The Westleaf
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is hip hop producer, 009. 009 is Straight out of Boston by way of Oakland; 009’s sound is ethereal and vibey. 009 is buzzing on the East Coast with his so we've been waiting to tap in with him. We finally locked in an interview where we discuss his musical origins and unique style. Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up 009? We love linking with producers. When did you start making music?
009: I first started making beats around 2018... but I think I just started getting good around last year. *laughs*
Westleaf Staff: Nice. Progression is the key. Keep going up! What city do you represent?
009: I was born in Oakland, California but I've been living in Boston for the past couple years. I like to think I represent the East Coast as a whole.
Westleaf Staff: Cool! Shout out to the East Coast! So how did you create your stage name?
009: My name is 009. It was a blend between my old neighborhood in Oakland (900 block) and my love of the James Bond series. It's a way of honoring art, while remembering where I come from.
Westleaf Staff: Nice. I see you repping your hometown! James Bond is classic AF! How did your early life shape your interest in music?
009: My mother exposed me to a wide range of music since I was a kid... so my head was always filled with patterns and melodies. As I got older, I started to equate certain music with certain memories and emotions. By the time I graduated high school, music turned into a way to express myself & learn more about the world around me.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope. Who is your biggest Musical influence?
009: Producer wise? I'd hafta go with 808 Mafia, Clams Casino, ICYTWAT & Redda.
As for artists... I'm all over the place. I listen to a lot, depending on my mood. I can go from Lucki and DestroyLonely to Curtis Mayfield and Gil Scott-Heron.
I'm a fan of music that makes me feel something!
Westleaf Staff: You have an eclectic taste in music. I'm sure that helps with your production. Dope! So what's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
009: When people started telling me my beats sound like beats that Lucki would rap on... because that's one of my favorite artists!
Westleaf Staff: Nice. That had to be crazy to hear! What makes you a unique artist?
009: For one, my sound & sampling style is quite distinct. The combination of ambient sounds and urban drums provide a unique feeling and listening experience. Secondly, my sense of branding and professionalism is unrivaled by any other music producer I've see thus far. My creative process is very thorough!
Westleaf Staff: Fire. You're super talented, too! So what does art mean to you?
009: Art is the ultimate expression of life; an extension of oneself.
Westleaf Staff: Facts. Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
009: To the moon! I've been working on creating new content and expanding my brand beyond making beats. I've been getting more comfortable on the management side, so I see myself putting a lot of different artists together with my vast network & industry connections.
Westleaf Staff: You got the vision. I can see it happening ASAP! Before you go, describe music in three words for us.
009: Life, Energy & Emotion.
Follow 009:
instagram: @009fly
twitter: @009fleezo
Comments