Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is rapper, Mack2tone. Mack2tone decided started dropping music in 2020 shortly after graduating college, & has already gained over 120k streams from all music platforms. Mack is a prominent young talent just getting started. Born and raised in Athens, GA (a small college town), and home of the Georgia Bulldogs, it’s safe to say Mack2Tone will soon be the queen of her city. The Athens artist has been on our radar for a while so we had to tap in with her! Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Mack? Your style is dope. When did you start making music?
Mack2tone: I started. making music in 2017 while I was still in college. I did not have access to a studio at the time, due to my hectic basketball schedule and classes, therefore I recorded on my phone using an app called Bandlab.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! What city do you represent?
Mack2tone: I represent the city of Athens Georgia!
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to Athens. Go Dawgs. So how did you create your stage name?
Mack2tone: I’ve always been a MACK for as long as I can remember so I used to go by Lil Mack, but the 2Tone to tip it off was inspired by my older brother, as he was rapping in one of his earlier songs he mentioned me in his lyrics by saying “Shoutout Lil Mack, Lil 2Tone.” It was something about when I heard him say that. It just stuck. It just made sense, as I am into fashion and jewelry. It’s nothing to catch me moving round the city with my 2Tone necklaces.
Westleaf Staff: I think it's dope that your name pays homage to who you aare. So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
Mack2tone: Honestly, music has been a part of my life since I recall ever having a memory. My mother played the piano at our local church, so I always had an interest in the unique sounds of chords. I even took lessons as a kid, but I had trouble getting along with my instructors, so I decided to just focus on basketball. I do recall asking for CDs and CD players every Christmas so I could listen to the music of my choice. But even still, as a kid…I never imagined that I would grow up to become a hip hop artist. I was just really fond of the unique sound of music in general.
Westleaf Staff: That's a dope story. Glad to see you continuing with music. Salute! So who is your biggest Musical influence?
Mack2tone: My biggest musical influences are 50 Cent, Outkast, Lil Wayne, and Drake. Some newer school artists who I also have great influence are Rod Wave, NBA YoungBoy, Trippie Redd, and GloRilla.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Those are some legends! What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
Mack2tone: A defining moment in my career was when I performed at an event called Ath-Fest last year. It is a huge festival in my city, Athens. Growing up I used to go to Athfest simply to socialize and eat good food and watch the rap artists perform, so it really hit home when I was actually on the big stage and the city came out to see me. It was such a great experience. Teachers from my elementary school, my previous coaches, and friends and family all came out to see me. At the time it was my longest set at 40 minutes. I didn’t get tired one bit! A more recent defining moment was when I signed with Quality Too Good. It hasn’t even been that long since then, but I have already began to see significant changes in my life.
Westleaf Staff: So cool! Salute for signing. So what makes you a unique artist?
Mack2tone: I am a unique artist because I stay true to myself in everything I do. A lot of times, nowadays, it’s easy to “ride the wave”, but I honestly don’t know how. Simply because…that wouldn’t be me. I have a very broad taste for music. I grew up listening to gospel, country, alternative rock, hiphop, and even folk. I believe this gives me an advantage over many artists as I am extremely versatile with my voice. Everything that I spit comes from the heart, and I am not looking to please the masses; yet, I know that they will be able to resonate with my lyrics. I can honestly say, with a totally unbiased approach, that out of all of my years listening to music across all the boards, I’ve yet to come across anyone to sound anything like 2Tone.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Gotta do you. Much respect. So what does art mean to you?
Mack2tone: Art, to me, is the expression of a creative skill, or imagination, that is best used for creating works that reflect beauty, and emotional power. Art has the ability to move mountains, change environments, and shape the lives of the human race indefinitely. Without art, there is no true expression or escape.
Westleaf Staff: That's deep! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
Mack2tone: Over the next few years, I see my music taking all the way off! People usually respond in an extremely positive way when they hear me. The next step is getting it to the masses! I don’t want to be a local star, as I think I have already accomplished that. The goal is to do numbers, and move mountains, GLOBALLY! I believe there is a message in my music for everyone. I strive to create and make a career out of doing what I love the most, while also being able to shape this present generation as well as generations to come. I want to go down as one of the greatest female MC’s of all time.
Westleaf Staff: I wish you much success this year! Before we go, describe music in three words.
Mack2tone: Love. Pain. Vulnerability.
Follow Mack2tone:
https://www.qualitytoogood.com/mack2tone-epk
