TWIB Meets returns with an exclusive interview with iNTeLL who featured on our pages a while ago with his singles “Ashes, ashes” and “Containers“. It was only right to get the young man to talk about his endeavours. Even though brief, we did get to see a different side from the Wu raised emcee ranging from his early days of making rap demos, the influence from his father(U-God) and his work with legends like Method man(his uncle) and Inspectah Deck.
Check out the interview below and do show some love to iNTeLL by sharing on all social media platforms.
Lets start with your moniker. Can you tell us how you came up with it and the importance of artists having unique names?
Great question. I call myself iNTeLL because the way I process certain things can be robotic, or so I’ve been told. I also like to drop a lot of knowledge in my Rhymes even if the listener doesn’t know they’re learning.
How did you get started in music, and what drives you to continue?
I started out writing poetry when I was in jr high school and then my best friend DruGunn$ inspired me to put my lyrics to music. What drives me today is something woven deep into my DNA
How much influence is (if any) did your dad have on your music?
I would say the only influence he has had is on my determination, looking at him I’m always reminded to keep my sword sharp
Do you remember the first song you ever made? How did you go about it?
I kind of remember my first song but not really lol however I do remember that I recorded it with an mp3/voice recorder. I would rap into the bottom of the MP3 player while the beat played in the background off an old used laptop. Simpler times.
Are there any other interesting facts about you that hardly anyone else knows?
I’m a filmmaker & painter. I was in a fraternity in college and I’m the worlds biggest Dragon Ball Z fan
What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity?
Well I’m not exactly sure if I’m actually in the music industry yet lol doesn’t feel like it, at least not yet. Right now everything is still really exciting.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
I would say passion because that’s where I’m at in my life right now, I’m very passionate about my art
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Oh The most exciting part for me is the word bending, or when you find a dope cadence that catches ears automatically or when you stumble an freestyle a dope melody. Currently nothing discourages me as I can see my path more clearly than ever before
Do you think the advent of internet and all the new technology has helped your music and independent musicians in general, or do you think it just creates a mass of mediocre “copycats” who flood the web, making it difficult to distinguish yourself?
I think the internet does both very well. In my case I feel it has helped me a great deal in getting my message to the people
Being an independent artist, which is the one factor, above all else, that you currently desire most (increased music distribution, better quality production, more media exposure, more club and live performances etc…)?
I’d have to say more exposure and more live performances, I’m looking forward to hitting many stages and shocking many faces
What have been the biggest highlights?
Releasing this album is my biggest achievement to date in my opinion, then being able to Work alongside Legends Method man & Inspectah Deck. Sharing the stage with GZA, Filming a music video for Masta Killa and having two short films on my resume. Landing placement on the SnowGoons last Album (GOON BAP), Working with Big Puns Son Chris Rivers and trading bars with the lyrical titans Mickey Factz, Fred The Godson & Nitty Scott.
What has been your biggest challenge…and how did you overcome it?
Doubt & fear were my biggest challenges, and I don’t know if it’s possible to ever truly be rid of them but I’m learning to overcome all negative energy more & more as each day passes and my wisdom grows
Who are your heroes? Why do they rock your world?
I have many but currently my hero is the spirit of determination that touches those who are truly worthy
Who have been the coolest, most memorable people you’ve met along the way, and how did they make an impact on your life?
Meeting DJ Kool Herc was an epic Hip Hop moment for me, it was like he was family I hadn’t seen in awhile. Black thought & Questlove are real cool and down to earth.
I met J. Cole, Treach & Justin Timberlake when I worked at NBC. I met Alicia keys and actually got to exchange words with her which was bananas. The point isn’t to name drop, the point is to say that regardless how “famous” these people I’ve met were perceived to be, after a few minutes you realize we’re all breathing the same air like everyone else
What has been your strangest celebrity encounter?
Jaden smith, talked to him for like five minutes before I realized who he was. This was back in 2013 though
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
Michael Jackson, and I would serve Spinach lasagna
What are the greatest songs, albums, books, movies, TV shows, websites you’ve ever come across?
Best? That’s difficult to qualify, however I’ve got suggestions.
SONG: T.R.O.Y
ALBUM: Wu-Tang Forever
BOOK: The War of Art
MOVIE: Back To The Future
TV SHOW: Suits
WEBSITE: iNTeLLmakesMusic.com
Looking back, what have been the most important moments in your life so far?
So far….the Day I was born. The day I was shot and the day I fell in love with music
When you’re sitting on the porch age 97 what would you like to look back on and smile having achieved?
A legacy of happiness
If a movie about your life in music was to be made, what interesting/strange moments and stories would you share to make the movie cool?
Lots of untold Wu-Tang stories that the people who follow me are going to love to hear
Where can everyone reading this interview keep up with your adventures?
Please & Thank You
Any final thoughts?
Big S/o to WordisBond I appreciate the spotlight. Make sure all y’all check out my album dropping Friday August 25th on Goon MuSICK. Shout Out the SnowGoons and NahBro Entertainment.
Peace.
Pre order iNTeLL’s “That was then this is now” album HERE
Keep up with iNTeLL : Facebook: Website: Soundcloud: Instagram:
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