Exclusive | Dre Walton Talks Motivation From His Daughter and Making Feel Good Music
Cleveland singer, Dre Walton, talks being motivated by the addition of his daughter and making feel good music for his fans in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“What separates me from other artists in my genre is the fact that I’m a RAW talent. No autotune needed, I write all of my own material and sing it.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Cleveland singer, Dre Walton! Dre brings a soulful R&B sound which reminds you of artists such as Lyfe Jennings, T-Pain and Tank. He recently dropped a new video to his song "WYDT" which stands for “what you doing tonight.” Dre Walton has a laid back vibe and relatable lyrics that anyone can get into. This is definitely an artist you should add to your playlist!
Dre Walton - "WYDT" (Official Lyric Video)
We talked with Dre Walton in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Dre Walton: I’ve been making music since probably around the age of 14. I always knew I could sing but I started to write my own music at that age. I just tried my hand at it and it sounded decent for a young teen.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Dre Walton: My biggest influences musically would have to be Tank and Avant. I believe I carry a little bit of both artists in my own bag. Avant being from Cleveland Ohio like myself and him being the last R&B artist from my city to be signed and recognized nationally. I met Tank via Twitter around 2010 or something and ended up opening his Savage Tour stop in Cleveland in 2017.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Dre Walton: I’d like to work with Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown, Tank, ASAP Ferg & Rocky…H.E.R., SIR, Anderson Paak. All these artists have significant sounds and hold down their perspective lanes in the music industry. I respect that. And they’re all original artists they don’t sound like anyone else.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Dre Walton: I believe ALL of my work is BEST because the world hasn’t heard my sound yet. My personal favorite record of mine is “11.16” because it represents & signifies a shift in my life and career as a man and artist. All my work is based on True stories.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Dre Walton: I have a few projects I’ve been working on. 2021 is going to be a ride for everyone who’s been supporting and everyone who becomes a fan of what I do!
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Dre Walton: Everything I write is from experience so it might be someone I know dealing with something or me personally dealing with something rather good or bad. I write about it. That’s how I get my ideas out. After I roll a few joints of the “Pressure Pack” lol.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Dre Walton: Life motivates me. My daughter Melody Rain recently came into the world so she’s added much more motivation since then. I love her life. Success to me is being able to do what you love , take care of your family and doing good with your people while doing it. I really want my gifts to be able to take care of my family for generations to come.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Dre Walton: I make music that feels good!! You can pop my songs on and every one of them will make you feel good, feel like dancing, making love or all the above at the same time. What separates me from other artists in my genre is the fact that I’m a RAW talent. No autotune needed, I write all of my own material and sing it. I’m also a Veteran of the US ARMY; I’ve been deployed twice to Iraq in my younger years.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Dre Walton: Yes, but it isn’t the same for all artists. The common thing is staying consistent. Repetition is another. Keeping God first is number one.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Dre Walton: My Family.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Dre Walton: Hmmmm. I’d say Beyonce and Jay-Z…like it or not they are the culture in black music.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Dre Walton: Joy, Passion and Love.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Dre Walton: I left the military in 2010 to make music. I could have stayed in and got a great steady paycheck and benefits after 20 years but my heart wasn’t in that. I’ve been without a car, a job, money, and a peace of mind. I’ve spent thousands in my career to do what needs to be done. I regret nothing.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Dre Walton: Creating. The entire process from the idea to the finished product. The part that discourages me the most is when you’re independent and its hard to reach an audience outside your current area until you start to branch outside of your hometown.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Dre Walton: I see myself Grammy award winning. Multiple accolades in the music industry, writing for some of the upcoming artists and eventually running my own record label.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Dre Walton: Don’t give up if it’s something you want, do whatever you have to do to make it happen. Its a Marathon not a sprint. Enjoy the ride have fun with your art.
