After establishing himself with a wealth of rich and immersive gems these last few years, New York-based rapper A-Legend returns once again with his breezy new single 'The World Is Yours'.
Capturing more of that smooth and shimmering aesthetic he is known for, 'The World Is Yours' makes for an incredibly warm and inviting listen. With his progressive flow layered across a laid-back production throughout, he is continuing his rise as one of the more engaging names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I ever played was in church. It was the drums as a kid, I used to watch my father play the drums and sing in church. I observed him and from there I wanted to play the drum as well. Fell in love with playing the drums as a kid.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a kid I had strict Christian parents, so I would listen to a lot of Christian hip-hop music. But when I got in middle school, I had this hip-hop class and got into hip-hop. Learning about the music from the 70s 80s and 90s and fell in love with it. But overall I love any type of genre as long as I can vibe to it.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I own was Eminem's “Encore” cd. My middle school friend at the time let me have it, since he didn’t want it. I fell in love with eminem music and became a fan, he is one of my biggest influences. I used to download music on lime wire and get all my music onto blank cds haha.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
A song I wish I wrote myself I think would be all the music I listen too haha. Is really hard to choose tbh.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Well for me I have to experience life, I have to go through things in order for me to have something to say or be listening to other music. Unfortunately pain and trauma being able to vent is what makes me write music.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening to smino, “ luv 4 rent” is really a great project, isaiah rashad “The house is burning” project, going back to Tupac old projects listening to “Hearts of Men”. I usually have my music on shuffle and go based off the mood I’m in.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If I can open a show for anyone it would be for rolling Loud, or ovo fest. Lyrical lemonade fest, if they could bring back MTV unplugged, or tiny desk that would be so dope to do.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part about music is having a lot of ppl resonate or relate to music, knowing the words to ya songs, making videos to it, or vibe. The best is when they tell me that my music spoke to them. When I have someone from another part of the world tell me my music helps them, it is an honor to let me know I’m doing my job. Or they genuinely really love my music and describe what it feels to them naturally. Best feeling in the world. Coming out of the studio done with venting out your emotions is such a euphoric feeling honestly.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part for me has always been the business part, getting it out there and hoping that ppl will enjoy the music, even though I enjoy my music or feel confident. So many artists nowadays especially with social media and tik tok it's so easy to have your music shown out, and that causes it to be either overshadowed by somebody else's music. It can be frustrating when you don’t have a team of people helping you financially, and you have to depend on yourself to help yourself to come out of pocket to market, studio time, buy or lease beats, cover art, do music videos etc. It makes the process harder and slower. And when you do all of that and don’t get rewarded it feels at times like what’s the point and can be really draining and doubtful, but what keeps me going is remembering the kid in me, the reason why I fell in love with it. At this point it’s therapy for me.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I got was to keep going, not to focus on the haters, and to be true to myself. If I never kept going, I wouldn’t be at the point that I’m in right now. It takes a lot but the passion I have for it is what keeps me going.
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A-Legend's new single 'The World Is Yours' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.