Skeet The Lyricist

Hello Kool World! Serenada'sPen Back Again  with the Future Artists of this Generation in a blaze of Glory showing you why they deserve the titles Big Shots & Heavy Weights in their fields of Artistry. What we have is another hit music maker here to entertain us once more with mad rhymes and the hip-hop beats of our time. Hanging 10 with the Ngyeuing Crew: Qaewin & Young Drastic, SKEET THE LYRICIST continues the searing hot rhythmic run these young cats have formed together. The similarities are wild, but the differences are masterful with his own special quality of taking powerful intros to climatic epic scenes in movies to revel in full power as he throws his messages to us. Extremely motivating and inspiring Skeet will empower you as he delivers his own originality, so take a seat with us as we discuss his masterful mind-scape, and welcome him as our Artist on the Rise in the Bloggerview sessions.

So here we are at the round table Askia. We have covered two of your group mates and now it's your turn to tell your story and spill the goods on all the makings of you :)

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 I love names that literally give complete individuality and Askia Shareef does just that ;) And it has me wondering about the origins. Is there a cultural, religious significance meaning behind it?

Muhammad Ture "Askia The Great"

Yes, I was named after the Songhai emperor Askia the great who was a Muslim. I was also born a Muslim and my middle name is Muhammad. I think my name is as unique as I am.

I love names that no one else has. It's as if at birth you were destined to be your own person. There's something precious and meaningful about the fact no one is just like you.
Askia means, "Forceful one" and I believe it suits you just fine.   A Force of nature to tear up the place.

When is your born day?

February 23 1995, PISCES!
Absolute Creative Genius!

Where can you direct us to your beginnings?

I was born and raised in Indianapolis and lived on 36th street downtown for eight years. Right around the corner of the Pepsi Colosseum.
Should I or should I not ask, Pepsi or Coke? lol

Do you still live there?

No, I moved away 4 years ago for better opportunities.

What memories do you have from your childhood growing up there?

One of my favorite memories was putting up our basketball court and the whole neighborhood would come over to play basketball till the sun went down and chill. 

It’s customary to believe in the possibility of music playing an integral role in your upbringing. Did you come from a musically-inclined family or is it something you discovered yourself?

Definitely, My mom is a singer and has performed many times while my dad introduced me into African drumming and music. All my siblings played instruments and were in choir at some point.

 Does your family support your aspirations or do they want you to do something else?

My family has been behind me since I started but they also want me to focus more on school and my future career to have several options rather than on my music.

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Most definitely! And that is to be expected for your security in life. Real Love.

What was the defining moment for you that made you realize this is the path that you want to lead your life?

I believe it isn't just one defining moment but all my life experiences and the influence of music. The moment I dedicated myself is when my song
 “Sky High”
got through to my listeners and it felt great.

  
 Take us back to the first time you ever performed in front of anyone, whether it’s standing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, one person, or a group of people. 

What song did you choose and what did it feel like?

The first time I ever performed in front of anyone was in my junior English class. I had to make a rap about the pre-amble for the constitution. I wrote the whole verse the night before at midnight to Jay-Z's dead president's beat. When my time came my heart was beating so fast and my hand was shaking. When I spit my verse I didn't make any eye contact with anyone and finished a little too early. I felt so awkward but by the end of the experience everyone liked it and told me I was good. 

Wow I feel so old now! lol I remember the Pre-amble very well matter of fact. It was 5th grade when I had to recite the passage to my teacher. "We The People, in order to form a more perfect union..." ;) The kool thing about it is we learned it based on a song. School House Rock was our learning tool! I'm not sure if it was exactly that program but it was some listen n' sing tape. It worked if I still remember it now. But that's Fly with Jay Z's Dead Pres. 

Are you signed to a label or do you have your own?

I am not signed to a label. I am currently looking into creating a label with the local rappers I network with to grow and support each other.  
I don't trust labels but I trust my closest friends.

Have you auditioned for any talent shows or programs such as America’s Got Talent or American Idol?

I have never auditioned for any TV shows but I might audition in the future.
Yea I feel you. It's an option. Not the only one, but a possibility. It definitely will prepare you and push you to do your very best.

