Hip-Hop Made Real: Curren$y on What Draws Him to Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop is an art form composed of elements like rhythm, rhyme, storytelling and culture that came together in New York City during the 1970s to form a musical genre that continues to evolve and progress today.

Curren$y has always stayed true to himself, which explains why he's been in the game for almost two decades and earning more money than ever before.

What drew you to Hip-Hop?

For Curren$y, success comes from a combination of factors. He's a New Orleans native with an established reputation as one of the most aggressive young rappers in the game - which he's cemented through collaborations on two major rap labels.

Curren$y has one of the most dedicated fan bases in the genre, allowing him to build his career on his own terms. That's something very few artists in rap can claim; Curren$y is one of them.

Since his ascent to fame, Curren$y has built a brand that incorporates two key components of hip-hop: relationships and sound. He's known for collaborations with producers like Cash Fargo, Alchemist and Wiz Khalifa that result in records ranging from funky bouncers to smooth jazz rap songs.

Spitta's albums offer a distinct sound, yet they all share an effortless personality. That has allowed him to cultivate both in his hometown of Naples as well as around the globe.

He's an excellent example of how to craft your music on a tight budget while still producing top-notch results. A self-taught rapper who learned from others as well as himself, his work speaks for itself.

He's one of the few rappers in the genre who has managed to stay relevant for over a decade on his own - something no other artist has achieved in the game, making his achievement all the more special.

Another reason Curren$y appeals so much to so many is his honesty and openness. He candidly discusses his personal struggles with money as well as the difficulties that come with being an independent rapper.

He shares stories of his early success, such as how he scored his big break on Master P's No Limit label back in the 2000s.

He then moved on to work with Lil Wayne's Young Money label. Although their collaboration wasn't ideal, this experience helped shape him into the artist he is today and inspired him to make music independently. Subsequently, he released several successful mixtapes that cemented his reputation within the industry.

What drew you to New Orleans?

In the 1990s, New Orleans was home to an exciting form of hip-hop known as bounce music. This genre featured joyful beats, joyful chants and straightforward lyrics that filled local nightclubs and breezeway parties. This music served as a major influence on future rap artists as well as other genres.

Bounce served as the birthplace of New Orleans' growing gangsta rap scene, providing inspiration to artists like Juvenile, Big Freedia, Katie Red and Cheeky Blake that would go on to achieve fame within the industry.

The bounce scene thrived until Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005. Many of the city's top rappers lost their homes and cars during the storm, yet they remained resilient and continued making an impact on rap culture worldwide.

Lil Wayne, Master P, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh are just a few artists from this culture that achieved international success with their albums that sold millions of copies and made the city an iconic name in music.

But New Orleans' celebrated rap history extends far beyond the iconic No Limit and Cash Money record labels. It has become an integral part of city culture, serving as a platform for creativity, celebration, social critique, community gatherings, political art, and expressive art for decades.

It's also a major source of income for New Orleans' artists. That is why Lil Wayne, Curren$y and other top artists continue to thrive here today.

Due to this success, many of New Orleans' top rappers continue to sell millions of albums and remain an integral part of hip-hop culture. Despite the storm that destroyed most of their homes, these creative individuals manage to make a living and have even helped shape the city into one of hip-hop's major exports.

While the city was still recovering, it marked the start of a renewed civil spirit and cultural pride that has persisted to this day. This has given birth to hip-hop music and bounce culture, inspiring an upsurge in local talent as well as increased interest in the city itself.

What drew you to the studio?

Curren$y has established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most consistent artists. A New Orleans native, he's never let his fame get in the way of doing what's best for himself and his fans.

Since the late aughts, Curren$y has been relentless in his release of projects - be it albums, mixtapes or collaborations with other artists. His success has earned him a deal with Warner Bros. Records, multiple platinum-selling singles and an admiring following that appreciates his hard work ethic.

His independent spirit has also enabled Curren$y to build lasting connections with some of Hip-Hop's most renowned producers, such as Smoke DZA and Wiz Khalifa. These lyricists help shape and direct Spitta's core sound.

Last month, Curren$y released The OutRunners, his third collaboration with producer Harry Fraud after 2012's Cigarette Boats and 2018's The Marina.

The duo has produced two of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2022, "Continuance" and "Land Air Sea." Initially set for a 2021 release date, they delayed work on this project that was born out of mutual respect several times before beginning work on it.

