Georgia, by way of the ATL, has been the most dominant state in hip hop’s southern region for a long time. Badd Newz is not only carrying its neighboring state, Alabama, on his back, he’s looking to open doors for his fellow native artists.
Prior to music, you were an exceptional athlete. What was the deciding factor in your change of interest?
Yes, I was a great athlete coming up as a kid. I always loved listening to music, but after high school I realize that I didn’t want to attend College, so I got with a friend of mine and started to seriously pursue a career in hip hop.
Do you feel that Alabama’s music scene is overlooked when it comes to hip hop?
Yes, Alabama has always been overlooked because of the movement going on with our folks in Atlanta. Doe B., rest in peace, had us in the door of the music industry until he got murdered. Now, artists like Yung Blue got them watching acts from Alabama again. So, we are going to keep pushing hard to make things official for my state and the 334.
In what ways does your forthcoming project differentiate from your debut?
My personal and artistic growth and I have a powerful team behind my movement. Lil Boyz Entertainment makes sure everything is mastered and registered to really set a foundation for my music because before I signed with them, it was all about making music and not really focused on that industry stuff. I just wanted to focus on my creativity.
You have received several regional awards for your music, how do you feel about the love you receive elsewhere?
There’s nothing like getting support from hometown and your own people, but to get that same love from other cities and states adds another vibe and feeling to the whole “being an artist” movement. You think that just because you are at home that friends and family doing most of the supporting until you hit that road and strangers are showing that same love. It’s a blessing.
Should artists amass a hometown following first or is it easier to blow up elsewhere first?
Your hometown following is going to always be the last to really believe in your movement. They support from a distance until they see others cities start to recognize your movement then it kind of makes it all official. After that, things start to fall in place.
What kind of beats do you look for when recording?
My beats are picked according to how feel and depending on my mood that day. The song is going to reflect that vibe. This is how you make real authentic music.
So many regions are often overlooked when it comes to mainstream music, what advice do you offer now that you have received national recognition?
My advice is to keep grinding and pushing your music. I will get on any stage at any chance that comes my way. Whether it’s two or two thousand people in the crowd. I just keep performing to get my music heard by anyone that will listen. Also, you need to have a strong team behind you. You are not going to make it in the music industry by yourself. Once you get those things in place, the rest will take its course.
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