Watzreal – Q&A Interview

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

I’m originally from Berkeley California and currently reside in San Francisco. Aside from rapping I’m a Lyft driver and work for a non-profit called Beats Rhynes And Life which used hip hop as therapy for youth. I’ve been with them as a participant so it’s a blessing to give back as an actual staff member giving the youth the incredible experience I was given.

I’ve been writing rhymes for 9 years but I’ve only been fully invested in my craft for the last year or so.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

I love how empowering the culture of hip hop is and how the underground scene in the Bay Area is just one big family that continues to grow, filled with distant relatives that I’ve never met before. I love how hip hop allows you to show the different spectrums of your personality and how fans gravitate and relate to different aspects.

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

My voice is very distinct because my vocals have a natural raw power behind them which has often been compared to Murs and Atmosphere. I’ve also made it point to include a message within each song and to stay clear of the use of profanity so that all of my words are heard on the radio. In addition, my music is very personal and is a direct reflection of who I am. Most emcees project an ego or a separate persona through their music and while there is nothing wrong with that, this is not the path I’ve chosen.

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

I’ve collaborated with 16 different artists on this album including Dizz, Deadly Forte, Lil Mc, Bazooka Joe, A Dubb, RyanNicole, Task 1ne, Breathless, Edgar Miranda, Tone Jonez, Frank Vennci, B.A.D, Brown Lotus, Verbal D, Ron G, Monni, and Teffany. I’ve also had quite of few new collaborations on nee music including Mazta I, JPZ, Khafre Jay, Peter Feliciano, Landon Wordswell and Denero.

In the near future I would love to work with Equipto, Richie Cunning, Tope, Jenna Medina, Young Gully, Telli Prego, Catalyst, A-1, and a lot of other talented artists I’m sure I’m forgetting. There’s so much talent that resides on the underground scene in the Bay Area that is often overlooked.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

Underground Hip Hop is rap music that is generally free from mainstream constrictions, allowing artists to express themselves freely. Many artists that are on a major record label feel they have to conform to what’s trendy in order to meet the need for record sales and to stay relevant. Underground hip hop allows for emcees to express themselves however they see fit.

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

I’m a huge fan of RJD2, J-Dilla, DJ Premier, Kanye West, 9th wonder, De Dre, and Just Blaze. When production is fused with soul, funk and jazz. The combination has a way of speaking to my soul. Currently I’ve used Tone Jonez, J.D Beatz, and Ripped Shade though in the near future I want to work with the Politician and Illmind.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

I’m currently pushing my debut album, “Wisdom Wit Attitude,” which I released on my 25th birthday.

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

I really wanted to showcase my versatility in this album and show fans that I can touch subjects ranging from pride in my music to my personal depression. I really wanted to take my time with this project to allow time for the ideas to come toe naturally as oppose to forcing them out.

With the album art I wanted it to encompass the entirety of my music and to reflect the trinity of Wisdom Wit Attitude. The way I did so was by incorporating the Sun, moon, and the stars. The stars in the background represents the spirt, the moon represents mystery and the unconscious and the sun (which is me) represents reasoning and will.

Where can we find your music and info?

All of my music and Info can be found at my website at Watzreal.com

Any shout outs?

I’d like to shout out DJ Kevvy Kev for interviewing me for the album, The Politician for mixing and mastering the album and for constantly giving me advice about the rap game, Denero and Bazooka Joe for your friendship and for keeping motivated, Dezz of DaMaddhouze, Jerica of Futuristic Dreamers for your support, everyone in my Return of The Cypher family, DJ Racha for constantly pointing out achievements I overlook, my good friend Pina Black, and last but certainly not least, everyone at Bests Rhynes And Life for showing me the power that hip hop posses and by giving me the space to empower myself through this art form.