Published: May 06, 2008 9:10 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
A-1 Aficial Photo By Nick Lacey
Perhaps one of the best Hip-Hop entertainers to come around in the last decade A-1 Aficial is someone to look out for in the near future. Named Vibe Magazine’s Top 51 Rap artists State to State A-1 Aficial is showcasing his mad skillz with the mic and his love for the Hip-Hop culture. The magazine recently had the chance to spotlight him and here is what formulated.
Isaac: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
A-1 Aficial: Well, as far as I can remember back, I’ve always been a fan of hip hop music. Being Jamaican, I grew up listening to a lot of reggae but my family [mostly my older sister] opened me up to all genres. I just seemed to relate with hip hop but never actually tried to rap till I seen my first battle as a sophomore in high school and I've been writing and making music every since then.
Isaac: One of the reasons why I was drawn to you guys is because of your style. Briefly elaborate on your background.
A-1 Aficial: I don’t have the typical background of your average mainstream rapper now a day. I moved from Jamaica to the states [Connecticut] when I was 4 years old and bounced back and forth living with my mom and pops before finally settling down with my mother. I’ve always lived in an urban environment and I guess that’s where it comes from but I don’t claim to be a gangster or nothing like that. I’m an emcee and a fan before anything. I wouldn’t say I have one particular style because I feel as an emcee you have to be as diverse as possible because when making music you have to try and reach all demographics of people.
Isaac: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
A-1 Aficial: I’d definitely say the most rewarding aspect of it all is seeing all of your hard work finally start to pay off. Like I said before, I make music for my fans to listen to and enjoy so anytime somebody tells me something like "hey I really like your music, keep doing what your doing" you know it’s a good feeling and it keeps me going.
Isaac: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
A-1 Aficial: Mainly, watching how the major hip hop label doesn't always have the artist’s best interests involved. Mainstream hip hop now a day is all about money and there’s nothing wrong with making money don't get me wrong however you need to have a certain balance. The way it goes today the major label will control the business aspect of things and what music is released and made. I think they should let the artist be the artist because when other things get involved it takes away from there creativity.
Isaac: What does being a Hip-Hop entertainer mean to you?
A-1 Aficial: It means having the total package. You have to make sure your music is on point and when you perform the crowd has to feel like there on that stage right there with you. It means having patience because there are no over night celebrities. It means dealing with the bullshit on your way to reaching your goal because there will be obstacles for you to overcome like anything else in life.
Isaac: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
A-1 Aficial: I’m not really gonna go to deep on y’all but I just feel like if your are gonna make music you have to be able to appreciate all different kinds of music. Like with me, I’m not just a fan of hip hop alone because that would make me a close minded person I feel like and that’s how my music would eventually sound.
Isaac: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
A-1 Aficial: Gotta make sure I get the crowd involved so they really feel what I’m saying. Oh yeah and not to forget my lyrics, haha.
Isaac: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
A-1 Aficial: The most important thing would have having total control of my music; I don't have anybody in my ear telling me to make this or make that.
Isaac: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
A-1 Aficial: The Internet has changed how everything is gonna be. Pretty soon your not gonna be able to go down ya local Wal-Mart [or where ever you happen to get your music] and buy a CD because everything is going digital. You can see this is actually record sales alone. Some artists now a days sell more on there iTunes than they do on there actual record. Ya gotta be able to keep up with the times and run wit it so you don't get eating somebody else's dust. I’ve gained a lot of exposure just from my MySpace page alone. Over 11,000+ fans and 5,000 + comments left about my music; all good comments might I add, ha.
Isaac: Any advice for other musicians out there when it comes to using the Internet as a medium for getting their music heard to the masses?
A-1 Aficial: The best advice I can give somebody else would be to make sure there music is good and original. Because in the end if the music is bad then nobody’s gonna wanna hear it whether it’s somebody on the street or somebody sitting at there computer. So first and foremost make sure your music is on point and everything starts wit you, you gotta promote the hell out of yourself. How much work you put in is how much your are gonna get back; its that simple.
Isaac: What kind of recording software do you use?
A-1 Aficial: My boy who does my recording has a pretty simple set up. AKG Perception Mic running off pro tools to a Mac. Not really too much other than that for the time being.
Isaac: I know that everybody has his or her idea of a dream artist, someone who for whatever reasons that person would just love to listen to and admire. As an entertainer yourself, if you could play with one of your "dream" musicians, anyone at all, who would it be and why?
A-1 Aficial: I would have loved to make music with Bob Marley but he has enough son's so hopefully that'll be going down sometime in the future hah. However, if I had to pick somebody that was alive, I’d love to work with either Dr. Dre or Eminem. I have the utmost respect for what both those dudes have done in this industry.
Isaac: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
A-1 Aficial: I hope to gain a lot, mainly being able to support the needs of any family or friends cuz that’s all you got in this world when it comes down to it. I hope to gain a’ lot of life experiences cuz to be smart you have to have more than just book knowledge. Most importantly, I hope to gain the respect and admiration of not only my fans but my peers as well.
Isaac: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008/2009?
A-1 Aficial: Simple answer; for it to get bigger and bigger.
Isaac: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
A-1 Aficial: First and foremost, my family for sticking with me through out all these years, I love you guys. Shout out to my boy Bars, Conn. P, Prey, Chase, PDouble, Killah Key, Y.O.P.P, GGG, Bone, and Mia and everybody over at DSF. If I forgot you, don’t take it to heart.
Isaac: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
A-1 Aficial: GO TO MY MYSPACE PAGE AND DOWNLOAD MY NEW MIXTAPE "THE NEVER ENDING PAPER CHASE" FOR FREE!
A-1 Aficial - The Never Ending Paper Chase - FREE MIXTAPE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
A-1 Aficial: Id like to thank you Isaac and all the people over at Juniors Cave for taking interest in me. I appreciate that a lot. Be out on the look for me in the near future! Respect and Love ya dun know.
Junior's Cave Online Magazine/JC Internet Radio Staff Team,