Their dedication to their craft and vision for what the music means to them is evident in how they push each other to be their best without compromising what matters most: integrity. Their loyalty to one another and their loyal fanbase shows in how they collaborate, refusing to do anything that doesn't feel right.

When asked about the future of their label, Curren$y and Mousa Hamdan clarified that they wanted to grow it authentically. That meant avoiding unreal TV appearances or brand deals that would distort how their music is viewed and appreciated by its fans.

Curren$y has been an incredibly busy rapper, consistently releasing quality projects. From Jet Life to his most recent mixtape Collection Agency, the Louisiana native has been producing music at an unmatched rate in the industry. In recent years he's released numerous songs and EPs as he gears up to release both Muscle Car Chronicles - his fifth studio album - and Pilot Talk III later this year.

What drew you to the stage?

Curren$y, a New Orleans rapper known for his dedication to truth and authenticity, has achieved great success. His lyrics reflect his passion for living life fully; this philosophy serves as the basis of all of his songs.

With a career spanning nearly two decades and numerous accolades under his belt, Curren$y remains an independent artist whose success is due to his unwavering devotion to rap music. He has dedicated himself to constantly improving the quality of his content while providing fans with consistent access to quality audiovisuals.

Curren$y has fully embraced the neo-classical aesthetic that has come to define New Orleans hip-hop, releasing projects such as Pilot Talk, Weekend at Burnie's and Covert Coup that earned him widespread praise and fan engagement. While many artists today struggle with creating meaningful albums, Curren$y has stayed the course by consistently creating quality output that will be enjoyed for years to come.

His latest endeavor, The OutRunners, a collaboration with producer Harry Fraud (whose last album with Curren$y was 2012's Cigarette Boats), is testament to his devotion to creating music that is both reflective and lyrical. From the playful "Seven Seas" to the poignant ode to his son in "Gold and Chrome," The OutRunners displays Spitta's knack for crafting vivid descriptions that are both heartfelt and evocative.

He's not afraid to share his struggles and hardships with his fans, even when those stories don't end well. For instance, he has made it known that his relationship with his mother isn't always smooth sailing.

His determination to share his story has enabled him to conquer any difficulties along the way, from dealing with law enforcement officers and being treated like a star to touring with a broken foot. Together with manager Mousa Hamdan, Curren$y has worked hard for comfort and stability in life while his music continues to be recognized across America.

Dubai's Emerging Hip-Hop Scene

Dubai's music scene is rapidly blossoming, and we take a closer look at some of its rising rappers and how they're finding their voice.

In a country where poverty, inequality and widespread corruption are rampant, it's encouraging to see artists find an outlet through hip hop music. Here they're sharing their struggles on a global platform and connecting directly with the audience.

Rendel

Dubai's rapidly developing hip-hop scene is led by Rendel, better known by his stage name Ahmedoo Biggie. Through his label Levelz, Ahmedoo is actively working to challenge negative perceptions people have of rap music in the UAE.

Rapper Rendel desires to foster a vibrant music culture that embraces new ideas and creative expression. He appreciates Dubai's energy and hopes to foster an environment in which artists are passionate about their craft.

Many rappers in the UAE have been heavily influenced by American rap, but Rendel strives to introduce his own style to the region - which he describes as a combination of western and eastern influences. His mission is to create an original sound that is uniquely Emirati and encourages members of their community to feel proud of their music.

Rendel has continually strived to perfect his artistic style and talent by challenging himself. He loves experimenting with various sounds and genres to see how they influence his music, drawing inspiration from traditional Arabic and Persian styles in order to craft an original sound.

Rendel's background in science and engineering have equipped him with an intimate knowledge of music technology. He displays an impeccable attention to detail, as well as a knack for getting the best out of his instruments.

He is an excellent listener and always has a variety of opinions on different subjects. This ability enables him to communicate effectively with his audience without diluting their meaning.

His style is inspired by music from all over the world and he particularly enjoys hip-hop genre. Furthermore, he's actively involved in the music community, having begun to collaborate with other musicians from different continents.

Rendel's music combines traditional Arabic and Persian styles with his own poetic content. He frequently incorporates electronic drum beats that are commonly found in hip-hop culture, plus he has an impressive vocal presence that allows him to convey his message effectively and captivatingly.

