After spending the last few years delivering a flurry of fresh and exciting gems, progressive rapper and poet UraelB looked to showcase more of his vibrant material with the release of his 'Unplugged' EP, highlighted by the lead single 'Groovy'.
Much like what we have come to adore about the fast-rising artist, 'Groovy' illustrates more of that smooth and breezy aesthetic he is known for. With his broad and driven vocal style measured against a breezy jazz-inspired production throughout, he is certainly looking to sweep us off our feet with this one.
So with the new release available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
The first artist(s) I recall falling in love with were Beyonce and Kanye West. I would see Beyonce on the TV screen often as a child and was always drawn to her demeanor, charisma, and vocal ability. College Dropout by Kanye West was the first CD given to me for my walkman. My cousin and I would take turns with the CD player rapping Jesus Walks and All Falls down all the time. What great times those were ha ha.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
I never formed a band, but I’ve taken part in NUMEROUS rap battles and cyphers when I was young. I remember first writing raps to Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat” in elementary school and freestyling on lunch tables all the time. I found myself in several rap battles in High School and even won the rap battle contest at my school when I was in ninth grade.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
I draw from the life experience of those around me as well as my own story whenever I write music. I’m fond of telling stories that will affect people emotionally and give people reason to be inspired to live their best life. Music has been pivotal to my character development and I wish to give back to other’s who listen to me in a way that helps them feel heard and important.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Thriller By Michael Jackson. This song is hands down a masterpiece from start to finish. It has so many twists and turns, and was (in my opinion) a lyrical risk for Michael Jackson to take. When you peel back the layers of the song, you can hear why this album is the number 1 selling album in history. I will definitely create my own “Thriller” in the near future!
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
Performing at the largest Juneteenth celebration in Los Angeles was a surreal moment for me in 2021. So many people came outside in the height of COVID with celebratory spirits and yearned to feel proud of something again. Pushing through what my team and I endured that day and contributing to that atmosphere of celebration was an extreme highlight of my career. So when I relive it (which I will), I’ll make sure to bask in the moment and quadrupole the feeling I had the first time around.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
I would love to share the stage with Kendrick Lamar or Ab-Soul. It would be a full circle “Fan to Super Star” moment for me to perform with them. Whether I’m honoring their legacy or they’re embracing mine, I know the torch being passed from these two emcees over to me is a moment I live for everyday.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
My dream collaborations are to work with Beyonce, George Clinton, Outkast, and Earth Wind & Fire. Each of them have shaped my artistry in too many ways to count and I consider myself successors of each of them.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Five years from now, I will be the biggest star on the planet. There’s no other fate for me. I’ve been working extremely hard in all facets of my career and only time will show how large my impact in this industry will be.
-
UraelB's 'Unplugged' EP is available to stream now. Check out 'Groovy' from it below.
Comments