Do you have an agent booking shows or finding gigs for you?

Not professionally, I have a few close friends who have connections to gigs, etc..I will start performing next year.

Can't wait! ;)

Even though I’ve gotten acquainted with you over time, for our viewers explain the connection with you, Qaewin, and Young Drastic.

I, along with LMD(Justin), were spamming online when we came across Qaewin. We introduced ourselves and wanted to do some collaborations. Through Qaewin I met Young Drastic who I plan on collaborating with in the future 

and may be on “The Experiment” (demo).

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Available Above! Listen to Skeet The Lyricist The Experiment

What sets your lyrical trademark a part from them and any other rap artist out here?

The very essence of my music is different. My rhyme scheme is odd and my song themes are just as much different. I like more than “rap” beats and will hop on anything from rock, to dub-step, to reggae. My music stems from myself and I've always been different.

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It's absolutely amazing how everyone I'm meeting has something in common. One way or another. What are the chances your interests are also with Dubstep & Reggae, as well as Rock. The next guest after you, Andrew Werd2jah is literally encompassed in this musical selection! Pretty Rad. 

I love the introduction to the intro of Humanity's Obituary it’s full of masculine energy. It’s very strong, passionate, empowering, and motivating.

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What inspired you about this caption to use as part 
of one of your tracks?

When I heard the quote, it inspired my aspirations so I thought, why WOULDN’T IT inspire others? The truth and emotion within the clip inspired me to use it. I felt I needed to share it.
And I'm so glad you did. It's so Powerful and it rises a fire inside. It makes you want to make a change and do something bigger than yourself in the world.  
" Rise to Action"

Are you drawn to theatrical, dramatic elements from movies?

Definitely, My favorite themes to use are opposites or good vs. evil, heroes, and tragedies. If I make something a certain way its normally for a reason or has a deeper meaning so watch out for character names, etc. :p

Tell us about a time, and God knows we all have one, where something embarrassing happened and you wished it never happened lol.

Ummm..my birth? O_0 just kidding, I’m not sure because I make any situation less awkward but there is that moment when you fart in class.
Yea you better be kidding! Such a teenager (melodramatic lol) hahaha! But you just told the REAL truth. Who hasn't let it out in some weird location and pray it's a "silent" one! Don't you hate it when it happens when something catches you off guard and you just burst out laughing?!? Well it happens lmao!

What are your thoughts about mainstream “Pop” music and what the contenders from your age group are doing with music – hip-hop?

I necessarily don't listen to the radio or this mainstream “Pop” much but I feel like it’s getting worse. Hip-hop wise I feel like more people are waking up to underground rappers and themes more lately. I believe this mainstream “trend” is starting to fade out.
And it's about time...I'm sure many artists who feel their music is under-appreciated can have a more positive outlook for their work being noticed. 

Your twitter name is @SKEETheLyricist, which I find cute and marketable. Do you consider yourself a poet that can rhyme or an Artist with the gift of lyrical ability?

I consider myself an artist with the gift of lyricism ...who sometimes sounds like a poet, lol. I prefer to be referred to as an artist but I do not want any specific label.

And to add further is SKEETheLyricist your Artist name or another alias to represent you as Askia?

Skeet The Lyricist or S.T.L simply combined my nickname with my profession. It was supposed to be a temporary name until I could find a better one, but i'ts sticking for now. XD
It's stuck on you like glue. Made just for you.

For anyone who has never listened to your music, how would you describe your lyricism in 5 words?

Refreshing, poetic, conscious, thought provoking, relatable.....indescribable..
I love how you decided 1 more could give the effect you wanted lol. I'm starting to think I asked a pitch for a sexy new cologne! For some reason I just had a random visual of Brad Pitt in the commercial for Chanel 5 with ....indescribable 

I’m listening Askia, and without a doubt you remind me of Wale and Kanye West. This is without any comparison to take away from your fire, so readers, remember when I mention Artist similarities I’m only mentioning the influences that are in my guests’ vocals & tonal qualities. We’re inspired by our peers and without a doubt we will pick up their styles. What have listeners compared you to?

