Interviews
Nahlidge Shares Insights on His Musical Journey
Sheer genius is demonstrated by the fascinating versatile artist and songwriter Nahlidge in his new single “Follow Me.” The impeccable track is creatively entertaining and captivates the audience with an immersive and catchy vibe.
We’re lucky enough to have sneaked in for an interview with a talented artist. He was generous enough to lend some of his precious moments as we gleefully stumbled deep into his personal and professional life. Here are some excerpts from the interview:
Thank you for your time. Thanks for speaking with us! How’s everything going?
I’m doing good, thank you for asking. Thank you for having me!
What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?
Me. My soul, lol. I feel, a lot of music nowadays lacks soul and individuality. We hear a lot of the same content over the same sounding production. Which is cool, but a lot of the content sucks. There’s access to maybe the most amount of talent there’s ever been, but the message is weak. Which in turn creates a culture of weak minded clones. I’ve been into Hip Hop culture and studied the game since I was a kid. I’ve always been around and loved different genres of music. I fell in love with Hip Hop though.
Growing up, I witnessed music transform from what it was in the late 80’s into what it’s become now. Over the years I’ve taken parts and pieces of artistry from the GOATs I admire and put together my own sound. My music is very heavy on lyrics with witty wordplay and versatile flows. I also like good vibes and party music. I’m not afraid to write complex rhymes people might not understand. But, I know simpler lyrics and vibes can hit people more. My goal is to find a way to connect with as many people as possible through my music. We all walk different lives. The steps we take all happen on the same rock though. As different as we are, we can find things in common with each other. If we look. Whether those are morals, emotions, feelings, experiences, thoughts, ideas, etc. When we find those similarities and connect with eachother, we give ourselves the chance to learn from our differences. And to me, that’s a beautiful thing. That is how a teenager in Asia is able to grow up listening to and loving Wu Tang. Or, how Wu Tang was able to take influence from old Kung Fu movies and inspire their sound. We are all unique and different. That is one of the beauties of life. We may meet, walk together for a while, eventually stray apart, then go off on our own paths. But the connections and memories we share during our time together will last for the rest of our lives. That is what I want to do with my music. Create timeless feelings, emotions and memories. Whether it’s a lyric, song, album, memory you hid away or happy feelings you bask in daily. I want to connect with listeners hearts and souls to make them feel something. We might have a great time, we might end up in a hole hiding from the world.
I create music to help people get through their worst days and enjoy the good ones. We might cry, but we’re gonna have fun doing it. Life has it’s ups and downs. I want listeners to walk away remembering life is beautiful while not shying away from it’s ugly spots. Music is life. Life is music. Sometimes it just loses rhythm. It’s about finding a balance. My goal is to help us find and maintain that balance through honest, thought prevoking lyrics crafted over dope beats. Dope rhymes and catchy flows, but with a message. There’s already too much dumbed down music out there.
Please tell us more about your single “Follow Me” How did this song first come together and what is the inspiration behind it?
I was coming out of a dark place when I started working on Follow Me. This past year (or more for some of us) has been crazy. I recently went through some personal shit that made me have a little breakdown. That along with other things I’ve kept bottled up for a while created the emotions for the song. I re-watched one of my favorite childhood movies, The Last Dragon (Leroy!, not Raya) not too long ago. If you haven’t seen it, the movie’s about a martial arts student on a journey to reach his final level. His highest potential. But, he faces roadblocks like we all do, in the form of a curly haired bad ass kung fu giant named Shogun. I won’t ruin the movie for you, go watch it. But on his journey Leroy is looking for the “glow”. So I took that and flipped it for the hook of the song. “I still need to find my glow”. Like Leroy in the movie or like “look at the glow on you!”.
When someone’s in a good place in life, they “glow”. So the concept for the song was like, come with me on this journey. I’m not perfect, so keep the bad vibes away. I have enough of my own shit I’m going through. AND, I’m still trying to get to where we’re going myself. So if you’re coming, don’t fuck that up!, lol. Let’s get there together! The beat was produced by my brother Colorz who I’ve been collaborating with for years. He is also featured on the last verse of the song. If you like it, you can find more music from us by throwing our names into Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, Soundcloud, Google, etc.
