Boom Bap Universe speaks with Freestyle of The Arsonists about his take on Hip Hop today, the culture, the effects the internet has on the culture itself, upcoming projects and many more topics! Read all about what he has to say in this insightful interview.
Boom Bap Universe: Freestyle, how are you feeling?
Freestyle: Feeling GREAT! New music is out, new videos are on the way, and live shows and new albums coming later this year. Things are good!
Boom Bap Universe: Could you tell the readers a little bit about what's going on with you right now?
Freestyle: Working on new videos for the next singles and finishing up 3 albums and possibly another project as well (time permitting). I'll be releasing a new solo album, an album with The Arsonists, and an album with Logos Apeilh (an mc in Greece)
Boom Bap Universe: How do you feel about the current state of hip hop?
Freestyle: I feel its in a weird place. The digital age has made everything easily accessible and now anybody can make "music". There's no longer a need for a studio or instruments. Everything can be done on a computer, so its made it much easier for anybody (without actual GOOD MUSIC talent) to do what they call music. It's saturated things a bit too much and you have to search harder for good music. The element of real hip hop that gets the most shine now is rapping. B-boying, graffiti, and beatboxing is worldwide, but has taken a backseat. A lot of hip hop deejays have moved to other genres or the commercial side of things to be able to make money and survive. Turntablism is still there, but has taken less of the spotlight nowadays. Hip Hop is still there, but it isn't the same. Change is good, but it hasn't changed for the better.
Boom Bap Universe: If you could change anything about Hip Hop right now, what would it be?
Freestyle: Misrepresentation! A lot of things are called "hip hop" when they're really not.
Boom Bap Universe: Who are some of your favorite emcees right now?
Freestyle: I don't have a favorite, but I have some that I find myself enjoying from time to time
Nas, Common, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Slaughterhouse, The Arsonists, Pusha T, Schoolboy Q, Sean P, Vinnie Paz, Ill Bill
Boom Bap Universe: Who are some of your favorite Boom Bap Beat makers?
Freestyle: DJ Premier, Just blaze, Pete Rock, J Dilla.
Boom Bap Universe: We are taking a survey, who do you feel is doper, DJ Premier or Pete Rock?
Freestyle: DJ Premier
Boom Bap Universe: What beatmakers are you working with right now?
Freestyle: Microphono, Max Mostley, Leyone Tracks, and hopefully dj premier soon since we've been talking about it!
Boom Bap Universe: How would you describe your overall sound and how do you feel that you've evolved over
the years as an artist?
Freestyle: I'd say my overall sound is positive and can vary. It can be light or dark. I don't really have a specific sound and I rap over different genres of music.
Boom Bap Universe: What advice would you give up and coming Hip Hop artists?
Freestyle: Hone your skills! Don't settle for JUST RAPPIN. Try to be one of the best at what you do and don't sound like anybody else.
Boom Bap Universe: Is there anything you would like to plug or mention to our readers?
Freestyle: Thanks for showing interest in interviewing me. I greatly appreciate it! For all the heads out there, I respond to all I can on the internet. So if your trying to contact me for whatever reason, reach out to me at:
