Featured artist: Handles - Lookout for Handles
Below is a short interview with the upcoming underground artist Handles.
How did you decide to become an artist?
Handles: I’ve always had a passion for music since the age of 4 from listening to emcees such as Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Nas, Jay-Z, Notorious BIG to name a few. My family was involved in music for along time and i’m just keeping it going. I was told at a young age that I was good with putting words together from rhyme schemes, metaphors and was very good at writing when it came to essays, creating stories etc so I just took that and ran with it lol. As i kept writing and improving my skills, it helped me want to become the best artist that I can be. Since high school I wanted to become a great lyricist one day and over the years I have been proving that by working hard to perfect my craft and putting out good quality work.
Stay true to yourself and speak from the heart, you’ll never go wrong…
What about concerts? Do you play live?
Yes and yes. I love performing live, it’s a great feeling when I can connect to the people on so many different levels.
Best punchline you ever wrote?
A dope classic, i’m similar to Kyrie Irving & Dwight Howard before he left the Magics/ Now this Cavalier launching Rockets all over this paper so the ending result’s gonna be tragic/
What are you currently working on? Did you release something in the past?
I am currently working on my upcoming album title 809060 which stands for Born in the 80s, Raised in the 90s and Taught by the 60s. In the past I have released 5 projects. 4 mixtapes including an album. My latest mixtape was title Done Thinking hosted by DJ Suss-One (Power105.1 NYC)
Last but not least: Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
I would if the right deal presents itself. As far as the pros and cons, I would say creative control, artistic freedom, and the split of the earnings has been the problem when with a major label, not to say all of them are like that but it’s been known that it’s kind of hard to get those things when first signing to a major label than it would be signing to a indie label. I believe a major label does help you get to a certain platform a lot quicker due to all the connections that comes with it. So yea, if the right deal comes along who knows. Whether it’s a major or indie label, I would sign as long as it fits with what i’m trying to do.
Any last words?
First and foremost, shoutout to the man above for everything he’s done for me. Shoutout to my hometown ESVA (Eastern Shore VA), it’s small area so we tend to get over-looked very easily but the fact it’s getting some positive light shed on us, means a lot! And shoutout to my family, friends and all my fans that I like to call my HipHopHeads for all the love and support, that’s letting me know that I am doing something right and for me to touch & inspire someone in a positive way with my music, makes it even more better!
Where can we contact you?
Handles: http://www.twitter.com/handles757
Thank you for your time. We wish you and your career the success it deserves.
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Amanda Aselia, the author of this interview, is a long time blogger, entertainment journalist with a strong expertise in artist development and branding and author of the book "Rappers' secrets 2 success" .
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