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Exclusive | TommyOTD Talks the Release of His Debut Studio Project 'TheSupremeTape'
Los Angeles rapper, TommyOTD, talks the release of his debut studio project, TheSupremeTape which featured 12 tracks and a number of features from other LA rising artists. Check out the exclusive interview here!
“One of my fav artist would have to be Dom Kennedy because we both grew up in the inner city around the violence but still found a way to be productive and show our creativity to make a way out.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Los Angeles rapper TommyOTD! Rapper, producer, songwriter, TommyOTD is a jack of all trades. TommyOTD hails from South Central, Los Angeles where he was born and raised in the inner city and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. He later went to Pasadena city college to play football and study physical therapy.
TommyOTD recently released his first studio project called TheSupremeTape which featured 12 tracks and a number of features from other LA rising artists. “This project is different from all my previous ones, I basically had fun with this project, you can play this when you on your way to get some money or to just simply start your day, it will put you in a good mood.” TommyOTD brings a dope vibe to his tracks, mostly laid back tracks with west coast flavor on each song and is definitely an artist to keep your eye on!
We talked with TommyOTD in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING MUSIC AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I’ve been rapping since middle school with the homies but didn’t start taking it serious and making full songs until summer of 2015 when I got hurt playing football. I ended up losing the passion to play because of the injury and just continued to focus on music and it grew on me.
MUSICALLY, WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN HELPING YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY AND WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
My biggest music influences that helped me on this journey would have to be my homies “DollaB, LijahT and Charlieedap“. They always let me know what I’m doing wrong and what I’m doing right and always push me to grow in the music game. One of my fav artist would have to be Dom Kennedy because we both grew up in the inner city around the violence but still found a way to be productive and show our creativity to make a way out.
WHAT ARTISTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH AND WHY?
Some artist I would love to collab with would be “Asap Rocky, Isaiah Rashad and Dom Kennedy because of their unique sound and beat selection.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BEST SONG/PROJECT EVER RELEASED AND WHY?
I feel like my best project was my 2nd tape “4thaMoney“ because I stayed true to my roots with a west coast sound and dope lyrics. I spent a lot of time recording it at home in my room and I had a lot of support and help from my team to put that project together, my best work to date .
HOW DO YOU GENERATE NEW IDEAS FOR YOUR MUSIC?
The creative process for me is usually slow, unless I have something already previously written. I like to take my time and actually sit and listen to the beats and get a feel for the song. Some ideas will usually come from inside the studio from conversations and discussions we have or I just go off how I’m feeling.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Looking at my older music usually motivates me to keep going because I can see the growth from where I was till now. I wasn’t that good when I first started rapping and I can hear that compared to where I am now. I can only imagine how good I will be in 5 more years. And I define success as being happy and able to put your family and friends in a better situation to change more lives.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC TO PEOPLE AND WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER ARTISTS IN YOUR GENRE?
I describe my music as being motivational, real, and fun, and a mixture between Asap Rocky and Isaiah Rashad with dope rhymes and lyrics to motivate you to get some money and change your situation. I think that’s what separates me from other artists. I want my audience to know it’s Ok to have fun and fuck up sometimes but at the same time get your money because at the end of the day you gotta eat and take care of yourself.
DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A FORMULA TO BEING A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST?
I honestly don’t think there’s a formula to being successful because it’s a different route for different people . The only thing I think everybody can use to be successful is hard work & consistency.
WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
My greatest inspiration is my mother because no matter what she went through she always stayed strong and kept pushing, she never gave up and that’s what inspires me to never give up on something I love which is music.
IN YOUR OPINION WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND SUCCESSFUL ARTIST IN YOUR GENRE TODAY AND WHY?
I would have to say that Drake is the most successful and influential rapper of my generation because he’s been in the game for almost 10 years plus and continues to supply us with hits. Most rappers won’t last 10 summers in the game.
WHICH EMOTION MORE THAN ANY OTHER, CURRENTLY DOMINATES YOUR MUSIC? JOY, SADNESS, ANGER OR PASSION ETC. , AND WHY?
