By Michelle Magee
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Followers of Hip Hop Vibe have been treated over the past few days with Oakland Week, a tribute to the Oakland hip hop scene. The Bay Area, specifically Oakland, is home to many of the biggest names and legends in hip hop history. Hip Hop Vibe is not only spotlighting the veterans, but also the up-and-comers.
Hatchett Tha 1st is making his impact on the Oakland streets and he is still coming up. He has several independent projects under his belt that have captivated the streets. But, when questioned about what he needs to make his mark like the Oakland figures before him, Hatchett Tha 1st cites that “extra push.”
The 65 Max rapper is doing a lot to make his presence felt and Hip Hop Vibe featured him in the Oakland-inspired On the Rise segment. Hatchett Tha 1st is definitely a rapper on the rise and he explained this to Hip Hop Vibe. Also included are the visuals for his single, “Show My Face.”
Read the entire interview below:
Where did your stage name originate from? The name “Hatchett Tha 1st”originated from my fast and choppy style, and I wanted to have a name that represented that so I went with “Hatchett” and I was the first one with the name, so I put “Tha 1st” at the end. But I’ve been using my real name lately, which is Aqueel. I think I like it better and most of my fans agree.
Who are some of your major influences? The people who influenced me is, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Jadakiss, Too $hort, Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound, 3xCrazy, Brotha Lynch Hung, and T.I.
What inspired you to begin creating music? What inspired me to start creating music: One dayI was rapping a song that was on the radio and my friend asked me why am I always singing someone elses song, why don’t u sing your own song” so I after he said that I stared writing my own music.
Have you performed live? If yes what was one of your most memorable experiences from it? Yes! I’ve performed live, My most memorable experience was when I performed in the “ATL” at the Hip-Hop Summer Festival I performed two days on two different stages in front of 250,000 people.
What are the main topics or themes for most of your songs? The main topics of my songs be about just Doing You and Living Life Freely, Working Hard and getting Money in the process.
What has been your biggest challenge with your music? The biggest challenge for me has been trying to find the right connection to get that little boost.
What advice would you give someone who wants to get into music? My advice would be to,don’t do it unless you love you it and your ready to go through the ups & downs of the industry because its not easy for everybody and its not a overnight thing you gotta have a vision and go after it.
In closing, I am sure all the ladies are waiting for the answer to this question, “Are you single?” Well right now I’m just focusing on my music career and making sure that’s on track, then everything else will fall into place.
Watch “Show My Face” by Hatchett Tha 1st below:
Follow Michelle Magee on Twitter @BullzeyeEnt.
