EMGWORLD SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON THE PANHANDLE'S KING OF HIP-HOP
When you think of Florida, some first think of South Florida. Without question, Rick Ross has become the face of the sunshine state. EMGWorld takes a trip back up top to the Panhandle where we learn of Pensacola’s undiscovered music scene. The Panhandle’s top talent Boneface speaks on what he has to offer to the industry…
Location: Pensacola, FL
Latest Mixtape: Medicine (released through datpiff.com)
EMGWorld: How long have you been on the grind as an independent artist?
Boneface: Since I was around 15 years old. Something about music stuck with me at an early age and I haven't been able to get away from it since.
EMGWorld: How strong would you say your connection is with the city of Pensacola?
BF: On a scale from 1 to 10, I'd say my support level is at a 9 or 9 ½. I'd like to say I have my city in my back pocket. If anyone ever wants to check with my hometown and see what I'm about I'm sure I'll get good reviews from 90% of the city.
EMGWorld: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
BF: Honestly, I got into the game because my older brother did music so I'd have to say he's my biggest influence. I wasn't a fan of rap, but just a fan of my brother and his group [Rated PGs.] The Rated PGs was one of the first groups in Pensacola that produced hip-hop music. As I got older, I listened to more artists like 2Pac, UGK, Mac from No Limit, 8-Ball and MJG.
EMGWorld: What artists are you listening to today?
BF: The artists I follow today are the ones who have SUBSTANCE in their music. If I can't listen to a song and get something from it then I don't want to hear it. It's hard to find artists making music that sounds good with a message. I listen to Big K.R.I.T. and Drake because they put out music that has substance and a message.
EMGWorld: Digital distribution is plays a major role in the success of today’s artists. How frequently do you release digital mixtapes?
BF: When you're trying to get in the game you almost have to stay in people's faces. I believe there's no excuse for me not to put out new material every six months. My strategy is to just spread my material out. Instead of dropping a mixtape with 26 songs, I might push out 5 or 10 songs per project. I don't believe in sacrificing quality for quantity. I'd rather just take my time and deliver quality.
EMGWorld: What would you say you’re bringing to the table that other mainstream artists aren’t?
BF: I hate to sound cocky, but I feel like I'm bringing ORIGINALITY. I didn't pattern my style after anyone else or let anyone else's music influence how I create my own. I'm bringing substance, style and delivery in an original way like no one else has ever done before. I can say there's no one else that sounds like me. My originality is what I bring to the game. The day I hear someone else sound like me is the day that I'll back off from music.
EMGWorld: Anyone outside your camp you'd want to work with?
BF: I'd love to work with someone like Big K.R.I.T. or a Drake. Big K.R.I.T.’s music is closer to my own lane, but Drake's creativity is such a beast and it gives him that Midas touch to add to any song.
EMGWorld: Are you open to working with other independent artists?
BF: I'm down to work with anybody that has a MESSAGE to deliver. I don't really have a preference. I had my younger days to waste time and energy talking about nothing in my music. My focus right now is to use music as a platform to really talk about something. I'll rock with anyone that's talking about something.
BF: The way things work today there is no such thing as a SMALL market. I claim Pensacola, but I could be out in California on my laptop. It's just about how big your grind is. If I can't cover Pensacola then I can't cover the world. I have Pcola covered so now it’s just time to expand. I don't believe in small markets.
EMGWorld: What would you say is the toughest challenge of being an independent artist?
BF: It's so hard now just for your music to get a listen or catch someone's ears. The game is a popularity contest. It's no longer about how good you sound, it's more about whether people know you or not. That's why I do so much outside of music as far as grinding.
EMGWorld: How do you overcome the challenge of developing new fans and getting them to listen to your music?
BF: Getting someone to buy your music is almost like pulling teeth so I give away alot of product. You have to give to get. I might give someone a CD and they might not listen to it until six months later. Then when they see me they'll say "your music is tough." The promotional and free material is where it’s at right now.
EMGWorld: Only a chosen few have reached success in the industry without having a co-signer? Lil Wayne co-signed for both Drake and Nicki Minaj. How do you intend to overcome the challenge of not having a major label artist to co-sign your music?
BF: I just have to be that good. At the end of the day, Wayne picked up Nicki Minaj because she was just that good. He was just the first one to scoop her up. It's the same with Drake. He was just that good. I believe if those two signed with anybody they would have the same impact. My music speaks for itself. I DON’T NEED a Lil Wayne or a Kanye. I want to be the guy people listen to because I don't need a co-signer.
EMGWorld: Have any major labels taken notice of the buzz you’ve created off of your mixtape releases?
BF: As far as labels, I don't care about that. I've been signed before to a label [Body Head Entertainment] by boxer Roy Jones Jr. back when I was 18. I'm not interested in being signed again. Labels don't come now until you don't need them. When labels come that lets me know I don't need them.
EMGWorld: Have any radio stations shown love to your music?
BF: I’ve had songs on the radio here in Pensacola and along the Gulf Coast. I've had songs STOLEN from me twice that landed on BET as music videos with my vocals snatched off and switched with someone else's voice. To see the success of songs stolen from me just lets me know I'm doing the right things musically.
EMGWorld: How can producers contact you?
BF: I'm easy to approach and easy to contact. They can call me directly at (850) 324-9906 or e-mail me at boneface850@gmail.com. I respond to all my own phone calls and e-mails.
EMGWorld: How can fans reach you?
BF: Fans can follow me on twitter @ bonefaceink or friend me on facebook at facebook.com/boneface850. Boneface is a unique name so if you google it you can find me. I'm not hard to reach.
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