We caught up with the brilliant and insightful A.B. Raps a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
A.B. Raps, appreciate you joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
In Hip-Hop, a lot of artist usually come with an image. Maybe not all of us, but there is a stereotypical image that has been around for a long time. I want to keep pushing the genre and focus on originality not only in the musical aspect, but show regular people that the flash and fame are great, but Hip-Hop is so much more than that.
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?
Since a kid, I’ve always looked at the competitive side of Hip-Hop. Just itching to be the best to write lyrics and manipulate words, never thought about any accolades or attention. As i keep growing, i realize the potential i have to actually make a change and maybe inspire more people that believe the genre deserves more than what is currently coming out. My biggest accomplishments recently have been my live performances. Every opportunity I’ve received I’ve learned from. I’m finally playing with a band, hopefully to gain more attention to the art form of Hip-Hop. With only 2 full length projects, my future holds plenty of great things. I’m extremely confident in that.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an aspiring artist, it’s amazing having somebody tell you how they resonate with one of your songs. Being inspired and touched by some of your favorite artists growing up, it’s a special feeling when someone tells you that your music does that for them.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A pivotal year for me was 2020. I finally told myself that i would put more effort into music and it’s definitely paying off. I’ve always wrote my own lyrics throughout high school, but when i started to share my music to everyone else i started to see the potential in myself. Sometimes you just have to go for what you want in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unitedmasters.com/a/abraps
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.b.raps?igsh=MTdncGQ2Y3AwNjRpNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A.B.rapsOFFICIAL?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@A.B.RapsOfficial?si=_aVC-OskwMRspFFY
Image Credits
Yung Elder OG Films Sonia Villarreal Chad Films