24.

24 welcome back to Nefarious Supply and Happy New Year! To get the interview started give us an update from your self last year give up an update on what has changed from last year?

First and foremost, yo! Great to be back. Man last year was a year to discover myself truly and understand who I am, not only as an artist, but as a human overall. Took down time to endure life, lessons, etc. It’s now 2022 and despite the slow start, I’m blooming and understanding who I am, where I want to be. Lots of new music has been created, beautiful plans have been curated, and also life is beginning to get sunny again. So it’s overall been a huge change, but enjoying every bits of it all no matter what you know.

In the last year what has changed about Nashville regarding the underground scene in the area and what new artists or established artists have been coming out of the area?

I think it has bloomed bigger than ever, honestly. An eye is on us lowkey. With the continuous growth of long time artists like Ron Obasi, Brian Brown, Chuck Indigo, and the growth of “new coming” artists like $avvy, A.G. Sully, dmndstr, myself though I don't want to casually throw my name into the mix haha but you know... I think Nashville is in good hands. From artists to producers to songwriters, everything. 615 is becoming a beautiful mecca and it’s so lovely to not only witness but be apart of.

From last year to now what are some lessons you’ve learned about your self, being an underground artists, and if you could go back and give your self some advice what would it be?

I think as the artist I am now and the person I’m becoming, I’d let myself know to not only trust but remember that the sun shines in the end. What I deserve is coming, I just need to remain doing my part in the lovely becoming. Keep myself here, like within myself, and just keep at this shit.

For new artists looking to get started what advice would you give them about their starting their career?

Leave the doubt at the door. The thoughts come but remember your worth and who you are, for you are meant for this. You're meant to take this journey, you’re meant to touch past limits. So cred yourself at all costs.

What artists are you currently listening to right now and what are your favorite albums and songs from 2021?

Currently have been spinning a lot of Ambré, Lucky Daye, Orion Sun, older Brent Faiyaz, The Internet… Outkast and Raphael Saadiq has been heavily in rotation. As well as some Jimi Hendrix, Omar Apollo, some Mick Jenkins, Isaiah Rashad, some Pharcyde. I’ve been dabbling throughout the personal palette heavily. I think my personal favorite projects from 2021 were “THIB” by Isaiah Rashad, “Elephant In The Room” by Mick Jenkins, “Minus The B******t Life’s Great” by Nascent, “Lately I Feel Everything” by WILLOW, and “Mood Valiant” by Hiatus Kaiyote. Honestly have way more projects but those are the ones off the top of my head I could name. Singles, a lot of R&B artists, alternative artists, and rap artists were on crazy single runs last year so it’s really hard to choose my favorites but I can speak on “Over” by Lucky Daye. Was discussing with a friend about how that song holds longevity, could never get tired of it. One of my favorite single drops of 2021 for sure.

Let’s talk music, last year you released a double single titled “black notebook”, and followed up with “Can’t Stop” featuring Lina. Tell us about this new song including what inspired it, who helped on production, and how was your experience working with LINA?

What once began as a joke in the midst of studio chatting, goofing around about toxic relationships and lust, became me channeling in what was heard, what situations I may have endured, and just all tied. This is a story surrounded by lust, temptation, and emotional chaos. But it is being communicated in relatable ways for people to grasp and say “Hell yeah, it be like that.” yanno. The lyrics channel something fun yet serious, showing what goes through the head of one involved in a lustful situation with someone they shouldn’t be involved with despite what may be going on within other said relationship. I feel like the song just brings relation and felt by many.

To be transparent about something like this is something that touches. I appreciate having that goofy conversation with the producers and engineers that day, because this song probably wouldn’t have been created truthfully. That all lead to what “SO WHAT” is today. Shoutout to dmndstr, NOBODY’S HOME, and Enxgma on the production help, the most amazing set of guys ever. They are going to bloom and I’m always blessed to work with them, be in a room together per usual. Something beautiful always brews. My experience working with LINA was top tier. LINA is one of the most underrated, hardworking people I know within the Nashville music scene and beyond. Beautifully spirited and heavily talented. It was so amazing to work with them, the process was just so fun and pure. The 24./LINA link is something that’ll always turn into something memorable. Blessed to have them around for sure.

What artists should we interview next on Nefarious Supply?

NicholasLamar + Yung Steezee are one of the most fun artists I’ve truly came across. They both deserve to finally be talked about. LONÉ (Carlon A.) is another good artist, truly someone who loves the art and works hard behind the scenes. He also has music that deserves to be heard by many, the guy is talented. My guy Qualls, lastly, is one truly deserving. Was blessed to be on a song for his upcoming project, he’s truly full of potential and deserves the recognition.

Any last words?

“SO WHAT” is out now on all platforms, stream it. Dig it. This is the last, so much more in store going forward. More music, new project, new fest… Too much to say. Looking forward to the journey and bringing everyone along with me. Let’s swim… Love. 🤞🏾

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Our Favorite Albums Right Now - March 22, 2022

Duality - Luna Li

Luna Li brings a fresh take to alternative music with Duality. The Toronto artist creates atmospheric tracks that draw you into the universes your ears never knew they could envision. On songs such as Cherry Pit, Luna incorporates an incredible guitar solo after a mesmerizing hook and verse combination up until it’s halfway point. Luna’s voice is soothing yet her message is strong.

“You said you’d be my trust, but you didn’t even bother.” ; “And you planted all these roots, just to sit and watch them wither.” she sings on Flower, featuring Dreamer Isioma (with a lovely verse of their own). Luna is a beautiful vocalist and an even better songwriter, and Duality has proved that to us thirteen times over!

Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN - Cruel Santino

Cruel Santino is one of our favorite artists, since Mandy & the Jungle. In this new world Santi brings us into Subaru Boys takes on a psychedelic, afro-powered, braggadocio-ridden sound that invigorates the listener with ever track.The whole 21-track album doesn't even truly feel its actual length due to Santi’s effortless flows, incredible production, and beautiful storytelling. Cannot wait to hear more from the Subaru Boys, and it would be a great idea to keep him on your radar all year!

To Whom Much Is Given - StashtheWave

Massachusetts has been absolutely on fire the past couple of years, with new artists emerging such as BIA and Van Buren Records, as well as amazing producers such as AziztheShake and others beginning to take the helm, it was only a matter of time before StashtheWave made his presence known. To Whom Much Is Given is a sobering, hard-hitting, trap-embed, journey into the mind of the upcoming MA artist, and on the three-track EP, featuring fellow upcoming artists Jiles, Donald Grunge, Clyde Black, Notebook P, and a few more! Go check it out, the man’s been heat since he arrived.

Goodnight Dreamer - Dreamer Isioma

Goodnight Dreamer is the first full-length LP from singer-songwriter Dreamer Isioma. The project consisted of four different chapters he’d put up prior to the release, featuring fellow Chicago artist, Hatesonny. The chapters in order: “who are you?” ; “what time is it?” ; “what do you choose?” ; and “always.” set us up for the world Dreamer wanted to bring us into, a groovy, introspective, and intricately woven introduction into who he who was, and who he has become, and who he will be.

Exquisite Pain - Convict Julie

Convict Julie is able to merge elements of the Weekend’s haunting vocals with the dark, melancholy, and extremely sobering production. Her lyrics are cold as ice, and yet yearning for the warmth that seems to be just out of her reach.On Exquisite Pain this side of her shines. On Dark Matter, she sings: “Let the lord be my witness, that I’ll make it out the storm.” showing the hope peaking through the dark, deep thunderclouds where her beautiful art exists. Exquisite Pain is an absolute gem and must be admired as such, please go stream today if possible!

Artist of The Month February 2022 - Convict Julie

Artist of the month is a title that is given out to underground artists who we feel are making career strides for themselves, consistently raise the bar for themselves, and released the best project of the month. For January 2022 our last artist of the month was the talented Baton Rouge-based artist Lango. This month we focus on a talented artist who is brand new to us but already has a solid buzz around her, Athens Georgia-based artist Convict Julie. Following the release of her new project, “Exquisite Pain” Convict Julie has quickly elevated to one of our favorite underground artists and is a force to be reckoned with. Releasing her debut project back in 2019 “Let's Swim”. Featuring 8 songs and a guest feature from MMC Gue$$, Let's Swim first song opens up on a high note with each song the project gets better and better. From the production to the lyrics, and even the choice of topics Convict chooses to tackle on this project you can hear the authenticity in each song. That authenticity culminates into a solid project that can go to toe with some mainstream artists. Following up on "Let's Swim" she also released a small EP titled "Wynter" similar to "Let's Swim", "Wynter" was another showcase of her talent. Half the length of "Let's Swim", "Wynter" was a small project to hold fans over while she gathered all her resources and put together what is going down as a stand-out underground project for 2022 her new album "Exquisite Pain".

If "Let's Swim", and "Wynter" was Convicts Julie's warm-up "Exquisite Pain" is her showing up to the game and blowing past whatever expectations were expected from her. From beginning to end this new project is not only a great listen, but the project also is a listening experience and is a perfect example of the quality of work underground artists can pump out with a little time, consistent solid effort, and maximizing whatever resources that are available to them. Similar to her debut "Exquisite Pain" may only be eight songs in length which may be short but this project is the perfect example of quality work over quantity content. What is even more amazing about this new project is that not only was Convict Julie able to put this solid body of work together. She is also able to hold her on with no guest features. From beginning to end this project is nothing but her and her authenticity over some of the best production coming from an underground artist's team. She also put together a visual project with the help of black22productions that fits so well visually with the sounds of this album.

"Exquisite Pain" stands out to us because on this project Convict Julie takes a lot of risks with not only the sounds but also the subject matter. On this album, you'll hear similar sounds to the current vibe The Weeknd was going for when he was first getting started, but she adds her own style and somehow reclaims it for herself. In addition, making a solid breakthrough with the sounds she also tackles uncomfortable subject matters like experiencing mental health crises, the loss of one's self-identity, the double-edged sword of community activism, and rising up from a low point to be the best person she can be. With this new project, Convict opens up herself up to her fans and has not only given them what is arguably her best project she has also raised the bar for herself musically and we are more than excited to see what she has in store for future releases.

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Convict Julie, welcome to Nefarious Supply, and thank you for interviewing with us to get this interview started, tell us about your self who is Convict Julie, and what has driven you to choose a music career?

I started making music when I was six to cope with the environment around me. Originally from Bankhead, I witnessed and experienced things that impacted the way I currently view and exist in the world. Where I’m from, tears weren’t safe, so where couldn’t cry, I made music to heal. Convict Julie is a little fish in a big pond. Music is what I know. It chose me and I chose it back. It’s the ultimate love story. A career in music isn’t secure or stable, but this is what I love so I’ll keep doing it, carving out my own doors when there aren’t any doors open for me.

Where are you based out of and how has this area influenced you, your music, and what is the area like for underground and emerging artists?

I grew up in Atlanta on the west and east sides of Atlanta. The streets and my experiences in the city formed a lot of my views. I wasn’t doing any gangster shit, but a lot of my friends did and passed away too young, sadly. Those experiences never left me and they never will. Currently based in Athens, I’m in an interesting position where there isn’t an Alternative R&B/Neo Soul scene so I have a lot of room to do me, but I love coming back to my city and giving Atlanta my most authentic self. Atlanta made me.

What artists would you say have been your biggest source of inspiration since your start, and who are you currently listening to in your day-to-day?

I was heavily influenced by Jazz music, Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers, OutKast and Tracy Chapman. Future and Young Thug shaped my adolescence. Those artists introduced me to a vulnerability that I struggled to give myself and share with others, which is why music has been so impactful for me. I’m behind on listening to newer music at the moment because I’ve been writing so much of my own music. I listen to a lot of classical music for inspiration.

Let’s talk music recently you released your new project Exquisite Pain, tell us about this project including the meaning behind the title, what inspired the overall project and what was it like putting it together?

