Interview With Layne Harper

I've been following an artist from the U.S who goes by the name of Layne Harper for a while now. After downloading his mixtapes and doing a little bit of research I became a very big fan of his and found myself tweeting about him every minute. Who would've known that one day that i'd get to interview him?

He's been featured on The Source, New Beats Media,  My second home Hip-Hop Isn't Dead, Vibe, MTV, XXL and now right here on Music and Madness!

Starting off in music from the age of five, working with Kanye West and Q-Tip and now signed to Island/Def Jam Recordings, I got to ask Mr Harper a few questions...

Thanks so much for your time today Layne. First things first, could you tell me a little bit about yourself? 

Layne: I’m a father first, artist second. I take pride in being a great father to my two sons and I’m infatuated with hip-hop. I love painting vivid pictures for the listeners to enjoy and be able to relate to.

How long have you been involved in music?

Layne: It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been involved in music since I was five years young; 24 years later I’m still here doing what I love.

You released two mix tapes this year, Layne Harper Vs. The World and Moral Evaluations (The Mind of Layne Harper) was the response what you expected from fans?

Layne: Absolutely. I gained a lot of new fans after ‘Moral Evaluations’ was released. I wasn’t too fond of releasing ‘Layne Harper Vs. The World’ there wasn’t original production on there. I released those two projects as warm-ups. ‘Layne Harper Vs. The World’ was a mix tape, but ‘Moral Evaluations’ was all original material, it was just hosted and mixed by DJ Mozes.

Since then you have been signed to Island/Def Jam records. Congratulations! How does it feel? Any major changes so far?

Layne: It’s a blessing I must say it feels real good. I chose to go the digital distribution route with Island/Def Jam Recordings and put dedication into my project and not be the typical lazy artist who expects handouts. I don’t rely on the label to put money into my project; I can’t sit there and wait for anything to happen, I have to go out there and network myself with these DJ’s, magazines, media and producers. I’m my own manager and my own publicist. The last situation I was involved in was not solid, so I have to make sure the team I decide to roll with in the future is legitimate.

One question that you’ve probably heard so many times but it has to be asked, what was it like working with Kanye West and Q-Tip?

Layne: The production on ‘Don’t Hate Me’ by Kanye West and ‘City Lights’ by Q-Tip was phenomenal. ‘City Lights’ is one of my favorite records due to the message behind the record.

You’ve been currently performing in and around the U.S, are there any chances of you coming down to the U.K?

Layne: I’m currently negotiating with sponsors on touring overseas.

Your debut album, Hate is the New Love is out at the end of this month, what can we expect to hear from that?

Layne: I pulled the plug on releasing the album due to these shows I’ve been booked doing. I released the record ‘POVerty’ on June 28th and received a vast amount of support. I felt as if since the album wasn’t coming out that I should release a record with a strong message behind it.

That's a shame but i'm sure it'll be worth waiting a little longer for. Moving on, do you have any advice for upcoming Hip-Hop artists?

Layne: If you have an original sound, keep it. There are too many artists with the same sound and hip-hop is in need of a change. I started to make my own brand already so I suggest other upcoming artist to do the same. Keep God first, stay loyal and humble with your fans and then the rest is a piece of cake.

What can we expect from you for the rest of 2011?

Layne: Only God knows. I had a fan say that they put money on it that I will be winning a BET award next year, I am fully confident that they won’t lose their money.

Thank you for your time Layne and all the best in the future.

Layne: Blessings.

Also, I did promise to comment on your interview with XXL Layne Harper and the comment didn't come up so here it is:

"As a (moderately) young listener it's refreshing to hear someone like Layne Harper in Hip-Hop. He's original, he's real and he's the truth. When it comes to teaching my future children about Hip-Hop he'll definitely be an artist up for discussion. I wish him all the best in the future and hope to see him in the U.K soon!"

To keep up to date with Layne Harper do check out his official website www.layneharper.com

Follow him on Twitter: @LayneHarper