Wordsmith is the always-professional, ever-expanding, world-wide movement based out of Baltimore, MD.
The emcee from Baltimore looks to represent his city on national and international stages with his Conscious-Commercial Hip-Hop and theatrical stage shows.
Free of profanity, full of message driven content and fun for all ages Wordsmith’s music is considered blue collar to the core.
1) Talk to me about the making of your latest project. What was the inspiration behind it?
My last full length album was “Perspective Jukebox”. I would say this is my most commercial project to date, but very rich in its messaging. All the sounds of a jukebox are covered from HipHop, Pop, EDM and R&B but every song has a life theme or message for the listener.
I believe in making blue collar music that is enjoyable to listen to, but also makes you think when you want to be a cerebral listener. Overall, I believe my goal for the project was met when it won Best Rap/HipHop Album at this years Independent Music Awards.
2) With the music industry tanking and record sales falling, how do you currently make money as an independent hip-hop artist?
Good question; I earn most of my music income from license deals with TV, Films and games, while touring comes in second and record sales third.
Most indie artists don’t have the hype machine behind them so making monetary gains in the order I described has allowed me to do music full time and support my family, which is the main goal over superstardom for me.
3) From a business point of view, which artists in the game do you think are really pushing the boundaries and changing it up?
In this generation there is an unfortunate lack of artists pushing boundaries. I’m a part of Generation X and grew up on the golden era rappers where no one copied each others flows, style of clothes and was ready to challenge any MC that stepped out of line.
Now we live in this era where 90 percent of the artists out sound and look similar. To me that’s not art or music as the discovery of originality is the true basis of an artist.
4) What business lessons have you learnt from the music industry so far?
Keep your circle small and focus on making a living off your music rather then being a superstar. Understand what I am saying here. Yes we all want to be superstars, but its not in the cards for everyone so what comes next.
As artists we all have a different path so I encourage musicians to find their own personal path to success in the music business. Mine is putting a message in my music to uplift and be an activist to real life issues.
5) What do you love about hip-hop music?
The storytelling aspect of Hip Hop!
6) What still surprises you about hip-hop?
I would say how it continues to evolve whether good or bad; the genre of music has come a long way.
7) If you had the power to change one thing about the hip-hop industry to help independent artists – what would it be?
I can speak for all independent artists on this one: we all need FUNDING!
8) Who do you think are top 3 rappers doing it at the moment?
Logic, J Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
9) So what are your plans for the future?
I have two major tours on the books to Baku and Haiti later this year along with shows at the Kennedy Center in DC.
I’m working on a music program for City Hall in Baltimore to help underprivileged youth, partnered with members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to debut a HipHop/Chamber Music piece next year and continuing to grow my business!
