Introducing… Quake

We’ve always given new artists time to shine here on KevinNottingham.com, but with the recent influx of top name interviews we’ve found very little time for the little guy. This new “Get To Know” feature is the perfect way for us to showcase the up and comer without getting into a real indepth interview. It also gives you guys a taste of the artist and allows you to go check out their stuff.

You may remember we featured a mixtape from Quake on the site a few weeks ago. I liked the tape so much, I ask Quake if we could do a feature of him on the site. Yes, I asked HIM (usually it’s the other way around). So, hit the jump and get to know Quake…

Where You Reppin: I’m from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Introduce Yourself: I go by the name of Quake. I’m a 20 yr old up and coming emcee. I have been doing my thing since the age of 12. I got my start by battling. I can remember being in clubs at 15 and 16 years old battling people twice my age.

Current projects we should be looking out for:

The Reality Mixtape which is currently available for free download right now!

Look for my debut album coming this summer. Production by Statik Selektah, Classified, Blunt + More. Guest appearances by Royce da 5’9, Chino Xl, Classified, Deacon The Villain of Cunninlynguists + more.

Previous work that we should know about:

I dropped my first mixtape a couple months back. It was called The Myth Tape. It did pretty good I guess, over 500 downloads. [Download]

Main musical inspirations:

Nas is my favorite emcee of all time. As far as imagery goes, he paints pictures vivid enough to give you the chills and that’s what I look for in an artist. When it comes to being witty, of course Jay-Z. I listen to Joe Budden a lot because I feel I can personally relate to his shit. I used to be a big Eminem fan (don’t know where his head is at now though). When it comes to creative rhyming schemes, Freeway & Royce Da 5’9 is who I study.

If you had to pick one song that defines your career to date, what song would that be?

Probably Nas’s “One Mic”. I was never about anything materialistic or flashy. I used to perform at the grimiest underground clubs/open mics in front of 10 people (occasionally, I still do) and have the time of my life.

Why should the readers and fans give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?

Because I represent the average Joe. If they listen to me, they might find out that we probably have a lot of similarities. Contrary to some of the stereotypes associated with rap music, not everybody is a boss, not everybody is a gangster and that’s not what I represent. I am comfortable enough with myself to rap about my faults. I guess you can say it makes the listener feel like they’re not alone, because I talk about shit that EVERYONE goes through but most are scared to admit.

What’s next for you?

I’m about to walk up to the store, buy a pack of cigarillos, watch Seinfeld re-runs and eat some cold pizza haha…

Naw but for real, I plan on dropping a release once a month, weather it be a mixtape, an ep with a single producer, or a full length LP. Next project I’m doing is a collaboration mixtape with my dude GhettoChild, possibly followed by an EP with Remot, then of course the debut album in the summer followed by a tour.

If you could only take one record on a deserted island with you, what album would that be?

Hmmm….this is a tough one…I would probably have to say Nas’s Stillmatic. Runner up would probably be Jay-Z’s The Blueprint.

Any shout outs or last words?

You can check me out on the myspace and follow me on twitter. If you want to collaborate musically or build a business relationship you can email me at quakemusic@gmail.com. Other then that, shouts out to every up & coming emcee in the same struggle I am. Peace.