Review Fix chats with hip-hop artist Wordsmith who discusses his new single, “Gems of Wisdom†as well as his future in the Hip-Hop game. A rare beacon of uber-positive energy in the genre, Wordsmith is a natural storyteller with plenty of charisma.
More information on Wordsmith:
Wordsmith has toured throughout his career with stops in New York, Las Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas, Boston, Baltimore, Washington DC, Charlotte, Indianapolis, San Jose, Harrisburg, and overseas in London, England. In 2015, he continued that trend as he and his band toured overseas US military bases in Africa and Southwest Asia with Armed Forces Entertainment.
Wordsmith has both lectured and performed at various music conferences around the country sharing his great music and professional experience with other indie artists; conferences include SXSW, A3C, Mid-Atlantic Music, Millennium Music, Launch and more. Wordsmith also visits grade schools to perform for students and promote Anti-bullying narratives and a message of purpose.
Review Fix: How did you get started in music?
Wordsmith: My music career officially started in 2009 with the opening of my label NU Revolution Entertainment. Since that time, I’ve secured digital/physical distribution through Ingrooves/Fontana and AMPED. Next I secured a major license deal with APM Music in the US, while working a second deal in the UK with Cue Songs. On the show tip I formed a LIVE Band so my shows would be more lucrative. Overall, my goal in music is to be self-sufficient to the point it takes care of both my children along with uplifting other independent artists in the process.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Wordsmith: My inspiration comes from having purpose in my life and knowing I’m here to seek out my reason for living I get up every day challenging myself at Fatherhood, being a better musician and a productive member of society. I also enjoy giving others opportunities through my work and eventually seeing them successful in their own right.
Review Fix: Baltimore is often stereotyped as a tough place, thanks to shows like “The Wire.” How has the area defined you as a performer?
Wordsmith: I definitely think Baltimore is stereotyped due to the Wire show, but I’m also glad it was made. It tells an accurate account of life in Baltimore City, but there are also beautiful parts like our Harbor, Fells Point, Federal Hill and Fort Mchenry. I’ve been to a lot of cities around the US and they all have their good and bad sections.
I live in the city and some of the scenes from the Wire were shot close to where I live, but I ‘ve never let my area affect the music I create. My recent album “Apt. 507” covers my view of Baltimore through my bay windows and that doesn’t include drugs, money and guns. I rather talk about the beauty of the city and give an account of Baltimore the Wire didn’t cover.
Review Fix: What makes “Gems of Wisdom” special?
Wordsmith: I feel the story behind Gems of Wisdom makes it special. On the surface the record is current with today’s HipHop, but the message sets it apart. It tells the story of a child chosen by God to carry the knowledge, understanding & history of this current generation to the next race of mankind. The child is homeless with no direction until a kind soul stumbles upon him one day while he is sleep. He doesn’t know at the time, but it’s actually God taking him under his wing, teaching him the values of life and eventually leaving him on his own to carry out his will as the world is driven into chaos due to constant sin. I’m by no means a Christian artist, but like to make conscious commercial music that covers many subjects.
Review Fix: What inspired it? How was it written?
Wordsmith: The inspiration actually came from the production. When I heard the beat the story came to my mind, so it was just a matter of putting it into words.
Review Fix: How dos it feel to be affiliated with Armed Forces Entertainment?
Wordsmith: It’s a true honor as only a select few major/independent artists have toured with AFE. During my tour, I was able to perform for troops in Southwest Asia and Africa. It was a chance of a lifetime to see the world, bring my positive music to areas that are poverty stricken and show I care about our troops. Soldiers respected the fact I chose to come so far to entertain them.
Review Fix: How would you like your music to affect people?
Wordsmith: I would like people to use my music as a means of having purpose in their life; the records I write are about blue collar life and very relatable. Using my music for positivity and motivation to be successful in life is regular themes in my songs as well.
Review Fix: What performers have had the biggest influence on you?
Wordsmith: I would have to say Coldplay and Kanye West influence me the most because both put on great shows. I’m in tune with acts who aren’t afraid to be themselves and cherish the opportunity to be different.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Wordsmith: I’m working on new material while securing my show schedule for 2016. My plan is to tour overseas for a month again, so please stay up to date with me at NURevcamp.com
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