The meaning behind the project is experiencing the beauty behind the sadness. What inspired my project were my real life experiences in suffering a decline in my mental health after my time in activism. To put this project together gave me a sense of closure and helped me heal. Therapy couldn’t do what making this album did for me.

The production on this project is AMAZING from the hard-hitting synths, the drums, and your voice everything fits so well together! What was it like producing this masterpiece of a project?

Thank you so much. Making this project felt like answering my soul’s cry for resolve. I wanted to share my feelings through lyrics, performance, and lyrics. I have to thank my co-producers who helped complete my vision. To make a project like this required intention and my intention was to be vulnerable with my story. I had to open myself up to be embraced, rejected, judged, and accepted. This project flowed. I wrote the song lyrics in 10-20 minutes each. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and said it. It was simple.

Walk us through each song on the project including the meaning behind the title, what inspired them, and what are some of your favorite songs on this project?

The whole album is a story of experiencing a mental health crisis after I organized and led 4 months of peaceful protest against police brutality and racial inequity in Athens, Georgia. Nobody talks about the mental/emotional sacrifice and loss of self in becoming an activist. Despite the success I and my community experienced as a result of the activism, I completely fell apart. That was the price I was willing to pay to fight for my rights and the rights of those who would not fight for themselves. Each song speaks on the process of losing myself, the old me dying, grieving, coping, and becoming new. “Surrender” is about letting go of who I used to be to make room for my evolution as a person. I had to surrender the idea of who I was to simply be as I am. “Convict” is the inner conflict between who people think I am “convict” (a criminal) versus who I really am, “Convict Julie ” a little fish in a big pond.

Most people don’t know that Convict Julie is a type of fish. “X” speaks on coping with my inner turmoil through vices: love, drugs, parties, and isolation. “Battle Cry” is about the old me dying and facing my demons boldly. This is also my favorite song on the project. “Light It Up” is about the phases of grief I experienced in dying inside. “Dark Matter” is the conversation I have with myself about choosing myself and embracing my shadow as one with my light. “Ashes” tells the story about my resilience and rising from the ashes of my past to become new. “Legend” is a victory song that captures my survival of the triumph I experienced. I’ll be remembered for overcoming what I almost didn’t survive. It’s is exquisitely expressed visually and sonically, but it’s painful to witness and to have experienced.

In addition to producing one of our favorite albums this year, you also put out an amazing visual album for your project. What is it like putting this project together, who was the production team, and what was your favorite part about putting it together?

To put that project together required about a year of planning. I’ve seen this vision since 2020. As an independent artist, it’s not feasible to do a visual album without a big budget or label support, but I come from a family of hustlers and I learned how to make something incredible out of nothing. That’s what I did. I reached out to local cinematographers with this ambitious plan of creating a visual album and everyone rejected me. Then, through an obscure relationship, I met Tim Hardiman, an incredible director and senior producer for CMT. He heard my album and wanted to help make a music video for the project. I told him my vision of a visual album and he was skeptical. For months I drafted treatments and storyboards. I knew my vision and stuck to it. A week before shooting, he told me it wasn’t possible to accomplish the visual album in one day and I asked him to trust me. He did. We shot the entire visual album in one 10-hour day with a zero dollar production budget. James Corn executive produced the project, Ben Sherrill did the cinematography, Tim directed/edited/produced, and I wrote and co-produced the project. I owe those guys so much gratitude. The best part of doing this project was the execution. I never doubted we could do it. We had a solid plan and made it work. The visual album turned out beautifully and exquisitely. It is exquisite pain.

What is your favorite thing about being an artist, and for new artists that are getting started what is some advice you would give them?

I like that I can express myself authentically. I’m not the best singer or the best producer or writer, but nobody can express me and my experiences better than me. For any artist starting out, I’d tell them to make a formula tailored specifically to them and stick to it. Don’t adjust your formula based on what other people are doing. Asses YOUR skills, weaknesses, goals, resources, accomplishments, and opportunities. Then create your formula. Stick to it. Upon facing setbacks or reaching new goals, adjust. Adapt. Do you consistently. Forever.

With you 2022 already at a high note, what are some goals you hope to accomplish by the end of this year and where would you like your career too by the end of this decade?

My new standard is visual albums. I’m already working on my next visual album. I don’t know where I’ll be by the end of the year or decade. If I’m still on this earth, I want to continue evolving as a human and as an artist, making timeless art. I have big ideas and I will continue trusting my vision and executing until those ideas manifest into tangible form. My generation doesn’t have a Purple Rain. That’s my goal.

What artists do you think we should interview on Nefarious Supply next?

Ben Reilly!

Any last words?

Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” is the greatest visual album of all time. From narrative to vision, her excellence is unmatched. That is something I admire deeply and chose to channel. I’ve accomplished an incredible feat as an independent artist in making this visual album. I didn’t have a budget of over a million dollars, months to film, or an expansive production team. What I had was a belief in my work when everyone around me thought I was aiming too high and a damn good team. I did my project in one day with a non-existent budget and a production team of four people, myself included. There was no fundraiser, sponsor, label, or investor. This project is a direct result of passion, vision, teamwork, and focus. I hope Beyoncé sees my project one day. I want people to experience my album and for it to reach the masses. I also want other artists to know that it is possible to make high caliber art independently.

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SoundCloud Gems - March 14, 2022

When it comes to finding music by underground artists SoundCloud continues to be one of the best platforms to do so. Month over month during our search we are able to find a ton of talented artists and this month is no different. With our update to the SoundCloud Gems playlist we took the focus off flips, and spent more time trying to find underground artists who are creating small waves for them selves with each release of a new song. Putting together a list of 27 songs this SoundCloud Gems update features entries from Sowell, Benjy Ali, Thriii, J. Robb, Amaria, Tay Hundreds, Variete, Kickback, AHMIR, dj blackpower, Forrest Ripperton, Luke Bar$, Blvck Svm, Xavier Scott, LOS, CARRTOONS, D.K. THE PUNISHER, M1RZA, NoFancyName, Remsen, Thrice Groove, The Set, 5AM, WLLFLXX, QAPT, and StashTheWave.

In addition to looking for some of the best underground music on SoundCloud right now we are also extremely dedicated to building a platform purely dedicated to underground artists by providing valuable content and promotion, sharing great music, and building up a community. Our blog and social media presence has done a great job at doing the first two but to grow our community we’ve opened up a Discord. On this Discord you can network and connect with other underground artists, and pitch your music directly to us if you’re looking for coverage or just want feed back, and most importantly you have a place that is dedicated to you. If you have any questions feel free to DM US or shoot us in our submission box, and enjoy the update to SoundCloud Gems below!

4 Things Every Underground Artists Should Remember

As an artist, you’re to strive to be the main attraction but it isn’t something you should do on your own. As you gain momentum, think about bringing together a group of individuals that align with your wants and needs to further your career. Building a central team around you will help you maximize your career, make informed business choices, and build on your net worth. In the early stages, a lot of the tasks associated with building your career will be taken on by you. Including your management, reviewing of any small legal agreements, your business affairs, your marketing/social media presence. But the more you grow and garner more widespread attention, your time will become thinner as you spend more time focusing on your music and less time focusing on the day-to-day of your career. Here’s somethings for you to consider:

• You are a business

• Most artists avoid business

• What you do with your success can make you or break you

• Your career run will not last forever

You Are A Business

One of the most memorable lines in music comes from Ye’s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ remix with Jay - Z in which Jay says "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man,”. Most people in and outside of the music industry understand what this line means but applying it to your careers is what can set you apart. Often times, when an underground artists hears the calling, there is no doubt that a big appeal for most is the ability to be yourself creatively and build an empire for you and your family. Another appeal for many is the fact that as an artist you are essentially your boss and can choose when and how you want to work, but that ability comes with a huge responsibility; having a clear understanding that with enough time you’re creativity is capable of generating millions of dollars for you. This requires you to be disciplined in your creativity, maximize your time and the business side of your career also has to be maintained just as well. As an underground artist, you’re entering the music industry and the music industry like every other industry is a business. And in the world of business, those that are not organized and consistent are quickly going nowhere very fast.

Most artists don’t like business.

Now, this doesn’t apply to all (some artists are extremely talented when it comes to business) but for some, avoiding the business side of their careers seems to be why the get stuck. Using this knowledge is key because where some artists lack organization you can use that to further your career ahead.

What you do with your success can make you or break you.

After gaining some success and a stable/consistent income, most artists make the mistake of building up sloppy operations and looking for short-term pleasure rather than figuring out what’s the best way to continue building on that success. These choices can include things like: purchasing non-income-producing assets (cars, homes, boats, clothes) or losing focus on the initial reasons why they had succeeded, to begin with.

Your career run will not last forever

Most artists don’t like to hear this but the reality is that whatever success you have will be limited. While most other careers have a professional runway of 30-40 years. The music industry is a constantly changing and evolving industry and one thing you’ll quickly realize is that the concentrated earnings of today may not be there tomorrow. So figuring out how to effectively use that income in the short term and set yourself for long-term success once your career is over is imperative.

StashtheWave

Stash thank you for agreeing to interview with Nefarious Supply to get to get this interview started tell us about your self who is Stash, what got you started as a musician, how long have you been making music, and what is your experience so far as an underground artist.

I wanna start off by saying thank you for having me, and giving me the opportunity to talk a little about myself on your platform. The name StashtheWave is a moniker I created a little bit after high school, around 2016. I’m a Boston-based music producer from Randolph, MA. My musical journey started at a young age, listening to the music my father would play around the house. Everything from classic Spanish music to Marvin Gaye or Lionel Richie, and the soft rock and R&B of the 90s/early 2000s. Around 9 years old I started taking piano lessons for several years and going into middle school I started listening to more music that I discovered on my own. By the time I was a senior in high school in 2015, I started experimenting with FL Studio trying to teach myself how to make my own beats with the dreams of one day being the one behind many future hit records. Since then, I’ve been able to work with some of the best artists from around my state and have gotten some pretty dope opportunities along the way.

I would describe my experience of being an underground artist from Massachusetts as community driven. I feel like everyone from around here really supports one another, especially the people I keep around. My career thus far has been short, but I’ve learned so much along the way and have been blessed with opportunities that most people don’t get. My first big break in Boston’s music scene was in 2018 when I produced the music on a Celtics’ commercial that also included Cousin Stizz’s narration. Since then, I’ve been working with a lot artists from around the city and from neighboring states including artists from Van Buren Records, Notebook P, Lonny X from CT and Hennessy from Providence. This journey has been a rollercoaster ride so far but I know I have so much more in store.

Being based out of Massachusetts how has this area influenced you as a producer , in addition to Van Buren having a big presence in the area what other artists are prevalent in the area, and in terms of talent who do you think is the best underground artist or artists to come out of your state right now/?

I think I’ve been extremely blessed by being around so many great artists from my area, and everyone around me keeps pushing me to be greater. Having that level of talent around really does wonders for my own creativity. In addition to what Van Buren has been doing, artists like Notebook P, Donald Grunge, BoriRock, REDLINE Agency, Latrell James, my guy ROHO who’s a fire, multi-faceted producer, my guys from Rebel Mafia and my own collective Dienue have proven that there is great talent here in Massachusetts as well as many others. My personal favorite in terms of talent is Notebook P. We’ve been working together for years and seeing his development in real-time has been beautiful to witness. My guys over at Van Buren Records really been doing their thing too.

In addition to your location what artists would you say have had the biggest influence on you, why, and which artists are you currently listening to right now?

My biggest inspirations have mostly came from Pharrell, Kanye West, 9th Wonder, KAYTRANADA, Metro Boomin and many many more. Definitely everyone in Dienue and VB, Latrell too. All of them have been pivotal in my growth as a producer and artist in general. And since ROHO and I started making beats together he’s also helped me apply a whole different approach to my own beat-making as well. Currently I’ve been listening to Babyface Ray’s new album, Saba’s new project, this dude BashfortheWorld from Texas, and Curren$y and Alchemist’s new album too.

So the journey as an underground producer is never easy and is filled with all of ups and downs if you could go back in time and give your younger self advice about your career what would you say, and for new producers that are just now getting started what advice would you give them.

