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, MACKAVON. MACKAVON was born in Jamaica and he moved to Broward County, FL when he was about 4 years old. His mother would play artists such as Michael Jackson, Bob Marley & The Wailers, 50 Cent, Usher and many more during his youth. His influences are also derived from anime and movies he was passionate about in his early years. The music that would play in the background of these various media influenced him greatly. The Broward artist has been on our radar for a while so we had to tap in with him! Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, MACKAVON? Your style is dope. When did you start making music?
MACKAVON: I started making music around 12, I got interested in it from watching "Get Rich or Die Tryin'". I thought the rapper's lifestyle was cool and that I could escape the life I was living at the time, which for me was not fitting in much; I wanted to be able to stand out. Music became that dream for me.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! What city do you represent?
MACKAVON: Not just a city, but a county. That’s Broward County.
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to Broward. Y'all have alot of talent. So how did you create your stage name?
MACKAVON: I had several names before I settled on my stage name. I decided to go with MACKAVON because it represented growth and maturity, and I wanted people to take me seriously. The name MACKAVON means a lot to me.
Westleaf Staff: I love that. I think it's dope that your name pays homage to your growth. So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
MACKAVON: From my mom’s music taste to not fitting in with people to being a loner, I had an early introduction to the musician persona. My mom showed me Michael Jackson dancing on the TV, and that was my earliest memory of music. It was so impressive to me. His music videos were so movie-like. Somehow, they transported you somewhere else. When my dad passed away, things changed drastically, and music became that vessel for me.
Westleaf Staff: That's a heartfelt and inspiring introduction to music. So who is your biggest Musical influence?
MACKAVON: There are several. Michael Jackson for the impact and visuals; 50 Cent for overcoming the seemingly impossible; Playboi Carti for showing me you can be yourself; and Tupac for the message.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Those are some legends! What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
MACKAVON: I would say a really defining moment in my music career was meeting Iann Dior and having him give me advice on how to navigate the industry. Saying that he just stays inside and focuses on his music made me feel a lot less alone as an artist.
Westleaf Staff: So cool! Salute for securing that meeting. So what makes you a unique artist?
MACKAVON: No one has my story. Nobody can tell it better than I can. No one can connect with the people the way I can. No one has a movement the way I do.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Gotta do you. Much respect. So what does art mean to you?
MACKAVON: It means no limits. Do what you want and inspire people.
Westleaf Staff: That's deep! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
MACKAVON: I’d say I’m ready to launch onto the scene; I’ve been working really hard and meeting a lot of people. Poorstacy, Iann Dior, Lil Ominous, Slutty Sonny, Lil Shock, etc. All of these people have had an impact on me. I’ve been doing shows in Miami and Broward, and I’m planning to expand further. I’m also getting blog recognition from Brain Bakery all the way to TripleSeven. I have a lot coming up this year too.
Westleaf Staff: I wish you much success this year! Before we go, describe music in three words.
MACKAVON: I am music.
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