Cadeem LaMarr is a notable rapper hailing from Maryland, whose music is making an impact on the underground music scene in the DMV region. In our interview with Cadeem, we delved into his experience as an underground artist, his creative process, and his most recent projects, including his album "REFLECT" and his newest album, "COVET", as well as his latest single, "Too Far Gone".
During the interview, Cadeem provided us with insightful commentary on the challenges he has encountered as an underground artist. He spoke about the importance of building a community of like-minded artists and fans who support each other and facilitate artistic growth.
Cadeem's creative process is one that is deeply introspective and personal, as he draws inspiration from his life experiences to craft lyrics that resonate with his audience. He stressed the importance of authenticity in one's artistic expression and remaining true to oneself.
We also discussed Cadeem's album "REFLECT", a poignant and introspective project that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The album showcases Cadeem's lyrical prowess and artistry, solidifying his place in the underground rap scene.
Cadeem's latest album, "COVET", continues his artistic journey, with themes exploring ambition, desire, and the pursuit of success. His newest single, "Too Far Gone", tackles the subject of addiction with raw honesty and vulnerability, showcasing his ability to connect with his listeners on a deep and personal level.
During the interview, Cadeem also spoke about his collaborations with fellow underground artists LIA, Martin J. Ballou, xxpetejames, and Vlaad, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the exchange of creative ideas. Overall, our interview with Cadeem LaMarr provided an insightful glimpse into the world of underground rap and the creative process of an up-and-coming artist.
As an emerging artist, tell us about your experience, can you talk about the challenges you've faced in building your career, and how you've navigated those challenges?
Man, I don't even know how to answer this fr! All I know is when I get knocked down I get back up like its Creed 2.
Tell us about your experience as a DMV artist what is the underground music scene like, where would you say his a hub to meet and network with emerging artists, and who are some of the best artists coming up right now?
The scene feels like its in an interesting transformation period post pandemic. Idk where its really headed and if I’m being real, I really just mind my business, stay out of the politics, hang out with my chickens and just work to make the best shit I can come up with with my people. I really dont go out of my way to network either. I just be running into people in whole foods and shit like that. I got a long list of people that are great artist but for the sake of character limits I’m gonna say everyone in 3Side, Malik Elijah, Eyas, Rilla Force, Bailey Straughn, Kente, Martin Ballou man I can keep GOING.
Can you talk about your creative process when it comes to writing and producing music, particularly as an underground artist?
First things first, go outside and have a social/family life, stare at clouds. Next, I’d say that being a music fan and music nerd are important and different. I always listen to familiar and unfamiliar music first as a fan then dissect it as an artist to see how it “works”. However, when I make music I kinda go into a dissociative/autopilot like state. Majority of what I finish I have to revisit cuz I tend to confuse myself. I actually wish I could be more intentional with it but hey whatayagonnado.
Your debut album "Reflect" was released in 2019, and your latest album "COVET" was released in 2020. Talk to us about the creative process around the album including what inspired them, what was it like putting both together, and who did you work with on production?
REFLECT, thats my baby! This project was me trying to prove to myself I could make a body of work that felt to some degree time resistant. FUN FACT - “lie” is the first song I put vocals on actually. Also, i think people sleep on “Stuck”, that's my favorite, everyone did their THING.
COVET, if I’m being honest, was a coping mechanism for the pandemic. That album to me is like the ending of Titanic when everybody is dying but the band is still playing cuz that’s all they know how to do.
How have these projects helped to establish your sound and build your fanbase?
I know what I like and don’t like more. It was like dating around fr. I have a great idea of my direction now. Can’t wait.
You’ve worked with LIA, Martin J. Ballou, xxpetejames, and Vlaad. How do these collaborations come about, and how do they contribute to building your network as an artist?
I never force a collab. Most of the time, I’m just a fan of people first, then we become friends and then a collab may or may not happen. If it feels forced I’ll just be like let’s grab food or something lol. I do like working with/watching other people work though because 9/10 you will learn something new to add to your process.
Tell us about your newest song Too Far Gone?
MAN! I’ve never had a song come so easy and so hard. This was one of the first tracks I made after getting through a beat block. I finished the whole thing from idea to recording to rough mix in like 3 hours (ususally takes me months). I was lowkey rushing cuz I think I had to go to a party or something and I somehow didn’t save a bunch of the edits I made. The file ended up corrupted and the released version is actually the demo.
As an underground artist, how do you go about promoting your music and building your fanbase?
I’m still working on the best methods fr. The landscape of social media, grassroots promo etc changes so often it gives me a headache, idk what theyre doin over there. My only plan right now is to lock in with my talented ass friends to make amazing and undeniable art.
Can you talk about any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works, and how these will contribute to building your career as an artist?
I have been stockpiling a bunch of new music thats more dance focused. Some songs have me singing and some I barely say anything at all. I can’t wait to release them though, just gotta make sure my house is in order. Yall gonna get this versatility fr.
What message do you hope to convey to listeners through your music, particularly as an emerging, underground artist?
Take risks, have fun and be a good person.
Can you talk about any challenges or setbacks you've faced in your career so far, and how you've learned from these experiences?
BACKUP. YOUR. DATA. OFTEN.
What advice do you have for other emerging artists who are trying to build their careers in the music industry?
Lock in with a solid group of like minded individuals who push each other in their crafts, check that ego at the door, make the best art possible and don’t subscribe to the mindset that their isn't enough opportunity to go around.
Finally, what are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
For me, music gave me independence, a sense of direction, and a soundtrack to pivotal life experiences. My goal is to give those same things to as many people as possible. I want music to continue to allow me to take myself and loved ones around the world and have amazing experiences. Then when I’m like 70 and got the BAG I wanna be a high school history and science teacher cuz I could get the youth hip to game and not care about getting fired.
Any last words?
Avoid stress the way Uncle Sam avoids reparations.