Exclusive | THEMOSTCRITICAL Talks Creating His Weekly Hip-Hop Instagram Campaign '#OneTakeTwosday

“My music is lyrically empowering and compelling. First and foremost it is for those who have an appreciation for emcees and lyricists that use their platform to do more than merely entertain.”

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is West Coast rapper THEMOSTCRITICAL! Andre Jones, aka (Critical) is an independent rapper and songwriter from Anaheim, California. Since the release of his EP Life In Critical Times in January 2017, THEMOSTCRITICAL has drawn comparisons to Andre 3000 and you can definitely hear the influence in his flow and delivery. THEMOSTCRITICAL started an instagram campaign called #onetaketwosday where he dedicated himself to releasing a freestyle video every Tuesday for the entire year of 2019 and is now going almost 40 weeks strong. This artist is a true creator and you get an authentic hip hop feel when listening to his music. Definitely an artist not to sleep on!

Dre Delamar - Heaven Sent (Music Video)

We talked with THEMOSTCRITICAL in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

I've been making music for about 9 years now. I got started freestyling with my bro, who was already pursuing music, during a long drive taking him home to the IE from OC. He was showing me the first batch of beats he was seriously considering working with, and just started busting freestyles to pass the time. Wasn't too long before he urged me to spit something for the sport. I really enjoyed the freedom it gave me to express myself, and, being someone who's always had a gift with writing, speaking and vocabulary, I was instantly gravitated by the challenge that rhyming words cleverly posed. A couple weeks after that drive, the same bro invited me to a studio session where I recorded my fist song. The rest is history as they say.

Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?

On a personal level, my biggest influences in helping me along my journey are; Western Boy Verse, the same bro who sparked my start on that drive, Tellizantana, my long-time friend and producer, whom, ironically, produced and engineered the first song I ever recorded with Verse, Quicky Mack, one the most talented lyricists I've ever met, who took a liking to me early in my journey and helped me progress as an artist and student-of-the-game, and my cousin, Da'Vontay who's grown with, and been closest to me from the moment I decided to pursue music seriously. As a fan, my biggest influences and favorites are Jay-Z, Pharell, Mos Def/Black Star, Black Thought, Erykah Badu, J. Cole, Drake, Kendrick Lamar (and TDE as a whole), Kanye West, 9th Wonder, J Dilla, (vintage) Lupe Fiasco, Nipsey Hussle, Dom Kennedy, Common, and Guru.

What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

I would love to collaborate with Pharrell first and foremost. He is so versatile and something about his sound just does it for me. His collaborations with Jay-Z are some of my favorite records in Hip Hop til this day. And, I just know he would bring the best and purest energy out of me. 9th Wonder and Dilla's productions were hugely influential and inspiring in my early writing phases, I fell in love with samples because of them. And their productions allow your soul to pour all the way out. So, those two collabs would be a close-second. J. Cole would be another collaboration I would relish, either on some bar-for-bar lyrical spar shit or a more eclectic, eccentric Cole-collab with harmonies and what not. I think Cole is amazing in either realm and I believe I'm quite good at both myself. That would be a great benchmark. Just on bars alone it doesn't get anymore legendary than having either Jay-Z, Mos Def, Black Thought, or Kendrick Lamar bless a verse, and again I would love that challenge to go toe-to-toe with any of those GOATS. There might not be anyone with more pure sauce on the mic than Erykah Badu in my opinion. Style, swagger, and soul radiate from her like no other. There's no female artist I would love to collaborate more with period. Baduizm is in my top 5 albums of all-time, and arguably my favorite, so there you go. Lastly, I really like SZA's flavor and sound, I think we could cook up some classic baby-making music - the same goes for Miguel and Eric Bellinger, so they'd round out my list. I'm sure there's more but that's who's heavy on my mind at the moment.

What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

To date, I think my best song is either "Heaven Sent," or "Rose Up," from my Life In Critical Times project - my best project as well. It's a toss-up between the two singles. "Heaven Sent" has this insane head-knock that just makes you want to rap your ass off forever. It gives you that ugly-face as soon as it drops. Straight up. You know somebody's about to try and bar UP! I get big mid/late-nineties vibes from it, a time when some of my favorite lyricists were in their prime. Lyrically, I feel like I really shined on the track as well, which is always of utmost importance to me. I hit this flow-switch in the second verse that still gives me chills to this day! And, the video we shot for "Heaven Sent," which I fully treated and co-directed for the first time, holds a very special place in my heart. I'm just extremely proud of how it all came together. "Rose Up," is in the conversation because of the undeniable bounce in the production (Tellizantana, who also produced "Heaven Sent"), and epic, unforgettable sample it contains. It feels like the flyest, most beautiful day at the beach. You can cruise to it all day long. A real vibe. The favorite depends on what mood I, or the listener, is in at the time. Life In Critical Times, which features the two singles, is my best presentation of overall quality top-to-bottom in all regards. It definitely was a strong re-introduction to me as an artist. I received many comparisons to Andre 3000 as a result of that project, which will always be a mind-blowing honor to me.