The emotions you can get from listening to my music is joy & passion. You can feel a sense of joy because of the beat selections, it just feels good and gets you in a good mood. And I say passion because of my lyrics, you can tell I’m passionate about what I’m saying especially when it comes to speaking on real life stuff.
WHAT SACRIFICES HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE, TO MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY?
I’ve sacrificed a lot of time and money to try and make my dream a reality and I know it’s going to take more time and consistency to make it come true.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE MUSIC MAKING PROCESS EXCITES YOU MOST, AND WHAT ASPECT DISCOURAGES YOU THE MOST?
I think the music making process excites me when we all brainstorm and find topics to talk about, it could be something going on in the world or something you went through personally and I try to incorporate that into my music. The thing that discourages me in the music making process is bad energy. If the energy and vibe is not there I can’t be as creative as I want to be.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR MUSIC IN 10 YEARS?
In the next 10 years I see myself still being involved with music, even if it’s being behind the scenes or dealing with the business aspects, I see myself still staying focused.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
The advice I would give to new up and coming artists is to do your research and perfect the craft before you get into the game.
I want to say thanks to 247 Live Culture & Omar Cook for giving me the spotlight . I also have a new project & Documentary dropping this month. You can follow me on Instagram @_therealarrington & on Facebook @TommyOTD
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Exclusive | T. Mason Talks the Release of His Sophomore Project 'Got Home Late'
Georgia rapper, T. Mason, talks the release of his sophomore LP, Got Home Late and using his voice to bring changes to society in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Georgia rapper, T. Mason! Tyler Anthony Mason, known professionally as T. Mason, is a rapper and songwriter out of Decatur, Georgia. T. Mason began making music as a teenager and since then, Mason has opened up for acts B.o.B, Future, EarthGang and J.I.D. In 2016, Mason gathered a following behind two of his hit singles “Faded” and “Money Come n’ Go”. After signing with independent record label, All Black Congress, Mason dropped his debut project, The T. Mason EP in 2017.
Not long after his EP release, Mason’s notoriety continued to grow securing over 100,000 streams online. Mason has been noted as an MC with a “prominent voice” by Creative Loafing Magazine and a “progressive artists with a not-so-hidden agenda”. With only one project in Mason’s discography, fans grow in anticipation for the release of his Sophomore LP, Got Home Late releasing summer 2019. Check this artist out as he is definitely up and coming!
T. Mason - Money Come N' Go
We talked with T. Mason in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
T. Mason: I’ve been making music since about 16. I got started by freestyling at the lunch table back in 10th grade with my label mate, Phonic. After a while, people all knew we did music. That is how I ended up meeting my engineers. They were in a grade higher than I was but still gave me a place to record and hone my craft.
QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
T. Mason: To be real R&B is one of my biggest influences. My Dad is from Detroit, so every time we took a road trip up there he would keep about 8 big cases of CD’s. Before then, the only rap I listened to was Biggie, Kanye, Common and Jay Z. Other than that, I just knew the mainstream songs that everyone else knew on the radio. I was a kid though so I didn’t understand all the lyrics. I didn’t become a fan of rap until I reached the end of middle school and early high school. That is when I got deep into Outkast, Good Mob and 90’s rap. I got more serious with music after hearing some of the underground artist that were out at the time like Wiz , Asap Rocky, Drake, Kendrick, J. Cole, Big Krit, Dom Kennedy, etc.
QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
T. Mason: If I could collaborate with an artist it would be Cee-lo . Cee-lo is just crazy to me. Especially to see how much his artsy evolved throughout his career. I would also go for artists like The Internet, Jorga Smith, Daniel Caesar, SiR, etc. Really anyone who would complement my style of hip-hop. I wouldn’t mind collaborating with some rappers, but I am a big fan of our generations’ singers. If I could choose one overall though, I would have done a song with Marvin Gaye or someone like that.
QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song ever released and why?
