Exclusive | Qweezy' Talks The Release of His New EP 'Q3'
“Life is a marathon and life is made up of Wins and losses. It’s just about cherishing the lessons learned and good times. I think once you are able to do that, it counts as a form of success.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Vegas rapper, Qweezy’! Qweezy’ is an athlete turned artist after playing football and going through the ROTC program at THE Southern University and A & M College. He has been on a roll this year dropping his first album titled Perspectives and his recent EP Q3! Qweezy’ brings real substance to his music with a dope delivery that gives you 90s hip hop vibes . This is an artist that is definitely on the rise and from the way that he has been pumping out music lately, expect to hear more from him soon!
Qweezy' - Get Me (Official Music Video)
We talked with Qweezy in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Qweezy’: I’ve been making music since I was about 19 (I would make like one song a year, here and there), but I just started taking it seriously about a year ago (I Just turned 26 this year). I always had the potential even at the age of 18/19 but I never fully tapped in to it. I used sports, school, and just life itself as an excuse.
QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Qweezy:’ A guy by the name of Rickie B (a childhood friend and business partner), has been my right hand in helping me along this journey, and if it wasn’t for him, I probably would have never gone all the way through with the vision. He spoke words to me one day that influenced me to take it up a knotch. My favorite musicians are Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller, Common, Dom Kennedy, Nipsey Hussle, Drake, Meek Mill, Tupac, J. Cole, Miguel, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Big Sean, Jay-Z, and Childish Gambino.
QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Qweezy’: I would like to collaborate with the artists listed above (RIP Michael), plus Jaden Smith, Ella Mai, Ari Lennox, Chance The Rapper, Dizzy Wright, Tobi Lou, all of the Dreamville Artists, BJ The Chicago Kid, Smino, The Internet, Tyler The Creator, Goldlink, Beyonce, Rihanna, and King Combs. I can go on for days, but I would like to collaborate with these artists because for the most part, they aren’t commercial. They are original in their approach, and they are unapologetic. I love authenticy, and these artists have created their own wave with their versatility and creativity for the most part. I feel like I fit right in that category.
QUESTION: What was the inspiration for your debut album and what was your favorite song off the project?
Qweezy’: My Inspiration came from within. I’ve always had a dream of releasing a legit project of my own. I always felt like I could be good enough if not better than some of the music I’d come across over time and I just wanted to prove that to myself. I have a great ear for music, and regardless of numbers/exposure, I know if my music sounds good or not. Once I released my official first single I gained the confidence of going all the way through with everything and it just happened to work out. I definitely took my time and it was a journey leading up to finishing the project but I did it.
Qweezy’ - Sky High (feat. Rickie B.)
QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Qweezy’: I just recently released the Q3 (3 Piece) EP, but in the future I will be coming out with visuals from both projects (Perspectives, and Q3) as well as doing open mics, performances etc. My next studio project is TBD based on how life goes for me. I try to take everything one day at a time.
QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Qweezy’: I let it come to me, I never force it. It can be a good and bad thing because I can go days/weeks without an idea, and then one day I catch a spark and end up writing 3 to 4 songs back to back. Some are based on my current mood at the time, some are back dated from what I’ve been through in life, and most are just simply “Perspectives” to where the audience can see it from their point of view, and no one’s opinion on what the track is about can be wrong.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Qweezy’: I’m motivated most by the creation of beauty in struggles. No matter the pain or struggle, the small victories add up to your big break. Neither (the big break or the struggle/pain) last forever, but its the motivation of life, to KEEP GOING. Life is a marathon and life is made up of Wins and losses. It’s just about cherishing the lessons learned and good times. I think once you are able to do that, it counts as a form of success. Just simply understanding how life goes can somewhat help your mental and that right there is also success. That idea can go into any topic of life when trying to internally define your success story.
QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Qweezy’: I think my music is very rangy, depending on the track. I am very versatile, but for the most part i’d say my music is refreshing, soulful, and it’s an original sound that you just don’t hear too often these days.
Qweezy’ - Luv in the 90s
QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Qweezy: Not necessarily a formula, but I’d say just find your sound, and once you do, go with it. Build extreme confidence and believe in yourself. It sounds cliche but it really is a foundation builder.
QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?
Qweezy: My greatest inspiration next to the Highest power is myself. I’ve been able to experience my everyday walk like no one else has, of course, and to be where I am right now at this stage in life while going and getting through what I have been through, I’m proud of myself. Everyday I wake up, it’s a new endeavor and a new opportunity to build on the inspiration.
QUESTION: In your opinion, who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Qweezy: I think Bryson Tiller, Drake, and Chris brown are the most influential because of the type of versatility they bring to the game. You can’t really put them in a box.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Qweezy: I’d say LOVE, because of the broadness comes with it. People will love my music, some of my music is about Love, and the different types of love (good and bad), also bringing the fun back to hip hop/r&b is just Love. It’s hard for me to explain thoroughly but I hope you get an idea. The word also isn’t just revolving around relationships either.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Qweezy: I’ve had to balance work, relationships, social life etc. and the music all in one. With that, came fall outs with some people not really because of beef but just because of the different paths and focus that is required to take care of one’s personal life. Long nights at work or very early mornings because I try to finish what I have to finish in order to set time aside for the spark of creativity when it comes to me. It can get deep but I think I scratched the surface for the most part.
QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Qweezy: What excites me the most is the spark of ideas I get that come out of nowhere right at the perfect time. What discourages me the most is when I can’t perfect what I want to perfect in the allotted time that I give myself, but it's also a good thing because I don’t think my finished product would be what it is if it wasn’t for the patience I have with myself.
QUESTION Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Qweezy: I see myself being part of or owning a dope record label, creating new ideas to give to the next wave of dope artists that come into this music world. I also think people will still be listening to the music I am releasing now because it’s timeless.
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Qweezy: I’d tell them to go for it all and have confidence in your work when you present it. Mostly, show deference and be yourself. There’s enough room for everyone to get love.
Instagram: @Qweezy__
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