Our next featured artist hails from the mecca of Hip Hop. Take a few minutes to check out FRESH and his ‘Who Got Next’ Q&A discussing being on tour, working with King Los and Cory Gunz, upcoming project and much more…
Fresh whats going on brotha …Please do the honors of introducing yourself to the good people reading HipHopSince1987.com
FRESH: Collin Wassup! First and foremost I’d like to thank HHS1987 & Yourself for having me! I go by the Name Fresh! I’m an MC Born in Queens, NY. Hollis to be exact. I was raised between Queens & Elmont which is in Long island NY. I’ve be writing/Rapping for about 3 1/2 years now. & I’m just out here trying to give the people good music.
I don’t know if this has all been cleared up but the phrase “Popular Stranger” was used by another NY MC by the name of Mel Carter. Whats the story behind all that.
FRESH: Popular Stranger Is a clothing line I started in 2008 which later on became the name of my team. Popular Stranger to me basically means “popularity has no face”. Everyday we encounter new people of many different ways of life. I truly believe you never know who your next to. If you asked me what Macy’s is I could tell you one of the largest clothing outlets in America. But if I was sitting next to the person who started it I wouldn’t even know. He’s a Popular Stranger. I feel we all encounter similar situations everyday. As far as Mel Carter, I don’t know him. When he decided to use the Name “Popular Stranger” for his mixtape many people contacted me asking if I knew him or ran with him. All I know is he’s Jay Z’s nephew. I own the name “Popular Stranger” Legally & because he was only using it for a mixtape I didn’t see it as any threat to something I had already made my own.
I understand you have a new project coming out first quarter of next year titled “The Preachers Kid”. I know it’s going to be crazy, can you speak on that? Features, production, release dates etc.
FRESH: Yes, I do have my 1st Album “The Preachers Kid” Dropping 1st quarter. It will be releasing 2.7.14 on Itunes As well as datpiff & Live mixtapes. The Album is pretty much a compilation of music about my life as a preachers kid, as well as growing up from a boy to a man & my journey thus far in the industry. As a preachers kid, every move you make is judged by people, & as a new artist you tend to receive a lot of negativity where you come up. Im speaking on all of those topics as well as struggles I’ve faced growing up. I want my listeners to understand no matter where you came up, how you came up, you can do anything you put your mind to. A lot of people doubted I would make it this far but keeping God 1st & working as hard as I can on my craft has put me in this position & everyone out there can do the same. As far as features I can name Cory Gunz, Los, & there are a few more dope artists that I will name down the line. I’ll just say I have an NY legend on the album & more! I’ve chosen to only put selective features on my project. I don’t want the project to be drowned with features because I really want my listeners to grasp the stories I’m telling in the album. This is without a doubt my best work to date & I truly believe it will make a big impact in peoples lives. Production I will be working mainly with my in house producers Killawatt, Myself, DJ meechie, Cartune Beatz & A few Big industry names people will be familiar with. I can Definitely assure y’all an amazing project start to finish.
This past year you were on two national tours with Cory Gunz and King Los. How was that experience?
FRESH: The tour experience was amazing. I got to tour the country with 2 dope artists and do what I love. I gained a lot of new supporters & contacts on the road & I also met a lot of dope new talent all over. It was also a great learning experience being on the road with 2 artists who have been doing there thing for a minute in the industry. They both showed a lot of love, gave tips & constructive feedback on music as well as performances. It was also cool to be in the studio with both artists and experience there work process. As a fan of both artists music it was a blessing to be there.
What is one thing that you took from the tours that you now apply to your everyday life?
FRESH: 1 thing I took from tour that I apply in everyday life would definitely be to always give everything you do %100 because you never know who’s watching or how you’re impacting someone’s life. I’ve learned that whether performing in front of 2 people or 2,000 people to always give the people the best show you can. & that applies to life, no matter what you do, give it your all.
How has the reception been since you started your Fresh Friday Videos?
FRESH: The reception of the #FreshFridays video’s has been good thus far. My supporters enjoy seeing the behind the scenes of not only my music but my life & who I am. & It’s always good to hit your fans with some new music & visuals. Definitely all good feedback.
This is where I give the artist a chance to distance themselves form the music if they want a discuss anything thats on their mind. You have the floor….
FRESH: The music industry today is so different then when I was growing up. I feel like a lot of upcoming artists fear being themselves or trying anything new because they don’t feel it will be accepted. As an artist I love the creative control in what I do. I don’t wanna give people music that isn’t me just to gain a quick buzz. I’ve never smoked in my life and I don’t drink except for the occasional celebration shot with the homies so I’m not big on club music. I enjoy it & I have a few club bangers but you wont catch me talking about molly’s or things that aren’t positive. I wasn’t always the most positive person and i’ve done my share of dirt, but I wanna spread positive things to the next generation. Upcoming artist don’t be scared to be you, because being you is what will separate you in this industry.
Appreciate you coolin’ with ya boy and answering a few questions for us but before you split…let everyone know where they can find you on the net.
FRESH: I appreciate you having me! Ya’ll can find me on…Twitter/IG: @SELFMADEFRESH || www.youtube.com/IAMFRESHMUSIC || www.Soundcloud.com/
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