ANTHM, an up and coming artist based out of NYC, recently took time out to answer a few of our questions and fill us in on who exactly he is and what it is that he does. Check it out below and get to know the young emcee.
Thank you for taking the time out to talk to us today. Let's get right into it. How does a kid that graduated from Duke University, who worked on Wall Street, end up in the Hip-Hop game?
The love for hip hop had been there forever. In a way, I probably wouldn’t have pursued a career in music had it not been for Duke and Wall Street. Duke opened up a lot of doors for me, and made me feel like opportunity was limitless. Wall Street is how I met DG, and I don’t think I would have approached my artist development and being independent the same way had it not been for a well-thought out plan.
When did you decide you wanted to make this your career and what has life been like since that moment?
4 years ago. It was obvious that hip hop was changing, and the point of views and stories being told were becoming more and more diverse. Life has been rewarding, but of course nothing comes easy. The process of tryna grow as an artist alone is one that requires patience. Back in the 90s, they used to sign artists and focus on developing them for the first year or so. That’s what DG and I were focused on. It’s becomes more and more rewarding as you release more music and watch the following grow.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
A balanced body of work that sounded good. Making thoughtful shit that resonates. Creativity.
Who is the team behind ANTHM or do you do all of this by yourself?
DG & Amoeba Music Group, our independent label.
Who are you listening to right now? Who are your influences?
Recent releases, I like Yeezus & The Gifted. My influences are Pac, Kanye and Jay.
What motivates you daily?
Music ages at a rapid rate, new artists pop up everyday. But regardless of how much content is out there, I see many examples where consistency and thoughtful strategy pay off. I know the work is not in vain, and I know the music we plan on sharing will be heard. So we work like we know it.
I see you are performing at A3C this year. What are you looking forward to the most about that experience
Connecting with existing fans and making new ones. Just being around the energy really. Ain’t nothing like performing for people who are excited to discover new artists.
What is something no one knows about you outside of music that we would be surprised to find out?
I am the first rapper to ring the NASDAQ stock market bell. Winter of 2009 the President of Duke University hit me up to ring the closing bell with him. It was cool because they had my picture up in Times Square. I felt like that Jay line “IPO Hov, no need to reverse merger!”
What's next for you?
Videos for The Fire Next Time and my next release this fall.
We really appreciate your time. We'll be sure to look out for those and we are looking forward to seeing you at A3C!
Follow ANTHM on twitter and make sure you check out his music!
