There is something special happening with Blkraw, the talented rap / R&B artist out of Bay Area Vallejo, California. A firm believer in the time-honored tradition of composition and careful attention to detail, Blkraw's work demonstrates how personal and affecting music can be when the right elements come together. This legitimacy is discernible from other angles. He has a deep understanding of the techniques and traditions of the rap / R&B genre which is perhaps why the critics had this to say about his award-winning work: ‘Blkraw grafts smiling high-life recommendations to a venerated (and equally elevated) melodic vehicle to make ‘Freak’ a powerful piece of sexual propaganda.’ Reporter Blake Wright recently caught up with this talented artist to learn more about his unique story and his plans for the future.
BLAKE: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
BLKRAW: After releasing two projects with DJ Noize Fact vs Fiction and Who is BLKRAW I noticed my music career gaining momentum, with grind comes hustle I found myself being introduce to 3x Platinum Artist & Songwriter Mistah Fab which he blessed my song (She's So Ratchet) with a dope verse. Shortly after I released my version of Kid Inks and Chris Browns Show Me titled You Remind Me on Soundcloud which has well over 100,000 views and plays and still counting.
BLAKE: Your song ’Freak’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BLKRAW: As an artist I am always listening to online radio stations, xm etc. To see what's new from new artist as well as my favorite artist. So to hear my record Freak playing on the radio it was very humbling to hear. Also confirming my music is heading in the right direction.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BLKRAW: The inspiration behind this record basically, was to speak to all the gorgeous woman out there, and let them know how we feel about them when there wearing them sexy ass clothes, and sending them sexy ass selfies, to our cell phones, well at least thats what is running through my mind and 9 x out of 10 it's running through her mind as well or she would not be killing your phone with them ass shots lol ya dig...
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BLKRAW: After two near death experiences losing my big brother in one car accident and almost ending my own in another, I have used these two experiences as fuel, never giving up on mine and my brothers musical dreams. With a third chance at life I feel I have the potential to take my music career to the next level. When I feel like giving up I hear my brother in my ear "keep grinding ain't nothing worth dying for easy". So i keep grinding...
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
BLKRAW: I would have to say over all i'm very down to earth, but I am also very serious when it comes to my music, at times complicated, but only because I fell I am a perfectionist.
BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BLKRAW: Like any commitment there will always be ups and downs. with those ups and downs comes great experiences. Working with the ones that help make my musical dreams a reality is a blessing I'm very thankful for them working with me and being patient on this journey.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BLKRAW: Growing up with music being the face of the household we did not have any musicians in the family until my big brother Sean started to do local shows. I have been around music my whole life. If it wasn't my mother playing her old-school jams Smokey Robinson, Temptations, it was Sean singing Jodeci or writing a rhyme for me to rap. The passion just grew from there and with my brothers death my hungry and passion grew stronger to become successful in life and my music.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BLKRAW: Would have to say the most rewarding thing is seeing your fans and supporters not just rapping along but seeing that connect within there eyes or movement. Thats the most rewarding thing to me as an artist... I would say the most challenging would be during my creative process would be making sure my lyrics in some way shape or form will make that connect, I would be a fool to thing every song will make that connection, but if I have 7 song on a EP and one of those songs make that connection with my fan I fill I have done my job as an artist.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
BLKRAW: To keep it 100, I don't have any role models, but I do have the up most respect for Nelly, LL Cool J, Snoop, Notorious Big, 2 Pac and my list goes on, I have even more respect for The Jacka, Mistab Fab, Plies, YG 400, Nina Ski, Rick Ross and Big Slick because these our artist I have met during my musical journey.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BLKRAW:
My most memorable performance would be in Tampa Fl opening up for Rick Ross in club 112 just the response from the fans was crazy, the energy in the club that night was epic. To be an up and coming artist and to see the crowd rocking and jumping with you is one of the most rewarding experiences you can receive.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BLKRAW: My most memorable performance would be in Tampa Fl opening up for Rick Ross in club 112 just the response from the fans was crazy, the energy in the club that night was epic. To be an up and coming artist and to see the crowd rocking and jumping with you is one of the most rewarding experiences you can receive.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BLKRAW: I'm currently wrapping up my project #IWAMF (Independent With A Major Flow) EP the first single off the EP is "Freak which is receiving radio play. Yes there is a new single "Friends & Foes" which is the second single off the project. It's a radio ready club smash produced by The Legion there credits: (E-40, Messy Marv, Too Short, French Montana, and Bun B). Full tracklist and songs of #IWAMF only on www.blkraw.net
BLAKE: I will be sure to check it out! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your music. Best of luck with your future endeavors!
https://soundcloud.com/blkraw/freak-feat-jamillions-dirty
