After recently returning with his stunning comeback single 'No Competition' earlier this year, his first piece of new material in four years, South Carolina-based rapper Ten Hawkins is back on the grind once again with his impactful new offering 'Pump 3'.
Lifted from his forthcoming new album 'The Manuel Garcia Chronicles', which is due out in November, 'Pump 3' makes for a brilliantly bold and bouncing listen. With his smooth an driven flow spread across an emotive production from start to finish, he continues to cement himself as one of the more exciting 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?
Although I can’t play, the guitar is the first instrument that I fell in love with. Doesn’t matter the mood or the setting when someone brings out a guitar it’s going to be a great time.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I have always been in love with Hip-Hop music. Since I can remember that has always been the genre that has been the most fluent in my life.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Beware of the Dog by Lil Bow Wow. That album made me want to be a kid rapper.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Love Yourz by J. Cole. That song is a constant reminder to anyone, no matter where you are in life there is always someone somewhere who wish they had the life you have no matter how tough you think yours is. It’s the perfect message and something I live by daily.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Nah, if the music speaks to me then I respond back by writing to it. I’ve passed up on some of the “hardest” beats all because they didn’t speak to me personally.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
It’s completely different from the type of rap I do but I listen to a lot of Lil ‘ Durk and King Von. Durk is very witty but King Von can tell stories unlike any other gangster rapper that I know. Outside of them A LOT of J. Cole and myself.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
J. Cole. I know the energy would be crazy!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Expressing feelings that other people can relate to. A lot of people can’t express their feelings so I feel like my music is for those who can’t find that voice or the right words to express themselves.
And what is the most frustrating part?
A lot of my music is personal, real things that have happened in my life, so when I’m writing I find myself going back and forth about certain things I want to say bc I don’t know how people I may mention would feel. Although this is my expression, I still try to keep other people’s feelings in mind as well.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t force it. Forced music never sounds authentic. So it doesn't matter if I’m on a deadline or not. If I’m not in the mood for music I don’t try to be. I like for the feelings to be natural. Because of this I have stayed on songs for months even a year.
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Ten Hawkins' new single 'Pump 3' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.