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With T.McAfee.
For PeaceLine’s inaugural artist interview, I tapped into my deep list of creative and artistic contacts. This month’s artist has been featured in LEO’s music editions for two years in a row. His album has gotten great reviews and hardly ever stays on the shelves at local record stores. I’m lucky to have met him in my UofL days or I probably wouldn’t have been able to get him to agree to this…Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you T.McAfee.
Lee:
So, with the decline of physical record sales and the rise of the YouTube and MySpace internet star, it seems to me that independent musicians are playing on a more level playing field now than ever before. That being the case, how far do you want to take your music career?
T. McAfee:
Well, ya know I wouldn't necessarily say that indie artists are on a more leveled playing field just because of low record sales and some artists making their names on YouTube. You also must keep in mind the consumer; what they want, need, and demand. I would love to succeed in my music endeavors on a national level. And if international fame comes along, so be it. But, it isn't a concentrated objective. Making it as far as I have wasn’t even promised. I try to just stay determined and focus on the now.
L:
Going back to my previous question, what continues to inspire you to make music in an environment where even the biggest artists are having trouble selling?
T:
Well, I guess it's because I've been doin' this music thing so long; before it became so cliché amongst the people out here. You might hear 'bout rappers who's only been spittin' for about a few years or so, mainly because they see everybody else doin' it. I’ve been writing and spitting since I was 'bout twelve. I started taking it more seriously when I was fourteen; I'm twenty-five now. So, it ain't like I started spittin' or recording yesterday, ya know? So, music has grown wit' me throughout my life basically.
L:
Damn man, listening to you say that reminds me so much of myself. And as a fellow artist, I know that sometimes music just comes to you but when it doesn't, what drives your creativity?
T:
Well, I guess experience drives my creativity. Or, in other words, life. It's like when you learn a lot of things in life, whether it's about yourself or about the people around you, you tend to make accounts of those experiences to shape how you go about your own life. And you tend to pass those accounts down to whoever is in a position to relate, whether it's the few or the many.
L:
So how do you feel about peer to peer file sharing? In your opinion does it help or hurt the industry? I always go back and forth on this one and can never reach a solid conclusion.
T:
As far as file sharing is concerned, I really couldn't tell you either. This may sound like a contradiction, but it's like this: I acknowledge that those practices financially hurt certain realms of the market. At the same time though, I grew up in the era where bootleggin' music was at its peak. You had Napster, Kazaa, and LimeWire. People were burning cds left and right. Hell, I even remember dubbin' tapes. It wasn't so much that the consumers were tryin' to take money out of artists' pockets, although that did end up becoming the aftermath of those methods. It’s just that there's always gonna be a loophole for people to get to the things they want or demand. Where’s there’s a will, there’s a way. So, if anything, I can relate to the demand for the accessibility of music, especially if ya pockets are hurtin’.
L:
Good answer. You’re right about people always finding a way to get what they want, it’s just a matter of how much they’re willing to risk in the process. Those lawsuits from the record companies are so joke…Anyway, after listening to your music, ideally, what will someone want to go out and do?
T:
Well, hopefully after listenin' to my music, it'll make people want to look forward to more of my music in the future. Otherwise, it'll make people open up their ears to authentic artists. There are plenty of artist in the Ville, who contribute a great deal in representin' authenticity by way of their music. You ain't gotta be like the hottest rapper to be noticed, jus' do you and the real shall and will take heed. I jus' want folks to know that quality music is out here and it's being made by quality artists. Real talk.
L:
I’m so glad you took it local. I’ve lived here my entire life and have always wondered certain things about our scene. Now that I have this platform to really reach out to other artist, hopefully, I’ll get some real answers. What do you feel separates the Louisville Hip Hop community from other markets and where do you see it going in the coming years?
T:
Well, the Ville has a shitload of talent, I can tell you that much. But, as far as the direction of the scene in general, it still has yet to garner a focused and unanimous aim. It will take time before the Ville gets recognized. As far as what separates da' Ville from everywhere else is simple: we speak from an untapped point of view. From a more humbled peripheral. Even as great and as boastful as Louisville native Muhammad Ali was, he spoke with humble thoughts that correlates to the potentially gentle soul that this city bares. Not to mention,
L:
That’s the insight I’ve been searching for a long time. Thank you bruh for taking the time to talk to us.
T:
No problem, man.
That was my interview with the homeboy, Terrel McAfee, Esq., better known locally as up and coming hip-hop artist T. McAfee. If you want to hear his music and judge for yourself check him out at http://www.reverbnation.com/tmcafee or http://www.myspace.com/tmcafee321
Music YOU Should Be Up On!
