Zay Mason

How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it before?

I would have to call it honest raw lyricism . Its gonna take you to a different place in Hip Hop people don't normally want to go. I represent the lost and forgotten and the people that are angry for no Damn reason.

Do  you think that hip hop is still as powerful and influential as it was say 5 or even 10 years ago? Why?

I think Hip Hop is even more influential now than it was back then. Popular culture takes a lot from one genre , from one lifestyle and I think that shows how important Hip Hop has become and how profitable it has grown to be. As far as influential in a positive way... that's in question there aren't many artists with big things to say or stories to tell, atleast in that mainstream bracket.

Would you say that your environment has an effect on your music?

Yes, definitely. Not to be a cliche- but personally I'm like a sponge I observe and take in everything and turn it into my own energy its one of the fun things about being artist you can draw inspiration from almost anywhere or anybody especially your own natural habit on a daily basis.

Where do you hope to be professionally in five years?

Hopefully by then I would like to put the talented people I work with in a better position to eat off the artistic visions we have as individuals. It would be cool to be able to give back as much as you've been given or give more.

Where can people find your music and connect with you?

thesentinelsmusic.com/

My personal Ig/twitter is @whoiszaymason and my teams handle is @sentinels_  

The Art of Lyricism

In the current day of music there are so many things that separate artists from the combination of genres and sub-genres to the cultural differences from different cities. In the new age of music there are elite artists with astonishing flows that call themselves lyricists. 
Here are the responses of three amazing lyricist on the difference between lyricists and rappers and their influences.

DeathSpitter Q

1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?

 A Lyricist writes music to convey a message, meaningful or an expression of themselves kind of message, or tells a story. A rapper, is a rhyming entertainer. They make music, that they usually don't write themselves, for money and often a 'brand' for whom ever that artist is signed too. So in lamest term a lyricist does it for the love a rapper for the money.

2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?

3rd verse in Cruise Control: Is it worth it? No soul just to have some gold// While preaching old folks try to tell their stories told// To warn the younger generation, while we pacing// to get to the future but the past we erasing// we some know it alls I want it all// too big too fall gotta a lot to give but I ain't sharing with none of yall// that mindset will keep us lock down oh who// am I talking to? Well you know its just me and you.

3. Who is your favorite lyricist?

Hands down Andre 3000 and Eminem.

You can download the Black Moon Mixtape here.

Twitter | IG


Absent-Minded

1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?

The difference between a rapper and lyricist is that lyricists have the ability to play with words and syllables in a clever way. Rappers are pretty decent at that as well but I feel they mainly write catchy lines and hooks, so in my opinion you need a balance of both to be a great hip hop artist.

2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?

I'm still the same beast just a different kind of animal// Lion on the beat I'm feasting on it like and antelope// I just bought myself a crib, a Lamborghini, and a boat// Flow so sick man they need to make an antidote.

3. Who is your favorite lyricist?

King Los, but I only saw one vid where he freestyles on Sway In The Morning and he KILLED it. The video alone changed my style up and motivated me to step up my lyrical game.

You can download his mixtape 'Closer to My Dreams' here.

IG

Andre James

1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?

In my opinion a lyricist is an individual of originality. Someone whose been inspired by not the beats, but the lyrics that speak to them like nothing else ever can. A Lyricist takes those inspirations and creates their own message of how they look at life and express what they truly feel and speak to those who will listen and relate.

2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?

The line that I really feel will always speak to people and means a lot came from my song called "The System" where I spoke about my thoughts on the world. I said, "They tryna control us // Hope that we hopeless when we hear the truth // but what’s true? // Anything that can be proved // So when I’m in the booth I put it in a puzzle for you."

3. Who is your favorite lyricist?

Very few on my list, but my biggest lyrical influence came from Tech N9ne and the whole Strange Music Label. Tech's creativity thru his lyricism just opened my creative mind to a whole new level. He actually speaks about something with meaning, in a very detailed and creative flow with every song, showing his skill and creativity to the world and being humble through all the controversy in the industry and speaking about how he feels 100% and never holding back. Tech Nine is a true lyricist.