This is exactly why I started blogging.
This is exactly why I sold my soul to the demons of online journalism and jumped into the abyss.
This is why I finally allowed myself to be assimilated into this cesspool of Oz dwellers, where nothing is what it appears to be.
As an indie hip-hop artist myself, I understand the frustration of sending hundreds of e-mails to bloggers who either: don’t respond, tell you about how they were “too busy” to watch a 4-minute YouTube video, or want you to be a participant in their modern-day payola scheme.
As a writer, my mission is to build a platform for these artists. I want to awaken the sleeping masses with their music as a universal alarm clock ringtone! To me, it is an honor to introduce the world to these lyricists.
A world that believes the art of lyricism in hip-hop is dying. However, lyricism is alive and thriving. This column was created to assure you of that.
This column was created to ensure that you would meet lyricists like the legacy I’m interviewing today, Wally West.
This is not a coincidence.
These are real lyricists…who deserve to be known as legacies.
Wally West
Bandcamp: whotfiswalter.bandcamp.com
Wally West what’s good bro! How are you today?
Wally West: Not bad bro how about yourself?
Bro, I’m stoked to do this interview! So, the first question that is on my mind is, is Walter West ACTUALLY your name or are you a big fan of DC Comics and the Flash?
Haha I’m just a big comic book fan! I think The Flash is the greatest to ever do it!
How long have you been rapping and what got you started?
I’ve been rapping for about 5-6 years now. I’ve been writing since I was very young but I started creating verses during the Cassidy era! I think he influenced a lot of us.
What is the biggest issue that plagues independent/underground rappers today?
There are quite a few issues I have with rap as it stands today. One of the biggest problems faced by artists who are actually unique are rappers just looking for a quick come up by biting the next man’s style. That troubles me daily.
If you went head to head against today’s popular rappers, do you think you would be left standing at the end of the melee?
Most definitely! I’m actually pretty anxious to prove that the vast majority of them are overrated. That’s something I look forward to.
Who is your favorite rapper of all time?
Lupe Fiasco, Hands down. Big L & Big Pun are the other two. I think they are truly legendary.
Do you think hip-hop is evolving or devolving?
Lyricism has certainly evolved, but, the process to becoming known for creating music has devolved to a state where most fans assume the game is in peril because of the corny sounds they hear on the radio.
Which Presidential candidate do you think would be more supportive of a new hip-hop generation? Who would you like to see at the helm of a Midwest Hip-Hop movement?
I think Bernie Sanders would probably be the most supportive. Trump is probably a fan too, but I can’t co-sign his presidency, haha!
What new projects do you have in store for this year?
I have a joint project with my brother Billy East called, “East Meets West 2” as well as my own album, “Heathen” which drops sometime this summer.
Thank You for the interview fam! Here’s a video from Wally West featuring fellow emcee Billy East: On and On!
