With a new youthfulness in hip hop, we are seeing a rise in the number of artists entering the game at such a young age. From the likes of a Diggy Simmons to now the college age, more and more artists are able to build buzz and noteworthy credibility from the ground up. QuESt is one of those rappers that I discovered in reading other blogs like 2DopeBoyz and IllRoots over the past 2 years. Rapping since his teenage years and being from Miami, Florida he grew up around a music scene that had a lavish atmosphere. But QuESt doesn’t rhyme about driving luxury cars or having an hispanic chick on his side. To me, QuESt deals with the everyday issues of a college student/up and coming rapper. He’s the everyday man talking about everyday details…I was lucky enough to get to talk to him via chat and was able to get some good insights into who he is, where he comes from, his upcoming projects, how we worked himself into the game and his influences. Check it out.
Justin: First question…who is this rapper named QuESt? I think mostly what I would like to know is how you got big on the blog sites as an up and coming artist? I came in kinda late to the game on your music but I noticed you already had a great support around you…
QuESt: Well, QuESt is this artist who basically speaks from the hearts and holds nothing back. As far as me being big on the blog sites I wouldn’t know. I would still like to reach the masses of regular postings by certain larger bloggers. But I gained somewhat of my support from being posted by Waxx at illRoots & Shake at 2Dopeboyz. From then on, everything else just started rolling in like a domino effect. I appreciate that though.
Justin: No doubt, I think the one thing I learned quickly from your rhymes is that you tell the story of the “everyday man” – the personal struggles, the grind…what stories do you try to paint in your rhymes?
QuESt: Thanks once again man. I try to paint stories that are believable and easy to relate to. I don’t really try to fabricate anything that I haven’t been through, or that I don’t already know of. Most of my stories stem from personal experience or experiences from close ones. Everyday people make up the world.
Justin: Yea when I was listening to Broken Headphones, I got that “college student” tone right out the gate. I really took me back.
Justin: Speak on coming up in Miami’s hip hop scene – what is the scene like for you as an up and coming artist? like for instance, my city is sadly know as the city of “hella haters”, NYC is the birthplace…what is Miami known for?
QuESt: Miami is known for the lavish luxurious lifestyle. The flashy. Its like a melting pot for stunting. (Laughs). I would say were widely known for being the city of having a good time. Which isn’t the worst thing to be known for. The Miami Hip-Hop scene in my opinion, for artists like myself, is starting to really grow. Growing up in this Hip-Hop scene down here was hard at first. I’d say this year has been really blossoming with new artists coming from Miami like Ghostwridah, P.ersonal, Phresh James, J.Nics, etc. Its been a good year for Miami.
Justin: I first Ghostridah on that Cannon beat…dude goes hard (pause).
Justin: So the next project is the The Reason: The Defense Mechanism due out in October. Talk about how you came up with that name as well as any producers or artists featured on it.
QuESt: Man oh man, well I came up with the project title about a year ago, after I finished Broken Headphones. Basically the whole project is about reflection on a certain series of events in my life. Somewhat how my last project Broken Headphones was. But the difference is, instead of just reflecting, and soaking myself in emotion, I’m really reflecting for closure, to move on, and to progress further. The projects for anyone who is ready to step into a different season of their lives, and experience a change for the better. “A Defense Mechanism”, is basically a sum of the problems, and difficulties that came in this journey that is “The Reason”.
Justin: Music straight from the soul…I dig it…any artists features on this one? who did you work with as far as producers?
QuESt: As far as producers, I have my man A.ICE. he produced 75% of the project. As far as features, I did a lot of work with vocalists. My homegirl, NeoPopSicle, is narrating the project, and shes done alot of singing vocals for it. I worked with Wes Restless on a couple joints and remade some magic. I’m supposed to be doing some work with Tony Williams from G.O.O.D. Music in October on some joints, as well as Ghostwridah.
Justin: Cool, you keep it mostly just you on most of your projects I’ve heard, I dig that because you really get to full aspect of the theme that you are presenting…favorite track off The Defense Mechanism and why?
