Elz is a hip-hop artist in Nashville,TN by way of Gary, IN who breeds conscious lyrics with dope beats. I had a chance to sit down with him today and chat about life as a new solo artist. He’s been doing well and toping the reverbnation charts.• How long have you been a hip-hop artist? I take it you were in a group since you are newly solo. Why the decision to go solo?
I’ve been in the hip-hop scene since I was twelve. I decided to go solo, because I wanted to pursue my own career at my own terms. I wanted to truly be independent.
• Have you ever wanted to try out any other genres of music?
I’ve always loved all types of music. As far as my writing goes, I’ve written a few country, R&B, pop as well as hip-hop songs, so my versatility is pretty high.
• In my research, I found that you’re affiliated with a group, BSS. What exactly is BSS?
BSS is the Black Sheeps’ Society. A entertainment group and unified front…a movement. It’s like a band of brothers/sisters might feel like outcasts but with their art they can come as one.
• What is the hardest and best thing about being an independent artist?
The hardest part is the investment. The money and the time it takes to put into a project that you’re not sure will be well-received is the most difficult investment to make. The best part is the freedom of being able to produce my own art.
• If you could perform with any new-age hip-hop artist/group who would it be? Same question for the old-school.
I would love to perform or do a song with Cee-Lo Green, OutKast, and recently, Big KRIT. As far as old-school, I would have to say A Tribe Called Quest.
• Do you think there is a difference between being a rapper, an urban/hip-hop entertainer, or a hip-hop artist?
The entertainer is doing [music] to entertain his/her fans but keeping true to being a performer. A hip-hop artist is the truest form to the hip-hop culture. They breathe, eat, sleep, and embody the lifestyle. I am a hip-hop artist. A rapper is doing it for a check and the fame. They all have their purpose.
• What is your process when it comes to producing your music?
First, I like to choose the hook, because the hook is the like the arrow. The hook is the most important part. It makes the song. The hook, in my opinion, is the first thing listeners connect to. The next step would be to find the perfect beat that goes with the hook. And the beat is my bow. Once those two things align then I start writing my verses and I go in and record. After it’s all done then I shoot my arrow off into the world and then reload.
• If you could do anything other than be a hip-hop artist, what would it be?
I would continue to write music. I would probably be a writer for either a major record label or an indie label in any genre.
• What is some advice for those new artist that want to get out there in the world and start performing professionally?
That’s just it—professionalism. Professionalism is key. You have to show up on time, before time. You have to be able to communicate in a professional manner with all entities involved in your career. And have a great, strong network of people around you that include legal advice, support systems, and representation whether it be management or a publicist.
• Can you tell us one of your craziest experiences performing?
My last group that I was in did a show in Nashville and toward the end of the performance, the music cut. There must’ve been some technical issue with the DJs equipment or the sound system, but it didn’t stop us as performers. We kept going—acapella. The crowd was so into it that they started reciting the hook with us. And this is all part of being professional. You can’t get made or angry or even stop when something goes wrong…keep going. The crowd doesn’t know you’ve messed up until you tell them you’ve messed, so keep going.
• That concludes the hard part of my questioning, but I do have a few fun pieces for you. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Laziness and excuses. Interestingly enough, I’m the biggest culprit in my mind of this especially when it comes to my career. I’m quick to put off the inevitable. Most tell me I’m meant for greatness, but am I ready is the question. Is the world ready?
• Choose one of the three topics: top five foods, cities, bands.
Top five foods are:
• Fried Catfish
• Grilled Chicken of Any Kind
• Enchiladas
• Stromboli
• Gyros – Chicago Style
• Last but not least, is Elz, the hip-hop artist and writer, is it all a dream, a career, or a side gig?
Right now, it’s still a dream, but soon it will be a career.
Thank you Elz for talking with us today. If you want to check his music or friend him, refer to the links below:
www.reverbnation.com/ElzTheTitan
www.twitter.com/ElzTheTitan
www.facebook.com/ElzTheTitan
www.instagram.com/ElzTheTitan
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