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Mark Spratley Talks Influencing Hip Hop Culture For The Future Of Tomorrow

Brittany Burton — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:10:05 +0000

Mark Spratley Talk Impacting Hip Hop Culture

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By: Mark Spratley

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By: Mark Spratley

Marketing specialist and Hip Hop influencer Mark “Sprat” Spratley is impacting the future of tomorrow’s music through his genius marketing skills. I had the pleasure of catching up with the hot shot for candid interview. As he graciously discusses finding his place in the music industry, working with SXSW and founding his own label, Sprat is becoming one of the hottest influencers in the game.

Checkout the interview below.

Mark Spratley Interview

Respect: How did you get your start in the entertainment business?

Sprat: I was at ECU, going for marketing/business and to be honest unsure of what I wanted to do career wise. School and the vision of a 9-5 job was never in the equation for me.

I never was the social media type. The kids I was actually living with at ECU (College) had me create a Twitter etc. for the first time. Fresh Moss had a project called New Jersey Drive that knocked back in high school. I tweeted out “What the hell happened to Fresh Moss?” or something of the sort. Fresh Moss seen that, saw my knowledge of music and sent a DM to get to work.

LVLYSL was just formed, and I came on board while still at school. I started putting my life into the music then. I did a lot of “intern” work for them, I suppose you would say, but without the “intern” label. I think they gave me some BS label like “Music Consigliere” lol.

I was doing any and everything to another level from blog work, beginning PR work, connecting new fans, growing all social media, growing the Soundcloud, connecting with artists, growing the Twitter and connecting dots on all ends. All this allowed me to learn many different facets that I still use to this day.

I knew my worth and it was time for me to move on, from there I branched out on my own. I tapped in with my own artists and started to open a lot of doors through that, started blogging for a lot of major platforms at the time, just started my PR wave, really started developing the brand, foundation and network.

My first ever event was Capital Steez last event ever smh, RIP!!! We had Underachievers, Joey BadA$$ and Steez out before they all officially blew up.

My first ever SXSW event (My 2nd show ever) was the inaugural Legally Loud event, I partnered with DJ Enuff x Hot 97 and brought out out Post Malone, G Pen and many other talented and popping artists + brands at the time.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind founding Starting Five?

Sprat: If you all were paying attention from the jump you know I use to be “Special Executive” and ran it up with that for the beginning of my career. I unfortunately came in and formed the company with a friend that turned out to be a bummy partner that didn’t take anything too serious. The guy basically ran off with the company, deleted my email, ran off with LoudPackLegion.com domain, hacked all my social media accounts and more. That was a HUGE wake up call for me, from there I created Starting Five and the marathon obviously still continues.

Starting Five is the elite. The work ethic and vision is championships. If you are comfortable playing off the bench or moving like you belong on the bench, we are not the same or here for you. Starting Five is an empire currently in creation mode. The foundation has been laid as you all can see, I’ve put in the work, I have accomplished a lot, learned a lot, and now it is go time! Starting Five is a full service in house label, offering distribution, marketing, everything you need in any means and so much more.

Starting Five is getting the attention of a lot of your favorite labels right now for imprints and the talks are starting to make sense. Be on the lookout for that!

More of the Starting Five vision and inspiration will lay out over time as everything else transpires. The vision is bigger than you think, something the public eye will see over time.

Respect: Who are some of the artists you are working with and trying to make a big push for?

Sprat: I refreshed my whole roster not too long ago. I had to re gain focus, the right people around me, motivation, positive energy and remove any that were becoming leeches.

Pre Kai Ro is one of the latest artists of Starting Five, he’s a superstar (Out of Egypt). pre is rising heavily right now, the sound speaks for itself, a lot of moves are in store and the wave is only getting larger. Recently charting on Apple Music’s “Hot Tracks” a few weeks ago, a record with 24HRS out, last single almost at 700K off Spotify, Youtube audio at 1.9 million off “Cold”, I also think I’m in the clear to announce that he will be on B Lou upcoming “BOW” project.

Beyond that I am finalizing up paperwork with a few other TALENTED artists that I am about to shake the game up with for sure. Keeping those names pretty low key right now. The machine is here, so I’m back in my bag for sure.

Working and connecting dots with Sonny Digital, DDG, B Lou and many more. My PR game is going crazier than ever so I’m always working campaigns with many others and helping to connect dots etc.

