Going to share my #ArticleArchives with y’all. It’ll eventually make it to IG, I guess.
Had to rep for my hometown!
We were supposed to link for an interview the year prior, for another publication, but things didn’t work out.
It worked out though, for a number of reasons. Anywho, we conducted the interview @DarkMatter2521 in Ukrainian Village, bc I like doing my interviews in places with character.
It was January - in Chicago - so, of course it was hella cold, and I can’t remember if it was snowing or if it had just finished snowing. Either way, I know there was snow on the ground.
Anyway, @QuipMag had assigned @triciascully as my photographer and things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. She’s dope! I didn’t have to direct her; she just knew what was needed for the piece and she made it happen!
She got some candids, that I love. And I was “old school” when it came to my interviews - just a pen and a notepad. I’ve since joined the present. (I loved that hat I had on. I lost it at a concert
)

The interview with @QUE_BILLAH and I was only supposed to last for, at-most, maybe 45 mins. But once we got to chatting about his music career, we lost track of time. It was like two friends catching up - and this was our first meeting!
It’s always fascinating for me to learn, firsthand, about an artist’s creative process, why they chose music, how their journey has shaped them.
What I learned about @QUE_BILLAH during that interview and as I was writing the article was this: the man has some incredible stories to tell, and he does so through his music. But what stands out most to me about him was/is:
He’s not just an MC, he’s not just a storyteller, he’s not just a visual artist, he’s not just a lyric writer and music producer. He’s all of those things.
He knows what his purpose is, and he’s living in it. He’s stayed the course, despite setbacks, and he’s determined. He’s relatable, not only as an artist, but “in real life, too” as the kids say

If you’ve never heard his music or seen his videos, you’re doing yourself a disservice. He doesn’t write without purpose or without a message. And I can’t say that about too many artists. cc: @QUE_BILLAH
My “oldie but goodie” article with @QUE_BILLAH is still available for your reading pleasure. http://quipmag.com/que-b-i-l-l-a-h-rapping-to-the-beat-of-his-own-drum/
I’ve been thinking about starting this #ArticleArchives series for a minute. I like it. I think we should do more @QuipMag