Slo-Mo is a musician from California who is ready to take his music career to the next level. The emcee started his career by writing poems which strengthened his passion for his craft. What he enjoys the most about being an artist is the freedom of expression and he loves to hear peoples’ interpretations and reactions to his music. In his latest release, “We On,” Slo-Mo wants people to know that it’s okay to “tell ’em” that you’re doing good in a cool way. Celebrate your wins. Where he is from, you don’t get too many wins. “This song is me trying to celebrate all my homies’ wins around me because we weren’t supposed to have success and accomplish the things we’ve been able to accomplish. So I just wanted to write a song for my people.” He has a lot more music coming soon and you can get to know him below!
What inspired/the meaning behind your artist name? This is a culmination of one story after another. This is the nickname the streets gave me because I ran slow, I had delayed reactions and I moved at a slow pace. And I didn’t even smoke weed at the time! Before that, I was called Turtle.
Where does your musical inspiration come from? My musical inspiration comes from my mother. She loved real southern music, oldies, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson. The soul of that music always stayed with me. That real deep, gritty pitch… to be able to make your voice sound so strong and so beautiful. And then as I grew up, it was a great time in music. We had hip hop really exploding. East Coast, West Coast, Down South, Third Coast. I was really big on Ludacris and Twista. Obviously Jay-Z’s “Blue Print”, 2Pac’s “Makaveli”. But I really loved something about Southern Texas type of Hip Hop: Paul Wall, Mike Jones. But Master P’s “Ghetto Dope” changed my whole life in High School until I heard Jay-Z’s “Blue Print”. But I’ll never forget the moment when my Sargeant in the Marine Corps from Texas played me some “DJ Skrew Eminem Hits”. And then Kanye came out with “College Dropout” and I rode that album for about 2 years.
How would you describe your genre/style of talent? As an artist, it’s just what I’m feeling that day. I don’t even like it when people say I’m a rapper. My style is a soulful vibe with west coast lyrics and a southern approach to the mic.
If you could collab with any artist in the industry, who would it be? I’d fuck with Kendrick Lamar. I think the fact that he’s very poetic, people would be listening with that poetic ear already and understand what I’m saying. But I’ve always wanted to do a song with Ludacris. He’s a legend to me because he’s so different.
Do you have any other desires or goals you would like to achieve? Yeah, I have so many. I listen more now to what God is putting on my heart at the time and I just go with that. So I find I’m always searching for my goals daily.
Has it been a smooth road to get to where you are now in your career? Are there any obstacles you had to overcome? There is nothing easy about making music. And as an artist, the painting is never finished, it’s just surrendered. Just because we have a gift, doesn’t always mean we know how to use it. Fortunately for me, the only easy part has always been when I’m alone, by myself, writing. Which for others is actually the hardest part.
What is a piece of advice you wish you knew prior to entering the music industry? Expect unforeseen obstacles. Hold yourself to a deadline but also plan in some flexibility. Invest your money into your vocals. If you write best when you’re alone, then ALWAYS write when you’re alone. At some point, you’ll find someone you feel safe enough to write with.
Is there a motto or quote that you live by? Never sacrifice money for the quality of life. And don’t change your perspective, change your view.
Instagram: slomo_vizion
YouTube: Slo-Mo
