Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Blak Raps. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Blak, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I’ve always been in love with music, more specifically hip-hop, so you could say I’ve been learning to do what I do since the age of 3-4. My mother always tells the story of me being in my car seat rapping “Chief Rocka” by Lords of The Underground as it played on the radio. Honestly though, I really took it serious around 19-20 and started to really learn the game and also perfect my pen. I was always a witty kid, so I really zeroed into that and made that my nitch with this music thing. I was influenced by the Jay-Z’s, the Ye’s, the Pharrell’s, the Lil’ Wayne’s, and etc. of this world so i studied those guys to the T. This also helped me learn to do what I do. Knowing what I know now I could honestly say I would’ve been in the studio way more around 18-19. At that age you’re still a kid, so life is happening around you and you don’t want to miss out on certain things. That would’ve absolutely sped up the learning process for me because i’m 32 now & Ive learned so much in the past 3 yrs. that I didn’t know too much about. All it takes is a little focus. There’s a lot of knowledge to be obtained about this business. The skills that were most essential to this process for me were really my student mentality, and my ambition to want to be a household name. I’m always asking questions, I want to know what you know. That’s how life should be, find out new things, ask questions, and grow. That’s what means the most to me; growth. Every journey has obstacles but I’d say I stood in my own way at times. I wouldn’t go with my gut on things and I saw what came from that. Once I started going with my gut, I’ve been reaching new heights. All an artist wants deep down inside is some recognition. Yes, we want the money, the houses, the cars, the women, but we all just want some recognition for our art. People are now recognizing me for my art and there’s no better feeling. Go with your gut.
Blak, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Well, My name is Blak Raps and i’m originally from Springfield, MA. I relocated to Atlanta in 2014 and I’ve been here ever since. I’m an Artist/Producer/Writer who is on a journey to try and become one of the biggest names in music. I’ve released 5 projects in the last 3 yrs. I started my own brand/label, Treehouse Club in 2019. We release music, sell merch, throw events, and etc. Our main idea is growth over at THC. Everyday is a new opportunity to grow and be better than yesterday. I started taking music serious around the age of 21 and I haven’t looked back. I love music and I love making music. My family has always been into music as well, so it’s in my bloodline. Started out doing the group thing, then eventually started doing some solo work and just been grinding. Working everyday to become a better artist, a better writer and it’s showing in the music i’ve been making recently. I believe 100% my versatility sets me apart from everyone else. I can make a beat, write the song, engineer my session, and etc. Also I make different styles of music, so you never really know what you’re gonna get from me. I’m most proud of my ambition and my perseverance. A lot of people would’ve gave up by now. That’s what I want you guys to know about me how I stuck with it and didn’t fold. That’s how you grow and we going to keep growing.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
It’s funny you mention goals because my new EP that just released is titled, “GOALS” and it’s available everywhere! lol On a serious note, a goal that drives me is taking care of my family. I see my mom & dad work their ass off day after day and it makes me go harder. I want to be able to call them one day and say “quit your job”. The same with my sister, she works so hard and deserves the world. I want to give it to them.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I’d say either being compensated for your art or being recognized for it. It feels amazing when someone recognizes you for what you’ve done. All the hours put into something and people actually like it? there’s no better feeling. Like imagine you put out a song and go perform it and the whole crowd knows every word. It’s gotta be euphoric. That’s all I dream about.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @blakraps , @treeh.club
- Twitter: @blakraps
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCNduW8_R-jcGat-ybVD52OQ
Image Credits
Khyree Pleasant, Jelani Lopez