ABM: What is your Rap name? Tell us the story behind your rap name.
My Rap name is Chris Quality. The way my rap name came about was realizing that everyone has individual special one of a kind Quality to offer, I myself, I have Chris Quality.
ABM: How long have you been in the rap game?
I always could rhyme, and I’ve been playing with the pen since about 9 years old. I really got serious later on though around 2003, when I worked on sharpening my lyrics, finding my sound, and continually progressing. I am now a full fledged artist with a vision, a sound that is unique, and my own individual style to match.
ABM: What got you involved in the hip hop scene?
Man, I didn’t choose Hip Hop, Hip Hop chose me, haha. But it was love at first sound. I still remember LL Cool J’s, “Mama said Knock You Out,” and MC Hammer’s, “Can’t touch this,” to Apache’s, “Gangsta Bitch,” and Dr. Dre’s, “Aint Nothin but a G thang!” All of it was just so Great, (the good) overwhelming, and fulfilling, I couldn’t wait to play those songs again or hear the next song, or buy my next single or album, and learn the words of the songs. Everywhere I go, I always gravitate towards the Hip Hop Scene, section of the records store, etc.
ABM: Who and what inspires you as an artist?
The Art of rhyming primarily, and how I can push it to the next level. Also, as I’ve grown through the years, understanding the responsibility of a rapper, how we have a voice, and in many instances are the voice of the people. Sharing Experiences; from the joys and pains of Life, Love, to manhood, to dreams, etc., to all the experiences that you would express in a song. Rhyming is like therapy, especially when people get it. It is almost like a conversation with the masses.
ABM: Who and what are your early influences?
My early influences were, LL Cool J, Naughty by Nature, E40, 2Pac, and more. Just being at elementary school and making beats our desks or on the lunch table. Or just hanging with friends and randomly breaking into a cypher with someone on the beat box. Rhyming was and is still magical with me, the more syllables rhymed, and the more linear the rhymes, the better. Word Play is Amazing.
ABM: What do you typically rap about?
Today I’m primarily in the realm of Love and Inspiration. Also, I’m from the bay so you’ll catch a hyphy party track or something slick every so often. But I gravitate toward something smooth for the ladies, or just an honest conversation, whatever it is, it has to have substance.
ABM: How did you find your sound?
I found my sound through a blend of my favorite music genres. I Love, Love Hip Hop, I Love R&B. Harmonizing always is a plus, as I learned from Bone Thugs n Harmony. So, it’s a blend of a dope rap delivery, with harmonizing. It’s not an exact formula, the harmonies sometimes come to me in the booth.
ABM: What was your last release people can go check out right now?
Everybody can go check out Matters of the Heart, which just dropped. Matters of the Heart is an R&B, Hip Hop Collaborative Album. It is mainly about Love and the dilemmas that come along with it. Matters of the Heart is the coming of age for a young bachelor, realizing that love and compassion are essential for a fulfilling life. It’s available for Free Download at ChrisQuality.com, Soundcloud.com/chrisquality, and Datpiff.com. We have a few tracks on major online retailers: iTunes, GooglePlay, AmazonMuisc, etc. Such songs as, “Cranberry & Vodka” feat. Netta Brielle
ABM: What are you currently working on?
I’m always working on something new, but since we just released Matters of the Heart, we’re giving it the full Attention and Publicity that it deserves. It’s a Great project, and our goal is to make sure as many people as possible take a listen and “get in their feelings right quick” (get emotionally stirred)!
ABM: What is your ultimate goal at the end of your career?
At the end of my career, I want to be able to say I contributed to the betterment of music, influenced, and shaped music’s direction, and built a continuing legacy. Kind of like Prince. Matter of fact, RIP to the One and Only, Purple one, Prince Rogers Nelson. You can hear Prince’s influence in people like Janelle Monae, The Dream, and if you listen close enough, even me, Chris Quality. But just a legacy of Love, Inclusion, BARS (Let’s not forget I’m rooted in Hip Hop), that lives on.
ABM: How can people reach you?
By email Knockfaceent@gmail.com, my phone, 408 780 9946, Chrisquality.com IG: @chris_quality Twitter: @ChrisQuality Soundcloud.com/Chris Quality.
ABM: Any shout outs? Absolutely. God. The Artist who helped me put Matters of the Heart together: Ashton Kent, Netta Brielle, Miachalah, Ethan Daniels, and Joy Elan. The Producers: Rekalws, Jacob’s Ladder, Rookaloti, Quan Askew, Joint Chiefz of Stafz, Pablo Productions, Kenny Humble, and Shodde J. My Graphics Designer: BE The Individual. Redwall Studios, Lindsey Leong and Cito Famous. And all the listeners and supporters.
