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 & Poet Kafar Myers Looks to Save Lives Through Music and Books

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is East Coast rapper, Kafar Myers! Myers was born in Union County, New Jersey and spent his adolescent years in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. Myers credits listening to a J. Cole album for getting him to the art of storytelling. “I felt like he was speaking to me — I was fascinated by how he put images in my head off of words. It was mind blowing!” Myers creates a 90’s nostalgic vibe mixed with a dope delivery and down to earth lyrics. Aside from his love of making music, Myers is also a self-published author and put out his first book of poetry titled ‘Soulful Of Me’ . Myers currently has two mixtapes out called “No Hope Neglected” & “Adolescent Journal”. Artists like this, is the reason we do artist of the week, to bring you that hidden talent, and this artist is talented to say the least!

Kafar Myers - Colored Flaws (Music Video)

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

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

Kafar Myers: I’ve been making music for about 4 years, I started my freshmen year in high school, and I got inspired so much after hearing the song “Changes” by Tupac Shakur. He was talking about everything that was going on with his music, so I thought to myself why not do the same.

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

Kafar Myers: My biggest influence in helping me is my older cousin Vince and my friend thats like a brother named pc.

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

Kafar Myers: Honestly im not sure maybe like Lupe fiasco or Meek Mill

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

Kafar Myers: My best song that is out right now is “Remember” because it’s well structured with a bridge, has a great chorus, and the content of the song is extremely relatable! My best project is gonna be the one that’s coming out in January, it’s me on a whole higher level.

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

Kafar Myers: My newest project is coming out in January available on Spotify, Apple music, Tidal and etc, also I have another Poetry book coming out in spring that will be available on amazon.com!

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

Kafar Myers: Mostly off of walking through the town, or digging deep within past experiences I have had or just me wanting to be creative.

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

Kafar Myers: What motivates me is change, being able to provide for those I need to, me being able to save lives through music or books or helping to inspire someone. My definition of success is someone who is not struggling and happy with what they are doing. If someone was a cook at burger king and they are happy and not struggling on bills and providing for their family they are successful in my opinion.

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?

Kafar Myers: I describe my music as pain mixed with soul sprinkled in poetry baked with heavy thoughts  and served with passion!

Kafar Myers - Long Way Ft. Roll Sumthin' (Official Music Video)

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

Kafar Myers: To be honest nowadays I think it’s just about building a connection with your supporters creating that foundation. Also I think it’s also important to have a great team as well.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Kafar Myers: My mother, making her proud means everything to me. I can’t wait till I get a deal or just blow up and get her her own house.

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

Kafar Myers: in my opinion it’s easily Drake if we are talking my era but I was born in 1999 so I can also say Jay Z easily no question of all time!

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

Kafar Myers: The emotion that drives and mostly dominates my music is pain, and disappointment.

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

Kafar Myers: Wow theres so many, a lot of isolated days, a lot of feeling misplaced and yearning to feel and have some people who’s on the same mental space you are on. You have to sacrifice time, friendships, money, your wants and even have to sacrifice your pride. 

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

Kafar Myers: The part of making music I love the most is recording in the studio! Its my escape from the whole world. Its like all the problems and others things are on mute. Also I love performing seeing people enjoy my music in person. There’s not nothing discouraging at all in my opinion.

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

Kafar Myers: I see myself being a top selling author and being one of the biggest and most influential rappers there has ever been! Selling out shows giving back to communities, building schools and much more.

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

Kafar Myers: My advice is always believe in self and stay true to self. Keep good company, do it for the passion and the love, then the money will come later. Grind and save don’t ever settle, use let downs and tragedy as fuel, not an excuse!

QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Kafar Myers: I have a poetry book out right now on amazon.com its called “Soulful Of Me”

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Exclusive | Lona Talks the Release of His Upcoming Album '346'

We talked with emerging Houston, Texas rapper, Lona, in an exclusive interview! Just at the age of 21, he is barely scraping the surface of reaching his potential! Lona has gained support through consistent releases on his SoundCloud page, where he is best known for his songs "Have U", "Let U Tell It", and "Real Luv". He is gearing up to release a new album titled 346 later this month! This is an artist you will want to be on the lookout for in the near future!

