Follow up Interview with Watzreal

1) It has been a while since I heard about your journey, I follow you on Instagram and Facebook, but to those not following you right now- What are they missing out on?

A: Where to begin. So much has happened since we last spoke. From performing 3-6 days a month, to having my own monthly showcase called Watz Local, to being recognized and respected by conscious independent artist like Equipto, Z-man, and Pep Love from hieroglyphics, to getting a chance to perform for Warren G, the growth in this year has been nothing short of incredible and I’m eternally grateful for everyone who has supported me down this steep path.

2) How did you come up with the idea to run "Watz local" shows? And for those individual local artists out there how did they get involved with that?

A: At first I started throwing my own shows because I felt I wasn’t getting recognized and being asked to perform. Instead of relying on others I knew it was better to be self-reliant. After doing it for a few months I realized that there are so many artists who also feel represented because the community of local artists are underrepresented when so I built this platform for artists that live in or are originally from the area to give the local talent the chance it deserves to be heard.

3) What made you want to join Hip-Hop 4 Change and how did that happen?

A: I’ve been meaning to do something different with my life for a long time. It was feeling stagnant. I wanted to join them because they are one of the few organizations using hip hop to make a difference and knowing many of their staff such as Khafre Jay and JPZ, I had an idea of the wonderful people I would be around.

4) What has been challenging for you to spread the word about Hip-Hop 4 Change to others? And have you had negative people who didn't want to hear what you guys had to say?

A: Ignorance is bliss. Many people have a sense of the issues the nations facing but refuse to analyze them for fear of stepping down the rabbit hole. Most people don’t stop for us which I understand. I hardly stopped if ever for someone canvassing. We’ve also have a lot of people who don’t believe racism is an issue. They are unwilling to take a minute away from their say to engage with a stranger. Some people just don’t want to give money and walk away. The important thing is that we are educating the individuals who are willing to take the time to listen to us.

5) I’m sure you are excited to open up for Warren G in Corvallis, Oregon, but what was your first reaction you were traveling to Oregon to perform?

A: I was in shock. It sounded too good to be true but I knew it could be true and it was my good friend Landon telling me he could get me on as oppose to a promoter in which case I would’ve been highly skeptical. I still am somewhat in disbelief that it is a week away. I mean, I’ve hardly performed out of State let alone for a sold out event in another state for a big time artist like Warren G. I’m just so grateful that being a good person and grinding my ass off is paying off.

6) What else is new with Watzreal (any upcoming shows, tours, album, and merchandise)?

A: So much. I’m in the works of doing and Unrapped Watz Local collab show at a bigger venue with Young Gully as our headliner. I’m touring through Cali in January with Oscar Goldman who is the nicest guy I ever met and so talented and doing an out of state tour in February with Landon Wordswell, Tope, and Unlearn the World. I’m also launching 4 shirts in the near future with Wisdom Wit Attitude being the first design and doing a new set of hats and beanies. On top of that I have a collab EP in the works with Dizz from “The World is Ours,” track on WWA who is a fellow coworker at Beats Rhymes and Life. I’m also doing a collab album with DJ Racha and doing a solo album all in the near future. I will have at least one of those projects completed by March. Overall, life is good and my music career has overcome leaps and bounds compared to where it used to be.

To keep up with watz new with Watzreal you can follow him or check out his music on the links below:

Website: www.Watzreal.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watzrealofficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/watzrealdamc

Bandcamp: http://watzreal.bandcamp.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/watzreal

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/watzreal