I have been compared to Lupe fiasco the most, B.o.B, Wale and Kid Cudi. I take it flattering unless I don't like whoever they said I sound like.

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In what ways do you put yourself and your music out there for people to get on to it?

Anyway I can, spamming online, whoring my music around to people at school, passing out CD's, etc. Unfortunately it’s not that efficient so I’ll find new ways to spread my crew's name.
Just the straight hustle of it all. It's a shame how "spam" created this bad reputation. No one can tell it a part from authentic messages. It may seem like your manual method is not as productive but it is effective. You gotta do what you gotta do when you have only what you got. Take it from Island Def Jam recording Artist Bobby Washington. He is basically a self-made Entrepreneur. It takes alot more back breaking work but if you want to achieve the recognition it can be done. Doesn't hurt to have some friends who can connect you to the best much quicker though.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

Just about everything except country music. Ironically I rarely listen to rap, I often find myself listening to chill step or instrumentals.
That's neat. Can you tell us what "Chill Step" is exactly?

I’ve always known about free-style battles but the past year or so from watching BET Awards, The “Cypher” or “Cypher” gave a new name to Free-style battling. Have you been in any cyphers?

No, But i'm currently talking to an artist who wants me to join his cypher…

Is there a difference between the traditional free-style battle and a cypher or is it all the same?

I think there is a difference. Most CYPHERS (not battles) used to be freestyled but recently more people are beginning to write for cyphers. I think freestyle battles are more hostile than cyphers so prepare to be booty hurt. lol
Lmao! Watch yo asses everyone!

Rap Artists, Singers, or Musicians can perform solo or have a group to back them up. Do you consider yourself a solo act or are you part of a group?

I feel like a solo artist because I believe my music stems from my spirit and no one can replicate that. Though I feel I have a team who I always carry and will always carry me. I'm open to collaborations always but I prefer singles.

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We all know the basic genres of music: Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Soul, Gospel, Alternative, etc. Let me give you the opportunity for the first time ever to tell the world your own self-termed name of your style of music. 

OOOooo..that's a hard one. But I would call it Spoken Rap...a mixture between spoken word and rap or even Feel Hop lol.
I Love it! Good Job. You never know in your future there will be a new style out there with you to credit for it.

Now get ready for this next one…

With everything you can possibly have: location, staging, production, live music, lighting, Fashion/Style, Props, and any collaborations with any artist(s) in the whole world, and song choice whether it’s already made or one you’ve created;

What is your “Dream” performance?

My dream performance would be a collaboration between me, kid Cudi, and Lupe live on stage, on line, EVERYWHERE! We would just be pouring our hearts out to the world and the masses would love back! We would probably be in Cali, sun down, thousands of camera lights flashing.
That's dope 4real.

Who do you credit for discovering your talent and encouraging you to pursue your dreams?

Myself, I wrote, started writing, and discovered I had talent even when everyone else told me I sucked. Also my partner LMD because he's helped me access that emotional part of my music that’s so important.

Which is your favorite song that you know you wouldn’t mind performing over and over again for a show?

Right now I would have to say “Sky High” OR “Brown baby”.

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There are plenty of challenges that come with developing one’s own name and brand. It takes time; patience, determination, and persistence to make it all come together. As an aspiring rap artist you’re faced with the dilemma of other aspiring rap artists wanting the same acknowledgment and attention as you. Have you experienced any animosity or belittlement from your contemporaries during this challenging time for you?

Constantly, everyone wants to be a rapper but not everyone can. I'm still finding and developing who I am as an artist and my persona. IT’S hard knowing where to start but I can only better understand myself as a person through time.

You have inner self introspection. 
Wise for a young buck ;)
Just when you think you reached a high point you realize you have many more steps to climb. How do you overcome disappointment, doubt, negativity, i.e.? In what ways do you pull yourself out of it or away from it?

As soon as a door closes another one opens. Facing disappointment is hard but if I can i' ll write about it or talk about it to a friend. If I’m in doubt about something I try to fix it or reassure myself, though sometimes I just let nature handle that for me. :)

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In your own words how do you define “success” and what it means to be “driven”, the passion to go after one’s dream in your generation?

