Following the release of the brand new single 29801, we caught an interview with creative entrepreneur, rapper and artist McLANE, to find out more about the music, his World Builder project, his plans for the future, what drives him, and plenty more. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Where did you grow up, and what first sparked your passion for this kind of music?
I grew up between Aiken, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, in the CSRA area. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Watching my grandfather play guitar and my cousin play drums in church had a big impact on me growing up.
I started making music around 10 years old, and over time, I developed my own sound by experimenting with different genres. I’ve always been drawn to music that doesn’t fit into one box, and that’s what pushed me toward alternative hip-hop.
29801 is the new single. What was the creative process like, and what inspired the title?
29801 represents Aiken’s ZIP code, which makes the record personal to me. It connects to where I’m from and the experiences that have shaped me. I wanted to create something that represents my roots while still being able to connect with people outside of my hometown. It’s a piece of my story and where I come from, and it also gives people a glimpse into the world I’m building through my music.
Tell us about the World Builder project and live shows. What can fans expect, and where will you be touring?
World Builder is an upcoming album that represents a new chapter for me creatively. People can expect different sounds, storytelling, experimentation, and a more immersive experience. I’m taking everything I’ve learned and created throughout the years and bringing it all together to build one big world through this album.
I’m also bringing that vision to the stage through World Builder Live, running from October 2026 through June 2027. I will be going to Charlotte, Atlanta, Columbia and surrounding areas and my first show of this experience is this friday In Augusta Ga.
The shows are an opportunity to bring the music and the world behind it to life. I’m continuing to develop the live schedule, with appearances planned across different areas. I want every performance to feel like another piece of the World Builder experience.
Why the name World Builder? What does that represent?
World Builder is about creating something of my own rather than trying to fit into somebody else’s vision. I want to build my own universe through music, visuals, performances, and the ideas behind my art. Every project adds another piece to that universe. It’s about having the freedom to create without limits and showing people that there’s more to me than one sound or one identity.
What’s the local scene like in Aiken for this kind of alternative hip-hop?
Aiken has its own culture and creative energy, but alternative hip-hop is still a niche in the area. Being from a smaller city can make it challenging to find an audience for music that doesn’t fit the mainstream mold. At the same time, I think that gives artists like me an opportunity to stand out.
“I want to represent where I’m from while also showing that you don’t have to come from a major music city to create something different.”
Your single Addiction showcased the melodic and groove-based side of your sound. Do you produce your own beats, and how do you decide which direction to take a new track in?
I produce some of my own beats, but I also enjoy collaborating with other producers and adding my own creative components to records. Whether it’s adjusting the production, building melodies, experimenting with sounds, or helping shape the overall direction, I like being involved in the creative process beyond just recording vocals. When I start a new track, I usually let the feeling and energy of the record guide me. I don’t like limiting myself to one formula because I want each song to have its own identity while still feeling like me.
What’s your biggest ambition for this project, and what’s the best way fans can support you?
My biggest ambition is to build something that lasts. I want World Builder to introduce people to a bigger vision of who I am as an artist, while continuing to grow my audience and take my live performances to new places. I want people to connect with the music, but also with the universe and community I’m creating around it.
The best way to support me is to stream 29801, share the music, follow me on Instagram at @officialmclane and @official888mafia, attend the shows, and introduce my work to somebody new. Every bit of genuine support helps an independent artist keep moving forward.
What’s your biggest challenge as an independent artist right now?
One of the biggest challenges is balancing the creative side with the business side. As an independent artist, you’re responsible for the music, promotion, visuals, performances, networking, and the financial investment behind everything.
You have to create opportunities instead of waiting for somebody to hand them to you. It’s challenging, but it also gives me control over my direction and allows me to build something on my own terms.
Is there anything else we need to know?
Outside of my own music, I’m also the CEO of 888MAFIA, an independent collective focused on building opportunities for artists and creating experiences for the underground music community. I’m also involved with Horrible Company, an artist management company focused on helping artists develop their careers, build their identities, and navigate the music industry. Both ventures are part of my bigger vision of creating opportunities for myself and other creatives while contributing to the underground scene.
“One of our major upcoming events is Eight Day 2027, returning to Atlanta on March 6–7, 2027. It’s a two-day underground music event bringing artists together for live performances and community. We’re also planning a livestream to extend the experience beyond the people attending in person.”
Ultimately, I’m always working toward something bigger than the next release. My goal is to build a lasting creative world, create opportunities for other artists, and show people what can happen when you take your vision seriously.
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Find McLANE on Instagram.
