1. Butta thanks for spending time with us. Take us to the time in your life where music became something you wanted to pursue?
Already, thank you for allowing me to. I was, initially persuaded into becoming a rapper by a childhood friend, Dallas and California artist, Big Lurch. When I was 13, I was living a wild life and I would put so much passion into mimicking gangsta music from the likes of Spice 1, Bone Thugs and Harmony, Big Mike, and 8 ball and MJG, to name a few. One day he asked me if I ever thought about rapping and if I knew how to. I told him yea, and started rapping somebody else lyrics, lol. He was like “Naw, your own”. He challenged me to start writing and I did, as well as freestyling everywhere I went, and I started buzzin. Bone’s “For the Love of Money” instrumental really made me want it permanently.
2. Digging back into your past, tell us what it was like for you growing up in different places?
It was quite an experience. My parents had marital drama so they would basically kidnap us (me and my brothers) and catch a flight to different states. My mom was a street chick and my dad was more level headed. It forced me to adapt to change quick and guard my heart. I saw so much at a young age, that no kid should have to see (In Detroit). It made me not want to get to close to people because it hurt so bad when I couldn’t see them again. On the flipside, we lived in Washington, DC, a couple of blocks from the White House, so I was able to visit very often, as well as the Capital and Monument. Dallas was where I lived the most, to this day. It had its ups and downs. I appreciate it all though.
3. Music has been a part of your life as a group member more than once and now a solo artist. Take us to the point in your life where you knew being a Solo artist was the way you wanted to go?
I never wanted to be a solo artist. I loved the energy, company and collective effort on creating songs. In a nutshell, the investor of my first group passed away unexpectedly (rip Scratch), the group split, my next group member got locked up for 14 years, 1 went to the Army and I was left solo after every episode. The passion or skills never left, so it was like Drown or Swim. I chose to swim and haven’t looked back since. I love who I’ve become as a person and an artist.
4. Describe your sound. When fans listen to your music what do you want them to hear?
My sound is Raw. It’s real, risky, bold, seductive, street, personal and versatile. I just want my listeners to hear a Real Human, someone who they can vibe and relate to. Someone who can say what they’re thinking, and maybe a few things that they haven’t thought about. I touch on every subject and Deliver with every verse, Bar for Bar.
5. Talk to us about your new single “Level Up” and who produced it?
“LEVEL UP” is a song that motivates people, including me, to go harder with everything that they do. It encourages you to use what you have, expect nothing less from those around you and to Boss Up. The beat is somewhat simple, but it Bangs! It was produced by another Dope Dallas Producer, B.I. Man on the Moon. I’ve been knowing him over a decade, he’s very versatile and talented and I thought this would be a great opportunity for him. I salute the underdogs
6. Who would you say influenced you in this music business and why?
I’ve been influenced by everyone that has overcome a struggle, been written off, and been through some real trials. But musically, my biggest influences are Bone Thugs and Harmony. They’re the first ones, that I know of, that put an instrumental on their EP. They’re so Live! The bars, twisting, delivery, thuggish ways, grimy look, harmony, subjects, height, mannnn say, lol. I’ve always felt like I should’ve been the 6th member, “Butta Bone”.
7. Not only do you work hard as an artist, but you also earned a certified recording engineer License and Medical licenses. Why was it important for you to achieve those goals?
Time is of the Essence. I feel like “To Limit Yourself Is to Be Dead with your heart still beating”. I always want to have something to fall back on and I’m still brainstorming on what else I can add to my accomplishments. The brain is a terrible thing to half way use.
8. You’ve opened for numerous artists like Paul Wall, and Lil Flip to name a few. Explain what the experience felt like performing in the same place as them?
It was cool. Houston always had a unified movement and it was, and still is highly respected. They’re great artists and their fans rock! It was a blessing to open and perform on the same stage as every artist that I’ve had the pleasure to. I received equal, or just about, Love from the audience, which just motivated me more and broadened my respect for them.
9. What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in this business?
Honestly: To feel like Everyone is Full of Shit, until they prove otherwise. You’ll be a lot less disappointed going in like that. It’s so toxic in this business. If you’re doing it solely for money, Get OUT NOW! It’s a dirty, selfish game, but the fans make it all worth it.
10. What is your definition of Grynd?
Not giving up, no matter how much you go through. Investing in yourself, sacrificing things others do so normally, the willingness to go through a window if the door won’t open. Making everyday count, using what you have to the best of your ability, with consistency.
11. What is next for ButtaGoHarder?
More music, videos, video games, entrance into designing apparel in the fashion world, investing in my seeds, branding myself more and growing spiritually. Leaving a Legacy, Adamant!
12. Any shout outs?
When I name names, someone always get left out. But yea, special s/o 2 everyone that rides with me daily on this journey. DJ HypemanCrunk DJ Chill Will, DJ Inferno Red, Da Queen Breezy, Go DJ Trap, DJ Icey-D, MrE Kong, Buddha Ali, my mama, Ms. E (who will tell a dead cat how hard I go, lol), Mr and Mrs. Greedy Lucchese, Author Diamond Monroe, Lil Grody, The Grynd Report and the whole TEAM BUTTAGOHARDER!! R.I.P and watch me Go daddy. S/0 2 www.buttagoharder.com
