(NPR): Music discovery is always on the rise in Chicago — Vocalo Radio pioneered the Urban Alternative format, featuring a blend of R&B, hip-hop, soul, dance, jazz and indie-pop sounds, all intentionally Chicago-centric. They were one of the first stations to air artists like Chance the Rapper, Noname and Jamila Woods. Now, other trending stations let us in on 1 Chicago artist that is actually worth your time.
We interviewed QuanF8e (Pronounced “Quan-Foe”) recently about his dedication and urge for mainstream success. Here’s what he had to say:
1. Where are you from?
Chicago, IL West Side Austin area. K-Town & L-Town.
2. Do you remember the first rhyme you wrote?
Yeah, I was like 11 or 12 and my homie Cash, Lamarr & Tyrone helped me a lot. They kind of just started me off with “I rocks the crowd”, then I was like “Can’t nobody bring me down down”, and I’ve been goin hard since.
3. Have you heard the theory that some musicians write their best music while they’re depressed or going through a bad time?
Yeah, I believe that’s true and that’s how I created “suicide”. I actually made a lot of songs that were based off of situations that were going on around me. I’ve had to face death from loved ones and that helped me create and relieved a lot of tension.
4. What’s the best advice you ever received?
F*ck Everybody, meaning stay true to you, what and who you do it for. Even though you have to change in order to grow, always remember you’re the reason you do what you do. I was also told to collaborate with Fendi Da Rappa & 21 Savage and I think that was great advice.
5. What is the most useless talent you have?
I can draw but I never do, so what’s the point. When I was a shorty, I use to always draw Dragon Ball Z character’s but only the Sayians I guess. I felt like they mirrored African Americans.
6. Who do people say you sound like?
Young Thug! “Free Thug”. That’s my favorite rapper because he’s real and his voice is like an instrument. It becomes a part of the beat. I don’t want to be like him though. He’s him and I’m me.
7. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I want to do a song with both Nicki Minaj & Cardi B on the same track. I f**k with both of ‘em.
8. What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
Everything is not for everybody, and you have to respect that.
9. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I wish more artists got on off talent but it’s unfortunately 10% talent, 90% business.
10. Who influenced you most throughout your career?
Drake, because I feel like Wayne made his student pass the master and it’s supposed to be like that. He’s a Goat from the Goat. Also, Lil B because he did this sh** effortlessly and had fun. He didn’t over think it.
Stay up to date with new releases from QuanF8e on the following social platforms:
IG: @QuanF8e
TW: @QuanF8e
