– HVNCOQ

HVNCOQ interviewed by Nicholas Gray
Photography by FAINT

Can you tell us a little about your writing process is there a particular process you like to work? I really like working from scratch building the beat and writing the song simultaneously. I think it makes the final product feel like a song and not just a beat and vocals.

How did your relationship with WVS come about, and what’s the importance of independent labels in fostering talent? I’ve been good friends with the A&R who signed me way before he was part of the label. He was one of my favourite DJ’s and i’dd be sending him demos all the time just cause I trust his ear. Then one thing lead to another and bam! I signed my first deal.

How important is overseas recognition to the emerging culture here? We need overseas recognition and it’s finally happening now after years of being over looked. Well I think it’s only important because we only have a limited population and only a small percentage of that group even like hip hop, so to reach massive markets overseas just makes it possible for artists to eat from there music and maybe get rich one day.

‘Masculinity’ has historically been the default switch for Hip Hop; how do you see this energy moving forward and how is it changing in 2019? Bravado is always going to be apart of hip hop, period. But in 2019 people are a lot more open minded and don’t only want to hear masculine energy in rap due to the big strides previous artists like Leif, Kevin abstract, Rico Nasty, Mac Miller, Tyler the creator etc have made towards a more unique introspective take on rap.

Has the Soundcloud rap movement helped shape the way you release music, and what’re your thoughts on it’s influence? I wouldn’t say Soundcloud has done much for me in the way of releasing music. To be honest I think the biggest influence in releasing has been Soulja Boy. He basically created the template everyone is using now with strictly digital releases, YouTube vlogs, diy film clips, etc. Soundcloud was just a platform which kinda sucks now.

How can politics and legislation promote and safeguard Australian hip hop, and what can the media do to help? Shit that’s a difficult one. First thought that came to mind is more funding and grants specific to hip hop and RnB. If the media pulled back on hating Africans a little and shined some light on these young talented first gen artists, that would be nice.

Hip Hop in this country has been bubbling and restless the past couple of years and feels right now at a tipping point. How does it feel to build and grow the movement? It feels great to be apart of the journey with all these amazing POC artists killing it for our country. This movement just feels really organic from my stand point just a bunch of like minded kids finding each other and growing with one another. Shits beautiful and I love giving a helping hand where ever I can cause that’s just how everyone’s moving right now.