Meet Quality, an "Authentic Journalist" from Brooklyn, NY
It’s been quite the 2020 so far, and in a time where everyone is inside trying to figure out what’s going on, artists and creatives, in general, have an opportunity to come out of this in a better position than they went in. Creatives around the world have had to change their mindset, as well as the way they execute the content they make.
Artistry is one of the most important aspects of the creative world. While so many get stuck in a box, failing to challenge the status quo as a means to be more successful, or just a means of attention rather than creating with freedom. In this day and age, virality and entertainment has superseded content and quality, but with so many people dealing with issues these days, there is a community that needs a leader who will tell them “It’s okay, I’ve been where you’ve been, and you got this” in a way that resonates and touches the soul. I got the chance to talk to New York City artist Quality who wants to do just that.
RJ: So let’s start off with your name, where you’re from and the type of artist you see yourself as.
Q: Quality, Brooklyn, NY. Rapper but I describe myself as an authentic journalist.
RJ: Go into that a little bit more. What do you mean by authentic journalist?
Q: What I mean by being an Authentic Journalist is someone who’s willing to report true stories about their life to the people just like a news reporter but through my music. I am pushing the barrier of being titled “a rapper” because I am so much more than that. I want to distinguish myself from others as best as I can.
RJ: Who are some artist you’re listening to right now?
Q: Some artists I’m listening to right now are Pop Smoke, PartyNextDoor, and myself due to this new project I’m working on.
RJ: What’s your favorite part about being an artist?
Q: Wow, there’s so many. My favorite part about being an artist is seeing what songs my fans like from me. I record so many songs and write so many I don’t ever know what’s the “hit” or what they may like. I love the feeling of “you just never know.”
RJ: Would you say your fans are a big motivator for you?
Q: My fans are definitely my motivation because honestly, I developed an organic fan base while in College. Most of my fans come from Buff State/University of Buffalo and I actually know them. I just genuinely love my fans cause they never switch up on me and stay down even though I am an underground artist.
RJ: How would you describe your music?
Q: I would describe my sound as soul music. Music you can feel. Whether it’s the beat or the lyrics. You’re going to feel connected to it because I literally write about my life. Human feelings and emotions and events we all go through.
RJ: If you had to compare yourself to any artists, or combinations of artists, who would it be?
Q: If I had to compare myself to some artists it would be Kendrick Lamar & The Notorious BIG for right now. Kendrick and I are alike because he’s another authentic artist who speaks on true events in his life and expresses it through music. Biggie is another because we are both plus size men from Brooklyn who feel as though they are the People’s Champ. And honestly speaking he’s my idol. He’s taught so much through his music. Long Live The Great.
RJ: What got you into making music/who influences you the most?
Q: Drake! Haha, yeah this guy is the reason I truly wanted to get into this thing. His music gave me the confidence to start making beats and then ultimately writing to my beats. Then there’s others of course.
RJ: Who is your dream collaboration?
Q: So many! RIP to these amazing artists but I would’ve loved to work with Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke & The Notorious B.I.G. These guys are all organic and that’s what I love in artist the most. Some others are Drake, Jay Z, Meek Mill but in all honesty I’m not ready yet (more on that later).
RJ: What aspect of your artistry are you most confident in?
Q: I’m most confident in my pen. No matter what’s going on in the world my pen gets me through everything. Good times.. bad times. Writing a song is me in my element.
RJ: What do you think you bring to the rap game that’s unique?
Q: I’m gonna bring a new breath of fresh air of true authentic music. Bringing producers I’ve met in College/High School with me. Being someone that’ll help a lonely kid through his music someday. One step at a time my music will help people be confident in themselves.
RJ: What’s your most recent project, and what are your thoughts on how it turned out?
Q: My most recent project was my EP “Quest To Greatness.” I feel this EP (I) was just trying to help my core fanbase remember we all are on our quest to greatness in whatever path you choose in life. There will be bumps and bruises but you’ll get there with a persistent mindset. That being said, this EP wasn’t my most successful project statistically but I hope it impacted the people it needed to impact.
RJ: What are you working on right now?
Q: I’m currently working on this new album. (No name right now) A lot has changed in my life while creating this album in such little time. This album is gonna walk you through the life of a post-College kid with a dream that seems so close yet so far. He has help and people all now coming aboard that believes in him but it’s up to him to believe in himself. I personally believe this music on this album is something you can’t deny... everyone will hear it and this will be the project that’ll get the people talking and ultimately the attention and the support me and my team deserves.
RJ: Alright, thanks Quality, it’s great to hear from independent artists so dedicated to doing something new, rather than copying what’s successful right now. Before we get out of here, what’s one thing you would like to speak into existence?
Q: Something I want to speak into existence right now is health and blessings to my family, friends, fans and to those I don’t know personally. Things are rough but I can’t wait to have built up an amazing fan base that helps me reach my ultimate goals of performing at sold-out shows and help inspiring people to be their true authentic selves.
As you can see Quality is not just a regular rapper or artist, his goals for his music spread farther than just commercial success and the value comes from the connection. In a genre that’s all about flexing what you have, Quality aims to talk to his audience on a deeper level, getting to the root of the problems and stresses we all face on the day to day. More than just his approach to the game, Quality’s work ethic is a great sign that he will climb up as high on the ladder as he wants to.
Follow Quality on Social Media!
Listen to Quality’s music available on Apple Music and Spotify!