" I feel like success in our society focuses too much on money and not enough on happiness, or rather that money is happiness. Being successful to me is doing what I love for a living, being both physically and spiritually healthy, and having a family. I think success is based on someone’s personal mission so success isn't the same for everybody. So if you want these things you'll automatically be driven."

Good Point to make. I think you found life's truth already! Better to know now than later when so much time has passed.

 Who is your all-time favorite Rap Artist hands down that you play their albums more than any other?

Lately I've had Kendrick Lamar on nonstop replay. My favorite hands down is Lupe but I most likely play Kid Cudi more than both of them.

What pressures or hardships do you face every day in your world outside of what you do musically?

Senior at a mainly all white school...hard, lol. The stress of being able to get into a good college or being accepted by everyone. Money. Being good enough for your family/friends and the never ending struggles with that forbidden R word...RELATIONSHIPS...ahhh!
Well Imma tell you the complicated "R" word never changes! But you will find Ms. Right when it's supposed to happen lol. Depending on your experiences and how you learn from them can make it better ;) I can relate to you very much. Equally went to a predominately Caucasian school and lived in a suburb with not much diversity until now. The good thing is the rough stuff of those years have finally come to an end and now you can thrive as your own in the world. The challenges don't stop of course, but it's going to be on an adult level. You'll learn over time that the best you can give is what comes best by you. Can't please everyone and honestly you don't want to. Take it from me lol. When I was where you are I didn't know which college to go to, but of course needed to pursue higher education. SCAD is a major art school but quite expensive. There's no way I could afford it so it was scratched off my list. But I went to West Georgia and continued my art studies until I went on to learn Fashion Design. So you can always take a local, community college, and aim for a bigger or more prominent school later. The first 2 years are completing core classes anyways. Math, English, Science, etc. And going undeclared can help if you're unsure which major to go into- try out different options and see.

We hear all the time that the music industry is changing or not in a good place. What is your perception from the outside looking in? Is there anything you want to change about it? 
I believe it’s not the music but the labels, industry, CEO's, etc. If you want good music you can find it but you have to look. I want to change a lot about it, from what’s played on the radio to what new musicians like me try to rap about because our inspirations guide us sometimes.

Do you have any connections to anyone in the music industry?

Yes but I might not be aware of it. I have friends who has cousins and so on who know big names. I know people with studios/producers and other music related positions. It’s just a matter of networking.
Very true! I may know some heavy hitters & have no clue. Twitter definitely allows it to be a major possibility. The minute this blog was created my following extended. Flattering to say the least, but it's all about like minds thinking alike and wanting to be influenced. Plus it's competition.

"Rap Artist" and "Hip-Hop recording Artist" are used interchangeably. When you address yourself as Skeet The Lyricist how do you see yourself?

A see myself as a hip-hop artist. My perception is that Hip-Hop is a culture not a genre but rap is simply one piece of the pie. I’m a part of the music movement that's going on right now in our generation.

There is a process in creating each and every song you make. Which parts do you like the most: Writing, Making the music, recording, or performing it live?

The greatest pleasure to me is recording the music. Just chilling with some friends clowning in the studio gives every song I make its own memory.

What can you say about yourself that people may misunderstand before really getting to know you?

THAT IM OPEN TO NEW PEOPLE AND MY MUSIC ISNT TYPICAL MAINSTREAME RAP. People tend to cut me off before giving me a chance, but that makes me strive even harder.

As a “kid”, cuz I know you still have a few years before reaching “legal manhood” what were your pastimes or 

childhood activities?

I was that kid who loved to read. I spent most of my time outside hooping with some friends or my brothers. I didn't listen to rap on my own time.

In school are you part of the “in-crowd, the floater, or the off-beat, nerdy” group?

Ha, i'm most likely the floater. Most of my best friends come from different “labels” so i'm kinda in everything if that makes sense. When I was younger I was considered the offbeat and nerdy.  
I'm more offbeat now...

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Did you play any instruments in band or sing in your church choir?

Yes I played trombone for several years and I still do African drumming.

Awesome! Trombone player :) I gotta listen to ya.

