AKNB Artist Watch: Add-2
Seems like Chicago is that spot for ill artists. If you think I’m wrong lets go back, R.Kelly (before the urine allegations), Common & Kanye, just to name a few. Flash forward and enter Add-2. This is one talented emcee/lyricist who can really kick it on the mic. Now it’s your turn to choose to listen. I got the chance to speak with Add-2, and am now happy to add him to the AKidNamedB family of musicians. If you haven’t picked up Add-2′s The Tale of Two’s City Vol. 3 mixtape, it’s about that time.
The Tale of Two’s City Vol.3: The Rise and Fall (Mixtape)
DOWNLOAD HERE!!!
Peep the Interview by clicking “Read more” below
Where did the name Add-2 come from?
The name came from my initials (ADD) and I was 2nd of 3 kids. My father’s reason for giving us those initials was because he wanted us to always “add to” our knowledge, experiences and to everything we have. I see it as growth and I wanted to bring that mantra to hip hop. I want to give something back to the listener.
What’s your writing process like?
I spend a lot of time writing songs, hooks and verses. I usually listen to the beat and see what type of direction it points me in, I’ll freestyle to it to try to find a few different flows and lastly I’ll write lines and lines of ideas. Sometimes it can be 4-5 pages of lines & metaphors and I start piecing them together. Very few times do I write it straight through but I like to take my time to make sure its perfect. I dont know how other rappers write verses in their mind, I swear my memory is too bad for that.
Who have you worked with & who do you want to work with?
I have worked with Twilite Tone who is pioneer in Chicago music, he did some of Common’s early work and just overall great tastemaker. I’ve worked with Donwill of Tanya Morgan and planning to work with VonPea as well. I don’t have too many dream collaborations because I’m a fan of a lot of artist and I’m cool with just admiring their art but I really like Blu, TiRon, Freddie Gibbs and of course Kanye.
So tell me about your project, A Tale of Two’s City. Where was your head at during the recording?
I had a lot of great things going for me career wise but when I first started I had the strange feeling that a personal storm was on its way and sure enough it hit full force. I lost several family members at one time, my girlfriend’s mother passed which was hard because there’s nothing you can do to take the pain away and it hurts because you want them to feel better but you have to just be there for that person. I had a lot of friendships change in a negative way thanks to music and I felt like music would be the thing that would help me ‘Rise’ as far as status goes but I was losing myself in the process. So I called it the ‘The Rise & Fall’
My favorite song on that project is “locker room stories,” how did you choose that concept.
Haha It came from all the times back in high school we use to all trade stories about girls or crazy stuff that happened to us the day before. I felt like it was something that every guy could relate to or has been through. I asked some of my peoples to come through to give it that realism and the guy at the beginning of the song is my best friend Jeremy since 3rd grade.
Which one was your favorite track?
Picking a favorite is like picking a favorite kid, you cant pick one haha. But I’d say Relax, Martin & Gina, Locker Room Stories, Luxury & Superman.
In three words describe who Add-2 is.
Creative, Real, Fun.
If a new supporter wanted to know the track that defines you the most, which one would you tell them to listen to?
Starter Jacket. I think that song gives you good insight into my thought process, my life, my struggle with my religion, my love for family and fun.
Do you jam out to your own music?
No, I dont even like being around people while they listen to my music, it just feels weird. After I record a song and listen to it a few times to check if theres anything wrong I usually never play it again. Plus it helps me keep writing new stuff.
What’s the most important thing an artist needs to have to be successful in this industry?
Patience. As simple as it is sometimes artist can want to be successful so bad it can get in the way of some of the more important aspects of this journey. Sometimes its not meant for us to make it the conventional way, sometimes it takes years, sometimes overnight but we have to be patient and remain diligent so when God deems its time we’ll be prepared.
What is your favorite song of all-time, the one that made you want to pick up the pen?
Jay-z ‘Bring It On’.
If you weren’t rapping what would you be doing?
I would be a teacher maybe somewhere between the grades of pre-school to 6th grade. I would be taking care of others peoples bad ass kids and turning them into assets to society.
Give me a little Add-2 history.
I started out rapping in 6th grade, I didnt really pursue until I was a freshmen in college. I’ve been featured on MTVU, Myspace, URB, Okayplayer, 2Dopeboyz, HipHopDX, Allhiphop, Ballerstatus and many more. I’ve released 3 mixtapes on the internet (Tale Of Two’s City Vol.2 & 3, Coast2Coast Exclusive Mixtape Series) and I’ve been able to accomplish all of this without the help of a manager or publicist.
Any upcoming projects, singles and/or videos we should be on the lookout for?
Right now I’m finishing up my new project titled “Better Days…” and right after that I’m working on Tale Of Two’s City Vol.4. “Better Days..” will be finished very very soon.
Many people would say your most notable lyric in “The Crown” was a shot at Wocka Flocka, what do you say to that?
I couldn’t disagree, a lot of people gave me props for that line and were glad that someone said something. To be clear I dont dislike or hate Wocka, he has his right to express his opinion about how he feels about lyrical rappers the same way I can express mine. I just feel as emcee’s we have to be the one’s to step up for hip hop, for years we’ve let any and everyone do whatever they want with it from the media to the industry. Those of us who really live this culture need to be more vocal and step up.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Honestly I dont know. I just hope that wherever I am I just hope I’m happy.
What ,if any, label would you like to be signed to.
Whichever one treats my music like a priority, has complete faith in my creativity and understand my vision.
Why music?
There honestly isnt anything like it from being on stage to hearing people tell you how your music affected them, its truly a blessing. For those of us who have been so privileged with the gift to speak to people through our art is nothing short of one of the greatest gift from God. We can give people a voice who may not have otherwise been heard. Thats why I try to be as humble as I can be and never take it for granted. I appreciate every aspect of it.
Tell me something I wouldn’t know about you by listening to your music or meeting you for the first time?
I’m a big kid. I like to pull pranks on people. Sometimes when I studio sessions I randomly will sneak in and bomb everyone with $1 cheeseburgers just because. Life is too short so I try to have as much fun as I can with everyone.
What’s the best new blog out there giving people the best in new music, fashion and cool interviews?
The best new blog out right now is Akidnamedb.com, if you dont know already you need to wake ya ass up and tell two friends! Much love