RESPECT. Interview: Detroit Rapper Munch Talks Inspiration, Hustle and The Outlawz

Chester Pink

Detroit is one of the big hubs for dope hip hop music in the US. It has continuously produced endless amounts of great rappers including Big Sean, DeJ Loaf, and of course Eminem to name a few. We caught up with one of the hottest, newt rapper’s coming out of the big D, Munch, who has been making waves with his new track based on your favorite sauce, “Sriracha.”

RESPECT.: So Munch, tell us about how you started making music?
Munch: I started making music my freshman year of high school and it haven’t stopped creating since. From writing, recording, and turning tunes into visuals, every aspect of creating music is exciting and I’m beyond blessed to be able to do this for a living.

RESPECT.: How did “Sriracha” come about? What was the process in making the track?
Munch: “Sriracha” was a very natural, organic track that I created on the spot. From finding the production to the song writing to the recording, each aspect of the tune was compiled together during a long, late night session with my engineer Sugar Shad at MAD Studios. After finishing the song, I knew immediately that I needed visuals to really bring the song to life.

RESPECT.: The video looks like a lot of fun! How did you come up with concept?
Munch: It’s funny, the initial concept for the video was me as a sushi chef with my bun rapping. Then, after realizing I probably should go a little more in depth, I decided to take the concept to the next level and show what it’s like for everyday musicians being held back from a day job. The hardest thing as a musician myself is to keep the creativity flowing after working a ten hour shift.

RESPECT.: Who was your musical inspiration growing up in Detroit?
Munch: Growing up near Detroit, I’ve constantly been inspired by hip hop, funk, and techno. Detroit has birthed so many legends – Eminem, Jay Dilla, Aretha Franklin, Kevin Saunderson – it’s hard to not be inspired from a city with such deep history. Nowadays though, the new, youthful scene coming out of Detroit sounds amazing and comes together tastefully.

RESPECT.: Tell us a bit about being mentored by the Outlawz? What was that experience like?
Munch: I worked with the Outlawz, mainly EDI Mean, majorly in the beginning of my career. My old manager happened to have a connection with him and once we were able to get in the studio, we vibed off each others energy. We still keep in contact to this day and my appreciation for the advice that he helped guide me with is through the roof.

RESPECT.: Who is on your top 5 list of artists to work with?
Munch: My top 5 artists I wish to work with are James Blake, Anderson .Paak, SchoolBoy Q, Kaytranada and Disclosure.

RESPECT.: You’ve opened up for some big names like Juicy J. Have you managed to get some good advice from such artists?
Munch: Every major show I’ve done has been a huge learning experience for me in different aspects of my career. The Juicy J show specifically taught me different show-prep protocol (set list, merchandise, etc…) and perfecting my presence on stage. Being comfortable on stage happens over time and sharing the stage with artists that continue to achieve success is definitely helpful.

RESPECT.: Which current artist do you really admire right now and why?
Munch: Right now I really admire James Blake and his ability to take lo-fi sounds and create such intricate soundscapes. His production capabilities along with his voice complement each other so well, I can’t stop listening to his new album The Colour In Anything.

RESPECT.: What is coming up in the near future for Munch?
Munch: In the future, expect a bunch of new stuff from music and visuals to new Munch merchandise as well as a new clothing brand I’m starting called Simple. In terms of keeping up, my website has everything you need to stay up to date with my creative endeavors!