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 Born Crazy straight outta Atlantic City, New Jersey. Born Crazy's sound is true to the old boom bop hip hop flavor and packed with conscious lyrics. The Jersey based artist is making moves in his city so we had to tap in with him. Checkout the interview below!
Westleaf Staff: What's up Born? Your sound is dope. When did you start making music?
Born Crazy: I started making music in the year 2005 with a group of friends but all we did was freestyle on industry beats. I would go to the Seaside Boardwalk and just rap to people and sell our mixtapes. The first solo album I dropped was in 2010.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! You've been grinding. So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
Born Crazy: I overheard my sister playing Coolio in her room. I didn't know much about Rap Music at the time. I asked my mother to get me his CD for Christmas, which was Gangsta's Paradise. That was the year 1995. If I was to calculate that in my head, I believe I was 9 or 10 years old. Since then, I was hooked on Hip Hop Music.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope. Rap was so cool back then. What city do you represent?
Born Crazy: Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Westleaf Staff: Atlantic City has talent1 That's what's up. So how did you create your stage name?
Born Crazy: The idea of my name is pretty self explanatory. I am born crazy. However, the main reason why I chose this name is because I wanted to be different and being different in today's society is labeled as "crazy", "abnormal" etc. I didn't want to fit in with the crowd. People used the term crazy as a way to discredit my thoughts and actions or a way to insult me. I wanted my music to be able to express anger or a way to say the things you were holding back even if nobody wanted to hear it. I wanted my music to be a venting process. I wanted my music to be an escape of anger and frustration, but a way to surround it with music rather than actions that you'll regret in the future. I'm not trying to be a gangster or some villain. This is all fun and games to me and I will use music in all shapes and forms, even if it's violent, aggressive, loving, funny etc.
Westleaf Staff: I love that. You're true to the game! So who is your biggest Musical influence?
Born Crazy: This is a difficult question because almost every rapper I listened to has a song that influenced me in some way. However, their are a handful of them that actually shaped me as a rapper. The biggest one is Twista only because of how fluent and fast he can do it. If I can't imitate him, than he's has to be the best in my mind. I own all of his music too! On the other hand, rappers like Sean Price and Royce Da 59' also have influenced me in a big way. Mainly because of how Royce was able to intelligently write rap verses but do it in a street way. Sean Price's stage presense was all I needed to see. He motivated me to perform on stage. Lastly, Tupac because of how he was able to let the world know how ugly it can be. To me, he is the vision of Hip Hop.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Those are all legends! What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
Born Crazy: The House Of Blues in Atlantic City called me asking if I could perform short notice, only to realize the headliners were Method Man & Redman. That moment was no doubt the defining moment of my career, as I was able to perform in front of a large crowd at a popular credible venue with other famous Rap Artists.
Westleaf Staff: That's real bro! You going up! So what does art mean to you?
Born Crazy: Creation of the mind.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
Born Crazy: I expect to have an established clothing line along with music. I don't really care for fame and I don't care about money either. If I can eat and do the things I enjoy, then that's all the money I need. I'm easy to satisfy. I make music for me, not for you, but if my music can relate to others than so be it! Hip Hop is fun to me. A hobby that's beneficial all thanks to the fans.
Westleaf Staff: Facts! You can do it bro. What makes you a unique artist?
Born Crazy: I believe my style is unique, because of how aggressive and crazy I can get. I say everything everybody is afraid to say. I say the words people hold in. You can hear the pain coming out of my voice.
Westleaf Staff: That's real. The people will always love honest music. I wish you much success in your career! Before we go, describe music in three words.
Born Crazy: God's Spiritual Gift
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