Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Obviously, hip hop is evolving, as people from all over the world are beginning to pick up the mic. The region in hip hop changing the most is in the South. No longer are the Southern rappers rhyming simple lyrics. Most rappers in the South are not even fazed by their geographic location.
Comz is among this new breed of rappers. The Jacksonville, NC native grew up in the commercial era of hip hop. Growing up in a military town, Comz was exposed to all kinds of people. This advantage has helped him with his lyrics. Because of his exposure, he has more appeal to more people.
While he and his family currently live in Jacksonville, Comz has lived in various places. As a part of a military family, he has been forced to move several times. It was hard making friends, early on, but Comz appreciates what the variety has done for his rapping abilities. He has lived in Florida, Louisiana, and California in addition to North Carolina.
Due to being exposed to the commercialized rap game, Comz, like many other children who grew up in this period, decided he wanted to become a rapper. But, he has actually been putting in the necessary work to turn his dream into a reality. Recently, Hip Hop Vibe caught up with Comz and put together an exclusive interview with him.
Read the full interview below:
What inspired you to become a rapper?
The same thing that inspires everyone to do it. nobody in todays game in a pioneer. The drive comes strictly from seeing the success of those before you and wanting that same lifestlye for your self. Luckily for me I have an extra push because I'm related to some people in the game now. Peter Gunz, and his son Cory Gunz are my second couzins. So perhaps, this rap thing runs in the family.
Growing up, who supported you the most?
I had equal support from my mother and father growing up. Musically speaking though, I'll have to say my father because he's the one that taught me I can record into a "speaker," when we were low on money. As my skills progressed he bought me a quality microphone. Then just this past year, we built a vocal booth in my bedroom from scratch, with professional padding and everything. Wherever this music takes me in life, I owe a huge debt to him.
How did growing up in a military town impact your overall style?
Anyone who is from a military family has traveled all over the U.S and sometimes the world. Theres is no avoiding it. With that being said my style is unlike anything people have heard before. I've been everywhere from down south Louisiana to West Coast California to Party Music Florida and now here to North Carolina. So I can addapt to ANY beat I'm given to work with. When you hear me rap, you really can't tell where I'm from. which is a plus in my mind because, I can reach a broader audience.
Are you currently signed to a label?
You caught me just in the nick of time. I just signed a two year deal with Vyzion Entertainment not to long ago. Big shouts to them for allowing me to jump on board with the label.
How long have you been rapping?
I started rapping seriously in the 9th grade. Mainly because kids at my school were doing it and I felt I could do a better job.
Did you ever have a moment when you realized rap music was what you wanted to do?
Honeslty no, I've always wanted to be an entertainer of some sort, singing and dancing is what I spent most of my time doing growing up. I idolized Michael Jackson and studied his moves on VHS tape for hours. I'm probably a better dancer then I am a rapper. Belive it or not.
How do you plan to take your career to the next level?
At this point, all I can do is make remeberable music. Songs that either get stuck in people heads or touches them in a away to get people's word of mouth flowing about Comz. My music speaks for itself. I just need to get more people to hear it. Hopefully the guys at Vyzion Entertainment can help me out with that.
When do you plan to release your next mixtape?
I am not a fan of making mixtapes. They are never satisfying to the listener. The artist either crowds them with too many songs, or puts all the same songs people heard already on them. My first album will be released through the label, but until then, I'll be updating my listeners with new songs I've been working on similar to the way I've been doing.
Which rapper inspires you the most?
Lupe Fiasco, becuase he came into the game with a different style and DIDNT change. No matter what his record sales were, or his reputation amoung the hip hop commuinty. If you notice, in every single song, he has a message he wants to get across.
Dead or alive, if you had the choice to record with anyone, who would it be?
Pharell, enough said.
What separates you from the other rappers breaking into the game?
I'm not focusing on a certain "theme" like being a thug, or pretty boy, or a club hopper. For me its strictly about the music and its content value. Anybody can stay up all night, write some hot lyrics, and "Go in" over the new Lil Wayne beat. (I've done this plenty of times myself)But, I would rather make a song, that has a meaning both relatable and memorable. Those are the songs that last forever. So that's what my platform is.
How do you manage a music career and being a rapper?
Well I'm not going to lie it is work, but its not a career for me yet. I do it because I love it. Recording or not, I would still spend my time writing songs anyways. So I'm having fun doing what I love at the moment. If I get to the point to where I can support a family off of this, I consider my self succesfull
Who do you admire the most?
Musically, Ryan Leslie. When I see him work in the studio and I see his musical intelligence its so inspiring, I would love to be in the same room as him working on a song.
Do you have any shout outs?
Shout out to Greg Bailey over at Vyzion entertainment for putting me on. My Mother and Father for supporting me all these years when i had my speakers blasting WAY to loud for the house. My brothers, Ettian and Julian Scott, who would stay up at night a hit the record button for me time and time again, critique everything I did to ensure the best finished product. And everyone back home in Jacksonville, who showed me love and kept listening.
Check out Comz on Facebook: facebook.com/kidcomz