I would probably tell my younger self and to producers who are just starting to keep working as hard as possible on your craft, and that you might not like everything you make all the time but that doesn’t mean someone else won’t. Keep drawing inspiration from all avenues of life and that it’s also okay to just live life for a while until that inspiration comes back.

What is your favorite thing about being an underground producer, and what would you say is the most challenging thing?

I think my favorite thing about being an underground producer is also the most challenging thing; I love being a versatile producer who can create with almost any artist and I feel like that makes me one of the state’s best kept secrets. With that being said, that feeling of being “slept on” comes with some negative baggage sometimes but you always have to overcome those emotions of self-doubt.

So talk to us about your creative process what platform do you use to produce from start to finish how do you get inspired, what’s it like when you get in the studio, and how do you know you have something you are ready to share with the world?

I’ve been making beat on FL Studio since the start and I honestly don’t plan on moving to a different DAW. The first thing I think of when I’m starting a beat is whatever emotions I’m feeling at that moment. I try my best to translate my feelings into the music I make and I heavily incorporate that into the sessions I’m in. The studio is like my sanctuary, it’s my place to relax and wind down, and to open my mind to any and all kinds of possibilities. Having that level of comfort in a room really gets me in a position to be as creative as I can be. I usually know I have a record that I want to put out when I’ve been sitting on it for a bit but I can’t stop playing it. I might not like it for like a few days or a week but I always end up going back to it like “nah, this is hard.” That’s when I know I’m ready to release something or send it out.

StashtheWave · Cruise Control

So back in 2020 you released a small single featuring three songs titled Cruise Control walk us through this project including what inspired it, the meaning behind the title, and the making or inspiration behind each of the songs?

The COVID pandemic left us all stuck in our cribs for good amount of 2020, so I had the idea of releasing a small beat tape with an independent label called Dust Collectors. Some things happened and I ended up not releasing with that label and decided to put it out on my own. I handled almost everything about that project from production and art direction with additional help from my fellow Dienue member Clyde Black.

The main reason why I wanted to release Cruise Control was to showcase a certain vibe from my beats that most people didn’t know me for at the time. Until then, I felt like most artists expected trap beats from me so I just wanted to show that I can be very versatile as well. The creation of the beat tape came from the last track, ‘Otw Home.’ It’s the most recent beat on there and my personal favorite, and that beat was what drove the inspiration of the entire project. ‘Noir’ was an old beat from like 2017 that I touched up with some new drums and ‘October’ is actually the oldest beat on there.

This year you entered into the new year on a high note and followed up with Cruise Control with your new release To Whom Much Is Given tell us about this new single and the three tracks?

To Whom Much is Given is 3-track EP that I released to further showcase my production and curation capabilities, and to also showcase the talent of some of my closest friends and collaborators. Everything was made over that past year or so and everything was made organically. I’ve been sitting on a lot of records with various artists so I really wanted to just put out a few of them that I loved and was ready for the world to hear.

On cruise control you really show cased your production but with this project you decided to feature artists over your beats including: Donald Grunge, Jiles, Arold, Clyde Black, and Notebook. What made you feature each of them, and how was the experience working with them for this new project?

I’ll start with Grunge. Grunge is an amazingly versatile artist that can hop on almost any beat imaginable. I sent him the beat for ‘BORDERLINE’ while he was in LA and he sent back a record like the next day. From the moment I listened to it I knew that we had one. Most people know him for his autotune but he’s not rapping with autotune on this one and that alone also really made want to release the record. Jiles and I have more than a few records together and he really just be snapping on all of them. ‘I.D.FW.N.’ was a record made so organically one night and once I heard the freestyling from everyone while I was making the beat I knew it was going to be a special one. That track so raw, man. ‘FEBRUARY’ came from one of the darkest times for me in recent memory. It was a record that originally me and Clyde were just working on together before I sought the help of ROHO and Notebook P to complete the song.

So 2022 is just started what are your goals this year including where do you want to be by the end to his year, and where do you want your career by the end of this decade?

My goals for the year is to keep my foot on the gas with my music. I have so much music in the vault and I’m honestly more ready than ever to release it. I have a lot of great ideas I wanna share with everyone once they’re fully realized and I can’t wait for what’s next. By the end of the year I want everyone from around here that I’m one of the best out. I’ve always believed in myself and knew that I could do anything that I applied my mind to. By the end of the decade, I just hope I could leave my mark on my community, inspire the next generation of dreamers and help my team achieve great success.

Who should we feature next?

I’m going to be biased and say that I think you should feature either someone from Dienue or my boy Notebook P (LOL). Everyone one of those guys are immensely talented and have done so much for my own creativity. Clyde is an amazing rapper/singer/stylist/graphic designer. Man’s really a jack of all trades. Qwan? is a the only rapper-producer in Dienue and he’s got some crazy records in the vault that I know he’s ready to release. Demaris is one of the best producers and sample-choppers I know and is also multi-talented. And Notebook P got the voice of an angel. That man can sing his heart out and can write songs like nobody else that I know.

Any last words?

I just want to say thank you again for featuring me on your platform. I love the way you guys highlight underground artists and also give a lot of free game to up and coming artist who might not have this information at their disposal. I hope you all liked my project and be on the lookout for more releases from me this year!

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Raemi

Raemi thank you for taking the time to interview with Nefarious Supply! To get the interview started tell us about your self who is Raemi, where are you from, and what got you started making music?

Thank you guys for having me! I can’t for people to get to know me a little more. So I’m originally from Ontario, Toronto. I moved to Memphis when I was like 5-6 years old and basically grew up there. Moving to a new country at such a young age was definitely a big life change & culture shock for me and my family at the time, so I kinda dove right into being actively involved. I grew up singing in a lot of multi-genre’d choirs. Gospel, choral, opera, a cappella. You name it, I did it. I also did a lot of theatre and just about anything that had music involved in it. Over the years, I’ve always known I was extremely musically inclined. So my background in it has everything to do with why I started making my own.

Raemi is the girl who I’ve dreamt of becoming. If my 10 year old self could meet me now, she’d definitely think I’m the coolest person ever. I actually used to go by “Chelle” and the homies still me that. Around the time of figuring out an artist name for myself, I was also in a season of learning more about me. So I asked my fam to kinda help me find a name no one else would have. I wanted to keep my roots in there, and “Ray” is my family nickname. The “mi” comes from the first two letters of my last name, Mitchell! We were just yelling out names and my brother goes “Raemi!” & I was like, I love that. It’s so unique and it’s a funny coincidence that it sounds like the first 3 notes on the solfège scale.  Do re mi :) I love saying that when people ask me how to pronounce my name. 

So I see from your profile your based out of Nashville and we’ve actually interviewed a bunch of artist from the area including $avvy, Sully, and Georgie Zaven. What is your experience with the area, hows the underground scene, and how has this area influenced you?

Yeah so I actually just moved to Nashville last year around the end of April! I’m not new to seeing Nashville, but I’m definitely new to living here and adapting to the city’s culture. I’m a very outgoing and all around people person, so my experience making friends and networking out here has been pretty great. The underground scene is very unique to say the least. I haven’t been a part of it that long, but Nashville definitely has that star quality coming out of a lot of artists. Friends included. Living in a city where music is so valued and being around people who appreciate and love it as much as I do have only influenced me to do more with my artistry. The creative atmosphere is dope, and I’m lucky I get to be in spaces that allow me to explore that. 

In addition to you location what artists have been a big influence on you, and what songs and albums are currently in your rotation?

Brandy, Bob Marley, and Lauryn Hill have had a big influence on me growing up. I’m also Jamaican, so my dad would just blast reggae throughout the house everyday. Over the last year or so, I’ve become such a big fan of H.E.R. I absolutely love the way she writes and arranges her music. I love that she’s multitalented and keeps a strong family based team around her. I feel like I resonate because I kinda see a little bit of myself in her, so she’s always in the rotation. Lately I’ve been bumping a lot of Tems, Vince Staples, rum.gold, and Madison Ryan Ward. All amazing artists.

What’s your favorite thing about being an artist, and for some newer artists looking to get started what’s the biggest piece of advice you would give them?

My favorite thing about being an artist is that I have the freedom to unapologetically be myself and do whatever I want creatively. I cherish that there’s so much room to improve in this industry. I learn something new everyday! For the people just getting started, all I’d say is be willing to learn. Stay patient and genuine, support your friends, and remember why you started. It’s so crucial to believe in yourself and your abilities, but also keep the people who believe in you just as much around. Encouragement really goes a long way. 

You have two songs out right now “Don’t Know Her,” and “Darlin” tell us about both including what inspired each, how the production came together, what was your favorite part of making both?

So “Don’t Know Her” was the first single I out put out last year and I actually wrote it as a poem at first. It was a few weeks after I moved, and I was out by myself exploring. Sat outside somewhere downtown, and journaled for a long time. It was so pretty outside and I probably stared at the clouds for a good 10 minutes and that’s when the words hit me. At the time, a lot of changes were happening in my life. I was evolving into this new and better version of myself, so I poured all of those emotions into a poem. Melodies just kinda come to me in my head, and somehow the next day I’m re-writing the whole thing into a song. My friend Reese produces and I had sent him a demo of me singing a little bit of it, and he was like “This is amazing. We gotta track this” so he came into town for a session I had and magic was made. 

“Darlin” happened by fluke. I had a session with a Reese, and I walked into him and my other homie who does Afro beats making this super dope track. I look at Reese and go “I have a song for this beat. Let’s record it” I had written a hook with my friend a few months back and didn’t have any production to it so I just left it alone. After hearing what they made, I whipped out my notes and started singing different melodies I thought would work with the hook. Wrote the whole thing and finished it that night, then a few months later I released it! It’s definitely my favorite song of mine so far. I wanted to branch out and do something that reflected my culture, so releasing a song under Afropop R&B was really cool. I plan to do a lot more with that sound. My favorite part about making both was seeing the vision really come to life.

It’s a new year what are your top three goals for 2022, and what are your long term goals for your career?

My top 3 goals for this year are to get a major songwriting placement, release and album, and have my music played on TV. I know all of those things are attainable, so I’m just excited to see how it all plays out! Long term dream goals would definitely be to get signed as a songwriter for a major publishing company and tour with a major artist as their background vocalist. I love the idea of support someone’s vocals with pretty harmonies. I also just really wanna travel and get the full the tour experience.

Any last words?

Thanks for taking the time out to get to know me. You’ll be seeing a lot more of Raemi, so buckle up 🤎 

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Artist of The Month Jan 2022: Lango

One of the few artists we had on our radar when we first came out, Baton Rouge-based artist Lango has been making waves for himself and has slowly been building his career by releasing nonstop heat. A musician that is no stranger to taking risks, all while pushing the boundaries of his sound. Since 2018, with every new release, Lango looks to set himself apart from his peers by creating a sound you’ll find yourself constantly going back because one listen just isn’t enough! One of the first projects we listened to was 2018’s ‘Melting Point’. At that time Lango was still cutting his teeth as an underground artist but this project was the perfect introduction for him and his sound. Featuring productions from LUKRATIVE, ILLUD, Worldwidetak, and even doing some himself. Even in our infancy, ‘Melting Point’ stood out to us as such a high-quality project from a novice in this big industry.

Following that project, Lango really locked in. From 2019 to now it seems as though he’s been on a nonstop run to see how far he can not only push himself creatively, but see where he can take his career and further his reach to new audiences. After ‘Melting Point’, Lango released two projects, ‘Gameroom’ and ‘Warthog’. Fast forward to 2021, he really took things up a notch with ‘Wikk Tapes’. If all his other projects were just practice, then ‘Wikk Tapes’ truly raised the bar for himself as an artist! With experimental sounds it worked out for the best with stand-out songs like: ‘Obvious’ featuring Three65, ‘Back Outside’, ‘Call Byron’ , ‘Russia’, and all of the new songs added to the deluxe edition of the project.

