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Have you always wanted to be in music or was it something that you just fell into? I was about 6 years old when my mom put a group together in church and I’ve been singing ever since then. I started trying to do it professionally when I was at the age of 14. I just know it was something I had a passion for and it was something I loved doing. Music is a very big part of my life. I wake up singing. I’m just fortunate to be able to make a living off of doing something I love so much.
.C.
is a singer/song writer that is steadily working towards his turn to shine. He’s written hooks for Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Beanie Sigel, and a host of others. He’s currently creating music for himself and plans to release an album in the near future.
You’ve been working with a lot of people lately. I’ve been doing a lot of writing. I worked with The Runners and Kane. I wrote the hook for Rick Ross’s new single called “Speedin’” featuring R. Kelly. As you know, I did [the hook for Young Jeezy’s] “Go Getta.” I did another hook for Beanie Sigel. I’m also on Chamillionaire’s new album. I did a song called “Won’t Let You Down.” I’m about to start working on my stuff now. You have a big name out there. Why do you think you haven’t made it to the mainstream yet? I think it’s all about timing. I wouldn’t say I haven’t made it to the mainstream yet. I have but not as an artist yet. That’s the next step. I think it’s about building a good story. It makes a name for yourself and gets the industry’s respect. I think we’re on the right path. You said you’re working on your material right now? I’m just now getting in the studio. I’m working with a producer named Danger. He’s done things from Britney Spears’ new single to T.I.’s new single. He’s one of the top producers in the game right now. I just did a deal with him and we’re about to start working on my album. What is your label situation looking like right now? As of right now I don’t have a label situation but I have a few offers on the table. I don’t want to say too much yet but it shouldn’t be a problem. I had a situation a little while ago with Universal. Some things with the business didn’t go how we planned so we got out of that. There’s no bad blood or hard feelings. It’s like that sometimes in the game.
In addition to singing, do you also have the whole R&B dance element thing going on? Definitely. I’ve been doing that. I just try to be as well-rounded as possible. I play instruments. I play the keyboard. I just picked up the guitar. It’s about being as good as I can be all the way around.
What are the best qualities about yourself as an artist? Probably one of the best qualities that helps me out a lot is being a writer as well as a singer. I can tell my own story from my point of view. When you hear something I do, it’s my music, my style. It’s a separate style from anyone else’s. What do you hope to accomplish in the long term with your music? Of course I want to touch a lot of different areas of the entertainment industry. But I just want to focus on one thing at a time. I think sometimes artists get ahead of themselves before they are really established. They try to move on and do too much before they are ready. But of course I’d like to do things like acting. My mom also has a performing arts school. I want to help her out with that and help her develop the school for music and performing arts. There’s a lot of stuff out there that I could do but I just want to focus on right now and take it step by step. What’s the most difficult aspect of being a singer? It’s a tough game all the way around, trying to stay motivated. It’s important to believe in yourself and know that you’re here for a reason and good at what you do. Everybody is put on earth to do something and if you believe that music is what you’re supposed to be doing, don’t let anybody throw you off. The business is a hard business but once you work hard and get on it’s easier. Just make sure you make the right relationships with people. Has music been rewarding to you so far? Definitely. I feel like with music it’s not a profession until it’s paying your bills. Until then it’s just a hobby. It’s definitely rewarding right now ‘cause it’s paying the bills for me. It’s also about the respect of my peers and people noticing what I’m doing. That’s a big reward. // Words by Ms. Rivercity // Photo by Terrence Tyson OZONE |