Statiz Perspective on Westbrook

I'm Statiz. I'm a hip hop artist born and raised in Mobile, Al. The middle of two siblings. Older brother and younger sister. I was an athlete growing up. Football was my Favorite Sport, but basketball was a close second. Naturally talented, I never really put forth much effort to anything other than the ladies. Yes I'm a ladies man. Check out my 2022 Ep entitled 4Nicate. I love making and performing music. It's very therapeutic for me. 

I wrote Westbrook laying on a bunch at GK Fountain Correctional facility in Atmore, Al. At the time Russel Westbrook was in his prime. He hardly ever missed a game, it taught me to always show up for the people who love me. He was stacking up triple doubles nights in and night out, which I saw it as making sure all those around me eat with me. On top of all that being a dynamic scorer made it easy for me to want go out every day and leave it all on the floor. Whatever I do in life, I make sure I always put my heart in it. Even beyond those prison walls I make sure I go hard EVERY day and "Ball Like Westbrook".

I've always loved music, so I can't really say when was my earliest memory. My mom has always been heavy into the church, so as far back as I can remember, every morning from Sun up to Sun down there was always gospel music blasting throughout the house. Even on car rides, she was Giving Praise to GOD singing along with the radio. My dad on the other hand would be playing RnB, P Funk, Blues and Rap music. Music has always been a day to day thing with me. I'd do chores listening to music, watch TV while listening to music (crazy I know), even bath time, I needed some tunes. 

I first tried my hand in the artistry my junior year at Murphy High School. I was part of a group created By some friends of mine called The Heavy Weights. There was only one 200 pounder in the group (go figure). At the time my stage name was Pyro, up until one of my friends (Big Hawk) decided to change it to Statiz, because I coined the phrase "Get yo stats up" at that time. My first official project was a collab mixtape entitled Standing Tall with C Low Bambino in 2006. Our hottest song was Top 8 produced by Black Tee Productions. 

Westbrook is a pure hip hop track. All the bars filled with metaphors and similes are a profound description of myself as a lyrical Russell Westbrook. One of my favorite NBA players of all time  

My sound has definitely evolved. I'm a student of the game. I love different genres of music, so I incorporate that into my sound. I'm always searching for different ways to deliver my message. I may switch up the tone on one side. The next one I may change up the cadence of the entire verse. I'm always searching for new styles to incorporate into and develop my sound. 

First and foremost I'm a black man in America that's been through a few things. I haven't had the toughest nor have I had the easiest journey throughout life. I also bring the stoner vibes as well. Ion always sound stoners, So when I catch a certain sound or vibe from a beat, I'm instantly engaged. I'm a father, son, friend and brother as well. Family is major to me. My friends and family have helped me through some very tough times along my journey and I enjoy telling my story. 

Initially I'd say Lil Wayne, because he's my favorite rapper ever. I'd also add 6lack, Starlito, Money Man and Jhene Aiko. I love Jhene Aiko. 

Extremely metaphorical. Always a fun time listening to him. His style is amazing to me. The way he delivers his bars with his east coast flow and southern (Louisiana) accent, I sometimes think like where does he come up with this stuff and how. 

Innovative and artistic. Metaphorical and intimate. It captivates you the way the story telling paints such a vivid picture in your mind. You can't listen with your eyes closed. 

I've heard a lot about Michael Jackson's shows. I've watched them online, but to experience them live and in person would be a game changer

My favorite song that I've made would have to be Letter to Janya. It's a letter to my daughter. I wrote it when she was 11yrs old. I went to prison when she was 2yrs old and wasn't released until she was almost 12yrs old. I had a minimal amount of communication with her all those years and so whatever idea of me or the story behind my relationship with her mother she had we never had the chance to talk about it. I didn't know what was told to her nor how it was told. I just knew that I wanted to give her my perspective. After releasing the song on her birthday  June 2022, she expressed to me that it brought tears to her eyes. Ever since then, we've been building our relationship and getting to know each other more. 

Jhene Aiko, Prime (2005-2015) Lil Wayne and Statiz. I'd definitely love to hear and experience more of my own work as time goes on. 

My dream perform looks like me and my team in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans with another few million watching on screens all across the globe. 

I'd love to collab with Jhene Aiko. I believe we'd create some beautiful experiences together

Watching cartoons with my kids honestly. Some of those kids cartoons on YouTube have some really catchy songs 

I want people to feel me. Feel where I'm coming from and the journey that I've traveled to get to where I am today

Determined. Ambitious. Entrepreneur 

Listening to it myself. All those who come in contact with me more than likely vibe with me, so if we're on the same vibes then my music would be the soundtrack to that vibe

Practice? You wanna talk to me about practice??? 
naw I do practice though. When I write my music out before recording, I practice. I go over my verse so many times with different styles to see what fits where and how I'd like deliver each bar individually. I also rehearse prior to performances. I've stumbled over words during performances before, so I just rehearse now to minimize the errors in my performance

My daughter crying about the song I wrote to her for her birthday. "Letter to Janya"

My definition of success as an artist would equal a comfortable life for me my family and all those associated with my artistry. I'd like to create and grow multiple lucrative businesses that I can leave to my children when I'm ready to retire. My definition of true success is when my name, sound and/or product outlives me for generations to come. 

Being a game changer requires innovation. I'd love to build up my music career independently and partner with a film company that will turn my projects into films. Maybe not musicals, but stories that impact the lives of the listeners as well as the viewers. 

Artists have a very important role in society. Music makes the world go around. You can't watch a movie, play a video game nor advertise a product without the presence of music. Music and the artists that create it inspire and guide the way to tomorrow 

I'd have to go with dead and gone by T.I and Justine Timberlake. It's about turning tragedy into triumph. Tearing down the walls of trauma and oppression to reveal something much more beautiful and meaningful than before 

My scariest experience? I don't think I've had any up until this point. I've served nearly 10yrs in prison not knowing whether I'll ever ever out or experience freedom again, so there's really nothing scary about the music industry when you have solid morals and principles to stand on 

I was probably most embarrassed during the early part of me pursuing music post incarceration. I was at a performance in from of a large crowd and another more successful artist. I choked up while performing Westbrook for the very first time. I had stage fright and I forgot some of the words in my verse. I had invited a lot of people to come out and support me. 

I'd like to change the way artists are paid. We are usually the reason why the other moving parts get recognition, but are usually the last To get paid and in some cases get paid the least. 

I've worked in the fast food industry, the lawn care industry. I've worked in warehouses and factories as well. I currently work for a prominent airline company. 

I'm an entrepreneur as well as an artist, so I use my artistry to create commercials and advertisements for the products and services that I offer. Check out my merch store @ RAS.com.im 

It hasn't made it lonely per say. I'm an introvert naturally, but it has kinda started to do the exact opposite. With all the networking and building with others, there's little time to yourself when your building something lucrative 

It actually helps me maneuver certain situations better. Being a student of the art, you run across all tires of information and I just use it to guide my steps in more ways than just with the music. 

My favorite work of art would have to be Human Nature by Michael Jackson. It's a beautiful song to me and just soothing to my soul

Music. I love music

Nobody honestly. I'd like to blaze my own path. I know the media will do it (compare me with someone) anyway but I wouldn't want to be compared

No one owes you anything and the people closest to you will sometimes be the last ones to support you. 

I love making music. I want to be remembered when I'm gone. I want my music to be motivation for someone. I want someone to be able to listen to my music and lean on my words to help them through hard times. 

Along with providing multiple streams of income for myself and those associate with me, just To be a light in the dark and a voice to those who have been silenced. I want people for generations to come to be able to find purpose in my music.