There are plenty of self proclaimed rappers out there who quickly get overlooked because, let’s face it, everyone is a rapper. That is, until you come across someone that actually has some raw talent. There’s no way to really describe the moment when you hear a song and a light bulb goes off in your head and you say to yourself, “ahaaaa, they are going to be big one day!” I was sent Taigenz’s music and I didn’t just enjoy it, I kept repeating my favorite tracks; which is SO rare, especially if I’m listening to an unknown artist. It was only right to reach out to Taigenz and request a mini interview to go along with his “Mr. 514” album download.
To give you some background info, Taigenz hails from Montreal, his sound is different and he is determined to make the world familiar with his brand. Check out what he had to say about his journey thus far:
Source: Facebook
When did your passion for music first develop?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a music lover. I can remember listening to pop music on a heavy basis. I mean let’s face it, Backstreet boys, N’Sync and all of them were running the world at the time. I was into that and Techno music (the pre-edm era). Daft Punk and Eiffel 65 were examples of what was in my cassette recordings. (The kids nowadays don’t know the value of cassettes)
However, I find it ironic that I was never really into Hip-Hop and Rap music until I paid attention to Eminem and Dr. Dre on stage performing “Forgot About Dre” for the first time. I caught the video on Much Music the next day and from then on my ears were burning for hip-hop.
It was at the age of 11 that I started putting together my first rhymes. With no mentor around to guide me through developing a solid writing process, I subconsciously taught myself how songs are generally put together and pay attention to the rhyming schemes of various rappers and understand how what they say can be very influential. What was first a hobby is now an anchor in my life and won’t be lifted any time soon.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years within your music career?
Five years from now I definitely see myself consistently touring on a national scale and having labels come after with heavy deals. I’ve been building my brand and fan base from the ground up since 2008. I remember a fellow local rapper/friend telling me “You need to be in the game for at least 5 years before actually getting back anything you put into it.” I’ll never forget those words because today in 2013, things started gearing up much faster than anticipated. I started doing little tours and performing out of my hometown, Montreal (which I call Muntree), and building a base in those other cities. The popularity I continuously gain in Muntree is growing exponentially and I’m very humbled to be considered as a viable up and comer in the local and regional scene. I’m really looking forward to what the future has in store.
How do you think your talents can influence the masses?
I believe my talents can influence the masses by letting the people know that you can do what you want, when you want but you have to remain honest with yourself. In the rap game, the mantra of “Keepin’ it real” will forever be around. However the weight isn’t the same as I imagine it was 20+ years ago. Therefore, I’m just doing my share by promoting that type of “Keep It real” message to all those who listen to me. I try to stay as transparent as possible in my raps in order to stay genuine and still provoke emotion because that’s my ultimate job as an artist.
What sets you apart from other up-and-coming rappers/musicians?
I find what sets me apart is the fact that I’m not rubbing music in people’s faces and I shy away from introducing myself as a rapper in everyday life. And that mentality is the premise behind the pseudonym of “Mr. 514”. I represent the average individual who has their own aspirations and goals they wish to achieve all while letting people know that you need to remember where you’re from.
How do you maintain your drive even in moments when you feel defeated?
It’s funny, the moments when I feel most defeated is when the universe decides to create an event that just gets me back up. It could be someone who sees me on the street and stops me to tell me they recognize me and appreciate my music. It could be a comment on Youtube or any other social media platform. However, other times I would just recollect myself, think about all the progress I’ve made these past few years and remind myself this is part of the journey. I have a song I wrote called “Gotta Make It” which was kind of like a song dedicated to myself when I’m feeling off. You can hear it on my street album “Mr. 514” on taigenzlive.bandcamp.com
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