Boston, Ma. artist Ian Sotoloff also known as 1142 got his name in the game during how sophomore year of college in 2014. Sotoloff got introduced to meditation and along with his journey he began seeing the numbers 11 and 42 everywhere he looked and went. So out of curiosity he searched the spiritual meaning of 1142 and to his surprise it was everything I stood for as a person and believed in. 1142 speaks a lot about following our true passions and living our lives in an authentic and mindful manor and being in tune with universal energy and having the faith in your craft that you can manifest anything you put your mind too.
Born on the birthday of hip-hop, August 11, the 25 year old was drawn to hip-hop. The older, wiser, and more knowledgeable he became the more he began to understand the importance of his mission.
Since a young kid, 1142 would study 9th Wonder, Pete Rock, and Dj Premier as he listened closely to the layers of sounds being produced and the affect it had on his spirit and how the relationship between the Dj and the artist was something he wanted to create and manifest for himself.
For the past five years, I have been studying the industry and paying attention to the trends and the only trend that hasn’t hit mainstream hip-hop yet is, spirituality. Since Hip-hop is the largest growing genre of music and the most listened too across the globe, it is only a matter of time before the hip-hop industry understands the value and opportunity they have to make a serious and positive impact on millions of the listeners as well as fans across the globe.
1142’s mission is to bring meditation and mindfulness to the music industry by making all my merchandise created 100 % sustainable as well as work with local artists so he is staying in touch with the community. He has plans and visions to open up healing centers across the country for artists to stop by on tour and recharge their body, mind, and spirits during their hectic tour schedules. 1142 is beyond excited to continue to awaken his listeners through his music and continue to grow and evolve as an artist and entrepreneur.
RESPECT.: Where you from?
1142: Boston, Ma
RESPECT.: When did you first discover music?
1142: I discovered my love for music as a young child but I didnt start creating my own music until around 15.
RESPECT.: Who’s your musical influences?
1142: My musical influences range from just about every genre. I like music that makes you feel something when you hear it for the first time. Sade, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mac Miller, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Joey Bada$$ are a few artist who have sparked my inspiration throughout the years.
RESPECT.: When did you first fall in love with hip-hop?
1142: I fell in love with hip hop the moment I heard Life’s A Bitch by Nas and Sky is the Limit by Notorious BIG. Since then I have been hunting and searching for as much knowledge and wisdom as I can. I spent a lot of my younger days watching hiphop documentaries and reading books on hiphop and poetry. I wanted to make sure that if I ever wanted to become a hiphop artist, I was going to do it right.
RESPECT.: Do you feel you have the music figured out?
1142: I feel like over the years I have networked with some really incredible artists and people in the industry and have gained alot of wisdom. But there is always more to learn and Im hungry to expand my knowledge of hiphop and how this industry works.
RESPECT.: You dropped your latest single “All about it” how is the single shaking the scene?
1142: The single has gotten some good response so far and I believe it will really show people how diverse I am with my sound and how versatile I am with my music. Twin Jude, the other artist on the song is a visionary and has a great ear for music so when he sent me the song years ago I knew it was going to be a hit. It’s great to see everything come together in divine timing.
RESPECT.: What do you bring to the game?
1142: I feel like I bring a lot of the table as an artist. I have been studying hiphop for over 10 years and been building my craft to perfection. I haven’t met many artist like me who are able to freestyle for an hour straight without repeating any lyrics. I haven’t met many artist who still have a deep appreciation for the original four elements of hiphop. I don’t see many artist blending spoken word poetry into hiphop, and the artist who do bring these characteristics to the table are considered the “ Goats “ of hiphop. These are the same characteristics I bring to the table every time I speak about hiphop or speak about my music and how seriously I take this music.
RESPECT.: Who would like to work with in the future?
1142: I would really love to get Lute, Joey Bada$$, and Isaiah Rashad on a song with me. My dream producer to work with would have to be 9th wonder.
RESPECT.: What are your upcoming plans for music?
1142: I have a bunch of music in the vault that I have been sitting on for years that I plan on releasing throughout the rest of this year. All About It is just the tip of the iceberg as far as releasing music goes. I cant wait to flood the internet with everything I have in store.
RESPECT.: What does RESPECT. mean to you?
1142: RESPECT. Can only be appreciated and reciprocated through positive intentions. How am I to respect somebody who has no respect for himself, how is anyone supposed to respect me if I have no respect for myself. RESPECT is something that is gained through consistent actions and built on trust, understanding and love. If I am consistently loving myself and taking care of my mind, body, soul, and spirit and coming from a place of love and light then that type of energy and respect I have for myself will radiate through the other people i come in contact with.
Stream and listen to “All About It” below and stay connected with 1142 here.
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