With more than 100 million streams, 10 combined gold and platinum plaques and growing, a Grammy nomination, and an American Music Award, Sy Ari da Kid has already gone above and beyond to earn his respective stripes. Although born in the birthplace of Hip Hop; The Bronx, New York City, Sy Ari, née Brockington, spent his formative years in Atlanta, Georgia, with lofty dreams and aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player long before music ever became his calling. Here’s more with our Sy Ari da Kid interview.
Sy Ari da Kid Interview…
Single “Rebellion,” featuring Benny The Butcher and CyHi Da Prince:
This song is for ones that come from poverty without a lot of options, and were forced to be rebels to survive and save their families. It’s the soundtrack for that story for us, for the culture with the true Hip Hop sound!
Album The Last Shadow in the Shade:
The Shadow in the Shade is my classic Hip-Hop series of projects. This is the trilogy. For all the gifted people that haven’t ever received the spotlight, or maybe they don’t even care for the spotlight, but yet we are still as great as the ones that are in the spotlight, if not better.
Musical Inception:
My big brother used to rap, and make beats. At some point, I wanted to do what he was doing… even though my parents didn’t approve at the time.
The Bronx, New York:
It’s where I was born, and where Hip-Hop was born; the greatest place ever – if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. If it wasn’t for The Bronx, there would be no Hip-Hop.
Music Influences:
Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Sade..
Songwriting Inspiration(s):
Maybe Jay-Z, he is the reason I don’t write anything down.
Longevity:
I can create forever, honestly… who knows. I may retire, but none of us should ever stop creating. That would be unhealthy.
Current State Of Hip-Hop:
Hip Hop is what it is. I think the people in power allowed it to be watered down, and sound the way it does now. Everything is about numbers and money. It’s sad. We need to bring back real music and substance at its peak!
Outside / Additional Aspirations:
Any competition I love to see and feel.
The Sy Ari Not Sorry Show:
The greatest podcast show on earth, created by me. Where else are you gonna hear such real conversation with two hosts [along with Lord Owen] that can rap as good as your favorite rapper live?
An Average Day:
Good food, good energy, family, creating ideas and competing.
Interacting With Fans:
I love the people, I don’t even look at them as fans. The people inspire me. I love helping them through my gift. They help me when they open up to me, and I do the same. It’s a true good feeling.
Least / Most Favorite Part(s) [Entertainment Industry]:
Best part is being able to touch the people, and impact lives and save my family. I, however, don’t like the powerful people in the industry. They are all liars and fake, and don’t respect the creators.
Career Advice:
Never stop creating, even when it hurts and even when you want to give up. Never stop, and don’t worry about the money coming because it will. Trust that process. Fall in love with the craft.
5-10 Years Down The Line:
I’ll be around my family as usual, that’s all I wanted to do while still creating my dream house.
Closing Thoughts:
Never lose yourself or your dreams for anybody!
Image Credit: Chase Gozy
