The year of 1996 marked a time period of some of the greatest moments in Hip-Hop; Jay-Z
and Notorious B.I.G's reign on the Hip-Hop charts. Aside from the Hip-Hop heavy hitters, you can't fail to mention the grind of those trying to make it.
, an up and coming Hip-Hop artist has been on the come up since '96. At the tender age of 9 he made it a priority to learn the business behind the music industry. His mind is set on letting the world know that there is talent in Delaware. With his animated style and catchy lyrics, he definitely will be someone to watch out for. Once he makes it, he plans on giving back by starting his own mentoring group for the youth. We sat down with Lewis for an interview to find out what inspires him, how he feels about the current state of Hip-Hop, and what to expect from him in the future.
: For the people out there who don't know you, sum up who Lew Static is.
: Hopefully the face of Hip-Hop.
Someone bringing simplicity and bringing hip-hop back to its essence. I’m not about flashiness; I'm about the art and skill.
: Early. When I was 6 years old, back in 96’. After school I would go to my mother’s studio sessions, so it was inevitable.
: I’ve been in music since 96’ but I started chasing… Well I started producing when I was 13. I started engineering when I was 16 and my first project was in November 2008.
elleELLEeye: Where do you find the inspiration for your music?
Lew Static: Life. What I see on a day-to-day basis. What happens tomorrow is influenced by what happens today.
elleELLEeye: How do you feel about the current state of Hip-Hop?
Lew Static: A couple years ago I would have said Hip-Hop is trash. But now, I believe as long as it is relevant, it’s good. Their [hip-hop artists] craft is their craft.
elleELLEeye: Everyone is an aspiring something. There are a number of rappers and musician who feel that they are the best at what they do. What makes Lew Static different?
Lew Static: I study this! A lot of people get up and just want to rap. I know what 16bars is etc. But I also understand the art of the business. The art isn’t in the music, it’s in the business. I have to be in touch with the business. I might not have the best lyrics, they’ll always be someone better, but I have a solid foundation.
elleELLEeye: If you could collaborate with one artist, who would it be and why?
Lew Static: [thinking] A commercial artist? Who would I benefit from business-wise? I would have to say Eminem. He’s a commercial success and he brings the art of lyrics back to Hip-Hop.
elleELLEeye: When you make it big, how will you give back?
Lew Static: Giving back runs through my mind on a regular. I want to use hip-hop as a gateway for investments. I didn’t have a father growing up so I want to start a mentoring program. I want to give back with anything with youth and kids, More indepth than “Big Brother/Big Sister”, but someone really stepping up. I also volunteer now, doing outreach with young kids about STDs.
elleELLEeye: Who has been the most supportive person throughout your journey?
Lew Static: Rick Madison. I met him with I was 10 years old. My mom was doing music and he was the business mind behind it. They geared their attention towards me and taught me how money was acquired. I learned how to produce my own beats and engineer my own vocals. He thought 10 years ahead.
elleELLEeye: What is the most inspiring bar that you've heard?
Lew Static: Man, that’s a deep one. There’s a few. M.J. "Man in the Mirror". Everybody goes through a situation and sees where they are. That song is timeless. 10, 20 years later [it will still be relevant].
elleELLEeye: Name 5 things you love that no one knows of:
Lew Static: My Wife
My Artists/Label
I love to tell jokes
Eating
Art (Generally paintings and photographs - I can see different perspectives, angles, etc.)
elleELLEeye: If you could relive two moments in time what would they be?
Lew Static: 2007 - I won Delaware "Teen Idol". The place was sold out, close to 1000 people. No one knew me, and I just felt love from everybody.
January 2009/10 I performed at the Chase Center in Delaware for MLK day.
In your home state is where the most hate is, once people recognize your for your craft, you’re a superhero. No one’s made it from Delaware.
elleELLEeye: Where do you see yourself in the next six years?
Lew Static: In the White House with Obama rocking to me! I will be a music man.
elleELLEeye: What's you're next step to pursuing your dreams?
Lew Static: Limited Liability Company. (Static Company) Which means that everything gets written off. Officially we can go to distribution companies and we can be signed as a label. We have all rights to our music. We’ll have control.
Stay in touch with Lew Static via:
Twitter MySpace Facebook Reverb Nation Vimeo Blog
Team elleELLEeye
Written by: Aliciia & ♥ t i f f a n y
Interview by: DANiE
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
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