Which release of yours has had a large impact on your life, whether the storyline was based on a life experience or the process of putting the song together helped you approach music production differently?
All of my music has had an impact on my life at different stages of it. Whatever I’m going through at the time, however I’m living. That’s what I put into my music. My life experiences or things I’ve seen people close to me go through. My latest release, “Hope 4 The Best, Expect The Worst”, is my most deep and impactful body of work though. While creating the project, the writing process helped me get a lot of stuff off of my chest that’s been keeping me in a hole. Recording the songs helped me release negative energies I’ve been holding in for a while. Mixing and mastering it let me go back through those feelings and emotions to digest it as a listener. Making the project was therapy for me. The music is dark with a few sprinkles of raw Hip Hop and good vibes. Going into making the music, I was in a very dark place with very few rays of light. Making the project helped me get out of that place and onto a better path. Listening to it brings me back but doesn’t keep me there. Maybe it can do the same for someone who has gone through similar experiences. It’s okay to get knocked down and feel like you’ll never get back up. But with the right thoughts, goals and vibes around us, we can and will get back up. We can get through the obstacles holding us back. We can become our better selves. And once we become the person we need to be, we can then help others still on their journey. Making my recent project reminded me of that.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
It doesn’t take me long to write. On average it takes me maybe 30 minutes to finish writing a song. That can be a good or bad thing, lol. I’ll go back and tweak a few words when I’m recording. But I write fast. There’s so much music y’all will never hear! I only put out my favorites!! But yea, as lyrical as I am, it comes together quick. What do they say? If you put 10,000 hours of practice into something you become a pro? Me and this rap shit are wayyyyy past that.
Are you working independently or with any production house or recording label?
I’m still an indie artist. I record and mix most of my music myself. I colloborate with Colorz, my cousin Dre Kno, my dude Messiah Kaeto and a few other artists often. I’m always looking to create with other people. Sooooo, if one of you labels out there wanna offer me a GREAT DEAL that pays A LOT OF MONEY for me to DO MY THING with YOUR backing, slide up in my DMs!!!, lol. I’m joking, I’m joking!! I’m for real about the “a lot of money” part though!
If you had one message to give your fans, what would it be?
Be you. Not everybody has to like you. Love yourself. That’s the only time you’ll be able to fully love someone else. The world needs more love. And more Nahlidge!, lol.
Do you have any dream collaborations? Who are they?
Of course. If I named them all we’d probably use up your monthly bandwidth lol. But to name a few… Andre 3000, Kanye, Kevin Gates, Common, Kendrick, Soulo ho3!, Nas, Big K.R.I.T, Young Thug, Big Sean, Wale, one of the Marleys, Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, Collie Buddz, Bad Bunny, Sizzla, Trey Songz, Justin, Timbaland! I could keep going, lol. But until I get deeper pockets, I’ll keep collaborating with the people I’ve been working with and anybody else who reaches out until we get there!
For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you again, African Hype, for having me! Readers, if you’re still here, thank you for rocking with us! I hope you checked out my single, Follow Me, by now! If not, go check it out!! Stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Soundcloud. Search for me on Google. Add me on Facebook. Follow me on Instagram @NahlidgeEIE. If you’re a fan, let me know! Check out my latest project, “Hope 4 The Best, Expect The Worst”, on Soundcloud. If you’re supporting me or a fan in any way, I appreciate tf out of you! Keep an eye out for my debut album, The War Inside, dropping this Summer. Stay blessed and be safe!
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Interviews
Exclusive Interview: Wize Kaizz Delves on His Creative Tastes, His Inspirations & His Single “Prisoner to My Mind”
It’s an honor to speak with you today. How did you get into music and for how long have you been in the industry for?
Thanks for having me! I was about 12 years old when I picked up my first instrument, so I have been doing music for 17 years now. For me, my interest in playing music began having music class in grade school. I got chosen to be one of the main singers for a school program and after the program it just sparked something inside of me. The following year, they started teaching my class how to play the reorder, and that’s when I knew I wanted to learn how to play instruments and I wanted to learn how to play as many of them as I could.
