514SMOKE interview: MALICIOUS
With a new release under his belt (CLICK HERE to get it), it was only natural for the team to get familiar with the MC/Producer.
What's good, Writing and producing are similar to me. The way you can switch up your flow or hit a topic that is serious/emotional or party vibe, you do the same with making a beat. A lot of times I'll make the beat first and then write. It's all gravy when a record comes together. When rhymes and beat match and compliment each other. Long story short I don't have a preferrence.
2-Is being lyrical still an important factor in hip hop?
Ha ha, it's funny you say still. Maybe a a couple years back when "this is why I'm hot" was dropping I'd be on the fence with this but now I think lyrics are as important as the beats are again. Top selling artist can all hold down a cypher. Based on the response from the recent BET awards where the Shady 2.0 freestyle was the highlight I think it's safe to say lyrics are important.
3-for any upcoming artists wanting to have a real career, what is your best advice business-wise?
Become a student of the game and only engage if you truly love it and have a passion for it. Because the business is rough and unforgiving it takes unconditional love to put in work year after year day after day. That goes for beat makers and rappers. You want Money and girls... Move to L.A. And become a plastic surgeon or something.
4-with Toronto blowing up, you think the english side of Montreal will get that chance? Absolutely. I noticed in recent years English artist have learned to invest in there craft and travel more to have it appreciated by a larger audience no longer satisfied by local praise. With Drake, Bieber, Boi-1da, T-minus on everyone's A-list the attention is on the north, now we just have to follow through and standout.
Be sure to check out "LIFE'S NOT SO SAMPLE 3"