QuESt: Aww man…Im on blast…Um I’d have to say…a song called Ambitions In The Sky. Nobody’s heard it yet, but its my favorite because its one of those songs where I really am directly talking to myself about things that still affect me today, and will always affect me because I am human. Its the only track, message wise, that is still 100% completely relevant to my lifestyle and who I am.
Justin: From How Thoughtful to this project, what have you done differently? If anything…
QuESt: Well people forget that How Thoughtful is really just like a teaser tape, nothing more. Just me showcasing my skills. The Reason is more of a real project. Its a free LP. Everything from creativity to lyrical displays are going to be stepped up by 1000%. Wouldnt be really adequate to compare those two.
Justin: So you took your lyrical steroids for this one? I see you homie…(Laughs)
QuESt: (Laughs) Something like that. Put it this way, on How Thoughtful you get the rapper side of me, on The Reason you get the full artist that I am.
More after the jump…
Justin: Word….From How Thoughtful on No Future, you were talking about when you were 15 that by 19 you would be taking over the game, and then said you were about to turn 20. What did you learn in those 4 years about the game? I took that as you were disappointed in yourself, were you?
QuESt: I wasn’t dissapointed, more like a reality check. I learned that in this game, well, to do it right and have a career that will matter 10 years from now, your journey to success has to be long, and full of experiences that are going to properly propell you into the posistion you want to be in. Theres alot more than just putting out mixtapes, and dropping freestyles to keep relevant. It truly is hard work, and takes alot of patience. And maturity. AND soul searching. I believe artists can either know themselves the best, or have the worst case of identity crisis.
Justin: That same thing is what I’m learning about blogging…this stuff takes a lot of hard work outside of just posting music…its all about establishing relationships, building with people…
QuESt: And more, people would be suprised at the amount of energy that is poured into blogging, rapping, singing, etc. We have some of the most mind boggling jobs of all time. And in a field where people come and go, it takes alot to remain, and stay true to what you love.
Justin: Yes sir, many times I’ve been like, where is this going…but there’s always something that brings me back and continue to want to expand my brand. I know that has to be the same for you…
QuESt: Exactly. And with every other artist that has a genuine love for what they do. It comes with the territory. Its all apart of the process.
Justin: Indeed, so who do you look up to in the game? Who are your musical influences?
QuESt: I’d have to say Jay-Z, Nas, Andre 3000, Common. I look up to Common heavily. Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, ColdPlay, Kanye West (Of course…)
Justin: Ha, you threw Red Hot Chili Peppers in there…that was a suprise…(Laughs) Dope band though.
Quest: Man greatest band ever. I love them genuinely.
Justin: Classic…if you could work with anyone right now, producer or artists, who would it be?
QuESt: I would work with…Kanye West.
Justin: Yeezy seems to be on top of the mountain, production and artist-wise…did you catch his Ustream the other day?
QuESt: I actually haven’t, everybody keeps talking about it, but I haven’t had the chance to see it
Justin: I’ve never heard anyone talk about hip hop as an Art like that…he’s really into the art of the music…not just like making beats and writing rhymes…but creating art, like Mozart or Van Gogh…that kind of stuff. It was crazy to hear him speak about hip hop like that.
Justin: You are an under 21 artist…but there are some younger than you trying to make it in this game…what do you say to aspiring artist trying to make it?
QuESt: I’d just have to say to stay true to yourself. And makes ure you know who you are as an artist always. Thats the key to succeeding. Is knowing who you are as an artist. That way you set the guidelines for your music, your message, your style, and your legacy.
Justin: So last question…the blog’s name is What’s In My Headphones…so Quest, what is in your headphones?
QuESt: As of right now? Kanye West’s Late Registration, Drake’s Thank Me Later, and QuESt’s The Reason: A Defense Mechanism, at this very moment, J.Cole’s Premeditated Murder.
Justin: Man that song is bananas…just saw him perform up here this past weekend, dude is a beast…You can tell he went to the school of Hov in how he performs…
QuESt: (Laughs) Word, you can only learn from the best man…
Justin: No doubt, well i’m done bro…thanks for taking out the time to talk with me…
QuESt: Nah its no problem man…
For more on Quest follow him at his Twitter page or check out his site YesIamQuest…And look out for The Reason: The Defense Mechanism to drop in October!
This is WHAT’S IN MY HEADPHONES…
