Born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, Ezekiel Tha Prophet brings a diverse flavor of Hip Hop that’s heavy influenced by real-life experiences. We sat down with the emcee to talk creative process, growing up in the Chi, dreams and his latest project 'HBS'.

How did you get your Artist name?

I’m a big fan of the movie Pulp Fiction.

How did you get into creating?

I always felt that music was the universal language that not only speaks to me but speaks to the world. Also, I feel like being creative definitely helps with day-to-day life.

How has creating changed your life?

I’ve gotten the chance to work with a few artists that I looked up to since high school. I’ve done shows in front of all types of crowds. When I was a kid I was shy to speak in front of class. So performing and expressing myself has definitely given me courage to speak for myself.

Where are you from?

Chicago, Illinois. Northside Rogers Park.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

I’ve seen the good, bad, and the ugly this city has to offer. I definitely gained so much experience and inspiration from growing up in the city.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I studied artists I considered legends, I’ve studied albums that I consider all-time classics and applied them to my craft. I always see myself as a student and willing to keep learning more.

What does your current setup look like?

My studio setup is a small desk. My laptop, interface, microphone, and a nice pair of headphones.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

I have many people that inspire me for different reasons. Pretty much anyone who overcomes their dark times turns them into the light. I love listening to stories of overcoming and rising from hard times.

What is your goal when you create?

My goal to create is to satisfy the audience in my head. If I like what I hear then I’ll put it out. Every step of the way I want to get better at my craft and learn as much as possible.

Why do you create?

I create because I love it. I create because it makes life easier and enjoyable. I create because it helps me appreciate life and how my creation influences others.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

My go-to song is not out yet but I’m more than happy to send it out. It’s called “Live From the Loop”. It’s important to me because I wrote it during a big transition in my life. Not only a transition for me, but it was also for many people around me. I reflected a lot during that time and the words just flowed smoothly out of my head. I can’t explain it exactly. But that’s the song that means a lot to me right now.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

My dream as an artist is to spread my music as much as possible to people around the world. I’d love to tour the globe and reach as many people as possible. I want to be able to inspire others and have others inspire me with new experiences. I’d also love to create and have means of income. Not for superficial things like mansions, but to live comfortably and be able to help others.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

To keep following it. And even when it doubt, keep going. Because even the struggles of pursuing that dream can be beautiful memories.

Tell us about your most recent release

My recent release is a short EP called “HGS” aka Hardcore Grimey Sh*t”. It’s entirely produced by RuqOne who’s a good friend of mine. It’s a small project but packs a punch. Other than the beats that he produced and engineered, I mixed and mastered the project so it’s the first time I engineered a full project. So far people think it sounds good so my engineering skills aren’t all too bad LoL.

Listen to “HGS” https://open.spotify.com/artist/21SMr8Op6D9HTVGWdq3SFR

Connect with Ezekiel

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ezekielthaprophet

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/zekethaprophet

Facebook.com: http://www.Facebook.com/ezekielthaprophet

Website: https://linktr.ee/Ezekielthaprophet

Photography credit: Jasmine Flores www.instagram.com/jf.jazzed