Respect: What advice would you give an up and coming artist looking to become a mainstream artist?

Sprat: Polish your sound (A good mix goes a long way), continue to learn and develop. I can’t stress enough for an artist to go hard for themselves, you should be one of your biggest promoters, managers, A&R’s, PR’s etc. If you won’t go hard for yourself, how can you ever expect another person to go even harder for you?

Just remember when you are reaching out to people within the industry or just in life, to always come correct, know what you want, bring something to the table and be on point. One of the MAJOR faults of an artist is that they love to waste peoples time. Time is valuable especially for someone who is truly working and busy! Your artistry and name is a business at the end of the day, move appropriately.

Respect: What’s your experience like having a showcase takeover SXSW?

Sprat: It’s been a blessing! People really think that I am from Texas because of how I takeover that whole week, but I am actually from New Jersey haha. It is even a greater feeling to know that what I’ve done is being respected, especially from people who are paving the way within Texas. From the major shows to the mansion parties its been pretty interesting!

I’ve experienced so many memorable moments in my brief time within the industry and on the event side. I’ve crossed paths and have got to work with so many iconic people and talented stars, many from the early stages of their career or rise through putting together these events.

To bring Post Malone, Russ, Lil Baby, Rich The Kid, PNB Rock, A Boogie, Lil Yachty, 2 Chainz, Sonny Digital, Mike Will, Metro Boomin, Moneybagg Yo, Lud Foe, Ralo, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Lil Xan, Lil Mosey, Megan Thee Stallion, Ugly God, DDG, Comethazine, Quando Rondo, Maxo Kream and so many more out that I could keep going and going. The crowds energy and appreciation is what’s most special, the artists I bring out or the media that covers my events is just more validation for not only my ear but the fact that I really do this!

To bring out some of the legends who paved the way as well is epic to me (Artists that I grew up on during my childhood). That’s a great feeling! The fact that I even have that type of platform or access to these people that I grew up listening to or seen from afar is still crazy to me.

I am really doing these events all by myself and fully involved with every aspect of the events, shows or parties. From the curation, major artists showing out, hosts, influencers involved, major sponsors, activations, the crowd, sound, equipment, locations, security, marketing, special guests, set up and everything you could think of, I’m involved fully. We have had same day venue changes, mansion changes and all types of foolery, but at the end of the day the job gets done and the people are happy!

I am just having fun out there and during the whole curation process. The curation aspect is certainly the most exciting part about everything. I stay way too busy out there during the events to really enjoy myself and the events as much as I should. It’s a stressful week because each and every year I have done everything pretty much solo, but it’s all worth it at the end of the week!

I have created a staple out there with Legally Loud, LVLUP, the mansion parties etc. Obviously we created some legendary moments with the 40oz Bounce out there as well. I’ve started a lot of waves out there at SXSW and have given the template for many to follow suit. People that have worked my events are now branching out to do there thing and get in their bag, it’s dope.

What are you currently working on?

Sheesh! Starting Five, Pre kai ro, PR for many, a new roster, this empire, talking S5 imprints, loads of content, multiple new channels (Stay tuned), shopping records, expanding these events. I’ve got a few things about to drop in the next 1-3 weeks that I’m very excited for, expect a whole lot.

Right now you all can definitely tune into my New Day, New Wave playlists across all DSP’s. I run the Spotify playlist on a Times Square, NY billboard bi weekly.

As he continues to shake up the music business and push out high quality content, be sure to subscribe to his youtube channel here.

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INTERVIEW: RESPECT. Talks with Rapper Fresh Moss

RESPECT. Staff — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 04:48:36 +0000

Let’s take a step back in time. The year is 2008. No, it was 2009; 4/20 to be exact. I was hanging out in the computer lab of the residential building I stayed at during my time at Saint Peter’s College. For some reason or another, I landed on a review for Asher Roth‘s first album Asleep in the Bread Aisle. Mind you, at this point, I really didn’t pay any mind to reviews; I liked to form my own opinions with out any optional outside influences. Before I even had the chance to read the first sentence of said review, the dude sitting next to me turned to me and asked, “Hey, how’s that Asher Roth album?” Now, I never really interacted with this guy while at SPC, but I knew him as the dude who you could catch freestyling around campus. Even with his obvious interest in music, I was thrown off by his genuine interest to hear about some rando’s opinion and I answered with a confused, “I don’t know?” As simple of an interaction as it was, that moment stuck out to me for some reason. It could have been the fact that I thought my confusion could have been misconstrued for intended rudeness or the fact that I was amazed there were actually people who gave a fuck about music reviews. Most likely, it was the latter.

