Following the release of a string of brand new releases, including Slow Down Strong / That’s Gangsta, we caught an interview with rapper & artist Strong A.R.M to find out more about the music & his journey so far. Here’s how it went.
* * *
Hey – thanks for the chat! For those who don’t know – how would you describe your sound and approach as an artist?
I would say that my style is very hard hitting and aggressive!!!!
You’re a unique rap artist right now, known for blending genres and driving with an ever impressive, stylish flow. What would you say has influenced your creative direction the most over time?
Being exposed to all kinds of music!!!! As a kid my mother would listen to many different artists (Barry White, Issac Hayes, Al Green, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Millie Jackson and many other blues musicians) around the house, and it has stuck with me all these years!!!!!
Are there any other genres you might hope to venture towards with future releases?
Well my man Warren J. comes from a Jamaican background, so on STRONGULATION one of the NEW tracks I have on there will be of YOURS TRULY and Warren J. on a classic Reggae beat.
What are your thoughts on mainstream hip hop at present, and what values do you hope to bring to the scene?
The way I see it, I had my Hip Hop heroes growing up, and now my kids have their Hip Hop heroes growing up!!!! Growing up people said that Hip Hop would not last. So as Hip Hop evolves into what it is nowadays, who am I to say that it sucks!!!!! I will just say that I stay in my lane when it comes to Hip Hop!!!! And I do it for the people who still love this music. PERIOD!!!!!
If you had to choose any song by another artist that you wish you could have written, which would it be, and why?
AIN’T NO HALF STEPPING by the legend himself MR.BIG DADDY KANE!!!! Because the wordplay in that song, at that time was just OUT OF THIS WORLD RIDICULOUS!!!!!
What does your artist name represent?
The “A.R.M.” in Strong A.R.M. means “A REAL M.C.”. Now I am aware that the true spelling is E-M-C-E-E. But it fit what I was talking about, so I kept it!!!!
Do you produce your own beats or play any instruments?
I produce some of them. I give my INPUT though on EVERY track that I am on.
Is live performance important to you?
It is VERY important for me when I am on stage, or watching someone else perform!!!! Because there is nothing else like the ENERGY the crowd gives an artist on stage!!!!! And if the artist knows what he or she is doing, they give that ENERGY right back in their performance.
Where would be your dream venue to perform?
My dream performance would be in my hometown at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!!!!
How have you honed your unique vocal tone and delivery style over time?
Personally, I don’t think I made it!!!! It was just something about being from THE BIG APPLE, and then being from BROOKLYN, that made it always there for me!!!!!
What’s your plan of action as an artist for 2020 and beyond?
Survival Crew Records is re-issuing my album STRONGULATION on its 20th year anniversary in 2020 with some NEW tracks added, and along with that, we will also release STRONGULATION 2 (Da EDM Remixes)!!!!
If you could sit down to lunch with anyone at all, past or present, who would you invite, and what would you ask them about?
Truthfully speaking, I would have to go with L.L. COOL J. I always wanted to ask him how did he balance everything he does. HIS MUSIC, HIS MOVIES, and HIS FAMILY LIFE!!!! WHOA.
What’s the best thing people can do to support you?
If you LIKE what I do, then SUPPORT what I do!!!! Buy my music, stream my songs, Watch my music videos, and get all the merchandise that reminds you of me, and Survival Crew Records!!!!! It is just that simple!!!!!!!!!
Is there anything else we should know?
Yes!!!! You can hear me on APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL, SPOTIFY, DEEZER, and in any other digital music store AROUND THE WORLD!!!! You can also check me out on Youtube, Instagram, Soundcloud, Facebook, and Twitter!!!!!
APPLE MUSIC, TIDAL, SPOTIFY, DEEZER.
www.youtube.com/survivalcrewrecords
www.instagram.com/survival_crew_records
www.instagram.com/DJStrongarm
www.soundcloud.com/survivalcrewrecords
www.facebook.com/survivalcrewrecords
www.twitter.com/survivalcrew
I want to THANK YOU STEREO STICKMAN for this interview, and for all my people out there AROUND THE WORLD struggling to make their next move, just remember to ALWAYS HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAMS!!!! AND NEVER GIVE UP!!!!! PEACE!!!!!!!!!
* * *
