Infamous A's ‘Legacy’ and ‘B.M.F’ visuals out now and a collaboration is on the way with Cris Streetz and Humbeats. We were able to catch up with Infamous A and ask a few questions regarding his hungry mentality, ambition and goals for 2021.
Boston Culture: Where did you grow up? How was that like?
Infamous A: I grew up in Melrose, Massachusetts. My hometown has always been pretty chill and nonchalant for the most part... I went to school in Melrose for about 10 years, but my struggles with mental health and the special education system eventually landed me in Charlestown, which is where I began pushing music and eventually graduating school from. I believe that’s where I truly started my journey.
Boston Culture: Talk to us 'Champion'.
Infamous A: 'Champion' is a hard, lyrical, banger, rap anthem that definitely feels like my best work yet. I felt like I needed to put out more music with big, high level rap vibes. For my current style, this song just feels right... It’s produced by Humbeats, who I’ve always put at the top of the Massachusetts scene. Plus, Cris Streetz is on the featured verse, and he went ballistic. This song definitely isn’t the last time we’ll be working together.
Boston Culture: Was there ever a studio session when you thought. "Yo this is crazy" ?
Answer: I’m not sure about my longest studio session, but when I recorded my verse to this song, I felt pretty confident. Then there’s my 2-3 hour studio session with Gio Dee from a few months ago, which was a total breeze... unreal how he comes up with melodies off top. Everybody in the studio caught a vibe. I plan to release that song in March-April, for sure.
Boston Culture : I want to get into younger self's mentality. You obviously had to put a lot of work to get to the position you are today. What made you want to create your first song and how old were you? Was there someone you looked up to or aspired to be?
Infamous A: The mentality of my younger self is an interesting one. I’m still not exactly sure who that kid is. I do make it my mission now to be an open artist, and a positive, yet truthful person. However, whenever I go back to my younger self I can only think of anxiety and a whole lot of uncertainty. I was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety disorders when I was very young, which lead to alternative treatments with prescription pills and schooling... I was pretty overwhelmed as a young student and felt like all I had was my work ethic and my creativity, both of which, I felt were being clouded by my stress. So, when I turned about 13-14, I began writing raps seriously. Then at age 16, I began putting out music as Infamous A, which completely rejuvenated me and gave me some pride. In the process, I discovered that the only person I can ever aspire to be, is my idea of a great person. Which I still work on.
Boston Culture : What was the best advice you got early in your career?
Infamous A: “Just keep working on your craft”. It doesn’t sound like much, but at one point, I was doing small, afternoon shows in Cambridge every month. Small venues in smaller cities at 1PM are pretty much just filler gigs for young and struggling artists, but when your favorite Massachusetts emcee emails you back and reminds you how hard you’re working, it gave me that boost of confidence, knowing that I’m not alone in this journey of walking through our city, hustling for my what I dream about.
Boston Culture : What do you dislike about the art world/music industry?
Infamous A: Respectfully, it’s too subjective... I respect everyone’s opinion and all, but nobody says Michael Jordan is trash because they don’t enjoy his style of play. For whatever reason, in the music space, we allow everybody and anybody to just dish out their opinion and it almost always just comes down to “lit” or “trash”. I understand the dog eat dog mentality, I really do, but before the music business changed the entire status quo, all we had was our skill and our artistic ability. Our top lyricists, our top influencers, our most successful businessmen and businesswomen, they belong on a pedestal. Period.
Boston Culture : Did the pandemic affect any plans you had?
Infamous A: Not at all! I had a very productive 2020. Extremely thankful for that...
Boston Culture : Who are your biggest influences?
Infamous A: Eminem, Kanye West, Royce Da 5’9, Nipsey Hussle, Griseilda Records, Kendrick Lamar, Hopsin, Jadakiss, Tech N9ne and everybody who’s winning out of Massachusetts. I love hip hop, man.
Boston Culture : What do you think of the music scene in the city? Are there any Boston producers or artists you'd potentially like to work with?
Infamous A: We have the most underrated music scene in the world, today. I’d really thrive on a conceptual song with Millyz, considering our common ground with the SPED life. Other than that, Joyner Lucas, Token, Termanology, Cousin Stizz, 40 $tacks, and Griz Gusto all come to mind.
Boston Culture : Tell us about your goals for the rest of the year and 2021.
Infamous A: I plan on releasing a mixtape this year, titled ‘Poetic Introvert’. I’m also looking to put out a clothing line around the same time I drop the tape! So my plan this year is simply to execute. New year, same goal, just planning for a bigger result.
Boston Culture : What inspires you to wake up everyday and stay focused?
Infamous A: At this point of my life, staying focused and hungry is all I know. I’ve realized that the alternative to working hard isn’t really an option. However, remaining humble in such a competitive field can get complicated. I discipline my ego by constantly reminding myself how lucky I am to have this opportunity. Forget the fruits, the labor actually means more to me. I’ve learned to not only trust my process, but to be thankful.
Boston Culture : How do you seek out opportunities?
Infamous A: I actually think that’s dope that you recognize that about me, because a lot of times I put trust into my intuition more than anything. I constantly show my face at events and make sure the best rappers in the room get familiar with me and my person... I’ve just been writing raps from such a genuine place for so long that I feel 100% confident in my ability to approach an opportunity. That style of navigating a room comes from me just working on my craft, building relationships, and investing time and money as well as I can.
Boston Culture : When was the last time you were in the studio?
Answer: A couple weeks ago I recorded some tracks. I’ve been finishing up the 2021 mixtape, for the most part. Making sure my marketing is on point will be crucial this year, as most of my singles are already locked and loaded.
Boston Culture : Who's your favorite producer and artist? Mainstream and local.
Answer: Mainstream, I’ll ride with Timbaland and Eminem. Locally, I’ll take Humbeats and Millyz.
Boston Culture : What brands should sponsor your?
Answer: Whoever pays me the most. Nah, on the real though... I wear Chinatown Market almost every day now. So either them, any local boxers/MMA fighters, or an artist-owned record label. I’m always riding with hip hop, hot streetwear and I’m very passionate about showing love to the local fighters.
Boston Culture :Anything else we missed you want to tell your fans?
Answer: You guys are tremendous for our city, just want to thank you guys, and remind everyone that my new release date is January 21st, 2021. ‘Champion’ (feat. Cris Streetz) coming soon, to all streaming platforms! Stay safe out here and stay real. Respect.
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