T. Mason: I believe Money come N’ Go is my best-released song. I love how it incorporates two different vibes in one. The idea was to mesh two different beats together but deliver one cohesive message. The song itself hones in on the reality that we all face. There is more than enough times when money leaves our pockets in an instant. Most of the times from things we can’t control like bills and other setbacks. People always feel like they don’t have many options in life. That’s why I ended the last line of the first verse with “There ain’t no real reason why we shoot and steal. We all rob gotta pay the bills”
QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?
T. Mason: It usually involves me getting out to enjoy life once in a while. Many times, I grab lyrics from actual events or emotions that were important at one point in my life. Whether that’s a past relationship or a current event. I’m always thinking of ideas so when one pops up I just write it down in my phone.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
T. Mason: My family is my biggest motivation and forever will be. They encourage and support the music so much that it’s truly a blessing. Many people don’t have the full support from their parents. This journey is not practical, and it doesn’t support you consistently. For that reason, many look down on it. I define success as waking up every day doing what I love without having to struggle for my needs. Sure there’s plenty I want in life, but more than anything I want peace of mind.
QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?
T. Mason: Smooth and conscious or consciously smooth idk lol. I describe it as a vibe. An experience. It’s like riding a wave. There is depth to it.
QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
T. Mason: Now there are many different ways to become a successful artist. Whether that’s being authentic or trolling. I don’t believe that there is a set formula but if there was it would be Faith, consistency and confidence.
QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?
T. Mason: My greatest inspiration are the people who came before me. Not just artists, but African Americans who fought and paved the way for everything I can do today. Too many to name, but everyone who has contributed to pushing hip-hop or our culture is a major inspiration to me. People back then made the impossible happen. It all helped shift and evolve change. I want to use my voice to be a part of something like that.
QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
T. Mason: I would put Kendrick, Drake, and J. Cole up there. What is different about them from many other artist is that these three individuals became the most successful artist off being conscious and personal. That’s not something anyone can do. Especially in an era where music is more watered down then its ever been.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
T. Mason: My music is very vibey. It’s also nostalgic in the sense that it can remind you of experiences that are heart-warming, or the exact opposite. I speak about my actual experiences so just like anyone’s life it’s a mixture between highs and lows. However, I would like to think my music is predominately driven by passion.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
T. Mason: I have lost relationships with friends and significant others. I have gotten into disagreements with family and other people’s disapproval of my path. I have cut a lot of things off to protect my energy and remain undistracted. However, I feel that comes with chasing any “dream.”
QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
T. Mason: I’ll start with the bad haha. What’s discouraging is finding out that this journey will take longer than I initially intended.. As an independent artist, we all meet similar obstacles. Finances can become a problem because it’s essential when funding everything you need for a release. With financial issues comes less time because you need to find work. Not being paid well for my art is also something that can be disappointing. However.. It is the random listeners who reach out to me after listening to my music that motivates me. Or the times when someone stops me after a performance to give me words of encouragement. There’s nothing better than fighting for something you believe in. The tears and disappointment just make the good times and accomplishments that much better.
QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
T. Mason: I see myself as a successful entrepreneur more than just an artist. I believe that I am here to make dope sounds, but to also help people through music. I’m real passionate about other things like fashion, film, and philanthropy. My idea of success is simply taking care of my family while having the resources to help others in needs.
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
T. Mason: NEVER give up. Those who do music start doing it because they think its easy and lucrative. However, things start to look different when rapping as a hobby doesn’t pay the bills every month. Keeping the balance between your dreams and reality is the hardest thing about this. Not everybody makes it in the industry. Chasing a dream can become very dark in these times so if you do not have a passion or purpose you will quit 9 times out of 10. Stay persistent but do it all for the right reasons and you’ll be ok.
QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
T. Mason: I’m grateful for those who resonated with my last body of work. This time around, my music has grown in many ways. The sophomore project dropping this summer will give listeners a much closer look inside T. Mason and the layers of his music. Can’t wait to share it with you guys.