I got more series about making music my career at age 16 when I began composing my own music. By this time I had learned how to play the Saxophone, various percussion instruments including a full set, Bass guitar, Guitar, and the Ocarina.
Congratulations on your latest single “Prisoner To My Mind”, how do you feel about the newfound success and what was the motivation?
I am without words, truthfully. It didn’t seem real at first. The more the days go by, the more real it feels. I’m humbled.
This song is about drug addiction. It’s about the thinking process I had from the beginning stages of addiction, to “I’ve had enough” stage. Verse 1 being in denial, thinking I can handle it. Verse 2 coming to realize I have a problem and admitting I need to do something about it. Then the Bridge talking about what it is I need to do to get out of it..
How would you describe your sound to someone who just listened to your music for the first time?
If I am being honest, I don’t know how I could describe it. It’s not anything like you hear on mainstream media, that’s for sure. My lyrics can certainly send you down a rabbit hole of deep-thinking. I just want to share my experiences I have had with the world, in hopes of somebody actually learning something for their own journey.
Can you talk me through some of the essentials that keep you locked in during a studio session?
Truth be told, that’s something that I try not to even think about. I just gotta pretend like I’m not recording. I feel like I psych myself out and try too hard when I consciously think I’m recording. Making a beat on the other hand, that’s just come second nature to me by now.
Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?
My biggest influence is the drummer for Rush, Neil Peart (R.I.P.) and also Devin Townsend, guitarist/vocalist of “The Devin Townsend Project” and “Strapping Young Lad”.
What would be your dream venue or event to perform at?
This is a tough question for me, because my dream even has always been Mayhem Festival. Seeing as how I don’t play heavy metal music anymore, I’m not sure how possible that is.
Where can people find you online and your music?
You can stream my music on all major streaming platforms or by simply going to wizekaizz.link
You can also go to my website at https://www.wizekaizz.com
For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?
THE TRICK IS TO TRY!!
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Interviews
Exclusive Interview: August Rayne Delves on Her Creative Tastes, Her Inspirations & Her New Single “Messed Up”
Where do you originally hail from and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Little Rock, Arkansas where I was born and raised. I just recently moved to Orlando, Florida in 2020.
Have you always been interested in music?
Growing up, I’ve always wanted to do music. All the other kids wanted to be doctors, lawyers and astronauts but I just wanted to sing. I think being raised in the church had a huge influence on that because I would sing in the choir and I was around music constantly. My family is also full of amazing singers so often times we would just sing random songs around my grandmothers house on holidays or we would sing together in the church choir. Simply put, music has always been apart of my life.
Please tell us more about your release “Messed Up” How did this idea first come together and what is the inspiration behind it?
So the producer who produced the song (Fantastick) sent the beat over and I managed to turn it around in a day. I was in my feelings a little bit so it was easy to just let the words flow. Those words came mostly off the top of my head well, the hook specifically, and I wanted to say something catchy and powerful to me. I think too many times I’ve tried way too hard to gain the attention of guys to only realize I don’t have to do all that and they don’t really care. You have to learn your place in people’s life so you can avoid situations where someone got you all the way messed up!
You have an amazing voice. Are you vocally trained?
As I said before, I grew up in the church so, I’ve sung in my fair share of church choirs. The most proper vocal training I’ve had are the choir classes I took when I was in school. I took choir in 6th grade all the way up to 11th grade where I made all-region every year except 1 year. All region is a competition for students in choir all over the state to compete in. That was always a cool experience for me and besides the natural gift to sing, this is the most vocal training I’ve had.
What has remained as your constant source of inspiration?
I am constantly inspired by some of my favorite artists and my family. Artists like H.E.R, Brandy, and Jazmine Sullivan always inspire me. H.E.R is just musically genius and I’ve been a fan of hers since I discovered her in high school. Brandy and Jazmine have always inspired me vocally from the way they riff and run to the music they create! My family is constant inspiration because of how resilient they are. We’ve been through our fair share of troubles like any family but we always come back to each other. We always come back to family.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Writers block is the absolute worst! It’s even more worse when I actually want to create some music but I have no words. It’s very frustrating but to be honest I don’t deal with writers block. I don’t force anything because when I do, I become a terrible writer. I think it’s important to let words flow and when I encounter writers block, I let it have its moment then when I have something, I’m back as if nothing happened!
