It's a hot summer Friday afternoon and things are calm in the BlackPlanet.com headquarters in New York City. There are a few short minutes before the August Artist of the Month Feature, LEVI SMITH, calls in and gives us some insight on who he is and what is he really about. That's right, we're about to interview him and see what this young star-on-the-rise has on his mind read on:
BP: How does it feel to be selected out of thousands of talented Emerging Artists on BlackPlanet.com to be 'Artist of the Month'? Have you ever been featured before?
If feels great I'm basically like in shock but yea, it's cool. I actually feel honored.
BP: Have you ever been featured anywhere before?
No, not yet this is my first feature, and I'm excited about it.
BP: Tell us where you are from and how long have you been working on getting your music career off the ground?
I grew up in Roosevelt, Long Island. I got started with my music in the 7th grade not really taking it too serious back then. Then a friend of mine got a home studio and we really started getting into it. We noticed that our music was actually good and so here we are. I got discovered by V belle Entertainment who is not helping me with promotions and getting my career off the ground. Its pretty cool a lot of doors are opening.
BP: The music industry is a tough industry to crack when you are working your way to the top. Which artists that have inspired you to continue striving?
Umm there are a few artists that inspire me. One artist would be lil Weezy, Kanye West, Jay-Z, of COURSE my man BIGGIE (R.I.P)
BP: You've got a lot of hot songs about various topics. What inspires you when you are writing those hits of yours? Do you write all your own music?
Yes, I do write all of my own music. I'm inspired by my own life experiences and others around me. Learning is my inspiration The beat basically "talks" to me when I have the mic in my hand depending on how the beat feels to me; I just know what to say. So basically, it all depends on the beat.
BP: Do you also do shows and perform?
Yup I'm actually doing a few shows in the month of August and a few in the Month of September. I' m gonna call out this one particular show @ Amazura in Queens, NY on Sep. 6th .come check me out!
BP: So it looks like you are going to have a busy month!
Yea, basically I try to keep myself out there and do as many as I can just to get out there, you know.
BP: Have you faced any obstacles or adversity that you had to overcome so far?
Yea One think that I had to deal with was when I was dealing with performing and like juggling my time with my new music ventures managing my time was harder than I thought. I recently graduated from H.S so you know how that goes
BP: How would you categorize your genre of Hip Hop?
Well, I'm really versatile. My music is what everyone can relate too. I wouldn't say I'm gangsta at all because everyone can't relate to the streets.
BP: What do you do in your spare time when you aren't recording in the studio what do you like to do? Do you have any other talents or occupations?
I just like to kick back, relax, and watch family guy (he laughs). As far as talents, I'm a songwriter, a pretty good R&B songwriter. And I haven't quit my day job as of yet, I work at Bed Bath & Beyond.
BP: What type of gear are you rockin' these days?
I'm rocking a pair of Nike SB's Crooks, Paper Denim, Maybe a V-neck and a fitted to match. As long as the kicks are fresh the kicks GOTTA be fresh!!
BP: What's in your iPod?
Right now, I listen to Usher, Lil Wayne (C3), ME, Lloyd is good too, Ryan Leslie, Kanye West, Nas....ummm, who else? I just bought an album yesterday but forgot who's it is OH YEA, I'm buggin' it was G-unit!
BP: What's the last movie that you saw?
THE DARK NIGHT - and it was the best movie I ever saw in my life!
BP: You think it was better than the Matrix?
Hell yea! It was the BEST EVER
BP: I see so, I'm sure the ladies are wondering this one - Do you currently have a girlfriend?
Ummm...No, nobody special right now. I'm single, so if anyone wants to hit me up you know where to find me . I can also be found on online @ www.myspace.com/levivb
BP: Um I'm DEF not supposed to be promoting myspace, but for you (since you are our feature!) I'll do it lol So, Are there any projects that you are currently working on? What are your plans for 2008?
Promotion. Promotion. Promotion. I'm just trying to get my name out there and make sure the quality of my music is good My plans are the future is to BECOME THE FUTURE!
BP: I see so that seems to be your vision here. Well we appreciate you taking the time out to speak to us today. You have a bright future in front of you! Any last shout-outs or final words for your fans, future fans, friends, or family?
Basically, I just want everyone to keep listening and keep watching. If you are supporting me -THANKS for the support...
BE THE FUTURE ~ Levi
