O-Starz Interview

Full speed ahead this week with unearthing and showcasing the musical gems of the underground. We were fortunate enough to grab a quick chat with the legend that is O-Starz. He offered up some really eye opening and thought provoking ideas. Here’s how it went..

O-Starz – huge thank you for taking the time to chat to us. For anyone who hasn’t had a chance to hear your music yet, which track do you think best represents you and what you’re about?

Thank You for having me. I would say “I’m on a plane”, or “Do the OJ”.

You’ve been involved in hip-hop for some time now, it’s clear you’ve amassed a pretty big network of supporters over on Twitter. What is it about this genre that gives it such a feeling of community – something you’re a part of, a lifestyle, rather than just a type of music?

It’s a mixture of a bunch of things. Part of it is the lifestyle. Versatility helps a lot too. I don’t just rap, I also play 6 instruments. And I don’t stick to one “genre” of music. But being honest, as well as having humor, is key to getting people to follow a movement. Most hip hop artists of today aren’t telling any truth in their songs. I’ve actually done the things I rap about. And If I haven’t, it’s something punchliney that will make you say ooooh or laugh.

Who do you consider to have been massively inspirational in driving you to be the artist you are today?

Denise Matthews! She saved me from depression. She saved my life, I was ready to check out of this place. She helped me understand that all things are possible if you really believe. She made me see God really has a plan for my life. She passed away recently, but she still lives in my heart. Big Meech also inspired me. I got some quotes from him in a letter that I now live by. Those quotes truly help me with all my day to day problems. From my interactions with him I learned so much. I learned that no matter what, always have a positive mindset and attitude.

Who’s up there in your dream collaborations list?

I would love to collaborate with Fabolous, Drake, Kanye West, Adele, Dave Grohl, Deron Miller, Krist Novoselic, Rihanna, J-Cole, and Timbaland.

What do you think of the mainstream music industry at the moment, and do you see it taking a new direction any time soon?

I think music is always in a good place. It’s just received on different platforms than it used to be. It’s more difficult to sell albums because there aren’t any video shows on TV. I remember watching videos as a kid made me want to be like and look up to artists. If you really idolize a person, purchasing material is automatic. Nowadays you have to research artists online to see videos. Back then MTV, BET, and VH1 made sure videos were always in your face. I believe it will take a new direction when people start being honest again. It’s so many rappers glorifying drug dealing like it’s cool. And that is ridiculous to me. (Laughs) Most of them never sold any drugs for real. I’ve been there and it’s not a good place to be. If you look at all the artists who are still selling a ton of albums….they’re not lying to you. They’re being truthful. And that is how you gain fans for real.

What have you got coming up in 2016 for us to look forward to – new releases, collaborations, events?

In 2016 I plan on doing what I was put here to do. And that is to simply be great.

Amazing responses – an absolute pleasure to chat with the one and only O-Starz. Stay up to date with the greatness over on Twitter and Youtube. Get involved. 

Rebecca Cullen

Founder & Editor

Founder, Editor, Musician & MA Songwriter