What’s your favorite TV show?
I don't watch much TV but when I do it’s “The Office” or maybe a classic like Seinfeld.

What’s your favorite food?

I <3 ALL FOODS EQUALLY...no discrimination. lol
Soooo with ya on that 1! I Loovvvve food. Big Time Foodie.

What’s your favorite color?

Red, All I see is red now. XD
Silly!

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Describe your own personal style compared to your “Artist look” if you have one.

I'm currently still developing my artist look but it will reflect my personal style very much because I'm the only thing I want to portray.

Have you been to another country and If you can travel to any country in the world where would you go and why?

Unfortunately, I've never been off the mainland but If I could go to any country it'd be South Africa (the republic) for the natural scenery and to experience the culture!

What characteristics do you seek out in a potential partner?

I'm not too pickkyyyy, but she has to support my aspirations and have a good heart. A smart girl has always been more attractive to me than one whose not. The number one possibility is some kind of musical abilities.

For all the females out here—Are you single ready to mingle or shacked up lol?

 IM OUT HERE MINGLING IF that's a word, lol. Need someone to hold me down :)

Yea that's what they all say! lol You have time...

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Name an animal in the wild that fascinates you.

Pandas and Lions 24/7...
You know what...I have grown to love animals even more this past year. I would love to see pandas up close. Guessing Africa is the trip to go on!

Which do you prefer: Planes, Trains, or Automobiles?

Never been on a plain but I bet i'll like it since...I’M FLY! Just kidding, i’ll have to say automobiles because trains can get overly crowded.
So Fly! So High! So Fly! lol. 1 day you're going to be a jetsetter and flying will be like walking.

Let’s be real for a moment. Nothing in life is guaranteed and if you do achieve the success you’re seeking and an incident causes it to end, what other options do you have lined up?

I’ll be studying music business so I can own my own music studio. if it doesn't work out for me, I’ll just support other talent in my studio.
Good Option.

If you can have 1 super power what would it be and why this particular one?

If I can’t have the power to have all powers, it would be the power of time traveling! I could do whatever I wanted whenever and no one would know.
Using a given power for Trouble lol. I should've known. Doing all kinds of rearranging....

Take us on a journey in a day of your life. In a jot list what are your top priorities every day that cannot be skipped?

1.Breakfast

2.Business

3.Music

What 3 things can you absolutely not leave home without?

I can’t leave home without my phone, my hoodie, and my confidence! Without those all hope is lost.
haha..love the hoodie lol! Confidence, most def.

If you had the power to change anything about your life or the world what would it be and why do you think changing it will make a difference?

I would change the importance and structure of money. I think most of the world’s problem stems from money and peoples' greed. An unequal system based on money is likely to produce greedy tyrants.
Wow, maybe you should run for office... 

If you meet our current President Barack Obama face-to-face what will you say to him?

You know what grinds my gears…lol, I would say he needs to do more to better African American communities as well as all the others.
Alrighty then. Speak your mind fellow American citizen.

What advice that is “tried & true” can you offer your peers equally trying to pursue the same dreams as you, if you have any?

Simply...be yourself.

I’ve said it once and will say it again. Your work is fire! I know I’m not the only person wanting to interview you ;-) What is it about my interview style that made you agree to do it?

Definitely your ability to make artist open up as a person and give their personas a since of identity. Also your're professional.

What motto, quote, or mantra motivates and uplifts you through all trials and tough situations?

God never puts anything on our souls we're not strong enough to bear.

What legacy do you wish to leave behind when the last chapter of your life comes to a close?

A legacy of change, beautiful music, and success.

How can newbies learning about you for the first time keep up with the Latest & Greatest?

My official page on reverbnation, but for the latest updates they can like my facebook page or follow me on twitter at @SKEEThelyricist. 
My YouTube name is askiaist.

There you have it Readers! This completes our Awesome segment with one of the Leading rising stars of our time, Skeet the Lyricist. You were a delight to chat with Askia and I believe, just like your crew, you will be a major contender in the music world and in all directions your pursue in your journey. Much Promise 4-sho! Much Success to you & Keep making those smashing tracks. 1 <3

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