Exclusive | Rapper ZimMill Talks Focusing on His Own Sound and Identity

“To quote Nip, ‘Demonstration speaks louder than conversation’. . So just tap in & find out”

— ZimMill

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Chicago rapper ZimMill! Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, ZimMill began his music pursuit after moving to Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 19. This artist gives a unique perspective in his music which he pulls from life’s experiences, and he’s fully unfiltered in expressing every single bit of it.

ZimMill brings a dope flow with raw lyrics that and you can hear bits of influences from Nipsey Hussle and G-Herbo in his tracks. After listening to his studio freestyles on youtube, you will have no choice but to root for him. ZimmMil is a young artist that’s definitely on the rise and should be on your radar for the future! 

ZimMill - Sing About Me Freestyle (Kendrick Lamar)

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

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

About 3 years. My 1st time recording was in 2017. I kinda stumbled into being an artist really. I always had a super heavy passion for music. But it was as a consumer, never from an artist standpoint. I’d be with a bunch of my homies smoking weed and them niggas would always turn on instrumentals and freestyle. I never rapped. I’d just chill and listen and hype them up. But one day, they basically forced me to hop in. I caught a vibe and fell in love with it. 

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

My favorite artists are Nipsey Hussle, 2Pac, G Herbo, Kendrick, Jay-Z, Meek, J Cole, Curren$y, there’s a few more I’d name too. Erykah Badu is in there for sure. I can go on and on. These are also the ones I’m most influenced by. Outside of just the music, I try to be a student of the game and learn from other people’s journeys. And I connect to all of these people’s storylines. 

What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

I don’t mean for this to come off vain or arrogant or nothing like that at all, but I’m not even concerned with collaboration right now. I’m focused on fully establishing my own sound and identity. But down the line, if life allows it, I’d like to work with Roddy Ricch & SZA. Two unique artists that I think are very versatile and great at creating a feel. My dream feature is a Hov verse though.

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

Right now I’d say my “Sing About Me” freestyle. It’s over one of Kendrick Lamar’s classic tracks. It holds a special place for me. I ain’t waste a line on that. I was fully vulnerable and pure and every single bar was a statement that I can stand on 100%. 

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

There’s a podcast called “Millionaire Mindsets” by a young couple Xavier Miller & Deanna Kent. It was named one of the top 50 podcasts for entrepreneurs. I got a project in conjunction with them that will be dropping in June. “Millionaire Mindsets EP”. I call it theme music for the ambitious. If you’re trying to get your bag right and get your mind right, lock in with this project. Other than that, I’ll continue having content release regularly on my YouTube channel. 

How do you generate new ideas for your music? 

I could be walking down the street and some shit will randomly pop up in my head and I jot it down. Or I might brainstorm for a while. Or I might just go in off however I’m feeling/thinking in the moment. It always varies. But honestly, most times, instrumentals guide me. I hear a beat, and that beat will send the right words or emotions to me. And I’ll go from there. 

ZimMill - Studio Freestyles 5 (Meek Mill/Roddy Ricch - Letter To Nipsey)

What motivates you and how do you define success?

I’m motivated by potential. The vision of meeting my potential and changing me and my people’s lives is the heaviest motivational factor. We come from a busy city. A lot of people that we know, see death or prison at a young age. It might sound a little weird, but that’s motivational to me. Motivation to live this life to the fullest. Success is relative. I feel like we usually just define success as acquiring money or status, but I define it as meeting an objective. Bottom line. Whatever vision or target you aspire towards, whether financially or physically or spiritually or whatever. If you hit that target, that’s success. Success is fulfillment. 

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

I call it life music. Human music. Cause I feel like it’s relatable to almost anybody. From the street nigga, to the college student, to the single mother working to make ends meet. I think that anybody can connect to it. And I’m just me and that’s what separates myself. I noticed that you don’t even have to TRY to separate yourself or stand out. Because we’re all genuinely unique already. So if you just tap into yourself, and fully embrace that truth, you’ll naturally stick out and separate yourself. 

Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Most definitely. I believe the formula boils down to being authentic, making high-quality music and building a fanbase that believes in you. And being relentless with your grind. It’ll take time and consistency but shit will eventually start to connect for you if you stick to that script. I believe in that to the fullest. 

Who is your greatest inspiration?