Hollaphonic

Rap music may not be a common sight in Dubai, but the city has recently seen an upswing in localized rappers who showcase local culture and Arabic language lyrics. One prominent figure within this movement is Somali rapper Freek, who has performed across Europe alongside Future and Gucci Mane during shows.

Hip-hop has been a part of the United Arab Emirates scene for some time, but it's yet to find its voice. Fortunately, new talent is emerging on the scene that promises to change that dynamic.

UAE residents Ahmedoo Biggie and SG have worked diligently to transform the perception of rappers in the GCC. By producing quality tracks, integrating rap into their culture, and employing high-quality production, they've demonstrated that the UAE boasts an active and talented rap scene.

They've even launched their own label and production house, Levelz, to showcase that UAE's rap scene is as vibrant and talented as any other. They created RAPDXB - the UAE's first official hip-hop vlog series - as well as creating a playlist platform which highlights and interviews UAE rappers.

Adamillion is another UAE rapper making waves with his unique sound that has earned him success. Recently he collaborated with UK grime star Eyez on a song which will be released next month.

The duo is an inspiring example of artists breaking into the UAE's DJ circuit, often playing their music at renowned dance clubs like Casa Latina. They are supported by top figures like Tim Woodstock - head honcho at Bassworx who has been dominating this scene for half a decade.

The duo was the first major record label signing from the Middle East, and have gone on to release numerous hit singles across the world including their Insomniac Records collaboration with Tom & Collins that features tech house music. Additionally, Pete Tong, Claptone and Martin Garrix have supported them throughout their journey.

SG

Rap has become increasingly popular within Dubai's diverse international community, thanks to its electronic backing. Originating in the United States, hip-hop has since spread worldwide and made an impact on several countries including Dubai.

Music is a form of expression through sound that draws on various social, cultural and political aspects of life. The sound typically features strong rhythms, beautiful lyricism and an underscoring theme.

UAE youth are pushing the genre into mainstream fame and hoping to make an impact on a global music scene. But their journey is not without challenges; these budding rappers must navigate both successes and setbacks on their quest to succeed.

One way to address these challenges is collaboration. For instance, a group of artists could come together and represent their collective interests to the government or event managers in an effort to foster growth and sustainability within their industry. Doing this would cut through bureaucracy, simplifying the process for everyone involved while creating a smoother environment with positive growth indicators for their industry.

Another solution to the issue is creating a platform for these artists to unionize, giving them representation within government and the events sector. Doing so would make their lives simpler as they could focus on what they do best: creative work rather than administrative duties associated with event management.

This could also provide the audience with a better experience, as they feel closer to their local artists and are supporting them. This would encourage them to come back and attend future events - which is beneficial for the industry.

Additionally, a union could be established to safeguard the rights of artists and enforce regulations regarding performers and copyright/licensing laws. Doing this would streamline the process and promote positive growth within the local hip-hop industry.

KAFV

Dubai might not seem like the likely hub of hip-hop music, but it exists. A vibrant group of artists are blending genres and local streets to create a sound unique to Dubai that stands in stark contrast to the cheesy rap that has been popular in the US for decades.

Dubai, where music drives the city's vibrant energy, has long been a haven for young people searching for authentic stories and unique voices. Rap music often serves as this conduit - it tells their lives story and how they feel.

KAFV, the rapper who recently released his EP Dusk, has had a major impact on this emerging scene. His unique sound is inspired by his experiences and he has an uncanny ability to connect with listeners from all backgrounds.

His lyrics provide insight into the struggles that come with living in Dubai, a melting pot of cultures and languages. He draws inspiration from many sources to create his distinctive style, which incorporates that signature low-pitched tone so common to old school hip-hop music.

KC Hamada, another UAE rapper with an unique sound, is an Iraqi-Iranian who grew up in a multicultural environment and has channeled that experience into his music. His rhymes reflect on his struggle to define himself within such an increasingly multicultural world and have been an outspoken supporter of Emiratis who have emigrated elsewhere.

In an interview with Anghami, he noted that music was one of the best ways to bring Dubai's community together. Additionally, his songs served to express his enthusiasm for Arabic culture.

Dubai's rap scene needs a voice because it allows people to have an honest dialogue about issues that concern them. Furthermore, this provides individuals with the platform to speak out against discrimination or other forms of mistreatment they may experience in daily life.