With his new project ‘Speedin’ Through Life’, Lango has once again solidified himself as a powerhouse artist that should be on your radar. Featuring guest appearances from XABIEL LUCIA, BLÜ, Michael Armstead, Three65, and Matt Hue. ‘Speedin’ Through Life’ is Lango’s best project to date! Each song fits in perfectly with the overall sound of the project, each guest feature feels hand-picked, and the production is what really makes this project stand out as a whole. Lango is our pick as ‘ARTIST OF THE MONTH’ for January 2022. He continuously pushes himself to new heights by never remaining comfortable, taking risks, and always looking to see elevating how he can elevate to new levels with each release. The year just started, but ‘Speedin’ Through Life’ as an early contender for best underground project of the year and Lango is on the trajectory of establishing himself as the next big artists to command media attention. Check out our feature with him below and be sure to listen to his new album ‘Speedin’ Through Life’

Lango congratulations on releasing one of the best albums of 2022 so far with your new project ‘Speedin’ Through Life’ give us an update on what’s been going on with you?

Thanks and I think I’ve been mostly good lately. I just moved out to Atlanta and I’ve just been trying to find a way to leave a mark out here.

Since your 2019 project ‘Gameroom’ you’ve been releasing all heat including “Warthog”, and “Wikk Tapes’. With “Speedin’ Through Life” you’ve raised the bar for yourself, so just talk us through this new project. What inspired the name of the project, when did you start working on it, and what was your favorite aspect of putting your album together.

I started working on this project around September of 2021. After the summer ended the year was kinda tough for me. So much was going on to the point I felt super numb. So days were just flying by, I just felt like I was speeding through life. And all my songs during that time were slower more emotional tunes. Coincidentally it resembles speeding bullet to heaven which I promise was not on purpose. My favorite part was just being able to pick songs that were different than what I usually put out. The more emotional, meaningful messages.

The cover goes CRAZY! How did it come together?

My younger brother had just launched his film production company Mondo Digital, and I was like shoot some stuff for me so you can have some content to start with. He ended up shooting a clip of me acting crazy in the woods with my face painted and clipped that image. So we just thought it was tight and went with it.

So from front to back every song feels hand-picked and perfectly placed on the project even the features (which include XABIEL LUCIA, BLÜ, MICHEAL ARMSTEAD, Slimm, THREE65, and MATT HUE) complement the overall project. So just break down the production for us who did you tap in for that, how did you pick your features for this project, and what’s it like working with everybody?

For this album I kinda kept it down to my day one main producer camp buddies. Worlwidetak, Patty Mills, Arixs, Grant $aint, DJ bean, W8up and Matt Hue. Dumpy mastered most of it and Chad Roby mastered a couple, they came in last minute clutch. These guys kinda know me pretty well and know exactly what variety I like and they also all love my music. I also worked with my friends from college his name is Khari, he sent me a beat on some random. I kinda use Matt Hue in a Mike Dean sense, he adds finishing touches to certain songs. Like the outro on world is mine, or the bridge on release it, and the outro on always early. He’s good at being the glue for stuff I can’t finish.

Also Michael Armstead produced the intro track, and did some vocals on Bentley Baton Rouge and the bridge in Release it. He was last minute all over the damn tape. But dude is incredible. He’s an artists out of Baton Rouge as well as Slimm who I newly got to work with. She also did some amazing vocals on Bentley Baton Rouge. Blü is an artist from Nola. After Matt sent me the always early outro I tried to sing on it but I was like this needs to be for her. Her voice is perfect for that shit idk. I think that’s one of the best songs I’ve ever made. Xabiel is on the intro track and is this amazing alternative artist and man his voice is incredible to me. This guy sang his whole verse in Spanish, I almost wreck my car and shit on myself when I heard it. Very slept on dude and very high ceiling for potential. Last but not least my boy Three65. You already know what it is with him.

Bro you and THREE65 go crazy together you guys really blew our minds with “Obvious” back in 2021, and “WORLD IS MINE” is even better. So what’s it like working with him, how long have you guys been working together, and would you guys ever do a collab EP or album together?

I’ve been workin with him for years, since he was like 16. We been locked in for a very long time and he hit a point where he just went full singer out of this world. Nobody sounds like him. I see him as my only contemporary just cause we came up together. And I think we work better when we just got a song or two floating around. I don’t like collab records.

So on our end our favorite songs off your project are ‘ALWAYS EARLY’, ‘BENTLEY BATON’ ‘ROUGE’, ‘WORLD IS MINE,’ ‘Lighten Up’, and ‘Speedin Through Life’. Tell us about each of these songs, and what are your favorite songs?

Always early was produced by Patty Mills. Just a track about how I value being on time for shit lmao. Bentley Baton Rouge was a song I actually slept on produced by Arixs and W8up. World is mine another one by Arixs, Lighten up by Arix and Tak, and speeding through life by Tak. My favorite song is Thank God produced by my friends from college, Khari, or the outro to lighten up which I produced.

So what’s next for you in 2022 where do you want to be by the end of the year any new music on the way?

By the end of the year I want to have increased my net worth, done a tour or two, Dropped a song that has surpassed my biggest song in streams. Stay in the gym, just have a bunch of stuff to say in December that I’m proud of, cause at the end of 2021 I didn’t have much to say. And yes I’m gonna drop so much music and content I can’t wait.

Any last words?

Thank you Nefarious Supply for sticking with me all this time. Thanks to Byron Ju Jax and all the other boys. Ion wanna say too much cause I’m still tryna take my own advice but one thing I never did was stop being myself so just keep doing that and you’ll be fine.

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Sunny Addams

Sunny thank you for interviewing with Nefarious Supply, to get this interview started tell about your self who is Sunny Adams and how did you get started as a musician?

Short answer, Sunny Addams is a storyteller. Long answer, Sunny Addams is the device I created to share and explore the narratives, ideas and reflections that I had seen in this world. Music has always been an incredible important aspect of my life, as a kid I was an avid music listener. I remember the first album I ever listened to was probably the Space Jam Soundtrack but between then and now, I’ve listened to a lot of everything. I didn’t always want to be a musician. When I got to high school, a friend of mine was showing me a song of his and I offered to help and sing on it. I showed people at school and they really fucked with it, so I was oh shit, am I actually good at this? Then it slowly started from there. I started writing songs by myself but never releasing them, until about late 2020. In 2021, I linked with my engineer Lil E$$o, and that’s when it really began to move forward.

Where are you based out of, how has this area influenced you and your sound and what is the scene like for underground artists?

I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada but I’m based out of Pickering, Ontario, Canada. The burbs. I would definitely say this had a huge influence on me and my sound. Many of the people I create and work with I’ve met living here, and they been essential to my growth as an artist. I went to high school in Pickering and that provided me a really unique experience. Pickering felt like the exact point where the city became the suburbs and therefore, a lot of the music, culture and style of the city was infused into the music and culture of the burbs. It’s quite unique in that way and specific as well. I think a lot of the people I met all brought their unique experiences and as a result, I was exposed to a lot of different music, film and art.

The underground scene for the Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area in general, I think is the best it’s ever been. Especially amongst a lot of the musicians and creatives I know (Remsen, Jetlag, Sara Sidheri, Cantkilldyl, Lil E$$o, Antwunn, Nolan Balance to name a few) it feels like we’re on the cusp of a new dawn. Our sounds, visuals and art is nothing really like what’s come before. I feel like we’re elevating the taste level of the city.

In addition to your location what artists have had a big influenced on you, and as your career grows what artists do you eventually want to work with?

It is probably very derivative to say Drake, but he is one of the biggest artists in the world. More than they music he makes, I think Drake inspires a lot of us from Canada by just showing us its possible to blow up being from here. Musically I would have to say Kid Cudi, Andre 3000 and Frank Ocean. Sonically I really enjoy all of those artists but its the unique song writing that always resonates with me the most. Andre’s introspection, Cudi’s honesty and vulnerability and Frank’s imagery and world building are all things I pull from and influence my songwriting process. Oh, and Young Thug too. Lately though, I’ve been a big fan of Pierre Bourne, Sofaygo, Baby Keem and Yeat. They all bring something vastly different to the hip hop game. I’m honestly more excited to work with producers than artists in the future. There’s so many incredible producers in the game right now, Pierre, Kenny Beats, Take a Day Trip, Wondagurl. Local producers I wanna work with too, Toronto has some of the best.

Tell us about your experience as an underground artists what are somethings you’ve learned on your journey?

I’ve been seriously pursuing music from about a year and half now. Before that I spent a lot of time in my head, trying to decipher the perfect time to jump in. And though I’m happy with where I’m at now, the biggest thing I’ve learned is there is no right time to start. You’ll never “be ready”, you just gotta start one day. Over these past few years I’ve made some public and private mistakes as an artist, but that’s all apart the journey. When you learn to take things in stride, you really just become grateful for all the experiences you have. One thing I struggled with a lot at the beginning of making music was patience. There’s a saying, “the fastest way to get to where you wanna be, is slowly”.

You can’t let anyone, including yourself, speed up your creative process. Ride it out and you’ll see the fruits of your labour eventually. Finally, I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is you must become friends with failure. In order to experience success, you have to take chances and with that you open the door for more failures. If you run from that, you’ll miss opportunities. If you embrace the reality that you will fail, eventually you’ll hit when it counts.

In addition to things you’ve learned if you could give any one that is starting out right now what would it be?

Ask Questions. Better to be a fool for a moment than a fool for life. Even if you think you’re being annoying or bothering someone, or whatever, It’s always best to ask questions for what you don’t know. Always being curious and willing to learn is invaluable in any career I feel.

So let’s get into your music you have a couple of singles our right now including PERC BABY, SOLJAH, and BEDSTUY. Tell us about these songs including what inspired them, who helped you with production, and out of all your songs right now which one is your favorite?

I really love all my songs honestly. On my end of the year list for 2021 all my songs were like top 50 or above. They’re snapshots of important moments for me and every time I listen to them I am brought back to where I was writing them and how I was feeling during that time. Perc baby was indirectly inspired by the show Euphoria funny enough. I don’t always write from a really personal lens, sometimes I like to imagine myself in the situations I write about, how I would feel, what I would be experiencing. Perc baby was like that for me. It was produced by whitemayo, a producer I found off of YouTube, where I find almost all of my beats. It just spoke to me and that song flowed out of me within like 45 minutes. Bedstuy was produced by $IRWAVE, and it was created as a fun anthem I knew my friends would fuck with. I feel like its really special and it came together nicely. Soljah, produced by Wick is easily my favorite. That song is like my personal anthem and I use it re-center myself every time I feel discouraged about my creative process. It really exemplifies who I am and how I carry myself, you know? Never say die, Soljah mentality.

So what’s next for you in 2022 where do you want to be by the end of the year, and what are your long term goals?

I love performing, so I want to have done as many shows as possible before the years done. I have a plan for my first EP that will drop this year as well. It will be a slight sonic shift from what I have been putting out and will be more RnB focused. I’m excited for that. By the end of year, I definitely want to release some merch for my fans to cop and do some acting hopefully as well. Along with the obvious, like getting my music out to even more people and just creating even better art. My long term goals, are definitely focused on growing my brand, ETS, bigger and better. Partnering with more artists and creatives, and getting to the point where I can do this fulltime as a career. If possible, I also want to remain an Independent artist as long as possible. Having my own label in the future is something that really excites me.

Who should we interview next on Nefarious Supply?

Lil E$$o, he is the definition of self-made.

Any last words?

You’ll be seeing more of me for a long time.

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jev

Jev Happy New Year, and thank you for interviewing with Nefarious Supply. To get the interview started tell us about your self who is jev.

Well I'm a 21 year old rap artist based in Ontario, Canada. I started making music at the age of 9 and fell in love with the process of creating something beautiful and sharing that with the world. I was always in search of something that allowed to me fully express myself and I found that with Rapping. I am a creative at heart so my love for the arts does not stop at Rap, in my downtime I write scripts for tv and movie shows that I will hopefully produce in the near future. My creativity stems from my diverse background and a big goal of mine is to carve my own lane within the Rap genre.

