellow and I enter a space where I’m just venting you know as you would with your best friend. Sometimes I can feel tension in the music which will create a more aggressive tone. And in terms of planning….. I’ll just say nothing went as planned. I never intended to spend two years on this project. But Circa may be my biggest fan but most importantly he’s my biggest critic. So I wasn’t gon stop working until he thought it was ready.
How important is ORIGINALITY to you? You really don’t sound like anyone we have heard! Definitely a plus in this music business!
Originality is very important. Even more so to circa. But when you’re making something as personal as we’ve done it should always be original because nobody has lived your life. People may share experiences with you but every perspective on the same story can come out different
Any now projects you are promoting? What are you working on now?
Absolutely, I’m working on my follow-up project with Circa. You will get that hopefully in a few months. I’m sure you can tell my work with Circa is primarily a 90’s sound with heavy hip-hop influence. In the very near future I am releasing a project with a more modern/current sound it’s called “25 to Life”. The single for that just dropped a few weeks ago on all platforms. It’s called “Juice”.
What are you doing differently in 2018! It’s a new year and everyone seems to have a new game plan is this highly aggressive underground Hip Hop market!
In 2018 I’m expanding my network. Looking to be more adventurous in working with people and developing my craft/sound. Until now its been an intimate thing with my close friends.
Are you looking for to sign to a label?? or do you feel by sticking to the underground/Indie market you can do just as much! We are connected to hundreds of well established indie/underground artists who are doing really well financially not needing any majors backing them.
My goal is to reach and share my experiences with as many people as possible. So I’d lend an ear to any individual or label who wants to be a part of that.
How often do you rock LIVE!!?? Any shows/tours coming up?
Not too often but I’m looking forward to changing that. As I mentioned earlier I’m expanding all summer. I’m getting out the booth and going to the people!
We appreciate you reaching out the @UGHHBLOG!!!. How important is it for you to be getting published not just our site, but other music blogs!!?? As you know online press/media coverage is always a + to reach new audiences.
It is a very important part of growing I hope to continue this partnership and make contact with all the bloggers.
Your top #5 RAPPER LIST OF ALL TIME……LOL???
Jay-z, Biggie, Rick Ross, Wayne, Drake, Kendrick. I know that’s 6 but I could not decide who I wanted to leave out. Honorable Mention: jcole, young jeezy
Our most popular question!!!!!! What is your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
Underground Hip-Hop in my opinion is defined by the sound. It’s traditional. It’s Classic. Its hip hop before rap if that makes sense. Scarface, Nas, Ice cube. Where there’s a message. Generally it’s deeper than “I got more money/hoes than you”. But at the same time its exceptions. Because it can be about having fun. i.e Snoop, Will Smith
Drop all your links so fans can find you!!
https://spinrilla.com/mixtapes/yesir-entertainment-y-s-e-big-mike-xxl
https://www.instagram.com/bigmikeyse/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/under-the-influence/1337468932
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/juice-feat-juiceman-single/1354188500
https://www.instagram.com/circa30hz/
https://thetypeofrecords.bandcamp.com/
Any shout outs?
Hell Yea Shout out @Circa30hz and all my boys in @YSE_Productions (@DREEMYCannon, @dreemysleepy , @DreemyAlpha @LAzYDaKidd @JussoBlack, @Jammin2TheBest)
