So far during these blog interviews you guys have seen a self published author, an owner of a clothing line, the owner of a jewelry line, an online store owner and a television host. Today, I wanted to bring you guys someone a bit different. With that being said, I decided to conduct my interview styled blog post with a young man who has the drive and passion to make it in the music industry. I introduce to you all Kasper.
Name: Charlon Foster
Stage Name: Kasper
Age: 18 yrs old
Name of the label: Envyus Records
Q: Tell the readers about yourself.
A: Ummmm well as you know my name is Kasper..*laughs out loud*, no; but I rarely talk about myself because I’m still confused as to who I am (if that makes any sense); but I can give the readers some likes & dislikes. I enjoy quality time by myself, I don’t know if that’s my “ghost” side or what, but I do prefer most of the time to think, wander and talk to myself. I like writing letters to myself, keeps me balanced – ya know? I love and appreciate the female anatomy and all it has to offer. I consider myself a connoisseur of life and all it’s simplicities. Um, my heritage on my dad’s side is Jamaican and from my mom’s is Grenadian. I enjoy all types of mysteries (except the “love” mysteries), I like/read books (sometimes) and I definitely appreciate technology and how far it has come (although I am quite scared for what the future might hold). Also, I love grabbing a bike or skateboard and taking it out for a spin, ya dig? As for my dislikes, I rarely dislike anything, I try to keep an open mind and understand and gain a love for ideas, objects, people. etc.
Q: Tell us about what it is that you do:
A: Well I am a music artist, rapper and performance speaker based in Brooklyn, NY and apart of a independent record label dubbed “Envyus Records” (formerly called “Genocide Music Productions”). I’ve been with them for 4 years now, and I’ve released two projects so far, one (Postponed) under the Genocide name and another (Passion EP) under the Envyus name. Envyus Records started December 30th, 2011 and is home to many other notable artists other than myself such as: The Sound, Rahmel, D-$tone, and much more. I enjoy being apart of this label too because it’s more of a family type atmosphere than JUST business so you really get to bond with one another and really get to know more about each other because that’s very important in this music business let alone making music. Even though we go through our ups and downs sometimes they are all my brothers.
Q: How did you know that you wanted to become a rapper and how old were you?
A:Funny thing is, I didn’t even have like a dream of becoming a rapper or whatever, man I wanted to be an astronaut. I wanted to go see some stars, visit the moon and chat it up with the moon man, go see if the moon was really made out of cheese. But I came to realization I wanted to be a rapper in high school (but then again who didn’t), 9th grade is when I did it as a hobby but during 10th grade is when i really settled down and started to pursue it. My dad had me take classical music lessons since I was 6 so I was already familiar with reading notes, hearing melodies in my head and memorizing the chords; so it was honestly a matter go time before I put words over instrumentals. Also, I read ALOT when I was little, especially “The Magic Tree House” collection by Mary Pope Osborne and the “Secrets of Droon” collection by Tony Abbott (recommend all to read both of these series). Both of these series helped my imagination grow and gave me a knack for telling stories. I actually didn’t know what Hip-Hop/Rap was until 8th grade, and the first song I EVER heard from a rapper was T.I’s “What’s Up What’s Happenin’.” From there I watched every single rap video I could find because at the time I wasn’t a fan of just listening to music without any visuals and I was trying to soak up this new “addiction” I had acquired. I also consider myself pretty good with the words, so I entered a poetry competition to get a poem published in a book (can’t remember it at the moment) but long story short, I got my poem published so that’s when I got serious about pursing this “hobby turned dream” of mine.
Q: How did you become involved with Envyus Records?
A: I got involved with Envyus Records in a way most people don’t get involved with businesses or even getting a job, lol. One fateful day, in 9th day I got into a little word argument with a fellow classmate and I said something I’ll probably never regret to this day. But from that day forth, I befriend the man who started this whole thing, Blake Timmons, and I’ve been running with “Envyus La Famila” ever since.
Q: How would you describe your rap style? And who would you consider to be some of your influences (in rap and/or in life in general)?
A: I don’t know if I could describe my rap style as of yet because I’m still trying to find my style. But the best bet for someone to have an opinion on my rap style and what they consider it to be is for them to listen themselves and go from there. Well since I rap, rap is a product of Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop is a way of life not a genre, so therefore Hip-Hop equates to being life, so my life influences would be (no order): Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Ab-Soul, Cyhi Da Prynce, Lil Wayne, Q-Tip, and Phife Dawg.