Blue Scholars - http://www.myspace.com/bluescholars
I’ve been an avid Blue Scholars fan since first hearing Southside Revival on a DJ Hyphen mixtape. This duo (Geologic and Sabzi), in my opinion, represents all that is good in hip hop right now, and are a beacon of hope for the future. One album deep on Rawkus Records (which is interesting within itself) with the release of Bayani (2007), the duo from Seattle, WA has 2 albums and 4 EPs under their belt total, providing more than enough music to convert anyone with an interest in clever rhymes and a direct message that’s seldom heard, all delivered with a passion that Geologic consistently gives. However, if you’re just looking for something to vibe to in the car on the way to work or class, fear not, Sabzi has made some of the most beautiful, inspiring beats I’ve ever heard, which is why he tops big names such as Kanye and No I.D. in my book. If you’re looking for the definition of a near perfect duo, new music to listen to on campus, inspiration to fuel your craft or just sitting online bored… do yourself a favor and check them out… you won’t look back.
Recommended Songs: Back Home, Loyalty and No Rest For The Weary
CYNE - http://www.myspace.com/cyne
Listening to CYNE, and, even while trying to write this quick overview of their music, only one phrase comes to mind… back to basics. With tight flows, good story telling, catchy hooks and captivating yet relatively simple beats, they’re the perfect picture of a modern take on old school hip hop. I actually came across CYNE through Japanese producer/DJ Nujabes (whom I’ve grown to love), weird way to stumble across the Florida based group I’ll admit, but they prove an amazing breath of fresh air from overused synthesizers, pointlessly egotistical verses and of course, the ever popular auto-tune.
Recommended Songs: Soapbox and Running Water
Corinne Bailey Rae - http://www.myspace.com/corinnebaileyrae
Corinne Bailey Rae is a British R&B singer that I instantly fell deeply in love with, her passionate voice and mellow/jazzy vibe entrances me like very few can, always lifting me out of a bad mood. She has a very soft voice that will without doubt surprise you on some songs; you just can’t believe that she can do what she does with such a calm voice. With stand out collaborations and a hit self-titled debut album, I’m simply desperate for her to drop a sophomore album. Corinne is one of those artists that, upon listening to her sing, you just know that she’s doing this out of a pure love for the art, and its this passion for music that makes listening to her so inspiring, relaxing and all around refreshing. Whether it’s a lazy rainy day or a sunny day out and about, Corinne will undoubtedly set the mood and bring a smile to your face.
Recommended Songs: Til It Happens To You, Like A Star and Put Your Records On
Mike's Yo... Peep This...
The
Avett Brothers - http://www.myspace.com/theavettbrothers
I was first exposed to these guys in 2006. It was a hot summer day and I was driving, listening to public radio. They played their entire album live on a show. I literally detoured to ear-x-tacy and bought the cd that same day. I've been hooked ever since. You should've heard me trying to explain their sound in the beginning; "It's sort of country but its folk like, and they're fast like hip hop sometimes..." To this day, the best description I've read of them is by the SF Chronicle: "They have the heavy sadness of Townes Van Zandt, the light pop concision of Buddy Holly, the tuneful jangle of the Beatles, and the raw energy of the Ramones" If you're local, you've had ample opportunities to experience their incredible live show. I've seen them 3 times and have been blown away with every show. Recommended songs: Distraction #74 and Will You Return?
Sage
Francis - http://www.myspace.com/sagefrancis
Keith turned me on to this dude a few years back. At first I wasn't feeling him at all but eventually, I gave him a serious listen and was floored. He's definitely an acquired taste type of emcee. His lyrics are sick...deep and meaningful shit. If you've ever considered yourself any kind of hip hop lyricist, you should take some cues from Sage. He's far from perfect though, his beats lack a lot and his flow isn't always the most on point. Still, check out songs like The Masters Are Back/ Hey Bobby (not the original beat but you'll get the point) and Cup of Tea (love the hell out of this song).
Leslie Feist - http://www.myspace.com/feist
I don't remember which came first, the ipod ad or the much lesser known HSBC banking commercial but both definitely got me (and apparently, the rest of the world) noticing Feist. Here's another case of me not liking someone initially but growing to love them. This woman can write beautiful music like you can't believe. Super melodic, extremely catchy, and poetic lyrics abound. She's pretty much the ultimate in relaxing, chill, mood setting music. A lot of hip hop fans won't like her because she's hardly ever up tempo. Those being said, check out Intuition and Gatekeeper (one of my absolute favorite songs).