Where are you based out of and how has this area influenced you and your sound?

Currently, I’m based out of Ontario, Canada. I was born in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and I spent the majority of my adolescent years in South Africa before settling in Canada. Living in all 3 of these countries shaped how I create and digest music. These 3 countries all have their own genre and taste when it comes to music. This was very beneficial for me because it opened my eyes to new experiences and sounds. Most importantly it showed me that music is a universal language and I was able to witness how music is able to transcend language barriers and cultures. Not only did that motivate me to keep creating, it also gave me the confidence to think outside the box and incorporate different styles, sounds and rhythms in my music, which have helped me grow as an artists.

In addition to your location what artists have heavily influenced you, what are your top 5 album , and who is currently in your rotation?

There is a vast majority of artist that have influenced me and shaped who I am as an artist today. With regards to my location, artist like Drake have been a major influence, I always respected how he has been able to cross genres. Other artist like J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000, Kanye West have always been major influences in the music I make. I am not afraid to look outside of the rap genre for influence to, I listen to a lot of R&B and 80s Soul, which have helped a lot in terms of improving my melodies and even subject matter.

My top 5 albums!, that's a tough question because it constantly changes but as of right now, in no particular order my top 5 albums are, J Cole “Forest Hills Drive”, Lauryn Hill ”The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill”, Kendrick Lamar “GKMC”, Bryson Tiller “TRAPSOUL”, SZA “Ctrl”, and if I had to sneak one in there it would be August Alsina “TESTIFY” or DRAKE ”NWTS”. Right now I’m listening to a lot of Neo-soul, so anything Erykah Badu, Jill Scott or Rapheal Saadiq is in my rotation, there is so much good music out there and I intend to listen to as much of it as possible.

How did you get started as a musician and how has your experience been so far?

I started creating music at the age of 9 but at the time it was just for fun and as a side hobby, I started of as a singer, all I remember at the time is Usher was a big inspiration and as time went on I noticed a pattern in music, it was a formula most musicians were using at that time, having a singer do the hook and the rappers would do the verses, I saw this with Soulja Boy & Sammie ”Kiss me Thru the Phone” and Jay-Z & Alicia Keys ”Empire State Of Mind”. At the time this was a winning formula and I decided to do something similar I would sing the hooks and the plan was to find someone that could rap and do the verses, I wasn't able to find someone to rap and do the verses so I decided to do it myself and as time went on I became better and better with rapping until I eventually decided to leave singing and pursue rapping.

It was around the Young Money era where I really fell in love with it and decided to pursue it as a career, I released my first song at 13 it was a song called “They Know” and I was just rapping over the “5am in Toronto” instrumental, my friends, family and even people at school all seem to enjoy it so I decided to make more music and more music, and that’s what I’ve been doing since. My experience so far has been great, I love creating there’s no question about it. There is a lot of work that comes with being an artist especially from the business side but despite that I have had a positive experience and plan on continuing to have a positive experience.

What are somethings you’ve learned since your start, and if you could go back in time and give your younger self some advice what would it be?

The major thing I’ve learned since I started is that creating music is just 50% of being a artist, the other 50% is the business side, which a lot of artist including myself have neglected in the past. The two work hand in hand, you have to understand that you as an artist are a business and you should pay attention to your branding, marketing etc. just as much as you pay attention to your creativity and music. I don’t have a mentor or anybody to guide me, so most of the time I'm learning on the go but I'm thankful for platforms like Nefarious Supply, various channels on YouTube and all the people in the industry who release a lot of gems for upcoming artist like myself.

I also learned how important it is to diversify that’s why I started my own collective “LONER inc” and it’s a collective that specializes in music, film, tv, and fashion, with this collective I’m hoping to explore every thing my creative brain thinks of. If I had to go back and give my younger self advice it would be to be present, most artist chase result and when they don’t see those results they get discouraged, I was once like that when I was younger but changing your mindset is key in this industry, this is a marathon not a race, so be present in the moment, remove yourself from the end goal and enjoy the process.

jev. · Untitled 01

About two years ago you released your project “Untitled 01,” tell us more about this project including what inspired it, the process of making it, and what some of your favorite songs are?

I recorded that project when I was 16-17, it was some of the best fun I’ve had creating, it was never intended to be a project, I was just creating music and then the end of the year came and I had a bunch of songs laying around, so I put some of the best songs together and created “Untitled 01” releasing that was very therapeutic.

I released it in 2019 that's 2 years after majority of the songs on the project were recorded, I had a lot of doubts because I wasn't sure what sound I was aiming for. If you listen to that project it has a variety of different genres and I experimented a lot with disco, rap and pop on that album. But like I said it was therapeutic, the songs were written during my high school years, and looking back it is almost like a diary for me, like a peak inside my mind and mindset at that particular time. Inspiration came from everywhere and I didn't shy away from that, I embraced it and created. I’m constantly growing as an artist and my sound now is very different from what it was when I released that project. All the songs on that project were recorded in my bedroom and the vocals were recorded on my phone and I had the cracked version of FL studio on my computer and I would spend all night mixing and mastering these songs, I spent a lot of time on YouTube watching tutorials on how to mix, my goal was not perfection, I mixed it until it was decent enough and that was good enough for me.

I learned a lot from creating that project from how to mix, how to structure a song, how to create visuals, how to create album art and even how to promote your releases. Everything I didn't know I googled and it was the most frustrating, fun process because it forced me to learn about the industry. Some of my favourite songs on that project are “Jays”, “Diamond Rose”, “Revelations” and “Conversation”.

What's next for you in 2022 where do you want to be by the end of the year, and what's the long term goal of your career?

I’m scared to answer this question because I don't know what the future holds, but I see myself releasing way more music, a goal for me is to be more consistent than I was in previous years. The main thing I want to do this year is release my project “when angles cry” it has been something I've been working on and I'm hoping to release it this year. I want to connect with more people in the industry it would be amazing to have friendships with people that are in the same industry as me. The long term goal for me is really to have longevity, I also don't want to limit myself to just Rap/Hip-Hop, I see myself exploring other industries whether that’s Hollywood or Fashion. I honestly just want to look back on my career one day and be proud that I did everything I wanted to.

Any last words?

Thanks for having me on your platform, I’ve been watching you guys for awhile now and you guys are amazing. We need more platforms like yours. I also wanna thank all the people that have been supporting me thus far, I appreciate all the love and I can't wait for you guys to hear the new music.

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UpNext 2022 - January 30, 2022

Now it hasn’t been that long since 2022 started (though it feels like forever, looking at you January!) however the music that has come out in the past few weeks has been phenomenal and these new artists coming up need to be on your radar this year! What we’ve learned as members of the underground and growing alongside this community is that it is ALWAYS buzzing, and there is always new talent to be found.

From the subcultures of hyperpop where EDM, Rap, and Pop come together for a beautiful aesthetic, new champions of the sound for example digicore and dariacore, are becoming more prevalent in the community. With artists coming together to create super groups dedicated to furthering their sound.

Among them is the talented GORESET with standout acts this year Rouri404, Vaeo, and Tsuyunoshi dropping absolute heat the past week with their new projects “GORE” and “2004”. Other great upcoming performers in the genre are artists such as weial (representing gunrange), often forgotten (representing m1thril), and kiryuu.A light glance elsewhere and we’re suddenly met with sweeping trap beats, flourishing boombap and old hip-hop samples, and deep, introspective lyricism. In the form of Van Buren Records, hip hop has reached different heights.

In the same vein upcoming gems, new acts such as Sincere Hunte and upcoming rap group JOCLYNBURBANK are giving the scene a fresh take on conscious rap. Other class acts with a beautiful repertoire of sounds include Bryan Cheru, mowop, ILY Truly, Jack$on Grey, and YGTUT. These standout stars are ones you all need to have your radar on this year.2022 is the year for the underground, and we’ll here with you every step of the way.

Brooce

Brooce first things first thank you for interviewing with Nefarious Supply, to get the interview started tell us about your self, who is Brooce, where are you from, and how did you come a musician?

First of all, thanks for allowing me to be interviewed by you guys. I enjoy your page, and what you do for music, local and mainstream! I’m a music producer, student, and barista. I was born in Washington D.C and raised between Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County. Besides my daily responsibilities, I turn to music and skateboarding to separate from everything. Brooce is my artist name, which is just an alternate spelling of my actual name, Bruce. I would say Brooce is cool and collected, someone who seems to keep the same energy every time you see him, which is something I want to remain consistent in what I create. I became a musician maybe around 7 years ago, and I have always enjoyed music in all forms. Whether it be Hip-Hop/Rap, Rock, R&B, or House, I never stop looking for new artists to discover. However, I wanted to take my desire a step further, I wanted to create the music that I love.

Who or what has influenced your sound, in what ways have they done so?

I would say my family has inspired me a lot. The radio always stayed on in my house as a kid. From 96.3WHUR on the weekdays to 89.3WPFW on weekends, I experienced endless Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B, which expanded my love for music. My grandmother would also take me down the street to the record store and give me money to buy CDs! As I got older, my love for music never stopped. My family had tons of CDs, vinyl, cassettes, and 8-tracks. Which allowed me to just go and listen to different music in many ways. As I got older, my love for music never stopped. I had the opportunity to go to concerts and experience music live, which was eye-opening! I was able to meet other creatives and friends as well, that introduced me to new artist. My best friend and local DJ Flotussin always send music to one another daily. Some music I know, while some I'm discovering for the first time. How blessed am I to have a great DJ give me the sauce that I been missing out on haha.

What are your current favorite albums and artists right now and who is currently in your rotation?

My favorite producers are Sango and Evil Needle, as they inspire me the most! Especially during the beginning of the Soulection era. Their sound was chill but hype as well, very unmatched. Sango uses a blend of Brazilian and South American influence and combines it with trap. Evil Needle is just an overall vibe and can't be put in a box. Bringing chillhop, lofi, dance, and electronic. He is one artist that inspires me the most. I never stopped bumping Curren$y, and after him, I’d say Floetry. Favorite albums right now, I am revisiting Danny Brown’s “XXX”. If anybody says, “Danny Brown isn’t good”. Listen to that entire project and tell me different. Also, “Night Creature” by Maya Jane Coles. It is an experimental house project with crazy vocals and tons of ambiance!

From the beginning of the pandemic till now what are some things you’ve done to build on your career

This year I decided to drop a single once a month, and if I missed dropping a single, I gotta drop two the next month. This helped my consistency entirely! This allowed me to drop four projects this year alone, so a little under 20 tracks! Also, submitting to Spotify playlist! Finding playlists with similar themes that match my music helped me a ton!

How has your career been unfolding so far what are some of your favorite things about being a musician and what are some things you don’t like so much?

Musically, my career has been improving! I have definitely grown as an artist and made so many connections. The fact that I remained confident in myself and hit 3.3K streams from 64 countries this year is a blessing. My favorite part of producing is the freedom to create whatever I desire or am in the mood for. I am in charge of the music I make, which makes me feel accomplished when listeners enjoy my sound. A big con is how hard it can be to work and collaborate with other artists sometimes. Unless you find genuine connections, it can be like pulling teeth. And money isn't everything in a partnership.

As a producer how do you find inspiration and what are your go to production tools?

I mainly use Logic Pro for my production! You can create, mix/master, sample, and everything from one program. I use a standard MPK Mini as well, but I plan on investing in some higher quality equipment in the future! I find my inspiration through daily experiences and other music. If I had a great day, my music might be chill and be very upbeat, with bright vocals. While if I had a bad day, I might end up creating something darker but still mellow. I honestly never know how my music will turn out. I sit down and create, and whatever happens, was meant to happen.

On September 9, 2021 you released your new project Just In Sight - EP. Tell us more about this project including what inspired it, your creative process, and your favorite songs on the project?

