By Agustin A. Iglesias
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
If anyone has been following Hip Hop Vibe, they have seen a lot of posts on Chox-Mak over the past few years. Anyone who follows Chox-Mak should be aware that he is blossoming into a star right before the collective eyeballs. His rising stardom has not changed him one bit, however, he remains the most-humble rapper in the game.
However, even the humble guys get pushed because that’s just how life is. Where most people get violent and post Facebook rants, Chox-Mak teamed up with Yung Ced and did “NLA,” which stands for No Lames Allowed. On this track, Chox-Mak vented and just like that, the world was first introduced to Life After Def.
Summer is in full swing, the weather is hot, as is Chox-Mak right now. Even as popular as he is, he knows his spot is not guaranteed next year. With that in mind, he is soon to drop Life After Def and he stopped by Hip Hop Vibe to discuss his upcoming project and the “NLA” single.
Read the entire interview below:
Life After Def, can you tell us why you chose this title for your new project? I chose the title because I believe we live in the era of “trap rap” and “pop rap,” which there is nothing wrong with. I dibble and dabble in it myself. But, I just wanted the world to know that “Boom Bap” is what I’m most passionate about and, in between those hit singles, that’s what I’m going to give you. This is basically just my declaration to Hip-Hop, not Rap, letting her know I’m still rocking with her and there are still artists out here with something to say, different from what now is considered the norm. In a nutshell, bringing life back to the golden era of hip hop the early 90s
Obviously, people are going to draw comparisons to B.I.G.’s Life After Death, did you take that into consideration when you named your project? No, not really, I’m not trying to be in competition with one of the greatest if not the greatest of all time. I named this project Life After Def to show respect to B.I.G. He is not one of the artist I modeled my style after, but I still have a lot of respect for what he did in the game and I hope the public understands I’m not biting the big homie, I’m showing love to him and, who knows?, maybe some kid will go listen to B.I.G. after I drop because the titles are so similar.
How are you feeling about the embrace from Desert Storm Radio and some others as an independent artist? Oh man. Growing up, I used to listen to a lot of DJ Clue tapes, so for his family to embrace my music has been like a dream come true. I could never imagine being in the position I’m in now and it feels good. Shout out to Preemo and the whole team over there, much respect. I know this only the beginning of our work together.
“1995” is doing pretty good right now, are you at all surprised by the reaction to the single? Yes I am, I really didn’t think people would draw to it like this. I’m surpised every day by the reaction I get to my music and I know this is what people want to hear from me most. Shout out to Dr.G, the producer. He’s got one of those sounds that just brings out the best in me. When I heard it for the first time, I immediately put the pen to the pad. The name of the beat was 1995, so I figured what better name for the track. Felt like I had some flash backs in the booth recording.
Another one doing well, obviously, is “NLA,” with Yung Ced, what inspired that joint? Actually, my close friend (laughs) inspired me after a conversation we were havin about thirsty dudes and people who pretend to be somthing that they are not. When Ced sent me the beat, I knew it was the right track for it. Not to mention, I was recently involved in a sting operation, I won’t go into detail, but that inspired the lyrics but the idea was given to me by a close friend. I dont need lames around me only loyal com-padres and people willing to work everybody else can kick rocks.
According to your Facebook, you have a GBE producer up next, can you tell us more about that? Yeah, the homie Frencizzle reached out to me and we are gonna do some work in the near future. It’s all in the beginning stages, I won’t say too much about it, but just know it’s going to be some heat.
What are your goals with Life After Def? I just want to be respected by the masses with this project. I feel like this is my best so far and I want all the success possible from all outlets. I’m not expecting anything major because I keep my hopes low, but I wouldnt be suprised if great things come from this. As always though, to gain more supporters is my goal so if I can do that alone, I’m going to be satisfied
Can you take us through your recording process for this new project? First off, it’s really crazy when you live half way around the world from somebody and you are working on a project together. But, me and Bunty have a chemistry like no other. I layed down all the vocals first like I’m just doing a regular track. Then, after a basic mix was done by the engineer, he would have to separate each track and label it so I could send it to Bunty through email to do the final mix on each track. Definitely is a long process, that’s probably why we just do EPs (laughs). But then, Bunty sends me the final draft of each joint, so if something needs to be changed or whatever, I can let him know. We do most of our talking thru Facebook or Google chat. So, to all those Facebook haters out there, I made another new age classic with one of the best producers I’ve ever worked with and I met him on Facebook and we communicate mostly through Facebook because it’s so easy to do. You just have to use tools you are given by social media for the right reasons and the right way.
What do you attribute to your success? You go in and drop dope tracks, there’s no 2 Chainz feature or a Future hook, it’s just Chox-Mak and you’re all over the internet and radio, how did you do it, especially based in a smaller market? I think all people, labels included, are lookin for is authenticity. Nobody wants to hear about Bugattis and you dont have a car or Ice on your neck when you bought your chain from the middle of the mall. Even on trap beats, I talk about what’s real and I think people know I’m not one of these fakers out here. In this day and time, you have to watch what you say. Rappers are gettin g-cheked every day now, it seems. Most importantly, I’m myself no matter what kind of record I get on, I keep it real. I am not the biggest tough guy on the street and I don’t portray myself to be. I do what I like to do with music and it has been successful for me because it is genuine.
How can we connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Facebook is simply Chox-Mak for my fan page. @chox_mak910 on Twitter. @90sflowlives on Instagram.
Follow Agustin A. Iglesias on Twitter @Rule_York.
