Hip-Hop in its truest form (the lyrical rhyme) is masterful and beautiful component to the enriching culture. This is what Indie Hip-Hop artist Adonis possesses when one hears him spit his rhymes with such a masterful style that one will enjoy how he delivers his message through his music. In this spotlight with the extremely talented young artist, Adonis showcases his love for the Hip-Hop culture and why he feels he is meant to make this kind of music. Here is the entire conversation for your reading pleasure.
Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?
Adonis: The best part is probably being able to write whatever I feel, instead of going along with what people expect from me.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have build up over the years about you in the process?
Adonis: It would really depend on what exactly I'm giving up, as well as what is being offered. I'm not trying to sacrifice what I truly am as an artist, in the process.
Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?
Adonis: I feel that I express life experience through true lyricism, which I think is something that is missing in Hip Hop today. I just feel like some artists are afraid to speak about the realities of the world, and what they really feel about those realities. Some people rap only because they like it...I rap because I not only love it, but I feel that I have "it", so I use it as a tool to express different situations of life. I also spent four years in the military, including one at war...that in itself has given me experiences and stories that other artists can't compare to.
Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to Adonis?
Adonis: Fans will definitely get a glimpse of real life, at least through my eyes. They will get a little of everything...one line will make you laugh, another will make you think deeply.
Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.
Adonis: I've always loved Hip Hop...but when I first heard "Twinz [Deep Cover]" by Big Pun, I knew that Hip Hop was going to be a big part of my life. I used to memorize all of Big Pun's rhymes...and when that got too easy, I started writing my own.
Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?
Adonis: I'd say Big Pun. Not only was he a Hispanic rapper, and very lyrical...but I could relate to a lot of the things that he said in his music. Even listening to some of my own music, I can hear Pun's influence come through.
Nas has also been one of my main influences...he was just so ahead of his time when he came out. How could you not look up to someone like that?
Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?
Adonis: It's hard for people to respect Indie music more because they do not understand the struggle that it is. We obviously don't have the exposure and resources to reach out to more fans and help them know us better. It's hard for people to be interested in an artist if they don't anything about them.
Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?
Adonis: I would definitely change the importance of "image". But I also understand that to change that, you would have to change the way that fans and other people listen to music...and that's pretty much impossible. Either way, I'm going to keep making music, no matter how it's received.
Isaac: Do you think in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and big record companies will be very limited?
Adonis: I kinda feel like that is what we already have right now. The only problem right now is that that limited number of big companies dominate the radio and TV.
Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?
Adonis: Surprisingly, a lot of people have compared me to Eminem, which I take as a great compliment, being that he is one of Hip Hop's greatest lyricists ever.
Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.
Adonis: I would definitely keep making music. My goal is not to become rich through my music. I use my music as therapy. It wasn't until recently started playing my music for people and performing, that I started being recognized for it.
Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?
Adonis: It really depends where it is coming from. I'm good at differentiating whether an opinion is feedback or just people hating.
Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?
Adonis: To be honest, my father is a pastor and my mother is also very religious. So it is hard to show them the talent that I have been given...I don’t expect them to understand.
The rest of my family and friends are definitely Hip Hop fans and have been supportive and love my music.
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
Adonis: First of all, shout out to Junior’s Cave for their interest and support for Indie music. And shout out to all the other Indie artists on their grind.
For all true Hip Hop fans out there, if you like UNchoreographed music and real lyricism, check me out..let me know what you think. The mixtape "Death Before Dishonor Vol. 1: Free Jose" is dropping REAL soon, and WILL be free for all...be on the lookout for that.
Isaac: You heard it first here folks…support this talented artist.
