Why did you make this album?

I needed a break, so I took one. It was important for me to recalibrate my goals. This album was created because the music inspired me during this time. I ripped some dope music from some dope producers on SoundCloud and curated a mixtape based on that music. I also wanted to create lyric videos for each track to enhance to content.

What inspired the title 'No Disrespect Vol 1'?

I love creating free mixtapes because you can pretty much rap to anything. There is something about the way I just started collecting music from SoundCloud to rhyme over that seemed disrespectful! Obviously, I have a high level of respect for the music and the producers behind the music. I did not edit any track and kept each original work untouched. My goal was to add my art to an existing piece of art. No Disrespect.

If you could remix one song on the album and anyone as your guest feature, what song what it would be and who would you have on it?

Very. Difficult. Question. I’d have to go with Stevie Wonder of Follow Your Path. He’d help tighten my harmonies. Busta Rhymes joining me on Climate Change was pretty damn close.

Who helped make this album what it is? Writers, Producers, Muses, Support System, Etc

I would have to shout out my good friend Sloane who taught me how to find amazing music on SoundCloud. Shoutouts to all of the producers for each track, there are credits on the mixtape page and YouTube page. I always have to credit my boys from the Cataclysm, a hip hop/poetry fusion group composed of my college homies, for being brothers throughout the years. I credit much of my growth as an artist to them.

What is your favorite track? Why?

It’s really a 50/50 tie between Climate Change and Genie.

Climate Change has a bounce that I can rock to all day long. I appreciate Genie as a songwriter because I was doubting my storytelling skills when I wrote it. When I found a subject that I was passionate about, the rest was easy.

What is your goal as an artist?

I want my individuality to touch music culture. I offer passion and a love for the craft. It’s important for hip hop to be delivered from this perspective, especially as we enter a new decade. Most importantly, I wish to inspire creativity and an appreciation for the arts.

When did you know you wanted to make music?

I’ve wanted to make music as long as I’ve been listening to music. I was writing rhymes in secret before I started writing poetry in high school. It wasn’t until Hunter College in early 2000s that I met my crew and record for the first time. This is when I realized that making music was a reality.

What is your dream now that you just accomplished this dream?

This dream allowed me to reorganize my thoughts and wake up refreshed. I’m now focused on creating platforms to increase my exposure. Watch out for more creative content in 2020!

Have you ever broken a Stereotype someone had of you? Tell us about it

I’m sure I have. Hip Hop breeds a plethora of stereotypes, from misogyny to other ignorant tropes. For many years, I would not classify myself as a “rapper” because I wanted to avoid those stereotypes. I had to embrace who I was regardless of the environment.

What advice would you give to something that is looking to pursue their dreams?

Fall in love with your craft. Make sure that your dreams are based in reality. Life is too short to spend dreaming the entire time. Such a pursuit requires much soul searching, because it’s important to cultivate your strengths and address your weaknesses. Learn everything you can about the life you want. Fall in love with your craft again.

The MarXman Interview 'No Disrespect' Vol 1