Tails (Monroe County, PA) – 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 The Bronx, NY. I lived there until I was in 6th grade and my parents moved me to PA. At the age of 13 I was inspired by my older cousin to rap. He and his friend would write songs & I would be fascinated by their wordplay. I officially began recording at 15 but I have been writing ever since I was 13.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

Whenever I hear a great record/album it just makes me want to work harder & it inspires my process. Also, my life experiences influence me all the time to write.

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

I have such vast experiences in my life that I can write about almost anything (except being rich lol). I stay true to myself and don’t leave a lot of stones unturned. If I went through it, I write/rap about it. I like to use profound concepts to explain what might be so simple, just to make things less boring.

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

I have yet to collaborate with any major or underground artists. It’s usually my friend Chase Benjamins I can make music with because our writing processes are similar. I would definitely like to make music with Childish Gambino, Cam’ron, Pusha T, Jadakiss & I know I’m reaching for the stars with these last 2 but also Drake & Kanye West.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

To me, Underground Hip Hop consists of lesser known artists and producers who are okay with creating music against the grain. Underground hip hop is where different lanes are created and eventually become major or at least better known in the underground circuit.

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

My engineer Rich Rescigno is incredible. Sometimes he already understands what I want done on a track before I even tell him just by explaining the concept of the song to him. Some of my go to producers are also Best Kept Secret, Cooari & Vic Jones.

My favorite major producers that I’d love to work with include Just Blaze, Kanye West & Justice League.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

I’m really promoting “26” right now and trying to keep the momentum from this tape up for my next. I already have the concept & title for it but I don’t want give it away yet.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of “26” Album? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.

“26” is really about me establishing myself as an artist by the time I’m 26. I just turned 24 last November and I want to start AT LEAST getting paid for shows, collab with major artists and be better known in the hip hop culture by the time I’m 26. It’s also kind of a memoir of my journey thus far & everything I’ve experienced since my last mixtape.

The concept behind the album cover is a picture of the George Washington Bridge which is between NJ & NY. It represents my frequent commute between PA & NY and both states have a lot to do with my life experiences when I recorded this album. Not to mention that I also come up with songs when I’m driving back and forth, especially at night. The lights give me a sense of nostalgia and inspiration.

Where can we find your music and info?

All the info about me as an artist & my previous work can be found on my bandcamp page: y-tails.bandcamp.com and I also give updates on my music on twitter @MrBetterThanYou.

Any shout outs?

Shoutout to the people who never heard of me before but download & support the music. Also my people who hold me down and know that I’m serious about my craft. Tomi, Chase, Phenom, Zay, Liz, my A&R Sosa & Rich Rescigno.