Published: September 5, 2009 3:41 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
Blest
Blest
Through hard work, tenacious attitude, enormous talents, and sincere drive to succeed, Blest is going to place the Southwest on the map. His influences are what makes this Hip-Hop artist the most enjoyable to listen to especially when he is spitting out his clever rhymes. In this recent interview with Blest, he speaks one on one with our Webzine about his music and the direction he is heading with it. Discover the magic of Blest for yourself.
Isaac: What was the best part of 2009 so far for you musically?
Blest: Getting my song on the radio has to be one of the biggest things. I never would have dreamt that my song would have gotten the response it did, and the crazy thing is my single "Sexy" is still getting radio spins and continues to expand after four months! Also, getting a placement deal has been big too! But to be honest, in the last few months, there has been a lot going on, so it seems like every week something new and exciting is happing in my career. Hopefully, I can keep this momentum.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Blest: My biggest accomplishment in 2008 was getting radio play. I remember me and Young Sweep (Producer) sitting down and thinking, "We need to make a banger!" We were determined to make a radio song, and we did! Also, everyone kept telling me I need to leave El Paso and head out to Los Angeles or New York if I ever want to make something happen in this music business. But luckily, I've been able to get a lot accomplish and continue to expand further out in this game in my hometown.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in El Paso, Texas.
Blest: The music scene in El Paso TX is dope! The city is more of a rock scene, but there is still tons of talent here. Being in a border city we get amazing talent from both El Paso and Mexico so every week there is something going on. The only problem is that these artists have no where to turn to or do not really know how to get their music out there. Granted, the only reason I believe the scene here hasn't exploded is because there is no one here who can push it out, but hopefully we can change that.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Blest: The best show I did was here in El Paso at a club called The Warehouse. The owners approached me about holding an event there and pretty much gave me all the tools I needed to make it work. They built me a three level stage with an amazing sound system and helped with marketing. The goal was to make an event not just a show and that's exactly what we did. Hundreds of people showed up and I had a blast through out the whole night, not to mention the money I got at the end was nice too!
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Blest: I'm a music lover first off and usually I tend to listen to all sorts of music, as long as it's good. But artists that are real and I can relate to their lyrics are the ones that usually stand out. Like Tupac, the man knew exactly what he wanted to say and knew how to say it to grab your attention. Sade is another artist I'm influenced by. Her voice, the way she sings and expresses love, heartache, and life is amazing to me. Linkin Park is another favorite of mine, Staind, Nas, Madonna, IIO, Kanye West, man we will be here all day if I named all the artists who influence me!
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Blest: I'm trying to bring a new look and sound to the game. Keep in mind; I'm a Mexican rapper who doesn't sound like your typical Mexican rapper. I stand out in my style because of what influences me and not by what they expect me to sound like. Rap has its categories by location; we got South, West, East, Midwest, but no Southwest. No one from here has really made it in this game and I'm aiming to be the first one whether I make it or not. Everyday I'm working on different sounds, looking for different producers, trying to bring different flavors, but yet keep it mainstream acceptable. I don't want to exclude no one from my music, so I keep my topics on real life and less on fantasy. I know I'm going against the grain by not fitting into the genres and stereotypes the business has, but history is made by those who don't settle and stand strong for what they believe in.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Blest: It would have to be Dr Dre. The man has been in it since it started and he is still making hits and superstars, so obviously he knows what he's doing. Also, The Chronic was the reason why I started listening to rap music to begin with. The man is a pioneer in rap, and working with someone that influential and creative would be priceless!
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Blest: How would I describe my music? That's a good question…. Let see. I would say contagious, commercial without corruption is the best way to put it. People tell me that they like my music, but the more they hear it the more they like it. Which is a good thing cause the last thing I want is for everyone to get tired of me.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Blest: The response is crazy!! I was hoping people would feel me but lately everyone has been backing the underdog. I think people feel me because I put myself on the same level as my fans. They know my story and I know theirs, they follow me through the ups and downs of this game and see the work and sacrifice I put into this. Even the cats that hate me still respect me, cause at the end of the day I put myself out there in front of thousands of people and don't bullshit. I never been afraid to speak my mind and I express my thoughts clearly to everyone whether good or bad, and people relate to the fact that I'm a working man just like everyone else only difference is my hustle is music. The game is saturated with fake bosses and fake chains and with me I'm like follow me lets see how far we go and people are showing their support.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Blest: At another level. I'm not saying I'm going to be major, but I will be farther than I am now. The reason I say that is because with every project I take it a step further, I've been able to accomplish almost every goal I set out for. I'm going to continue building my studio, label, sound, ventures and keep growing as an artist and a man. I don't know what the future holds for me, but damn it; yo boy is executing and breaking new ground every step of the way!!
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Blest: Oh we doing shout outs!? First I need to thank God for giving me the strength to keep going and showing me through my darkest nights. My family and friends, for letting me dream and pursue my music. All the people and fans who support me everyday and believe in what I'm doing. I also need to thank everyone who came before me and paved the road for me to rap. My boys Alex Flora, Mark X, and Justin for having the faith in me and taking my music to a larger scale. And to the people who I haven't met yet!
Isaac: Final words…
Blest: Don't ever let anybody tell you what your worth is, stay strong, focus, hungry and reach for the sky!!
