‘I’ve performed alongside JayZ…’

Could you tell us a bit about 5Mics? Growing up was something special, because I was not restricted to my environment. My folks allowed me mingle and experience life, first hand. At the same time, I will say I was pampered too. Growing up, mostly in Lagos then moving to Abuja in 2000 and then […]

Could you tell us a bit about 5Mics?

Growing up was something special, because I was not restricted to my environment. My folks allowed me mingle and experience life, first hand. At the same time, I will say I was pampered too. Growing up, mostly in Lagos then moving to Abuja in 2000 and then back to Lagos, gave me a view of both worlds.

How?

It brought me closer to the players in the industry because most entertainment moguls are based in Lagos. Abuja is still picking up.

How did you come by the name 5mics?

“5Mics” is derived as a status for my rap skills. It is also earned by known rap acts like Nas, Jay-Z and their likes. From my perspective, it is an identity with hip-hop artistes who have made a mark. Another way to look at the name is as a status for excellence in things regarded as the best in their fields. Like 5star General or Hotel. For me its “5mics” and it is like a 10/10 status.

Considering the fact that you are relatively new and going by your definition of 5mics, do you think you are at the moment deserve such a status?

Yes, considering my rap skills I think I deserve it.

You are performing in Malaysia with Brymo, are you excited about it?

It is amazing for me. It is my first visit to Asia. I have always nursed the fact that I will someday get to this point and it was only matter of time before it happened. I am someone who grew up always getting what I wanted, and not by taking back doors or dubious means, but someone who really puts in work, prayers and waiting… as they say, ‘Man wey work no matter how long must chop… I guess my work and faith have taken me to Malaysia. I hope to go to Brussels come March. I have my fingers crossed.

Will this be your first international performance?

Yes, it is my first real international outing and I consider it a super mighty step for me and am looking not to shut it down! But in my dreams, I have had performances overseas so many times. I have performed alongside JayZ at the Madison square several times.

JayZ is the one person you really desire to collaborate with or perform alongside?

Yes, I easily relate to his music and business idea.

How many songs do you have to your credit at the moment?

A lot! I had earlier released a mix tape entitled ‘E don tey: the lost session,’ with songs like ‘Hey hey hey’, ‘Wave your blackberry’ and ‘No contest’ which featured Skales, Hakeem tha Dream and Slimt.  Thereafter a WaxLyrical Edition was hosted by LooseKaynon at Kokolounge where he housed the likes of M.I, Brymo, Iceprince, 2Shotz, and a number of celebs.

I released a video ‘Hey hey hey’ directed by Rotimi Oshodi, which is getting heavy rotation. Then released singles like ‘5blessings’ featuring Brymo, ‘Across Oceans’ featuring Pryse, Loosekaynon, XO, KahliAbdu and Jemal. I have done a lot of songs and can go on and on listing them. Google me, you will see my works.

You suggest we look you up on Google; do you Google yourself and see there is more on the American rapper 5Mics?

Not really, I said so because I have a lot of materials from my mix tapes and collaborations in the past, online.

We found out not too long ago about the American 5Mics and are working towards changing mine to be in alphabets that the figure ‘5’.

What projects are you working on now and can you tell us about them?

I am working on my video and new singles. I am quite excited about the way they are turning out and can’t wait to drop them.  They are totally different from what you all are used too. The video will be out first. Then, I am doing a duo EP (extended play) with another rapper but I won’t disclose the name yet…

My clothing line is also on the way. I know you are all going to say “another clothing line?” but the truth is dem no dey wear cloth finish! People must wear cloths and they want something new. So, just like my music, I’ll be giving them something different.

I am doing an EP because it contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. So, it’s going to be a collection of materials I will record and release gratis.

Being successful in an industry that has become so intensely competitive in so short a time, what challenges are you having?

The competition is healthy. I always take my time to listen to the competition, funny enough, I’m friends with a lot of my contenders. So, I Intend to stand out by listening to what they have done, check out what they missed out and haven’t done yet and build on them. These, I’m doing with my new songs. The challenge will be getting the music out there, as we all know promotion is key and hectic. The sky is wide enough for stars to shine; you just have to pick what angle you want to shine from.

Rap in the entertainment industry is somehow a stiff and competitive domain, how do you intend to make a mark?

I see myself as an artiste bringing  a whole new approach to the industry.

You have had a number of collaborations with some well known artistes. Do you consider that a faster way to the top or it is a way by which you hone your skills?

Well let’s look at the business side of this. If you want to sell a product, it’s faster to sell it with a package that your audience will identify with and embrace fast. It could be a name, face and related things. But the truth is that the songs which started getting me recognition were songs I did solo. Like ‘E don tey’, ‘Wave your blackberry’, and ‘My mixtape,’ amongst others.

It was not until I did ‘5blessings’ with Brymo and ‘Across Oceans’ that I got the attention of a greater number of people! But my next singles are solos which I feel very proud of.

What is the inspiration behind your songs ‘Across Oceans’ and ‘5 Blessings’?

‘5blessings’ is actually a song Brymo and I did as a thanksgiving piece because we were being thankful not for where we were in the past but for where we picture ourselves in future. Take a look, a few months after its release, we are doing a show together in Malaysia.

Then ‘Across Oceans’ I picked out my favorite MCs, I picked them because they all have different styles and flavour which you could pick when you listen. Like the title states, some of them like KahliAbdu (US), XO Senavoe (US/Ghana), PRyse (UK) are representing Nigeria in good light overseas. It’s for this reason I put the song together.

How do you intend to stand out from the likes of Brymo, Pryse and the rest of them?

Tell my story, be me and be original, sell myself, because, we are all different in our ways. So, to be different and stand out, I have to put my life into the music and sell it to the masses, in a unique style and package. Most of the biggest acts are big because they are unique and tell their own stories with their unique voice and music.

Where do you see yourself in another five years?

The clothing line, record label and my other business plans should be up and running, alongside international collaborations and awards; albums and endorsements. In fact a lot, which includes getting married to the girl of my dreams.

Who is this girl of your dreams?

She wouldn’t want me to put her on the spotlight.