What’s a little-known fact about you that might surprise people?
I don’t know if it will surprise anyone but I’m heavy into the battle rap world. I’m such a fan of it! I came across URL in highschool and have been a fan ever since. Some of My favorite battle rappers are Jaz the Rapper, Tsu Surf, Chess, and Rum Nitty. They are top tier battle rappers in my book!
Is there anything else you’d like to say before we wrap things up? Are there any words for your fans?
I just want to thank everyone who has listened to my latest single “Messed Up” and if you haven’t, it’s out EVERYWHERE on streaming platforms. I’m just getting started and there’s so much more to come so get ready!
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Interviews
Exclusive Interview: MXWI Delves on His Creative Tastes, His Inspirations & His Latest Album “Toxicity”
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story? How did you get to where you are today
Ali: This story is actually pretty funny. My mom always wanted me to play the piano because it was a dream of hers. I hated the idea of playing the piano and thought it was useless. But my parents and piano teacher didn’t give up on me. They kept pushing me until I suddenly fell in love with playing the piano and this was where it all began. It was a love-hate type of relationship the piano and I had.
After years of learning how to play I finally decided to try producing and creating my own music. That was during quarantine when COVID was still starting in March 2020. I would spend most of my days in my room just learning non-stop by watching YouTube videos. It got to the point where my parents were like “why isn’t he coming out of the room all day? Did he forget about us?”
Congratulations on your latest album “Toxicity”, how do you feel about the newfound success?
Ali: Thank you so much. I’m honestly still reeling from the amount of support I’ve gotten on this new album. I remember when I used to have about 3-4 monthly listeners on Spotify, even though it was a very small amount, that didn’t stop me from working hard to make more and better songs. But now with this new album, all of a sudden I have 10,000+ monthly listeners, 8,000+ streams and I’m like how the hell does that even happen so quickly. It hasn’t even been a week since the album came out.
5 years ago, if someone would’ve told me I would be making music and hitting a million streams over one song, I would’ve called you crazy. A lot of my friends and family know I’ve always had a dream of being a pilot when I was a little kid, but of course, as you grow older, you realize what matters most to you and what’s something you want to spend the rest of your life doing.
I would not trade this for anything else in the world. I feel so so grateful for having all these amazing people supporting me and pushing me to do my best, especially my family.
What was the inspiration behind the album?
Ali: The main thing that inspired me to make this album was my first album. It was terrible, I can’t even describe how bad it was. And so every time I’d listen to it, I’m like what was I even thinking back then. So ever since then, I put in my mind that I want to make an album that’ll make anyone who’s heard the first, forget about it.
I wanted to make an album that I can rebrand myself with as an artist and an album where I can explore new instruments, new vocal styles and new sounds. I didn’t want to make an album with just one genre in it. I wanted to mix between pop, ballads, R&B and more so that listeners can have a variety to choose from
What single off the album “Toxicity” do you anticipate taking off both on charts and with listeners/fans?
Ali: So far the most listened to songs on the album are “For You (Ft. Lakeith)” “Monster” and “Hold Me Close”. So If I’d have to pick, I’d go with “For You”.
Wow! Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?
Ali: That is really hard to pick. I have 2 favorite songs, “The Night We Met” which was released last year, and in which I’m re-recording again to improve it, and “Nineteen”
But I think “Nineteen” is my top favorite because it’s really personal to me. It’s a song about questioning how your future will go, will you achieve your goals, what’s next for you, are you on the right path and etc. Many of us could really relate to this song.
Which title or hat are you most proud to wear outside of being an artist, and why?
Ali: I’d like to think of myself as kind and compassionate. Someone you could turn to who would be there for you and someone you can rely on.
If you had one message to give your fans, what would it be?
Ali: You guys are the incredible, and I cannot wait to share more projects with you soon.
For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?
Ali: I’d like to thank my mom, my dad and my brother for being so supportive and for always believing in me, and I’d like to thank my friends as well for pushing me to do my best.
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