If you are looking for an artist that will keep you looking for more, be on the look out for QBANGZ out the Jersey area. TRUE Magazine was able to sit down with the up and coming artist and talk about his debut mixtape,east coast rap and much more.
TRUE: How would you best describe your style in 5 words or less?
QBANGZ: I would have to say my style is Crazy, up front, direct, creative, a lot of different styles, I am dynamic.
TRUE: How has being from Florida and then moving to Jersey affect the content of your music?
QBANGZ: I was honestly just born in Florida and I grew up in New Jersey. I was basically in Jersey my whole life, I don’t know. Maybe I do have an old soul, I vibe different.
TRUE: What are some projects that you are working on this summer/ year?
QBANGZ: I just put out my first video June 8th and we got it on Worldstar Hip Hop. Then I followed up with two more freestyle videos on youtube, one is “Lean With It”. I also did a video for my version of “Paper Tags” and I am putting out “Pocket full of money” a little later on.
TRUE: Who was someone outside of music that motivated you to become a musician?
QBANGZ: My father gave me insight on who makes the most money in music, the ones who are running the boards,the engineers or the ones who actually play the instruments so I always kept that in mind. So once I am done rapping, I can always become a producer or another aspect of music. You have to be musically inclined.
TRUE: Which do you think is most difficult, producing or rhyming?
QBANGZ: Producing is time consuming and you have to have a whole different mind state, versus writing where you can just write it down. You are becoming one with the music.It’s a lot. Writing is like a puzzle you just put it together.
TRUE: When can we anticipate “FOR MEDICAL — — USE ONLY?”
QBANGZ: I was thinking about changing the name. I am trying to have it out be mid to the end of July.
TRUE: Is it difficult being an emcee in 2012 and developing a name for yourself with so many people trying to achieve similar goals?
QBANGZ: Absolutely. The job market is not promising so people are looking for other things to do. From the outside people think it’s easy, but when they get into it, it’s hard. That’s why not that many people last long. The trick is to make yourself diverse.
TRUE: What is your ultimate goal with the first mixtape?
QBANGZ: My ultimate goal with this project is put good taste in the public eye. I want everyone to see that I am a new artist with potential.
TRUE: If given the opportunity, would you sign to major label?
QBANGZ: Yeah I would, I see any opportunity as fortunate opportunity. It’s all on the artist’s ability to keep working, so major or independent you still have to work for your goals. Everyone is a part of a bigger label, as far as a camp, I would sign between Jay-Z and Kanye West, MMG or I would fuck with 50 cent or YMCMB.
TRUE: What is the significance of being an underground artist?
QBANGZ: Its very important because underground is the masses, the people who circulate the music. You get big street credibility, as a whole they fuck with you as a person.
TRUE: Ideally, What producer, feature emcee and theme would be on your “perfect track”?
QBANGZ: Damn there is so many! Dr Dre on the beat and a Jay-z verse and we outta here!
TRUE: Has social media helped your efforts as an emcee? How?
QBANGZ: Yeah, for one it has given confidence and two it allows other people to hear you and feel you, become more accustom to you.
TRUE: How influential is underground hip hop to the east coast?
QBANGZ:That is where it all started! And it is still a huge thing out here on the east.
Youtube: QBangz & QBangz 973
Twitter: @QBangz
(interview by Danielle)