Since then, a lot has changed: the college has turned into a university, I ended up finding the value in reading music reviews through writing them as a journalist, and that psychology/sociology major from the computer lab is now known for much more than just being that dude who freestyles in the quad.

Fast forward six years later, rapper Fresh Moss has released seven projects, joined the hip hop collective LVLYSL alongside fellow Newark native Neako, and is getting his own music reviewed on various outlets. Now with his latest EP Mirage Island out, the Jersey-bred artist took the time to talk with RESPECT. about building off of his following, possible OVO affiliations, gaining television production credits, and moving past creative blocks, amongst other topics.

RESPECT. Magazine: While you were in college, you definitely still managed to keep up with rhyming. Was college your back-up plan or was it meant to supplement your career as an artist?

Fresh Moss: College wasn’t a back-up plan; it was a part of my plan. I was the first male in my family, at the time, to go college so that was very important. I actually liked school and I had a academic scholarship. Honestly, I went too because I wanted to educate myself more. Ironically though, college did supplement my career as a artist. If I hadn’t went, I don’t know if I would’ve made it this far.

RM: I’ve heard about how hard it is to get a hold of Neako. How did you end up linking with him and being a part of the same collective, LVLYSL?

FM: We’re from the same city and knew the same people. During that time, I just was starting to make noise and didn’t wanna stagnate my career, but I didn’t have a team or help from anybody that knew about the blogs or underground hip-hop scene. The only person I saw with real traction was Neako. He was doing his thing. A close friend of mine put me on to him. I reached out, we worked on a record, and stayed in contact after that. Two weeks later, he was going to perform on tour with Wiz [Khalifa] at the last show on his Green Carpet tour. I got invited to go, we had a great time, and the rest is history after that.

RM: Who do you look towards or what resources do you utilize for motivation?

FM: Honestly, I look towards myself for motivation. I’ve only been around since 2010, but I’ve accomplished, experienced, and seen a lot in the last five years. You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it; I’m a testament to that. I can’t even count how many times I’d say I’d be a rapper or I’d write for this person or I’m a do this and do that and then these things actually happen. I, also, use being overlooked as motivation. I do everything myself: from planning to investing in my own career. I feel like I’m the true definition of a DIY artist. A successful one at that, but I don’t get the credit I deserve.

RM: Recently, you’ve been dabbling in television production. Specifically, I heard you wanted to work with Adult Swim and we’ve all seen what that platform has done for Tyler the Creator and Odd Future. What are you looking to contribute to the network?

FM: Adult Swim is on my things to do list. I have a few ideas that I wish I could elaborate more on but then my ideas would get stolen before I’ve even gotten a chance to implement them.

RM: Based on your social media accounts, one might conclude there are hints being thrown out of an OVO affiliation. Do you have anything in the works with that camp?

FM: Roy Woods, OVO’s latest signee, is a good friend of mine, him and the entire OVOUTU camp. I was recently in Toronto with them when I was working on Mirage Island. Nothing is currently in the works as of right now. I just support my friends and they support me.

RM: When you hit a creative wall or feel like you’re plateauing in your career, how do you change things up to change your situation and energy?

FM: Usually if I can’t think it’s because I’m thinking too much so I get on the highway and just drive. Being involved with TV production and working with different networks helps because there’s a constant flow of creativity for me to draw from at all times.

RM: With your latest release Mirage Island, what kind of impression or vibe were you looking to have listeners walk away with from the project?

FM: Mirage Island is a reflection and collections of thoughts that I condensed into seven songs. I wanted to give listeners a diverse project and insight into how I was feeling at that time about life, music, and the world.

RM: What does success look like to you, career-wise?

FM: Success is accomplishing your aim or purpose. If you’re able to do what you love and you’re able to make a living off of it then, to me, that’s success.

RM: Considering the landscape of music today, would you be ok with simply having a huge following and being able to eat off of their support (i.e. album sales, merch, booked performance, etc.) versus being signed to a major label, getting radio spins, and being a household name?

