Adub Nati Exclusive Interview!
Where are you from and could you tell us a little about your upbringing?
I'm from Cincinnati Ohio USA by way of two Caribbean Parents. I was initially born in Houston Texas but moved up to Cincinnati before I turned two years old. I was raised initially in a two-parent home in the Mt.Healthy neighborhood of Cincinnati until my parents separated. My Mother, little Sister and I then moved to Downtown Cincinnati and then several neighborhoods from then after. I wasn't and still isn't always easy as I experienced and still experience culture shock and racism, but I still appreciate life, and I'm proud to call Cincinnati my home.
Whats your favorite genre of music to make and what inspires to create?
My favorite genre to make is Hip-Hop. Although initially I was raised off of reggae music, when I moved to downtown Cincinnati I was introduced to hip-hop and fell in love. The first song I remember hearing was Tupac Shakur - Keep Ya Head up. This new way of spreading positivity resonated with me and to this day inspires me. Seeing the sincere need of my community and the bombardment of negativity towards my community and the world also inspires me to create the music I do in hopes it will make a change. If not for the masses at least for
Could you tell us about your latest project?
My Latest project More Fiyah is a six song EP in collaboration with the artist/producer Planet MEalz. I wrote and performed all the lyrics, and she did all the production and mixing. I'm a huge fan of her production and I was blessed to have the opportunity. The project has a new school east coast vibe, not surprisingly since Planet MEalz is from New York. The cover art for the project reflects our dual Caribbean American heritage as her family is from Jamaica and mine is from St. Kitts & Nevis primarily and also gives homage to Cincinnati with a custom Adub Nati Bengals jersey on the bottom of the cover. Once again, I stuck to my style of high lyricism throughout the project. Most of the tracks are pretty chill with the exception of track number two "Boot Up" which is more high energy. Overall, though, the project is pretty straight forward, enlightening and allowing you to meditate on something positive.
one.
Who are some of your favorite musical influences?
Favorite musical influences...I would have to say Tupac, Nas, Bizzle, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Aha Gazelle, KRS-One, Kendrick Lamar, and Lecrae.
Are there any notable people that helped you along the way?
Notably sure although they may not have reached a level of widespread fame...my friend Robert Thomas who gave me my first professional beat pack. Raw street records, an old music group/label that first took interest in me. Bill Beats who was the first professional studio I recorded at and also who worked on my first Mixtape. DJ Heavy Hands who hosted my first mixtape. Lynxxonthebeat my Haitian producer brother who's collaborated with me many times production wise and Lord willing on future projects. My Uncle Tyrone Mills who's my go to for mix and mastering and collaborations. And Mr. Hollywood, an A&R I've been working with as well.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas to me isn't so much about the actual date that the world set aside for it but it's merely, or should I say primarily to celebrate the birth of Christ here on Earth. I don't put up Christmas trees for the historical significance but out of respect for the wise men who visited Christ at His birth I see no problem with gifting. But to make it short I have no problem with Christmas as long as you know and understand that Christ is the reason for the season.
What is your favorite holiday movie?
Ahhh Unfortunately I don't have a large knowledge base on holiday movies but if I had to choose, I would say "Home alone".
Besides music what are your hobbies and fun things you like to do?
I like to play basketball, workout, go fishing, watch Anime, and study The Word of God.
Are there any changes you would like to see in the music industry?
Sure, I would love for the fans to acquire a want and demand for positive based music. As well as the CEO's and record executives. I also hope positivity holds more importance than making a bag for artist and the like and these powers that be don't put that in front of the needs of the people.
What can we expect from you in the near future?
Coming up you can expect more projects, and more collaborations, possibly more singles, but definitely more music.
Last Remarks
Thanks for this opportunity from Flyah magazine, and make sure you check out and support Adub Nati Music!