RESPECT. Interview: Celly Bucks Steps Up to the Plate with ‘Gorilla Season’

All photos credit: Martin Cruz for RESPECT.

Moving as silent as most bosses do, Celly Bucks sets the bar just a little higher and raises awareness in Lynn, MA. When listening to Celly, it’s almost as if you’re walking in his shoes through his vivd imagery. Being able to spot an artist that is a natural product of his environment is like finding a diamond in a haystack. Coming from the North Shore, it’s easier said than done when it comes to getting involved in Boston’s music scene. We got a chance to speak to Celly Bucks about the current state in which the North Shore is in.

Get into the interview below.

RESPECT.: Where are you from originally? What sparked your interest in music?

I was born and raised in the westside of Lynn, MA, where I found my interest in music. I got interested in music originally from an early age, but mostly by family — my father and uncle used to surround me with nothing but music. Everyone was always in the studio, so you could say that it was my blood.

RESPECT.: Coming from the North Shore, do you think there is dark cloud hovering over it? Did you think the North Shore is slept on? If so, explain why?

There’s a thunderstorm over here. It’s dark over here with no one looking towards us to even be given a chance. Boston is more of a sport state, so when it comes to music, especially in the North Shore, things tend to take a lot longer to pop-off.

RESPECT.: So you recently dropped your most official tape Gorilla Season…what are your personal favorites off the project?

My favorites have to be “Intro” and “Gorrilla Talk” with OC GainPeso, as well as the “Outro” featuring Johnny Nash. I was already planning the tape out beforehand, taking my time and making sure that I was able to mold the project correctly, specifically with the flow of features.

Celly Bucks

RESPECT.: What does this project mean to you? Was there anything you said on a record that really hit home?

I feel like all my lyrics come from a specific place; all of it real, nothing fake. My main goal is to turn heads with this tape, considering that everyone was doubting me since I didn’t have much music out. Everyone knew I could rap, but with this tape my goal was to prove that I take my craft serious, and aside from that, I won’t be letting my foot off the gas.

RESPECT.: With the tape out, what do you have planned next?

As of right now i’ve been trying to rap-up these videos so we can start booking shows. I’ve been contemplating on dropping a EP around aseven songs and start getting more features and getting into the Boston scene. If i could make it happen id like to collaborate with eitherRosewood Bape, Millyz, Cousin Stizz, & Fasscoupe.

RESPECT.: What is your ritual that you do to get yourself ready to record a record ? How do you go about best selection ?

We getting real high and real smokey. I probably listen to a thousand beats and like ten of them, which makes the process that much longer due to the fact that I’m very picky. If you notice on the tape theres a lot of instrumentals with pianos complemented with hard bass, which in some cases i’d say is my bread and butter.

Celly Bucks wrapping up the interview with Ricky Rosario

RESPECT.: Aside from yourself who else would you consider contenders within the North Shore ?

I don’t think there is any competition but as for contenders I can say that from our area we have artists like Johnny Nash, C Wells, Jimmy Zoe, & OC GainPeso. Theres a lot of artist doing their thing but I’m not really paying attention to anyone else because i know they are paying attention to me. As long as they don’t mention my name in their songs then there wont be any problems.

RESPECT.: What does respect mean for you?

Respect goes hand-in-hand with one of two things: first is your demeanor and second is your movement. If you prove to be a cool person and never showing any weird vibes and always come correct. Respect is the most important thing you can have aside from that you have you’re actions and your word. If they don’t respect you they most definitely aren’t listening to your catalog and if they don’t believe you then they wont respect you.

You can stream Gorilla Season below via Soundcloud.