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

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

Lona: I’ve been making music for about 5 years now. Music has always been something I loved, from being in band to writing songs as a kid but I didn’t start taking it seriously until I started rapping. I used to play basketball and after an injury, I was forced to find another passion. It was a rough time in my life, so I started writing songs to express how I felt and I fell in love with it.

Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?

Lona: I could go on forever about artists who have influenced me, because I love so many different kinds of music and I’m a fan of a lot of artists but Tupac, Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Brent Faiyaz to name a few.

Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?

Lona: Right now, I would say Drake just because everything he touches is gold and I’ve been a fan since I was like 12 years old so it’d mean a lot to me. Not to mention, he’s crazy talented so I feel like we could make some really dope music together.

Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?

Lona: Honestly, I love all my songs but I feel like my best is yet to come. Real Luv is an important song for me though because I feel like that’s when I figured out how to say more with less.

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

Lona: I’m motivated by wanting to outdo myself just from a desire to be great, wanting to be able to take care of my family, and being counted out. I would define success as being financially comfortable and stable, buying my mom a house, putting my brother through school, just living out dreams that seemed distant as a kid. I just want to be able to share my art with the world and for people to be able to relate and connect, not all the materialistic shit.

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

Lona: I get ideas from everywhere and everything, so it would be hard to narrow it down to one method but as far as albums go I’ll duck off to look at what’s going on around me or in my life, do some self-reflection and that usually gets things going.

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

Lona: I just let the music speak for itself. I’m a man of few words by choice and I consider myself versatile when it comes to music so I just make whatever I feel at the time. My new project is definitely for driving, late nights, thinking, friends and relationships though. It’s a time piece of where I’m at right now, something people can live to.

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

Lona: I do but I feel like every artist has to figure out what that formula is for them. Every artist is different so everything doesn’t work for everybody.

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Lona: So it’s like a 3 way tie. Tupac has always been like a ghost I’m chasing. To finish what he started and just how infectious he was to culture. Then I have to say Drake because he’s been the guy for our time and growing up his music helped me through a lot. I have to also say J. Cole for the same reason as Drake and I can relate to both.

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

Lona: Kanye and Drake for obvious reasons, I just feel like they have the ability to connect with people and create soundscapes that a lot of artists can’t which is why I hold them as standards for the level I want to reach.

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

Lona: I would say sadness, but it’s subtle. I don’t try to make people sad listening to the music but I feel like my music can be dark even though it feels good. And that’s just because I’ve had more of that in my life than anything but people deal with it so it’s important to talk about. Anger and passion also show up pretty often.

Lona - “Charge it 2 the Game” Music Video

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

Lona: I’ve had to sacrifice a lot, from friendships to love to family time but I know it’s all going to pay off.

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

Lona: The parts that excite me are telling my story in a creative way and seeing people connecting with it because that’s what I do it for at the end of the day. Music is therapeutic. And the most discouraging part I would say is just not knowing yet if all the work you put in is for nothing or if it’s truly appreciated.

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

Lona: In 10 years I want to be on top of the game, 6/7 albums in, God-willing a few Grammys and focusing on pushing my own artists, writing films/shows, fashion, and acting. I don’t want to be pushing 40 still only making money off rap. And I want to be giving back to Houston, helping rebuild schools and improving communities.

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

Lona: I’d say to just to be 100% yourself and don’t be easily swayed. That’s probably the most important thing and I don’t feel like I’m in a position yet to just be giving out advice on how to make it. But I would say find a sound you like, study the legends and as long as you have talent and support there’s nothing you can’t do. But it won’t be easy and you can’t trust everyone, I will say that.

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Lona: I just want people to know that it’s okay to feel, closing yourself off from emotions is just as bad as being in pain and that’s what I want my music to do. I want it to make people feel something while they’re listening. And my project 346 is dropping this month and I hope they take time to listen, sit with it, and unpack what I’m saying. Listen to it in your room at night or on a road trip or driving through your city. Hopefully everyone loves it like I do and the story I’m telling resonates.

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