We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DeAndre “Eterniti” Buck or (better known as Eterniti) a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

DeAndre, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

As both a pursuant of hip hop and spoken word I am often times given more credit for being a poet than I am a rapper. I believe that sticking to my morals and goals as an emcee, never sacrificing the type of music that I want to make, and the meticulous approach in which I write has fallen upon a niche audience. I am respected as a member of a poetry troupe, and despite having done quite a bit in the lane of music I am still considered unknown by many bc I don’t make popular music.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began writing at the age of 11. It began with writing short stories as a creative outlet and evolved into me writing structured songs. After performing in a talent show at the age of 13, there was no denying that being on the stage lit a fire within me unlike anything else. I was signed to an independent label at 16 and released my first single at 18. The reception was tremendous but momentum stalled when the label held the album for two years. During those two years I decided that once my contract was complete I’d begin my own company. Mer$iless Myndz was born in 2012 as an artist development and production firm and now 10 years later, we have evolved into a networking hub for photographers, videographers, models, poets, singers, rappers, etc. Who are interested in honing their craft to take it to the next level. We are constantly looking to work with artist from album graphics to songwriting. It’s important for people to understand and know the business side of making music. I remember once asking an artist about publishing and they had no clue. They had found a beat on YouTube, downloaded it for free, booked studio time. Didn’t have a lease, didn’t have publishing, no copyrights and as someone with the experience I felt it was better for me to create a space for those who were serious about developing their artistry versus looking down. This industry can be full of gatekeepers, and I didn’t want to be that.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Always go with your first mind. In 2006, I wrote a song that appeared on my debut album ‘An Eterniti-N-Tha Making’ that I recorded with “light vocals.” I was told that a song of that type (a dance song) needed more forceful lyrics and more upbeat energy. The song came back and everyone was happy with the new version except for me. Fast forward, to what I don’t believe was even a year later, ‘The Whisper Song’ by Ying Yang Twins and ‘Play’ by David Banner both release and are MAJOR successes and all Ibcould do was shake my head. So once I began M$M I wanted to make sure I never stifled any artist that wanted to work under me creatively.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

People tend not to celebrate you until others do so find your fan base and build it but also be willing to do the work. I’m a firm believer in dreams don’t work unless you do and taking the time to network and build your brand makes a world of difference. I think when people see you have a passion for what you do, they take note. Society tends to have a negative view on hip hop and its because of what they are fed but I know SEVERAL independent artists and specifically emcees who make a living doing what they love doing. Give those with messages a chance too not just the songs you hear in the club. Expand your horizons musically and if you love the music, support them by buying the album.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mreverlasting.com
• Instagram: @officialeterniti
• Facebook: Facebook.com/EternitiEverlasting
• Twitter: ThEEXXXperience
• Youtube: Eterniti Everlasting

Image Credits
Sir Jake Cannon, KMarie Photography, Denáe Buck, Megan Stark