There is something complex and earnest about south side Chicago native One Hunnid and his music. For starters, music has always been in his life since childhood, though it wasn't until he turned eighteen that he began to take it seriously and delve into the craft. Since then, his music has been recognized by various music organizations such as The Chicago Independent Music Awards and The Akademia Music Awards. However, even as the accolades came in, he realized that his interests lay in something deeper than just the music itself. In his own words 'I'm speaking for those people at the bottom without power or a voice. It’s bigger than me!’ Unlike many other rappers, there is discernible sensitivity and passion in One Hunnid's voice and lyrics that audiences find easy to connect with. According to him, ‘My goal is to bring power to the powerless through music'. If the success of his recent radio single is any indication, that philosophy is serving him and the listeners well. Independent reporter Lauren Thompson recently interviewed this intriguing new artist to get an inside look at his career, musical inspirations and plans for the future.
LAUREN: When did you first discover your love of music?
ONE HUNNID: I discovered music early as a kid. I remember grandma blasting music and cleaning up the house while she was singing oldies. Although music always had my heart, it didn't become my passion until later in my life.
LAUREN: Your song 'Let It Blow' has received a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
ONE HUNNID: You know how a little girl screams inside once she sees her favorite boy band in real life that she only gets to watch on TV? Yeah, that's how I felt ha-ha. Nah, I was relieved, excited, more hungry and humble once I heard myself coming out of the speakers. It's one of those moments that provide reassurance and keeps you glued to the ground.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
ONE HUNNID: The inspiration behind ‘Let It Blow’ came from me wanting to create a fun record people can recite and bounce to. Since fans are used to me being so aggressive on tracks, I felt I would slow it down and vibe with them on this record. I wanted ‘Let It Blow’ to have that addicting club feel but still remain me and different.
LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut radio single?
ONE HUNNID: I would say that the moods of my other songs are definitely different. The range in mood of my songs are scattered because I try to incorporate that genuine human emotion. So in other words I have songs that are happy, sad, exciting, depressing, etc. I feel that as an artist I can't surround my music with one mood because there's more dimensions to me, I have more than one emotion.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
ONE HUNNID: I wish there was a word to describe me as a musician, ha-ha. I'm goofy, overprotective, humble, caring, serious (when I need be), down-to-earth and stubborn. I’m many things but at the end of the day I'm still just Jake, that guy from the south side Chicago.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
ONE HUNNID: I actually did not and no there isn't, however we all are big music heads. I think that's where my development into a musician came from because music was being played all the time. It's pretty hard not to become something that's in your face all the time.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician? What do you find most challenging?
ONE HUNNID: The most rewarding part about being a musician in my eyes is connecting to other individuals through music. I can't describe the feeling when someone miles away relates to a song of mine. It's something that doesn't come with a price in this business. I think even the greats will co-sign this but creativity is the most challenging. The hardest challenge to me isn’t creativity itself but maintaining that creativity and keeping your music fresh. Repetition gets old so keeping that creative approach is a necessity for longevity.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
ONE HUNNID: I don't like the weight ‘role model’ carries so we're going to substitute role model with ‘idol.’ With that said, my idol is Tupac Shakur. Tupac Shakur was a relentless visionary that channeled passion, relevance, aggression and pain into a voice for underprivileged America. It's definitely more than music but that's where the voice of the people starts.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
ONE HUNNID: My most memorable performance was actually a freestyle battle a couple years back in college. It was crazy because it was a cypher and I had no intention of rapping let alone battling. I was just sitting back just listening to the new guys and then one of my fans is like ‘hop in man, shut it down.’ After that, it turned into an intense freestyle battle between me and some freshmen. People were chanting names and going crazy but overall, it was a good time. We're supposed to have footage but to this day, I still haven't seen it.
LAUREN: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
ONE HUNNID: I actually do not have a video for this single but that's definitely in the works. I didn't expect this record to blow up but I always believed this record had potential. The song ‘Let It Blow’ is actually 1 1/2 years old but feels brand new.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
ONE HUNNID: I would tell other upcoming artists to separate themselves from the in crowd. No one wants another Lil Wayne, Drake or Gucci Mane; be yourself and stay true to that. Use your creativity to create a new lane instead of joining an existing one. Respects rest with the originator, not the imitator.
LAUREN: 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?
ONE HUNNID: I am currently working on the business behind the music as well as several projects that will be released next year. There's actually a mixtape dropping soon called M.O.M.M. 5 (Mind On My Mentalz 5), which is the last of its series. So make sure you log on to your nearest computer and hit the download button. There will be much more from One Hunnid so tune in and turn up the volume. In the meantime let it blow!
LAUREN: Excellent! Thanks for taking time out to share your story with me. I wish you good luck and continued success!
www.reverbnation.com/onehunnid