Yes! This was my first ever strictly house project. I listen to a lot of house, trance, etc., so I always wanted to make a project dedicated to nothing but house. Around my mid-teens, I had a big house/trance phase that just stuck with me. DC also has a pretty thriving house/electronic scene as well. So why not make the music that could be played at these venues by DJs? I wanted a nice blend of lofi house, chill house, and even some hardcore. My favorite tracks from the project are probably Claims and Bad Boy Radio! I love the jazzy vibe to both tracks, I wanted a lofi sound that included some real instrument chops, with loads of vocal samples. They're both a major vibe that starts and ends the project!

You also released another album titled Home on January of that year as well titled “Home”. Tell us more about this project as well and how was it working with Henny Lee?

Home was the first lengthy project I have made, and it's not perfect by a long shot. However, I proved to myself that I could do and that this was the beginning of so much more. Creating this off and on during one of the roughest times of my life created a strong bond with “Home”. This project was a piece of everything I love, hip-hop, dance, electronic, trap, and lofi. It was a chance to show how versatile I am as a producer. Henny Lee is a great friend of mine, so it was definitely a great time working together! It wasn't too long before working with him that I found out he created music too. He's innovative on the keys, sort of like a mad scientist when it comes to synths. I was just very appreciative of him even wanting to work with me, he's a solid dude and you should check out his work!

What’s next for you in 2021 where do you want to be by the end of the year, and what are your long term goals?

By the end of the year, I want to have doubled everything I did last year, streams, listeners, followers, and hopefully, touch even more countries. I want to graduate, get my own spot, and travel even more! I will be releasing a new album this year as well! I want to have grown as an artist and a person. And overall just want to connect more with my fan base!

Any recommended artist we should feature on our platform drop their @’s?

Henny Lee and Tre Five! Those are the two artists that I feel are very talented and that have always been genuine and supportive of everything I create!

Any last words?

I just want to say thanks to everybody that rocks with my music, and that even gave it a chance. We as artists always want to make it big and of course, become noticed. However, we can't forget about those who made this possible and that's our listeners. To even be able to create music and be interviewed is a blessing on its own. But, to have individuals hit me up and tell me how much they enjoy my music is something that I've dreamt of. It gives me the confidence to continue to do this and stay true to myself, so shout out to all my listeners and friends! And shout out to Alex she always holds me down when it comes to my dreams and goals. We can all be great; every day you wake up is a level up, so just keep pushing!

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Demon Discography (Jan 21, 20220) - Hosted by Apollo1027

Apollo it’s been a while since we’ve featured you on Nefarious Supply, what’s new with you, how was your 2021?

My 2021 was a bit quiet. I had gone through some things in my personal life, good and bad, which slowed things down. In terms of my career as an artist though I made a ton of key connections and a few valuable additions to my team. Spent the latter half of the year setting things up for 2022. It feels good to be back.

What are some of your goals going into 2022?

My main goals are to stay consistent and to continue growing, both as a person and as an artist. I’m dropping a lot more music and a lot more content this year in order to expand my fanbase, so it’s important for me to stay hungry. More performances, more content, more engagement, etc. I had two choices coming into this year; it’s either all or nothing. I chose all.

Word is you have a new song dropping January 26th tell us more about it including what inspired it, who helped with production, and are you dropping a project soon?

I wrote “Under Pressure” because I felt (and still feel) like there’s a ton of pressure on me, both internal and external. I have a ton of goals and aspirations when it comes to my career. So if I want to attain them, I have to break old habits and wake up. There’s a line in the song that says “To survive I had to change me”. That’s what inspired this release.

In terms of overall sound, the track was heavily inspired by Don Toliver. When I wrote the song, I had Life of a Don on repeat so I searched for Don Toliver type beats on YouTube, stumbled across the beat which is produced by theskybeats and purchased the license for it. Am I dropping a project soon? Maybe.

So tell us about this playlist you put together why did you choose these specific songs, what are some of your favorites, and did any them inspire the your new song dropping soon?

The playlist is an assortment of songs that I’ve been listening to lately. The Don Toliver tracks are the ones that helped inspire “Under Pressure”. The rest of them are just vibes that I play when I’m in the car.

Who should we tap in to host next?

My boy 4TUNAT. He’s truly an immense talent and listens to a lot of different types of music so I feel like his playlist would be crazy.

Sincere Hunte

Sincere Hunte welcome to Nefarious Supply, to get this interview started tell us about your self who is Sincere Hunte, what got you started as a musician, and tell us about your experience as an underground artist so far?

Well, I’m from Huntsville, AL not the most glamorous spot but I love it. I started making music maybe 3 years ago when my homeboy Jon started making beats it seems like forever ago but those are the moments I treasure most, it was just us in a closet with an iPad and a microphone every moment was fun. As far as how it’s been so far? So Far So Good, I can’t complain, I’m learning every aspect of it all, on a smaller scale of course but, it’s been fun we’ve made memories you know?

So on your Soundcloud profile I see you’re based out of Huntsville, Alabama, tell us how has this location influenced you and your sound, how is the underground scene there for artists, and who are some artists making waves from this area?

Everything about Huntsville influences me. The lingo, the food, the people, as far as music goes though, really my flow and the soul that’s put into it, it’s not really a huge scene out this way but it’s making moves its artists like Erik Cain, Rel FromtheQ6, Greg Bussie, Wade Brown, My boy Tootie Neutron amongst others, it’s really a lot of untapped talent out this way that I feel is deserving especially since it’s so many different styles.

Which artists would you say have had the biggest influence on you and your sound, and if you could work with five established artists right now who would they be?

Top 5 Influences? Off top I’d say Earl, Lucki, Tyler, The Creator, Isaiah Rashad, and Jay- Z and for my 5 artists I’d like to work with without going with any of them, Navy Blue, Westside Gunn, MIKE, Dev Hynes, Kendrick Lamar, and Project Pat.

What are your favorite albums and why?

Yeezus by Ye is my favorite of all time, I remember where I was, what I was doing, how it made me feel, when I heard “On Sight” for the first time, it was like 80s-90s rock the party vibe but with lasers, shit changed me, I was 13 so it opened me up to more sounds then after that I went into what influenced that album, I learned who Mike Dean was and a bunch of other people like S1, Daft Punk & Rick Rubin. At the 2nd spot I’m going to with Pray For Paris by Westside Gunn, I feel that is a perfect album from artwork to production to lyrics and features, “Claiborne Kick” just sounds like the future, I can’t explain it but him & Boldy slid on that and then on the last track “LE Djoliba” where Gunn mentions tap dancing on the blow and Cartier William dances in. It’s perfect. Number 3 we have ‘Too Pimp A Butterfly’ by Kendrick Lamar. I love how vulnerable it is, it’s the truth, it’s relatable, it’s funky, he drops gems, it’s one of those albums that will live forever, it’s timeless ‘u’ brought tears to my eyes as a 14 almost 15 year old boy not knowing exactly what he was talking about but feeling what he felt. 4. ‘I Dont Like Shit’ by Earl, another album that made me emotional at a time when I’m young, mad at the world, depressive, trying to figure out where I fit in Highschool, I’d just put my headphones in and close my eyes, damn near every day. 5. Last and certainly not least, ‘Igor’ by Tyler, the Creator. It’s perfect, it embodies the same rock the party energy in ‘What’s Good’ , the rollout was phenomenal, the production, the content, even the color of the cover being that pink which I feel fits it so well. These are just a few I can name off the top of my head.

Let’s get into your music, walk us through you’re creative process from beginning to end how do you start the creation of each song/project you make and how do know when you have something you’re ready to share with the world?

I don’t think my process is too different from anyone else, I’m the type that enjoys full projects in their entirety, so I get a concept and build around it usually creating a scene in my mind or a setting where I want each song played, hit up Jayyun tell him what it is, we build some more. He makes the beat or I’ll make it or maybe we will call Samarie over, he gives input you know, try to run it like a team, get everyone involved if I can, to make it as best as we can then I do the writing, which is usually the easiest all I do is talk about shit. I’m going through or how I feel just a bunch of scattered thoughts really, I know it’s ready when I can listen to it over and over and I still enjoy it then I run by my friends, get some thoughts especially Kev and J because they don’t talk much, even when J LOVES the song he will just nod his head and say “Cute” and Kev won’t say much either he might get up and start dancing. It’s subtle things like that I love about my people especially since it’s times where they don’t give that reaction but most times it’s the ones I’m like “This needs more work”.

Last year you released an EP titled The Genesis, tell us about this project including what inspired this project, the songs, the production?

The Genesis was just a collection of thoughts inspired by talks with my mom, coping with the death of my dad, realizing how much damage you can do while being damaged, my trip to New York with Greg, seeing those big buildings everybody so close, I’m a country boy at heart so all of that was new to me for the most part. The production was just beats me and some friends made that I enjoyed, I wanted it sequenced well so thankfully they fit together in a sense like a puzzle, it was really a learning experience.

On The Genesis you had amazing guest features including: greg bussie, rei fromqtr6, erik cain, and samaire. How was your experience working with each of these artists, and what was the circumstances that lad to features on your project?

It’s always love with them boys Greg is a brother to me, so he introduced me to Erik, a great dude always wanting to teach and to learn, Rel ones of those “play it cool” types I respect it, he’s always chilling. I chose to put them on the tape because they are my favorite rappers out the city, even before I knew them, I listened to what they dropped. Always showed support and told me how much they fuck with what I have going on, I’ve taken something away from every talk I’ve had with them, so it only made sense.

Following up on Genesis you ended 2021 with a bang by dropping your new project So Far So Good. Similar to the last questions walk us through this project, and what was your favorite aspect of putting this together?

I’m so proud of this project man, it’s inspired by my time in Tennessee with the whole Dadabase, Heartbreak, traveling with friends, loving more, living more, and overall, just learning. With the exception of one song I produced, it’s produced, mixed & masted by Jayyun. We went into it thinking “okay let's make a really good rap album” he pushed me, I pushed him, we locked in 3-4 times a week for hours, while doing shows and shit. We were determined to produce quality work in the time we gave ourselves and if I do say so myself, we succeeded.

So what’s next for you in 2022 where do you want to be by the end of the year, and what are your long term goals for your career?

Long term: Freedom, to take care of my people, a Grammy or two or three, direct a film, do a movie score, learn as much as I can really. Short term: Tour the world, London looks really cool and I’m into Italian Architecture, drop another project thing, direct some things, walk on a runway, and get more tattoos, and push me and Jayyun’s brand ‘MADE IN ISOLATION’ looking at more cassette releases, vlogs, more shows things like that.

Who should we interview next on Nefarious Supply?

Definitely Greg Bussie

Any last words?

Thank y’all so much for having me, love your people, romanticize life, and stream SO FAR SO GOOD!

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Underground Gems - January 14, 2021

Brining in the New Year right with a renewed focus on underground music we put together and an updated playlist on SoundCloud which we are calling SoundCloud Gems. SoundCloud is home to some of the best producers in the world and we really wanted to showcase these talented artists. This month’s SoundCloud gems come in the form of what is known as “flips”. For starters, we need to understand what a flip of a song is. A “flip” is basically taking a sample from an existing track and making a new version of it in a creative way, sort of like remixing but with a lot of elements stripped away and added in. ⁠
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“Flips” run a heavy percentage of Soundcloud’s user platform, and for good reason too. From PearlChilds flip of Kanye West’s “ Come to Life”, See Dee’s take on Destiny’s Child’s classic “Cater 2 U” to heart-thumping recreation of Brent Faiyaz’s “Dead Man Walking” all of the absolute diamonds on this list will have you vibing to your favorite artists in an entirely different way. ⁠
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This months SoundCloud Gems features flips from: @fooliesurfin, @djskinniez, @_berma, @flwrchyld_, @fairsmooth, @whoadobo, @zane.burko, @seedee_beats, @1981tokyomusic, @knvl111, @iamremioz, @mrgeniusidiot, omoidayy, @justinwyattmusic, @esentrik, @mitchgeist, @local_jaam, @altzza, @korewapand, @twentyweeksss, @jdubbeats, @iamfullbodydurag, @solarwick, @wavy_bagels, @seabap, and many more.

iLY Truly

Hey man, welcome to Nefarious Supply! How are you doing?