Dre Delamar - Rose Up (Music Video) (Dir. by Rieyen)

(Dir. by Rieyen)

What projects can we look forward to in the near future?

You can look forward to a lot of singles in 2020. A whole lot of different vibes. Now that I'm nearing the homestretch of my One Take Twosday challenge (#onetaketwosday on ig), I believe I've made my rapping ability very definitive, and satisfied the validation I was seeking for now. I'm ready to put my versatility as an artist on full display so this next wave of music will be more experimental than what people have heard from me to this point. I also want to use it as a time to see what the people like most on that side and take, and make, the best of it to give the greatest amount of people the greatest music I possibly can. I am steadily at work on my album, Don't Overthink It, but no date on that yet.

How do you generate new ideas for your music? 

I generate the bulk of the ideas for my music by listening to dope ass music from others, and living life actively, intentionally, and passionately. I also go through numerous beats until I find ones that inspire me, and then numerous cadences until I find one that sticks, as most artists do, but to me the purest and most powerful inspiration is life itself. It's just about being present and aware to receive the inspiration at all times. 

What motivates you and how do you define success?

What motivates me is the ideal of total fulfillment. That is - having no regrets, or at least less regrets than your overall gratification and contentment. I believe regret haunts us most as people, and spirals down to all of our suffering. Inherently, we know we're born unique with something special to bless the world and ourselves with. Yet, most of us never get to fully realize this truth, and it tears at us forever. What I'm learning on my journey to fulfill that same truth is that just by going for it, and acting on it, sincerely and intentionally, I feel less regretful. I feel fulfilled because I am wielding my power to my heart's desire and not someone else's. And we want all want to claim our power and be appreciated for it. But, even if all the recognition, or any of the recognition, ever comes you can be at peace knowing that you tried for what you believed in. And that is also my definition of success. 

How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?

My music is lyrically empowering and compelling. First and foremost it is for those who have an appreciation for emcees and lyricists that use their platform to do more than merely entertain. Whether that more is to teach, empower, inspire, or introspect. Just something deeper than rhyming some words together for the sake of status, profit, or (inadvertently) perpetuating the current stereotypes that systematically destruct us, especially those of "color." What separates me is my voice, and delivery. It's very distinct from the more often higher-pitched voices that tend to be heard. My delivery caters to my natural voice as well, and that also distinguishes me. There's not a lot of over-production in the studio done to beef up or transform my voice. And I don't necessarily have to do a bunch of quirky things with my voice or delivery to sound good. Therefore, I'm able to perform live and give an authentic and actual performance. With that being said, I think what also separates me is my versatility. A lot of typical lyricists often get stuck in that nostalgic box of what Hip Hop used to/should sound like. Because of that their message isn't as resounding because it hasn't grown and redefined with the current culture. I think I've demonstrated with One Take Twosday that I can deliver substance over the quintessential types of production that caters to that, and deliver substance, or at least showcase lyrical prowess, over the newest productions and still command, and hold, attention. And, now that I am experimenting and growing more on the melodic side of the lyricism, I truly believe my range is very diverse and far-reaching.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

That's a tough question for me. A lot of people have inspired me greatly in different ways. The ones who continue to come to mind, though, are my father and mother. My father has been the closest thing to a model example of success in my life. Everyone has always admired and respected him. He's never had to ask anyone for any handouts. He's made a way for everything in my life and has never left me in need. Both he, and my mother have always been my biggest supporters in anything constructive I've ever wanted to do. Nobody has physically shown up for me more than my father has when I've had an event. Back then it was basketball. Every single game. Without a doubt he was there. Good or bad. Even to this day, despite this not being the path he would've chosen for me, he makes an effort to come to all the shows he can. And, what I value and respect the most is his honesty with me. He's always kept it straight with me on whether I was under, or, overachieving. If I'm doing it right. He's the first to cosign it, and the loudest to recognize. And the very same is the case when I'm wrong. And that's always kept me grounded and humble. He's been the embodiment of hard-work, responsibility, and accountability. My mother is the other half of my biggest inspiration because she's recognized the king in me, and treated me as such, far more than I've ever deserved. She's the one who's always been there to bail me out when I'm in the wrong or down. In her eyes, I'm always right and I'm always worthy, when in reality, more often than not, neither is the case. She's the one who's put herself in bind after bind just so to give me more than I deserve. She's been my biggest investor in my career as an artist by far. And has never asked for a single return on her investment. She is the definition of UNCONDITIONAL love. In a word, my father has given me everything I deserved, and my mother has given me far more than I've ever deserved. The way they raised has given me great balance and understanding of love. I can truly say I didn't grow up lacking any love outside of self-love. I am truly grateful for them.

