Review Fix chats with rapper BLKRaw, who discusses his inspirations, influences and goals for the future. Out in support of his new mix tape “Peer Pressure,†the up and coming performer has an R & B edge that he attributes to his love of Keith Sweat and R Kelly.
Review Fix: What inspires you to perform?
BLKRaw: As long as I can remember I have always been a performer, whether it was on the football field or in a room full of people reciting lyrics that I wrote in my rhyme book. I am inspired by the adrenaline rush, both from the crowd and the music. And being able to connect with people through the lyrics of my music. As well as my big brother Sean’s death is a huge inspiration when I perform. Im truly at peace when I’m on stage rocking the mic. I will put on a show for one person or a 1000 people. I just love to perform.
Review Fix: Make makes you different from other artists?
BLKRaw: I would like to think I’m different from other artists based on these factors I make the music I like to make, I make the music I feel and that is real, I made music that people can connect to. I feel as an artist the connection is the biggest thing you can give a fan. If they can relate to what you’re going through and what you’re saying on your record it’s a bigger connection for them, then to just get them to shake their ass in the club. On top of that I’m an artist that loves to mingle with the crowd and his fans. So I am always responding.
Review Fix: What did you grow up listening to? How has it affected your creativity?
BLKRaw: I grew up listening to artists like LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Heavy D, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Wu Tang, Tupac, Biggie, R Kelly, Keith Sweat, Public Announcement and the list goes on. I wouldn’t say these artists so much help me with my creativity, but in fact they inspired my creativity.
Review Fix: Where do you expect to be in a few years?
BLKRaw: In a few years my goal is to have a solid fan base, which will allow me to tour the states. Colleges, high schools summer jams etc. Have a record or two out on radio, and a decent video library for fans to enjoy all over the world. Also would like to start a backpack drive which myself and team Big Mayne and T Burner of Loyalty Krew Respect will give back to the community.
Review Fix: What do you do when you’re not performing?
BLKRaw: When I am not on stage, Im being the best father I can be, working in the studio and working for the railroad. In the midst of all of that I find time to listen to new tracks for new projects and write new material. So with being a father, hitting the studio and working there’s really no time off. “If I don’t grind we don’t eat”
Review Fix: Tell us about a song of yours that you feel connects the most to your audience. What is it about. How was it written?
BLKRaw: I have a record called “Striving Artists†that I feel really connects with my audience. I’m talking about real life situations, and how I want to someday be able to get my mother out of the hood buy her a house, establish good credit, free my cousin Mike that’s locked in prison. When I wrote this record as soon as I heard it I already had something in mind for it, so I begin to just brainstorm and I just put pieces of my life together to make this record. This song represents the struggle all across the board not just in the hood/urban communities, but everywhere someone is experiencing what I’m talking about on this record.
Review Fix: What is your creative process like?
BLKRaw: My creative process is based on my real life. Depending on what’s the topic of the record I’ll brainstorm events in my life to give the record life. Making the record realistic allows your audience to connect to the music on a deeper level.
Review Fix: How do you want to affect your audience?
BLKRaw: The way I want to affect my audience is to allow them to know through my music I am human as well, just like they are, that I am not untouchable. When writing a record I think of them, not so much as this is going to be dope, cool, etc. but more on the lines of the boy, girl, man or woman listening to this record it touches close to home for them. And in some way it reflects a piece of there life.
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