“An artist that actually presents value in his music… AWKWORD, a New York based emcee, is an activist! AWKWORD music is based on the presentation of a message. You, the audience, will get acquainted with his artistry and his activism.” — Praverb.net
On Labor Day 2012, P the Wyse & Praverb.net released a brand-new Interview — and exclusive Freestyle, “Faking The Funk” — with AWKWORD: “5 Tips Towards Fostering Change In The Community”.
In the interview, AWK speaks on a range of topics, from his activism and 100% for-charity project World View to his rapping style, from his relationship with religion to the experience of recording the song and video “Bars & Hooks” with Harry Fraud, Sean Price and The Kid Daytona.
See below for interview snippets and the link for:
- The Full Interview — with AWKWORD’s “5 Tips Towards Fostering Social Change In The Community”
- A Free Stream & Download of AWKWORD’s Exclusive Freestyle for Praverb.net
“This Rhyme Perspective interview is exceptional because it sheds light on an artist that actually presents value in his music… By the end of this interview you will also gain some important tips on how you can foster change in your commmunity. The homie AWKWORD even blessed Praverb.net with an exclusive Freestyle.” — Praverb.net
SNIPPETS
Praverb:
Hip-hop and religion are two terms that are not really synonymous with each other. How do you balance your beliefs with your quest to succeed as a hip-hop artist.
AWKWORD:
I’m Jewish by blood and by culture, but not by daily routine or strict adherence. I am proud to be a Jew, proud of our ability to survive thousands of years of persecution. And unlike many of our society’s more highly educated people, I am certainly not against religion. I understand the hope religion offers people who need it; but I do fear for the people who pray first, ask questions and consider other options later…
In terms of how all this impacts my music, I don’t really get into the specifics of my beliefs in my songs. In some, I drop quick one-liner references. I do also have a couple ‘Jewish songs’: one that appeared on my solo album See the Light, the other which has not been completed and is slated for my upcoming 100% for-charity LP World
But here’s the interesting (and disappointing) thing about this second song…
Praverb:
You are an artist that has benefited from building and maintaining relationships with the new taste makers (blogs and websites).
AWKWORD:
Include the college and indie radio DJs and, in today’s world, there simply is no other way to reach the masses. Performing is big business, but not if nobody has heard of you. And there are way too many rappers in every high school and on every street corner for the fans to know what to do, so the blogs (ideally, at least) filter the music, cut the untalented and unoriginal, and give the fans (hopefully) what they deserve.
Praverb:
“Bars & Hooks” is an exceptional rap song that features yourself, Sean Price, Harry Fraud, and The Kid Daytona. The video has close to 40,000 view and it has allowed your brand to pick up steam. Describe the joy of working with Sean Price, Harry Fraud, and The Kid Daytona.
AWKWORD:
To use your wording, there is joy in making good music, period. Of course, I am pleased with how the “Bars & Hooks” song and video came out, as well as the incredible response they’ve each received. (Apologies for the delayed response to your interview questions.)
The video is now at well past 75,000 views on youtube alone and is probably closer to around 100,000. There is joy in knowing my music has been heard by all those people, but…
FULL INTERVIEW / 5 TIPS FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE / FREESTYLE (AUDIO)