Dre Delamar - Show Me Love (Music Video)

In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

The most influential and successful artists in my genre today are Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. First, and foremost, I believe those 3 have the most respect in the game across the spectrum. Even those who aren't the biggest fans of lyricists look up to Jay-Z for the impact he's had on revolutionizing what it means to be an artist in Hip Hop. He's show everyone the value of entrepreneurial spirit if nothing else. He is Hip Hop's quintessential American Dream bar-none. Today he is what every rapper strives to become - hustler turned boss on the grandest level. And on top of that, he's found a way to actually stay relevant, and even increase his relevance as an artist without drastically compromising his style/authenticity. Where most in the later years are a far-cry from the artistry that we fell in love with them for, Jay-Z is still dropping gems and sounds like Jay-Z that the world adores. Kendrick and Cole are my 2-3 (in no particular order) because they've found great mainstream success as true lyricists. They're artistry inspires me the most and gives me the most hope for the future of Hip Hop culture, especially in the mainstream. There will always be an appreciation for lyricists on an underground-level, and an under-appreciation for them in the mainstream, however they are hope that artists of the like can breakthrough. I personally find my hope in mainstream appeal/success in them. They are proof that substance in lyricism is not only appreciated, but necessary and needed.

Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger
or passion etc. , and why?

I don't aim to evoke any one particular emotion in my music, I would like to make songs that capture the varying emotions in the human experience. However, I guess cool would be the first that comes to mind. I think my voice by its nature just puts people in a laid-back, too-cool-for-school mood. With that being said, I do look to exercise my voice and choice in production more dynamically in order to tap in to other emotions from here-on.

What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

I've sacrificed a very comfortable, material living in pursuit of a successful career as an artist and entrepreneur. I graduated from college, debt-free, and could've surely and easily found myself in Corporate America living a more conventional lifestyle. Instead, as graduation approached, I found myself in love with Hip Hop and being an artist in it. So, I halted all serious and long-term corporate plans to pursue a career in music, and jumped in with far less pedigree and resources than I had in my past life. One of the biggest resources that I chose to sacrifice was my mother and father's security nests. I've slept in a few studios, cars, and on friend's couches in order to live by my own agenda and truth, and find myself as a free-thinking individual. And in that sacrifice I have indeed come to understand myself a great deal, grown stronger in my conviction, and confidence in myself, and have gained great perspective on struggling and prospering, and what those two concepts truly entail.

What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

The aspect that excites me the most is reaching that "flow" in the creative process where the words, cadences, and melodies all feel right with the music, and everything seems to come together effortlessly, even otherworldly. That, and performing in front of an engaged and excited audience. The synergy created in that exchange is just as gratifying. The former is a more personal spiritual experience, and the latter is a more collective spiritual experience. To me, both are essential to my total gratification, and equally exciting. On the flipside, the most discouraging aspects are the opposing ends of those spectrums of excitement. Facing prolonged periods of creative ruts and, or lack of inspiration is devastating. Life feels incomplete. Straight up. That's when my anxiety is at its height. Its easier to deal with tough crowds or poor performances when my creative juices are flowing. I at least still feel productive. However, in the same sense, afterwhile we want our expression, or creative outlet to be recognized, acknowledged, appreciated, and celebrated, and that's when it can be devastating - to be vulnerable and courageous enough to get on stage and share your art and it NOT be reciprocated with the love you put into it. That can be very exhausting. Even when creativity may be flowing freely. The other aspect that is very devastating, and this is more on the business/industry side, is the realization of the importance of marketing and promotion, or really, money, in having your music recognized and your brand grow. If it was merely based on talent, merit, and pure artistry, I'm sure the landscape of who's hot or popular and who's not would look much different. But, sadly for those who lack that resource, the consumption of music is an industry, just like any other, driven by money, more than purely art. And that is devastating because you see artists who deserve a lot more celebration never receiver it, and artists who do not nearly deserve the praise, artistically, get more of it than they should.

Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself traveling the world, enjoying a comfortable living as an artist, songwriter, music executive, entrepreneur, and empowering educator, creating and producing the music that speaks to my life most fulfilling, and inspires and dares people to dream the way Hip Hop impacted me.

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 someone trying to break into the music industry is; don't quit if it's truly in your heart, be in it for the long-haul and fall in love with the process of it all, work on creating a brand that represents you most authentically - don't compromise yourself for something outwardly, build your own team that allows you to operate like a label at your level - it's never too early to start this process, be an eager and lifelong student-of-the-game, start doing things and failing - success will come eventually, and lastly fall in love with the process, and when things feel frustrating or too complex remember why you first fell in love and run back to it.

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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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