What’s Good Everyone?! Today, Hip Hop Hundred is back with a new interview! This one goes out to an artist who is aiming to make a big impact on the world through music. His name is Brey; and although he’s still new to the game, his music is powerful. With messages of positivity and growth; matched with the realities of pain and progress; Brey expresses strength, creativity, and an undeniable talent for his craft. Which is why I can definitely see big things for happening for him in the future. Get to know more about this artist on the rise, and check out some of his music below. Be on the lookout for more from Brey in the near future, and as always Stay Positive!
1.Where are you from?
I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona – I moved to Maryland almost ten years ago and have been living here ever since. Definitely would say I was raised in Maryland, this area has shaped who I am and the music I make.
2. How did you get into music? Who were some of your influences?
I went to a Wale show at 930 club back in like 2010. I was 14 at the time and just kind of dabbling in production, or trying to at least. I remember standing in that crowd just completely enamored by the performers on stage. I looked up at these guys and new that’s what I wanted to do with my life from that point on. That night really shaped how the next four years of my life would go.
3. Your music is very uplifting, and you seem to have a story to tell. Where does it come from?
I think the uplifting aspect of my music comes from the fact that I have always felt like somewhat of an underdog. I feel like I’m on a constant mission to show people “Hey, I’m here and I’m making great records.. And I want you to be a part of the movement I’m creating.” Beyond that, I just want to make music that makes you feel like you can go do anything you want in this world. Because, you can and that’s the damn truth.
In all honesty, my story hasn’t really been told yet, and I think that’s where there is kind of a disconnect between my music and my brand is. It’s like, you look at me on YouTube and it’s easy to assume I’m a “White” rapper with no story to create real substance. Rather, I’m actually a mixed race kid (white & black), and I’ve been through a ton of shit in my 18 years of life, some of it pretty rough. If you go back and listen to some of these records I’ve done in the past, I think the story began to take shape.. But I only hit the tip of the iceberg. So, song by song, brick by brick, and with interviews like this I know it will all come together and people will get it.
4. Do you have a plan, or any goals you want to get out of the “music industry”?Or do you want to just make music, and see what happens?
Well, my main focus right now is making records that connect with people. Songs that people can come back to because it means something to them. It’s like, the single I just dropped “All Said & Done” most people would hear it and be like “Psshh nothing special.. Just another turn up record” but that record actually has so much depth and meaning if you really think about the concept of “How do I want to remembered after I’m long gone?” – none of my records are one layer. You gotta dig to really get it.
In terms of plans, I’ve kind of kept it open because things have changed so much in the last 6 months. It’s tough when you have so much happening behind the scenes and nothing to really show for it up front yet. But it’s starting to emerge to the surface.
Currently, I work with a great guy named David Perl over at Hollywood Records and he’s been guiding my career. We met on another project and he’s kind of become like a father figure to me in all honesty. His 30 years of industry experience is invaluable, and to be able to text a major exec every morning and ask for advice whenever is such a blessing, a lot of people don’t get that in the stage I’m in right now. So shout to David Perl because he has real talk changed my life.
Right now the team and I are just getting all this music together and figuring out how we are really going to launch the Brey brand. I want everything to be right when it really drops so people can seriously get behind it and support. I think “All Said & Done” was the first big step in the right direction. In the coming months I think we are going to really surprise people with what we come out with and how we do it.
All I want from this industry is to have made a name for myself on great records and great content that people genuinely loved and cared about. I want to affect the world and inspire people with what I’m doing! I’ve seen the industry up close and a lot of these cats are in it for the wrong reasons, so all the right ones are what keeps me going.
5. What do you want to accomplish personally in life?
I want to be known for doing something better then mediocre, and I want to contribute as much as I can to forward progress, whether it’s in music or something else… I think one of our biggest downfalls as a society is that were so programmed to just play it safe. I want kids 20 years from now reading this interview to be like “damn, he actually was able to accomplish this shit. Maybe I can too!” When you’ve made people feel that way about themselves because of something you did/created – that’s success, to me at least.
6. Any new music/shows happening soon?
Of course! New music is definitely on the way. I have a project that is yet to be announced coming very soon. And a full length LP entitled “Genesis” coming out Q4 of 2014.
As far as shows go, I hope to be on the road a lot this year. God willing, I will be back on tour this summer.
7. Anything else you would like to add?
If you’re reading this right now. Follow your dreams whole heartedly, and never ever give up. Push all of the BS aside and keep moving, get to where you see yourself being!
First of all, shout out to Hip Hop Hundred for doing this interview with me. It’s means the world and I appreciate this good look x a million.
Shout out to George Copeland for literally changing my entire life this past 6 months. Also big shout out to Chris Pressey and David Perl for believing in me when no one else would. And HUGE shoutout to Chris P. who has stuck with me though everything and been my support when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Also, big ups to my mans June “Savage” Brone for being loyal, and getting shit done for me so early on in my career. There’s a ton of other names I want to get to but those are just the most relevant in my current situation right now, but I send a sincere thank you to everyone who is supporting me and continues to do so.
Thank You.