Q: What type of audience does your music appeal too? What about the other members of Envyus Records?
A: I’ve had people from all walks of life, ethnicity, age, cultures, and different backgrounds listen and vibe and support my music so I want to say all types of people. Now granted you know it might not be relatable to everyone but I like that my music is able to reach and touch a variety of people. As for Envyus, we ALL have different sounds and different messages and different crowds of people who listen to our music. Ex: Chris Styles talks to the males coming out of the ghetto and the “hood,” The Sound talks to the females and drops knowledge, D-$tone (from what I can see so far) is talking to the people who live the average life and enjoy all the things a inner-city has to offer. But there’s plenty more styles and sounds coming out of Envyus Records in the years to come.
Q: What project have you had the most fun working on thus far in your career?
A: Uh, well since I don’t believe in spoilers, I’ll have to talk about the two projects that are already out now. It’ll have to be Postponed, granted I don’t consider it “all that” but it was the most fun. The project was my life up to that one point, so I was able to recollect memories up until 12th grade. Plus it’s something about doing your first project and completing it and releasing it’s like trying a new drug for the first time and never getting that high back, ya know? Especially, when you get to share that high with other people because the project was anticipated and well received.
Q: Have you had to overcome any struggles on your path to success? If so, what?
A: Well I would say I’m still overcoming some struggles right now, and I got some more in the miles coming up. But one obstacle that I did have to deal with that troubled me a lot was heartbreak (but then who hasn’t). What people don’t understand even though that may be a common topic and something everyone goes thru, it affects your lifestyle. And since I hold rap close to my heart, and I rap real life and use real emotion, that threw me off my creative drive and I couldn’t focus for a while; but I’m back baby, and better than ever. But if you want to hear some of my struggles, *laughs* listen to the music mane.
Q: How do you deal with the negativity that comes with the success of your rap career and record label ?
A: The negativity that comes with this lifestyle is crazy man. So much hate from people you would never ever thought was even watching your moves and what you do. But I deal with it in either two ways, if it’s minuscule I tend to ignore it, but if it’s something that’s actually worth paying attention too, I meet it head on, I can’t ignore that. But best believe I choose and pick my battles wisely and take time to think out different ways to maneuver and come out on top of whatever “feud/beef” I have. But I won’t EVER take it to the streets, that’s not something I support nor was I raised in that life but I won’t let no one of any stature disrespect me.
Q: Many people believe that while having a career in the music industry can be very prosperous, one should still have a backup plan (just in case in doesn’t ‘work out’). What do you think about that? Do you have a back up plan? Why or Why not?
A: I don’t believe in back-up plans. If you are having second guesses about what your doing in this music business or even in any dream your chasing then your thoughts about yourself and what your doing is not 100% confident and that’s a problem since our thoughts become our reality, so if you keep thinking you need a backup plan then you gon’ have a backup life. I tell people all the time my Plan B is to achieve my Plan A. Go hard or Go Home. It’s okay if no one sees it but you; but just make sure your 100% confident in what your doing and keeping grinding & praying. But remember prayer without work means nothing. I mean personally, I don’t believe that anyone should survive life by working at a job that sustains your mediocre living conditions. “Nine to five is how you survive, I ain’t trying to survive. I’m trying to live it to the limit and love it a lot.” I keep this phrase in my mind to remind me why I’m pursing this. I want to do something fun, influential, and acquire currency without having to hate it. But you know, some people don’t necessarily feel the same as me nor will understand my point of view.
Q: What advice would you offer to those who want to get into the music industry themselves?
A: Build connections, network, get to know people, and perfect your craft. Oh, and OWN YOUR MASTERS, get to know EVERYTHING about what your getting yourself into before you get too deep.
Q: What projects do you or your team have coming up?
A: Well I can’t reveal anything to you all about MY stuff because I don’t like spoilers but I can say I’m working on about 4 projects (2 solo and 2 joint) for the future. One of the joint projects is finished; but for the rest of the year, I’m chilling. So far the summer has been good with some releases from D-$tone and Rahmel but for the rest of the year we’re focused on other members, just know The Sound got some stuff planned for you guys and Chris Styles is up next.
Anything else that you want to add?
A: Thank you for taking your time out to read my essay *laughs*, and shoutouts to Elementsofahippie for this opportunity.
A: Thank you for taking your time out to read my essay *laughs*, and shoutouts to Elementsofahippe for this opportunity.
Where can we find you and/or Envyus Records?
Email: envyusrecords1211@gmail.com
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