FM: To a certain degree because, as artists, you can only manage so much. Your team can only manage so much. With that being said, it’s up to what your goals are. Every artist wants to be [a] household name. You don’t have to sign to a label to necessarily do that. The following I have now allows me to earn a decent income at the moment, but if I’m the one investing all of the money and I want to become bigger, I’m going to need to expand fast and efficiently. A lot of the time, the only way to do that is through a label, fashion, or endorsements, but I’ve found another way that’s been effective for me especially being [an] independent artist at the moment and that’s television!

For more on Fresh Moss, check out his official site.

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New Video: Fresh Moss – “How It Goes”

Haleema Khan — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:45:37 +0000

Fresh Moss drops off the music video for “How It Goes.” This is off his new project Mirage Island which is out now. In the music video catch Fresh taking a drive through New Jersey as he performs his smooth record. The 7-track project includes production and guest features from Kashis, 94 Stonez, Tripsixx, Omari Jabari and more. Watch the video below and stream his EP Mirage Island after the jump.

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New Music: Dimillio – “All The Time” Feat. Fresh Moss

RESPECT. Staff — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:37:19 +0000

Dimillio’s latest offering comes with the release of “All The Time.” This new single carries a feature from Fresh Moss as well. These two come together to provide us with a solid single. Check it out.

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Fresh Moss Is Feeling “Hunger Pains”

RESPECT. Staff — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 23:16:20 +0000

Fresh Moss is a shining talent out of Newark, New Jersey & his most recent release comes with “Hunger Pains.” As an independent artist, he encounters plenty of obstacles but he continues to find a way & make sure he stays on top of his game. Listen to his lyrical tale here & stay tuned for much more to come.

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Respect Magazine’s Unsigned Spotlight – Series 4

RESPECT. Staff — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 18:31:54 +0000

Independent artists keep music exciting & always remind us that there is so much talent in the world. Nowadays it is easy to get swamped with all the mainstream music that is out & you often forget to take time out to discover some new sounds that’s where Unsigned Spotlight comes in. Sundays at Respect Magazine will now be dedicated to giving Unsigned artists the spotlight & showcasing their talents. These artists will come from all over the country & have various backgrounds but all their music will be unique in a way as they pave the way for the next wave of music. Enjoy!

1. Wordsmiff – (@_WordSmiff_)

Coming out of New York, Wordsmiff comes with strong delivery & plenty of bars at all times. Wordsmiff carries the ability to switch up between conscious records & can also have fun with his music. The talented lyricist has constantly been releasing good music & continues to show us the extent of his artistry.

1. What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

My biggest goal is just to expand my sound and fan base. I try not to set too many goals and just let things flow organically, because everything we do is grassroots. Takes a little longer that way. As long as I keep creating and marketing how I am, the music will get me where I need to be. If I ever hit a wall, I’ve always adjusted and got around it to move forward. With all that being said, as I said before, the goal is to simply expand the fanbase and sound. Probably try some new things and switch the live show up. Really just tweaking the small things so that when the big things happen I’m prepared for it.

2. What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

The message I want to give the listeners is just to not let people box you in. I may not say the message directly in my music all the time, but if you pay attention I live it. I do so many things sonically that people aren’t sure what to categorize me as. Which to me, is perfect. I’ve lived most of my life boxed in by outside expectations. I’m just trying to show you can get anywhere you want to be if that’s what you’re passionate in. Regardless of what your parents, friends, coworkers, and love ones say, do you. I’m promoting positive thinking, living life however YOU see fit and just showing the world how fuckin dope you are. Fuck it. Utilize every tool, talent, or passion you have.

3. How would you describe your own sound?

I think I got ahead of myself that last question because that kind of wraps it up, but I’d describe it as whatever you want to hear. I make music for everybody so its hard to describe my sound. I have that classic hip hop sound, then I have that neo soul sound, I have a little trap, and I have the modern sounding records so it all depends. I write how I’m feeling and I’m someone in tune w/ the people so I feel everything. It’s a gift and curse, but it helps me write any type of record, so you never know what you’re going to get. Just always expect bars. I take pride in the pen. So, expect well crafted verses every time. I always make sure I have something witty or some kind of wordplay or flow. Way to describe my sound to sum it all up.. think a mix of Fergie and Jesus, basically

4. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

Biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I have to focus on myself and my purpose and never lose that. I’m here to tell the story for my people that don’t have the voice to, thats either in prison, in the grave, or in the street. I lost sight of that with the whole “People are underrating me” thought process. I had to ask myself “Are you here for the culture or the recognition?”. From that point on, it’s just been about putting out the best product I can for the fan base and to expand the fan base. People like what I do and like it for a reason. The talent is there, the drive is there, and the music is there. It’s about standing tall in my purpose and providing some dope music to the people. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned. My path is mine for a reason. Embrace it, appreciate it, and keep working constantly.

