Gifted with a unique sound, a clear artistic vision, and strong lyrical skills, Prophet is one of those artists who stand out for originality and versatility!
After great releases such as “No Problem,” “Head Up” and “Underrated,” Prophet closes the fruitful 2023 with another set of excellent tracks, the brilliant “Whiteman” and the powerful “Anymore!”
Today we had the chance of diving into Prophet’s world with an exclusive interview, so sit back and enjoy this journey into the world of one of the most interesting artists of the contemporary Hip-Hop and Rap scene!
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Prophet, it is such a pleasure having you with us today! We had a blast listening to your latest releases, tracks like “Whiteman” and “Anymore” are pieces everyone should listen to! We are thrilled to have the chance to know more about your artistic journey so let’s start from the very beginning! When did you discover your passion for music?
Thank you for having me! I’ve been into music from a young age, I spent a lot of time with my mother as a kid and she would play a lot of different genres. I grew up listening to several different artists such as Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, The Supremes and many more & of course I can’t forget the legendary Jackson 5 from our home region! I started writing music in about the 11th grade when I decided this is what I wanted to do for a living still at it today & wouldn’t have it any other way!
Your latest single “Anymore” is a song that digs into the listener’s soul, going straight to the point and making a real-life connection between you and your audience. Can you tell us more about this track?
It was a song I wrote a few months ago about a few experiences I’ve had in the past few years as well as some of those close to me. I feel it can relate to anyone who’s been in a bad situation and that they can overcome it by finding their strength and belief in something. Everyone has something they’re good at & everyone has something they are passionate about. You just gotta find it!
Your sound never stopped evolving, thanks to your artistic versatility. Do you feel like the same artist of your first releases, brilliant songs like “Dead or Alive” and “Chillen”?
Definitely not, but do I hate them? No, every song I write I try to evolve & outdo myself. I feel like since then I’ve found my voice, and grown as an artist, & as a person I’m sure in the next few years, I’ll be feeling the same about my most recents haha Keep Growing!
What is clear from all your music, the constant that never changes, is your focus on the narrative of your lyrics. You really have the gift of framing our society, drawing a clear picture of what the real world is like. How important is it to be authentic and connect with your listeners through your lyrics?
I feel as an artist your job is to give it your all and bring your music to life. I don’t get into the whole mumble rap generation & I don’t respect it. I grew up listening to the likes of NAS, Rakim, 2Pac, Biggie, NWA, Mobb Deep, ETC. We need to take more pride in our craft, the torch was passed down & I don’t feel we’re doing a good job of keeping it lit. This art won’t die on my watch!
A lot of what you do is linked to talent, but also creativity. How does your music come to life? Can you reveal what your creative process is?
Every song I make is different, sometimes I will just hear a beat that catches me right away and I just start writing. I’ve learned to teach myself you have to be able to pull that feeling out of you at any time. There will be times you’re not going to be 100% in your comfort zone but you do it regardless!
What about inspiration? Where do you find yours?
I travel a lot on the road & the places I go & see give me inspiration and different things to write about. I also find inspiration within my hometown and community it pushes me to go harder and change the blueprint previously set! You have to pull it out of you everyone has something to say!
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Another song that I would say is particularly inspired is the excellent “Wondering.” What’s the story behind this track?
It was a rough couple of months of life for me feeling lost & not feeling close to my goals. I hadn’t written music for a couple of months. I was traveling through Minnesota & met a man named Dave at a local pub we started talking and eventually I showed him some of my music and he started telling me how great he thought I was. I held my head a little higher that night, went back to my hotel room, and wrote and recorded it that night. Since then it has been one of my most popular songs.
If you could collaborate with one of the artists who inspired you during your journey, who would you like to share a song and the stage with?
Out of all the new generation, my hands down favorite is Joyner Lucas. He is definitely an MC in my book and is one of the few keeping it alive! Tell him Prophet is looking for him!
Talking about the stage, are you planning any gigs for the upcoming new year?
I will look more into performing live this year and will be posting dates as they are booked!
You are originally from Indiana; what’s the Rap and Hip-Hop scene like there?
The area I’m from has a deep music background. I grew up in the Northwest Indiana region which is home to a lot of some the area legends, CCA, Grind Family, Will Scrill, Ric Jilla, Yoson Tala, Mutt Dogg, FingaRoll, Freddie Gibbs, Al Koleon, There’s a whole new generation of us coming up as well Me, Blizz, T-Shell, $CE Chappo, Hollowgang, D-Brown, Rari, & a lot others .. The grind is just something that was born inside of all of us. I’m proud of all the work these guys are putting in and really starting to put our region on. Shoutout to all my people grinding in the 219!
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2023 has been a very productive year for your career. The release of excellent singles such as “Head Up,” “No Problem,” “Whiteman” and “Anymore” is a strong signal to your fans and to the industry that your artistic vision is solid and clear. Will these singles be included in a full-length release as well?
As of the current moment they are just singles, but I’m not going to say that they couldn’t be. My focus this year is building my YouTube Presence. 2024 will be the biggest year and you will be hearing a lot of different sounds from me stay tuned!
Your latest album, the excellent “2020” marked a fundamental step in your discography. After three years, how do you see that release?
I did put a lot of passion into that project & it was released during a dark time in the world. Of course me being my perfectionist self I always find disagreement here and there haha. Over all, I think it was a solid collaboration project between me and two other local artists. But, the past is the past I am focused on the year to date and want to make the best music of my life yet! I hope the world is ready for what’s in store!
The music industry has changed a lot in the past years, and it is changing faster every day. AI, streaming platforms, and NFT are becoming the new normal. Do you think, with all this change, artists are losing their connection with what is really important, the music?
Definitely do, I feel with so many ways to cheat the industry nowadays, it’s getting harder for the real artists to create a name for themselves. Music is so over-saturated now and originality is a rare thing nowadays. Basically, if you have money or come from money it’s a lot easier to get on. People don’t understand how much money actually goes into this life. Studios cost money, beats cost money, engineers cost money, ideas cost money and promotions cost money. However, I believe real music will always prevail it may take longer … but if this is what you believe in keep pushing!
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve been blessed to make it this far & this is only the beginning be on the lookout for lots of music videos, new music, and new merchandise, This will be my biggest year yet!
Prophet, it was such a pleasure having you with us today! Is there anything you would like to say to our readers and your fans?
I want to say thanks to all of you for blessing me to be here. For those first meeting me I hope you’ll be looking forward to what I have in store! And to those who have been rocking with me, you are the ones making all of this possible; thank you & Love You All!
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