Hey family! I’m really good. Feeling inspired. Blessed to be able to be featured on your platform!

First things first, would you mind introducing yourself? Tell us a little about you and where you’re from.

I am ILY Truly, some call me Tru or Trinidad. I’m an independent artist from this small city called Kenosha, Wisconsin, not too far outside of Chicago. Keno is a very slept on city musically. I moved around a lot from home to home and a bunch of different state growing up but when I moved to Kenosha in my teenage years, I found music and myself honestly and now I’m here today.

Now that’s out the way, would you mind telling us how ‘ILY Truly’ came to be? What inspired you to progress in the music business?

The name “ILY  Truly” came from the heart. One thing about me and my music is that it’s positive. At least most songs. My name was “Tuesdayy” at first but it was lame. When I say I love you I mean that, truly. I want my name to be a light in the industry. My dad did music before he died. He always wanted to do what I do today. When I quit football in High School I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life. I tried Youtube but I wasn’t feeling it and then one day I decided try rapping and singing. I saved my first paycheck from Culver’s and bought a blue yeti and audacity and started creating on our family computer that nobody used. I felt free and like I escaped from all of my problems when I sang or rapped  about something on my mind and it changed everything. I started recording everyday since then and It really inspired me to use my voice and pursue music. I want others to feel the freedom I do with creating music or their own personal art. 

We see that you have a large following, with over 11.2k followers on Instagram! Can you tell us how that came to be? And what’s it like being with Death Rose Records?

I have been promoting my music for 5 strong years. There were days I had no followers or got no love and then one day to another it just went up. I just try my best to share my music with every soul out there no matter who they are. Posting as much as I can and just being creative and consistent really brought me to where I am today.

Death Rose Records is the most beautiful music movement I have ever been a part of. It started as a group of friends just making music and doing shows together in 2017. We called ourselves Death Rose and after a doing something in our city we made it something special. I founded the official independent record label in 2020 and it has been a great music venture and learning experience ever since! We work as a team and we are a family. When one of us makes it we all make it and every artist and creative in the camp truly believes that teamwork makes the dreamwork and from my personal experience, it does. We support one another no matter what. Death Rose will change the world and hopefully the industry for the better one day.

Your first released project was your self titled ‘ILY Truly’ in 2019. Can you describe the album to those who might not have listened to it yet? Maybe what they can expect from you?

ILY Truly was my first mixtape. I guess you could call it an album. The project was my first work of art I released as myself outside of the Death Rose collective. As Death Rose we never released with our names on the titles so “ILY Truly” was just an artist in the camp or someone performing at the DR shows and I wanted to be recognized.. So I released my debut project and sang and rapped my heart out on it. The whole thing was about this huge heartbreak I went through so it was more personal.

ILY Truly · ILY Truly

So far in 2021, you have released two singles. Could this possibly lead to a new project coming soon or is this just the normal release rotation?

I just released my 3rd and final single for the year called “Young Forever” . I released it on my 21st birthday. The song is a totally different from both “Baby I” and “No Way Girl” and has a more pop/ edm vibe. The other 2 songs are more R&B, Emo Rap type vibes. My vault is full and I always have surprises for my fans so I could drop at any moment. I have an album done too just being picky with the songs and waiting on the right time haha. 

One of your latest singles, ‘Baby I’ features well known R&B star Ne-Yo! Could you tell us how that happened and what was the process like?

Crazy story. I had came across someone from a major label that had offered a collab opportunity for some forgotten “Work For Hire” vocals they had from Ne-Yo in the early 2000’s. The person I had managing me at the time had brought the vocals to me and we decided to make a song on them. At the time I did not know Ne-Yo didn’t know about the song being worked on and I found this out later down the line. I had this song and I had no official contact with Ne-Yo so I reached out to “LÜM” this app that I had been dropping music on since the day it released. Ne-Yo had recently signed a deal with LÜM as all this was going on with the song “Baby I” which I felt was pretty ironic with the timing of things. LÜM actually put me in contact with Ne-Yo’s management team and they had informed me that they did not give me permission to work on the song.

I was bummed out and I didn’t know what to do so I explained the situation and told them I would speak with my legal team. Later on Ne-Yo’s team still wouldn’t give me the green light to release the song so I did the one thing you are not to do in this industry. I proceeded to work on the song and tease the release without the ok. Months go by and I have this finalized song with  grammy producers that I had gotten together with to finish the audio side and then I had this amazing cover. I officially announced the snippet on Instagram of the song saying it would come soon tagging Ne-Yo and out of nowhere  the man himself sends me a DM saying he liked it and he wanted to help me push the song. Days later he posted it officially on his Instagram with a video of him in the studio vibing to it. The rest was history. 

When it comes to your next project, what can we expect to hear from you? Is there experimentation or are you maintaining the stamina from your last album?

The next song or body of work I drop will be completely new and different from the previous. I don’t want to be an artist put into a box so I like to stay versatile. I think I’ll be dropping an 80’s vibe next in January or maybe even the album.

Lastly, is there anyone else you know that we should feature here at Nefarious Supply? Perhaps anyone else on Death Rose Records?

Yes!! I would love for you guys to check out my producer “Lost Boi” . He has produced all of my recent records since “No Way Girl” and all of the songs from my album. He will be the next big producer to do it I’m telling you, super versatile! 🙏🏽 Some more talent from the camp would be my artist “Willing Wanna” from Ghana or even Kid Asher, another artist I work very closely with. Yung Sum and Yung Trench are also some FIRE artists from my city.

Any last words?

2022 needs to be focused on love and inspiring! Thank you guys again for having me on your platform. 💙

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Mowop

What does this project mean to you, and though this is the first we’ve heard, is it the first collective project you’ve made since you’ve started?

Yeah this album really means a whole lot to me and took a long time to bring together. Some of these records are some of my first good one’s I made years ago. I really wanted to showcase my palate and approach production wise in it’s purest form. 4r is definitely something I love top to bottom and making it all cohesive was almost as fun as recording the homies. Having Key on this album means a lot and he makes it look so easy, man can engineer better than most too.

What is the inspiration behind the aesthetics of this album? Visual art and sound-wise, what were the key benefactors to the creative direction of this project?

I have a strange connection with LA and had so many life changing experiences there. To me nothing beats driving around LA at night thinking about how everything changed so fast and how strange it all is. In a lot of these records I tried to capture what that felt like. Reproduce that experience so other people kinda realize what’s possible. Night drives in LA is why the visual content is out of a car and shots of cars driving. Kinda a motif I plan to keep around for now with these next two projects coming this January.

Who were the most important people, other than yourself, involved with making this project what it came to be?

To begin with, the artists that were down to be on this are some of the most genuine people/artists I’ve met. These people are beyond creative and mean a lot to me personally. The samples I used are amazing and I really hand chose the samples and producers very deliberately. Very few producers align with what I like to hear so it was awesome to learn from and build off these samples. A couple of my personal favorite producers that I actually listen to all the time have music out similar to mine (Keem and Des) and it’s a huge reason why I’m doing what I’m doing in the first place. 

What were your personal motivations behind this album? What did you want to say with this project?

I gotta give everything I have creatively to this world. After years of experiences, learning, and building my discography; I have the confidence to unveil what I know how to do. It’s my first step into my contribution while I’m here.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before, without using words that have to do with music. (e.g. happy, melancholy, energetic, sultry)

Your favorite artists artist, any of all kind. If you’re an artist/creative mind, just listen. 

 Who do you listen to on a regular basis? Who are your go-to artists that really strike your creative nerve?

The people I listen to are what I ultimately aim to emulate in my own organic way (especially for quality/cohesive reasons), I am a version/extension of their sound(s). I.e.Earl, Liv.e, TDE, Keem the Cipher, Tyler, The Internet, Q, Steve Lacy, Outkast, & Knxwledge. Knxwledge almost everyday (main inspiration for intro and outro/gotmyheadright)

Walk us through the steps the group takes to create a track. What is your creative process? Do you guys happen to just walk into the studio and throw some beats on until one sticks? Or is there a more delicate process involved?

Most of these records were made on my own time locked in my room for hours/days. 4r the Folks was the only live session I created from start to finish. Pulled up to the homies and we always record but we were working on his EP and we made this. Definitely came out of us and him organically and I tried to bring Quentin out of his comfort zone just enough to let him shine in places he wasn’t aware of. I learned that from Pharrell actually, a huge part of making original records is to expose parts of each other you didn’t know was super tight like weird pockets or just catching funny/cool ad-libs to add in the mix. I could definitely write a book on this one cause it’s my favorite part but yeah very grateful to know this kid for so many years and I definitely wanted to put homie on since I learned so much working with Rory and Zay. 

Brandon Wave

Give us a general description of you as an artist. What cultures and experiences cultivate this persona or identity of yours?

My name is Brandon Keyes, stage name Brandon Wave, and I just make what my heart tells me. My foundation comes from my musical experiences as a child; Michael Jackson, Debarge, Al Jarreau (to name a few).  My family is a huge inspiration in my life, everything I do is for them. The Keyes name. I’m going to go by my government name, Brandon Keyes, when it’s time to unlock that door. My sister, Jessica, helped shape my identity as a person and as an artist. She’s my best friend, always providing clarity to this life thing. My identity is still being formed but so far, it’s to make music that makes my soul smile. To always be me, unapologetically, because the world has enough “clones”. That’s what I work on daily, trying to shut out all distractions and influences to create freely. To be me. 

How has your experience in the industry been thus far?

I wouldn’t say I have extensive industry experience, but so far it’s been great. I’ve been blessed to meet people that have opened my eyes to the music industry and where I can fit in it. I had an “outside looking in” feeling towards the music industry growing up in San Diego. The more I travel and grow, I realize how obtainable my goals are with tremendous work and prayer. It’s about consistency. It’s about connections, connections, and more connections. If your network is strong, anything is possible and that’s what I’m working on. Building relationships and growing as a professional in this industry. I was also blessed to have confirmation from my favorite labels that I am headed in the right direction. That was the moment I knew my dream can be a reality. I just gotta go harder. 

Do you have an outstanding moment since you got into the music industry that makes you realize how important it is to make music like this? If so, what would that be?

My experiences in LA from 2018-2019 showed me how important it is to just be myself. I had so many doubts as a child about the music industry and if that goal was truly obtainable. Being in LA for only a couple of months showed me that I was more than on the right track, I just need to fine-tune my mind. It is very easy to lose yourself in this world, especially when you have a burning desire to make it by any means necessary. It is about patience, planning, and diligence (amongst a slew of others). I’ve seen that the music I create gives me peace and it can do the same for others, which is still crazy to me. Music is extremely powerful, so I want to use my talent wisely and spread positivity. There’s a lot of negativity out there and if you let it, it’ll eat you alive. I want to be a positive light for everything around me.

\What do you think personally sets you apart from the rest of your peers in the music industry? What do you bring to the industry that you believe no one else has the ability to bring?

I’d say my versatility, honesty, ear for music, & personality separate me from my peers. I have a great range and it only improves every time I’m in the studio. From rapping slow to fast, switching flows, bending genres, I don’t think there’s too many at my level who can do what I can. I’m never afraid to try something new and I only want to keep pushing myself to explore more sounds. I’m honest, I am who I am. I’m not trying to be the toughest, the flashiest, nothing but Brandon. Too many rappers try to be something they’re not or what they think the audience wants. My fans know they’re getting the authentic Brandon. I think I have a crazy ear for beats too and my fans can vouch for me. The more curated my ear gets, the better my production and beat choice will be. Finally, I’d say my personality, it speaks for itself. If you love me, I love you. If you hate me, I love you. 

Is there any one song that you’ve made that stands out from the rest? Any songs that people should listen to that will get people hooked?

