It’s no secret that trying to make it in the music industry is a difficult task. There are so many artists these days, that it’s hard to set yourself apart from the masses. Bringing something fresh to the table such as a unique sound, inspirational lyrics, and the look to go with it are key in getting yourself noticed and building a loyal fan base.
Underground Philly rapper, NamOne, has already set himself apart from the masses, even before inking a record deal. NamOne is a Temple University alumni who studied broadcasting, telecommunications and mass media. You’d think with a prestigious college degree under his belt he’d be satisfied, but I’ve heard once hip-hop gets into you it’s hard to shake it. And why should he? With a sound that’s been compared to Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Mobb Deep and Outkast, he has an addictive chops that we’re all yearning to hear.
“A lot of people like to call my music hip-hop, but it’s a little different than just hip-hop. You can call it either alternative hip-hop or advanced poetry because it’s not your average hip-hop music. I try to add my own style, it’s not just one genre. Life influences my music, my own personal experiences, current events…I write all of my own lyrics.”
When I reminded NamOne that once some artists make it big they usually start to pay to have their lyrics written for them, he quickly assured me that this was something that he could never do. “It wouldn’t be coming from me, I wouldn’t feel like I was creating this music, I need to be a part of the creation.”
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As a talented artist who is currently exploring a variety of label prospects, it’s only normal that NamOne would have high aspirations for where his future might go. “(In five years) I’ll hopefully have a distribution deal, touring, selling music overseas and across the country, but right now I’m just gearing up for the release of my first album, and getting some promos done. I’ve got the video out (check it out below), and I just want to do shows, and get my sound heard.”
His debut disc was recorded in his hometown of Philly with a group of friends, who also happen to be talented producers. “We all pulled together awhile back…we were tired of people not wanting to help out up and coming artists, so we just decided to do it ourselves.”
Smart and focused, it sounds like this rising star has got it together… Look out for NamOne on a radio station near you!
Check out the video:
Follow NamOne @namone7
Check out NamOne on Facebook & Myspace
For artist inquiries and bookings: please contact Attorney Omar
Fortune – omar.fortune@hotmail.com
