Exclusive Interview: GR8FUL


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As a cultured homie in the game, I caught up with the talented brother GR8FUL to get a pulse on how his career is shaping up. We dove into his recent collabs with Priddy Ugly and Kindly Nxsh, and he gave us some insight on what’s cooking in the studio. Check out the full interview with one of the best in the land!

  

Your recent tracks feature Priddy Ugly and Kindly Nxsh, and before that, you worked with Horid the Messiah. What was it like collaborating with these artists?

Inspiring, I learnt a lot from each one of them.

 

How do you approach working with different artists, and what do you look for in a potential collaboration?

My approach in working with different artists is establishing their work ethic, creativity and their impact on the industry. Just a few of the things I consider before approaching different artists. I look for synergy, relatability, and passion.

Your sound seems to be evolving with each release. How would you describe your artistic journey so far?

It’s been a demanding journey emotionally as the industry forces you to become vulnerable and not always on the journey does it meet our expectations. However, that said I’m constantly evolving and growing which always provides one with an opportunity to challenge myself to respond positively to disappointments, embrace the rejection and celebrate the victories. I’m fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to fulfil my dream and meet amazing people along the way.

 

What do you think is unique about the South African rap scene compared to other hip-hop landscapes around the world?

In my opinion it’s too early in my career to establish what is unique about the South African rap scene as well as being able to draw a comparison in the hip hop world. However, once I have established my footprint in the South African hip hop scene and beyond the boundaries of South Africa to the rest of the world, I might be better equipped to respond.

As an artist, what role do you believe collaborations play in your growth and in shaping the broader hip-hop culture in South Africa?

Collaborations have allowed me to grow lyrically, visually and sonically. Of course, the reach in audience through collaborations I like to believe creates interest and greater exposure.

Your recent features have created a lot of buzz. How do you choose who to work with, and what kind of energy do you want your music to bring out in your audience?

I’d like for people that listen to my music to feel as fearless as possible, for them to feel they can achieve anything, I’d like them to feel free.

Can you talk about the creative process behind your latest tracks?

Creative process starts before even getting into the studio. It is identifying artists and producers I’d like to work with. Taking time out to understand what is gaining the most response from the audience. Most of all in the process is how I communicate my message to the audience. There was a selection of producers, did some research with people I wanted to work with and then from there a shortlist was drawn up.

It’s understanding the producers, if there is someone I’d like to collaborate with, what is the message. I have to internalize there for what is expressed inside is conveyed outside and hopefully the audience can understand and enjoy.

 

How did you, Priddy Ugly, and Kindly Nxsh come together on these songs?

Im blessed to be working amongst South African known hit maker Shishiliza, he is responsible for bringing the camp together and facilitating the process of coming out with the best possible product, all the songs I’ve made this year have been executively produced by him.

Where do you see your music fitting into the broader South African hip-hop scene?

I’d like to contribute towards the footprint of hip hop and a dream of mine would be the music we create would reach the levels and fit in amongst the pioneers in the hip hop industry.

Do you feel like you’re helping push the culture forward?

I would like to believe that what we are creating is contributing towards culture in hip hop and ensuring that in these changing times there’s continuous progress.

How important is it to you to balance both commercial success and staying true to your sound and message?

Balance is always necessary, but It’s not always easy when we are following what we are

passionate about. I would suppose that the experts in the industry understand best how to commercialize our passion which is creating music. My sound and message evolve constantly, I suppose the difficulty would be to always be true to myself in these changing times so I may effectively communicate the present which I trust if done successfully will be appreciated by many.

Looking forward, are there any dream collaborations or projects you have in mind for the future?

Definitely always looking forward, however currently I am excited to say that I have some unreleased dream collaborations to be released in the future. Though we still have a few on my list locally as well as on the continent of Africa and globally. I do think with what we have and the exciting future ahead will set the wheels in motion to bring these dreams closer to reality.

The post Exclusive Interview: GR8FUL appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

 

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