From my oldies, I’d have to go with Clout 9 or Flame on. That’s when I started taking music seriously, I feel like it’s a good foundation of who I am as an artist. Clout 9 is my baby. I poured my whole self into that song, from the beat to the lyrics. It was the first time I felt like a true artist. Flame On is just vibes. Those are still fan favorites to this day. From my newer stuff, 10 x 10 & Only Son. Those are some of my favorite songs of mine right now. They showcase my versatility well. Only Son is my more energetic side & 10 x 10 is in more of an emotional vein. I really love 10 x 10.

What were the main influences behind 72 Hours? What was the concept or event, person, place, or thing that cultivated the idea behind this collective of 12 tracks?  

72 HOURS is cultivated from 3 separate 51/50 holds that I was put on in 2018. I was living in LA for 6 months for school. For the first 4 months, I tried to focus on school, but I felt myself slipping into a deep depression. My family life was array and I felt awful deep down inside. I could barely get out of bed. Over Christmas break, being back with my sister Jessica & my best friend Harrison, allowed me to slowly climb out of my depression into a new form. From January 1st to February 25th, I slowly became more and more manic. I stopped caring about school, completely threw myself into my music, & all the homies around me were on the same page. I never felt so unstable, motivated, and efficient in my whole life. My emotions were irrational, and I was extremely unpredictable. I was losing my sense of reality and sense of self, but it felt amazing. 

Through my mania, I managed to connect with Interscope Records and channeled all my emotion into working with them. The week of my meeting with Interscope, I felt my anxiety and emotions reaching a fever pitch. I didn’t know how to help myself. Crying tears of fear one moment, then elated, feeling pure joy the next. It was a roller coaster that I could not stop. As my meeting approached on Friday, I knew I needed something to calm my soul. The only help I knew of was Xanax, which I had previously quit cold turkey in the summer of 2017. The morning of my meeting I took a Xanax. As I was leaving for my meeting, I blacked out, broke away from my friends and family, and threatened one of my school’s staff severely. After the incident, around 12:00pm, I had to be whisked away from the school and driven around Santa Monica to cool off. That is my last memory before waking up in the hospital that night, in a wheelchair, surrounded by my family and closest friends. 

The Xanax I had taken that morning had significant traces of Fentanyl. I was told by the doctors that I passed out and missed my meeting. I became irate. They proceeded to tranquilize me, and thus began my 72 HOUR journey. I was hospitalized for a total of 18 days. For those unfamiliar with the process, you are held for a 72-hour mental evaluation & if you pass the evaluation, you are free to go. If you don’t pass, you can be held for another 72 hours, and the process repeats. My first 3-day hold was at the same hospital that Steve-O had been hospitalized at, then released. I was still extremely manic and had a run-in with the police where I was then held on two consecutive 72-hour holds (6 days), at a separate facility. After being released again, I felt more troubled and was taken into custody again. My last hospitalization was a triple 72-hour hold or 9 days. After the last release, I was sent to a rehabilitation center, where I slowly began to find myself. 

It was by far the lowest point of my life. I was expelled from my college, missed my meeting with a major A&R from Interscope, missed my SXSW set & a few other opportunities that at the time, felt like my turning point. I thought my whole world crashed. However, it was my rebirth. It strengthened me, preparing me for God’s true purpose for me. I view life through a different lens now. A clearer, more grateful, and realistic one. I’m truly thankful for every day. That is what 72 HOURS signify for me. A change of heart. An ode to human resilience. The resilience in all of us. It’s an ode to the darkness that makes way for the brightest light. Seeing the title “72 HOURS” reminds me that no matter how much despair I may feel at any moment, nothing is permanent. Life is an ocean of emotion; the waves never stop. I pray that someone can find solace in my music, the same way I do. 

The Xanax I had taken that morning had significant traces of Fentanyl. I was told by the doctors that I passed out and missed my meeting. I became irate. They proceeded to tranquilize me, and thus began my 72 HOUR journey. I was hospitalized for a total of 18 days. For those unfamiliar with the process, you are held for a 72-hour mental evaluation & if you pass the evaluation, you are free to go. If you don’t pass, you can be held for another 72 hours, and the process repeats. My first 3-day hold was at the same hospital that Steve-O had been hospitalized at, then released. I was still extremely manic and had a run-in with the police where I was then held on two consecutive 72-hour holds (6 days), at a separate facility. After being released again, I felt more troubled and was taken into custody again. My last hospitalization was a triple 72-hour hold or 9 days. After the last release, I was sent to a rehabilitation center, where I slowly began to find myself. 

It was by far the lowest point of my life. I was expelled from my college, missed my meeting with a major A&R from Interscope, missed my SXSW set & a few other opportunities that at the time, felt like my turning point. I thought my whole world crashed. However, it was my rebirth. It strengthened me, preparing me for God’s true purpose for me. I view life through a different lens now. A clearer, more grateful, and realistic one. I’m truly thankful for every day. That is what 72 HOURS signify for me. A change of heart. An ode to human resilience. The resilience in all of us. It’s an ode to the darkness that makes way for the brightest light. Seeing the title “72 HOURS” reminds me that no matter how much despair I may feel at any moment, nothing is permanent. Life is an ocean of emotion; the waves never stop. I pray that someone can find solace in my music, the same way I do. 

What is your personal favorite track(s) from the album? Why that/those track(s)? 

My personal favorites are Lonely Club, Roots & 10 x 10. I have a strong love for ballads and really had a desire to make one, which is how Lonely Club was born. I love my lyrics and the way the whole song came together. I produced the beat too, so it’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. Roots is something I can always ride around to; I love the lyrics as well. ‘Roots on me, Kunta in my blood. I don’t want no Franklin’s; I throw them Tubs.’ Shout out Harriet Tubman, they still need to throw her on a bill. 10 x 10 feels like a piece of me in audio form, I can run that song back 100 times and not get tired. Sahara produced the beat beautifully and I did it justice lyrically.

I’m hearing a lot of genres in this album, from trap to R&B to even pop at times. How do you think these genres affect you as an artist, and if not these, what type of genres do you believe really represent you as an artist currently?

All the genres you hear kind of make-up who I am as an artist. Hip Hop is what got me into creating music, but R&B just hits different. If I could have everything my way, I’d be able to sing like Luther Vandross. I was raised on R&B & soul, so it’s ingrained in me. In middle school, I started to like Pop a little more hearing Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, and all the random 2010 radio music. It resonated with me. Being a producer has shaped my ear and the artist I’ve become. I’m always trying to expand my horizons musically and play or hear something that makes me feel. I’d say I’m a hip-hop artist, but I’ll always be all over the board. Whatever vibe comes to me in the studio, I just run with it and try not to question my instincts.

A good amount of the songs on this album are sad. Beautiful, but sad. It’s been a melancholy time for us in the world the past year or so, do you believe any of the past events had any effect on any of the new music you have made??

Thank you for calling them beautiful, I really appreciate that. Between COVID and all the awful events last year with the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor & George Floyd (to name a few), I reflected on what’s truly important to me. The message that I put out to the world has more meaning to me now. I guess I’ve grown up a little more. I don’t want to just say anything because it sounds cool, or at least try to lessen that with every song. I want what I make to be meaningful to me above all and hopefully have the chance to impact someone’s life for the better. Just make them smile or turn a bad day into a better one. We only have so much time on this earth, so I want my music to be a reflection of who I am, the good and the bad. I want my fans to know me inside and out. Hopefully, they rock with it, but if not? I’m just happy they clicked play. There are a billion songs out there so if someone chooses to play mine, I can’t be anything but grateful. Thank you so much for this interview & shout out to Nefarious Supply for this opportunity!

Shout out to Brandon Wave for interviewing with Nefarious Supply. Be sure to check out his music on SoundCloud and if you enjoyed this interview and want to stay up to date with him you can follow him on Instagram. If you enjoyed this interview and want to stay up to date with the content coming from Nefarious Supply you can find us on Instagram, and Twitter. Be sure to also check out our new collection SZN 3 which dropped and use discount code SZN3 to get 10% off your first order!

Certified Lover Boy vs. Donda

DONDA, a culmination of years of production and creative versatility. Kanye shines like no other on his tenth studio album. From jaw-dropping performances from newer artists in the game to veteran and refined sounds signature to only one of hip-hop’s legendary MCs and producers. Kanye has done it again, and DONDA is perfect. At least, everything but the cover. Now I better not hear anyone telling me it has to do with immersing yourself in the music because… have you seen Trippie Redd’s album? Trip at Knight was a smorgasbord of art and trust me, it only served to immerse me even more. Kanye could’ve done better in that regard, but that detail pales in comparison to the absolute beauty that is the album itself. 

Certified Lover Boy, a callback to every Drake to come before him, this version of our very own “champagnepapi” finds Drake at not only his most braggadocious, but also his most introspective. With tracks like “No Friends in The Industry” simultaneously and masterfully does both. Drake doesn’t delve too much outside of his winning formula. Telling his woes, while also bodaciously letting his audience know of his acknowledgment, not only of his tendency towards toxic masculinity but also his ability to recognize and accept the truth of his actions, and their consequences. Certified Lover Boy is a classic Drake album through and through, filled with vibes, Instagram captions, and heartbreak. But that album artwork makes Kanye’s look like a lost Warhol. 

Now, could we compare the two projects and come out with an objective winner? We most definitely could. But we’re not going to, because we don’t wanna. Kanye’s rapping ability, in our opinion, isn’t as polished as Drake’s, even though he’s surprised us time and time again with on-tracks such as pretty much all of the songs on College Dropout. However, with Drake, one thing you know is that there’s going to be wordplay and that we believe is Drake’s one saving grace. Kanye’s production and ability to fit other artists into his style of music surpasses Mr. Graham has going for him, but these two are completely different artists entirely. Drake’s a better rapper. Kanye makes better music. It would be cool if they could squash the beef though. Now that would be a legendary collab.

Warsheep

Hey Warsheep, welcome to Nefarious Supply! How are you?

I am feeling great! Thanks for having me.

To get this introduction started, do you mind telling us where you’re from and where’d you get your name?

I am a Nigerian, from Benue state. I started singing as a kid in the choir, so what started as a different way to spell “worship” ended up having really deep meanings, including influencing how I see things.

Do you think anything from your area or daily life has inspired you in your musical career?

For sure! Art is sometimes born through experience and a man can only be a product of his environment.

We see that you’ve been staying down since the release of your latest project ‘Unearthly Vibrations’, have you got anything cooking up for the fans?

Yes, I actually have very, very amazing content lined up, and I'll encourage all my listeners to stay frosty.

We also see that you’ve dropped a cover to Adekunle Gold’s ‘Sinner’, what led you to join in on that?

Sinner by Adekunle Gold is really an amazing piece. I believe anybody who loves good music and can, will join the trend in any way that suits their style.

When it comes to making your music, what’s one thing that you love about it, and whats the most difficult element to it?

I personally love that from tiny fragments or nothing, I can make really beautiful contributions to a not so colorful world. But as for what I hate the most, I think I will have to make it to the end to find out.

Do you have any other collaborations coming up? Or should we be expecting a solo act from you?

I have both collaborations and solo acts all equally dangerous. Haha

Regardless of any future projects you have up your sleeve, what's one thing you want your audience to take from your music?

HUMANITY... I want my listeners to see that before they choose to identify as anything else, we all are human.

Do you know of anyone we should feature here at Nefarious Supply?

OF COURSE, Billy The Goat, Moefasa, Kelly - Jay, ( I could go on and on). What I will say is, a lot of hardworking young creatives are showing up on the scene, the world needs to pay more attention to us, and we will definitely change the game

Any last words?

Every person will one-day hear Warsheep, one speaker at a time.

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Big shout to WARSHEEP for coming on and interviewing with Nefarious Suppply. Be sure to follow him on Instagram as well as Twitter. If you enjoyed this interview and want to stay up to date with the content coming from Nefarious Supply you can find us on Instagram, Twitter, and for our newsletter you can sign up below. Be sure to also check out our new collection SZN 3 which dropped and use discount code SZN3 to get 10% off your first order!