2. Kelow – (@SuperKelow)

Kelow comes out of D.C. with a great sound & her own style. The female lyricist brings us an abstract sound as she is able to play with various elements & switch up flows. She’s been steadily picking up traction as she continues to show off her originality.

1. What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

I wanna make moves !!! Skurrrrrr lol but seriously I wanna make big moves change my life and lives for the better; learn more than I did in 2014 & share the jewels of life with my listeners I’m not even gon swell I got content and I got a lot of crank coming this year. See my mind is already evolving A whole new revolutionary crank is coming now constant work.

2. What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

To be great you must be grateful; fuck all that ova nonsense feed your faith and starve your doubt
know That knowledge & Good energy is key!!! I wanna make you smile. Music now days just lacks and is sad as fuck! Like who wants be sad tho moe lls.

3. How would you describe your own sound?

Like a gramma ray in our outer space a beautiful organic bright COLORFUL explosion

4. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

Always make more n more I can’t be afraid to push creativity and try something unusual when we’re / (I’m) changing and evolving everyday by the hour sec mines and your story/perspective changes evolves grows switches but someone in this universe will relate from something old new or soon to come
The more I create the more I’ll reach .

3. Jay Bel – (JayxBel)

Meet Jay Bel. The Brooklyn artist comes with a sound that is fresh & original. With elements of Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, & more, the SleeperCamp emcee has set himself apart with his artistry. As he continues to grow it will be great to see how he continues to push the limits of his sound.

1. What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

The biggest goal that i hope to accomplish in 2015 is to be heard, to be acknowledged as more than just a rapper, basically to express that we’re the creatives of the future.

2. What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

Be yourself. Aim for being the best version of yourself possible. You never know what your capable of.

3. How would you describe your own sound?

I’d describe it as like a new atmospheric groove-rap thing, definitely fresh in many aspects and mad fuckwithable. Puts you in my zone almost.

4. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

I’ve learned that you cant run around playing everybody your unreleased shit sometimes lol, it’ll get copied whether on purpose or inadvertently eventually if someone likes it enough.

4. Fresh Moss – (@Fresh_Moss)

From New Jersey, Fresh Moss is a talented emcee that has mastered releasing original content in creative ways & continues to expand on his artistry. Fresh Moss carefully curates all his releases & has a hand in every step of the process. Doing this has set him apart & has helped him to be able to fully show us his creativity. With plenty of new material on the way, Fresh Moss is set to have a good year.

1. What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

My biggest goal of 2015 is to keep my music as diverse as possible. As an artist, I feel like it’s important to remain creative in order to maximize my growth and success.

2. What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

I need my listeners to be able to understand me and my craft. Since I am an independent artist, I would like for my listeners to not just enjoy the music but realize through hard work and grit, anything is possible. It hasn’t been easy to gain what I have already accomplished and I’m nowhere near done, but life is a challenge. In order for me to take that challenge head-on, I have to take those risks.

3. How would you describe your own sound?

It’s difficult to classify my sound because I represent all types but being a fan of music, my sound is a mixture of all genres, not just hip-hop.

4. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

I’ve been doing music since I was 11, so I’ve learned quite a few lessons. My biggest takeaways would be to be patient, take your time, persevere through the hardships, practice your craft, and cultivate your sound. When that happens, I believe there’s no doubt in being able to increase your success

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Fresh Moss Drops “Skinny Fresco Vol. 3”

RESPECT. Staff — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:33:15 +0000

Fresh Moss gives us the 3rd volume of his Skinny Fresco mixtape series. Packed with 10 tracks, Skinny Fresco features production from 2DZ, Lex Luger, PurpDogg, & Champion. These producers give Fresh Moss pounding, bass-heavy production that allows him to show the growth of his sound quite well. The New Jersey talent is 3 for 3 & continues to make a name for himself. Tune in.

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