The Hangout With Mo Delavega

Dawud TV caught up with the young and talented Mo Delavega. In this inspiring interview, Mo Delavega speaks about his music, future aspirations and his journey so far in the music industry.

1. How long have you been doing what you’re doing and how did you get started in the first place?

I started Rapping when I was 14. But I didn't really rap. I only took it seriously last year. In terms of  writing it was always on and off. I've always seen myself in the entertainment industry. After I stopped Modeling professionally when I was 15 I took up rapping

it was always on and off. I've always seen myself in the entertainment industry. After I stopped Modeling professionally when I was 15 I took up rapping.

2. Who were the first influences on your music and style?

Lil Wayne has always been my primary influence. I just admire his use of metaphors and similes. It's truly an art. I don't really have a style. If you listen to my music you'd see that I never use two different flows on one song.

3. In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

I think the most successful artist today in Hip Hop/Rap would be Drake. He has fused the ability to rap while also singing melodies. He has also sold millions of records. There's no one bigger than drake right now in the rap industry. In terms of commercial success.

4. Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?

 I think my music more recently, in particular my Xo Night Life remix is appreciated for my vocals and flow. However my lyrical substance is the most enjoyed as I string together lines which have a lot of play on words.

5. Do you make your own beats and write your own lyrics? If yes what software or equipment do you prefer using? If you don’t do any of this by yourself, how do you get this done?

I have my own Home studio. I was unsuccessful at making my own beats because I have trouble with transferring my creativity to the software. I have however started recording myself. On Fruity Loops. But I prefer to record with Checkmate SA. My producer.

I write everything myself. From the hook to the verses. I have actually started a process similar to Wayne's of which I don't write physically anymore. I listen to the beat. And flow with the instruments. It's truly spectacular.

6. If you could choose to work with some of today’s established artists or producers, to move your game to the top, with whom would you like to collaborate?

I would like to work with Nasty C. I feel as if he'd be good competition on the verse plus he's one of the hottest young artists in Africa. However I'd truly like work with AKA because I feel as if he's the most complete artist in SA right now. In terms of Production I don't have a preference as long as they're dope. But I think it would be cool to work with Anatii and even Sketchy Bongo or Wichi 1080 because they doing the most. I like Wichi's sound with his work for Priddy Ugly.

7. Which latest songs, videos or mixtapes releases are currently available to your fans and where can they be heard or downloaded?

So my first single that I released in April, titled Sesasi, is out on iTunes, Google Play, Deezer app, Spotify,  and Apple Music. I recently released a Remix with Majestic Drama, it's from his original 'Xo night life' and it's really dope. It can be found on my Soundcloud page, slikouronlife as well as Youtube.

8. Which ingredient do you think is most essential in making your sound and style the way it is?

I think it's my thought process as an individual because of the way I approach each song in terms of melody and content which are all affected by how I think.

9. What in your opinion is the biggest barrier an artist like yourself, has to face and overcome, to gain any commercial success?

The biggest barrier would be creating the right fan base and reaching out to the right people, because it's easy to drop an album but it's hard to get people to buy it. That's why you have to find your target market. Also the ability to make dope music because with good music people will naturally follow what you're doing as an artist and support you.

10. In closing, tell us something about any projects and ideas you have in store or are already working on?

So apart from recording more hits right now I'm working on re recording another song called 'Hype' featuring Bándo, who's a member of a group and movement I founded called Seedlesssouls and I feel like on that track the listeners and fans would be able to finally appreciate my lyrical capability as well as being able to use lyricism on a trappy beat. So that's promising.

Also I wanna finally push Seedlesssouls as a brand that represents those of us who are lost in translation in terms of society. I have a lot in store. I'm just getting started.