Swank Up Next 🚀
When you think of North Carlina, what comes to mind? A lot may say nothing, but honest one of the greatest Emcees to ever do it came from NC...J COLE! Cole can easily go toe to toe with any rapper in the industry and make it look easy. NC doesn't really have too many like him, but this next guy is definitely someone to watch out for. He goes by the name of "Swank" and his story is pretty dope.
INTERVIEW BELOW:
1. What's your stage name.
"My stage name is Swank" 2. How long have you been doing music?
"I've been involved with music my entire life, but as far as putting out music and projects going on 6 years now." 3. What inspired you to start making music?
"My father passed when I was 13 and at the time I didn't know how to talk about it or express myself so I just started writing my thoughts down. That eventually turned into poetry, which later on turned into rapping." 4. Who do you look up to in the music industry? Why?
"I would say that I look up to Jay-Z and J. Cole the most. Jay because of his growth, achievements, his story, and the impact he had on my life musically at a young age. Cole because He's probably the most successful rapper to date from North Carolina. Watching him evolve has been amazing as well. Both of these guys keep me motivated." 5. Where are you from? What was it like growing up there?
"I'm from Littleton, North Carolina (252). Man its crazy where I'm from. We have NOTHING, but we manage to get by. Its very separated as far as race and socioeconomic status. All the people who are struggling live in the same area and everyone who is well off live in the same area unless you have moved. Its a lot of love but also a lot of hate and jealousy because no one really makes it from where I'm from." 6. What is your ultimate goal makinng music?
"My ultimate goal is to change lives man. I want to be an example to everyone watching me. I want people to not be afraid to chase their dreams and do what they love. I feel like dreams are slowly dying. People feel its so much easier to take the safe way and work a miserable job just to pay bills until they die. I refuse to believe that's what we were put on this earth for, there has to be more to life than going to school, getting a job, work for 30 years, retire, then die." 7. What do you think of the music scene today and what could you contribute to it?
"I feel like the music scene today is thriving there's a lane for everyone who's creative. I feel like I provide honesty and dope lyricismvwhich is somewhat of a rarity when it comes to what the vast majority of our generation listens to." 8. What are your thoughts on Trump?
"Man I try not to get too much into politics because it never ends well but I will say this, this country has been taking advantage of those less fortunate since the beginning of its existence. Years and years of hatred and violence. If you keep pouring water into a glass eventually it'll overflow and I think thats where we are now." 9. Do you have any celebrity crushes? If so, who? 👀
"Man I've been crushing on Sanaa Lathan since love and basketball. I know she like 20 years older than me but if this rap thing take off I might have a chance. lol" 10. Where can the people find your music? (Drop all social media links)
Here are all the links to my music ! IG: @swank252Twitter: @swank_25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Z_H21kLvA 11. As the new year approaches, where do you see yourself in 2018?
"In 2018 I see myself as a better version of the person I am now. Constantly learning, working, and progressing."