In my personal life, it’s my two older brothers. They’ve always been respectable guys that I looked up to in many ways. As far as celebrities, Nip Hussle, Muhammad Ali and Pac. Each for their own unique reason, but I’d say those three for sure. 

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

Most influential: I got Drake, Young Thug, and Future. . With most rappers that you hear nowadays, you can spot some influence by one of those 3 artists in their sound. I might have a Chicago bias but I gotta mention Chief Keef too. People sleep on Sosa’s impact. Keef has a lot to do with the current sound of hip-hop being as it is. And for most successful, I can’t really say bro. Like I said earlier it’s all relative. I gotta know their exact intentions in order to know how successful they are. 

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

Passion. It may be joyful in one moment, then soulful or aggressive in another moment, but its always passionate. I’d throw optimistic in there as well, if that can count as an emotion.

ZimMill - Studio Freestyles 6 (Polo G - Go Stupid, Meek Mill - Oodles & Noodles Baby)

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

I’m doing a lot to make my vision a reality but I don’t really view any of it as a sacrifice for real. From late nights and early mornings, to constant studio investments, to losing certain relationships, to whatever. I just see it as part of the game. It’s what the mission demands. I’m not sacrificing anything because I’m doing exactly what I want to do. 

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

I wouldn’t say anything really discourages me. I embrace it all. I’m most excited by seeing the outcome though. Easy answer. I just be excited to see what I can turn out. It’s always dope to surprise myself or impress myself in the end, cause I’m my own biggest critic. 

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

I see myself in a position that I’m proud of. I see myself generating millions through multiple different avenues. I see myself with an established music career, traveling the globe, and pushing a energy that connects and impacts people in a good way. 

What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Be authentic and stay patient. When you’re being authentic, you attract the people & situations that were meant for you. And that’s the top priority. You don’t want to attract shit that isn’t genuine to you, because that shit won’t be sustainable. And at the end of the day, It’s about longevity. Great things don’t happen overnight. Stay dedicated to your mission & let it play out. 

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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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Exclusive | Rapper Rashè Supreme is Using Music to Share His Story

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Rashè Supreme, a rising lyricist from the East Coast! This up and coming rapper hails from Landover, Maryland. “I’m a Master Student Of The Universe And have  learned in various places from pretty suburbs around your way to neighboring ghettos where there isn’t too much hope to be found except for in ones self. Get what you can get from me.” Listening to his music, you can hear the realness in his lyrics, coming from a place of authenticity. Rashè Supreme is using his voice and platform to tell his own story and struggles through his music. This is definitely an artist you want to keep an eye out for and add to your playlist!

Rashe' Supreme - "Live This Way" (Official Music Video)

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

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

Rashè Supreme: I’ve been making music for about 10 years but I only started getting serious about it about 3 years ago. I started by writing poetry about how I feel on topics from school to my household and just the way I feel about certain things.

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

Rashè Supreme: My biggest influence along my journey has been my self love and my favorite musicians are Tupac, Biggie Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Jay-Z, And a lot more people.

QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

Rashè Supreme: Drake Most Definitely, Rick Ross , Meek Mill, Jay-Z , And Jacquees. I love the feeling I get when I hear music from these individuals

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

Rashè Supreme: Everything I’ve put out is my best. I feel like all of them are different pieces so it would be unfair in a sense to evaluate them all the same.

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

Rashè Supreme: The Rashè Supreme project lol I’m an artist and just like life I flow. Pre plans never really go all the way to plans with me, so just follow me.

QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?

Rashè Supreme: I keep living. I leave writing music for a while and come back. I experience life. Talk to people. Read lol everything. It’s like breathing…in and out.

QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Rashè Supreme: What motivates me is everything I ever thought and dreamed of and wanting it to come into existence. Also making the world a better place with all I have to offer. Success to me is just being yourself and being happy.

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

Rashè Supreme: I don’t describe it to people lol it’s an experience so I don’t try to introduce bias to that. I don’t focus on other people, I just do my thing,

QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist? 

Rashè Supreme: Consistency and genuineness 

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

Rashè Supreme:  Lil Wayne undoubtedly. I feel like he merged Rock, Rap & Pop culture .

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

Rashè Supreme: Passion, that’s just me.

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

Rashè Supreme: Letting go of fear. 

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

Rashè Supreme: A legendary figure and in movies/films 

QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Rashè Supreme: Be ready for everything you don’t want, before you get everything you do want.

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