Austin, TX – Propaganda is one the numerous performers taking the stage at HipHopDX’s “Replicate Greatness” SXSW Showcase on Wednesday (March 13).
Initially found by the Tunnel Rats Hip Hop collective within the early 2000s, the Los Angeles-bred spoken phrase artist, educator, MC and poet has launched a number of solo albums independently in addition to a collaborative undertaking with fellow rapper and Humble Beast co-owner Odd Thomas.
Now, the multitalented artist is targeted on ending one other e-book, recording his subsequent album and a curriculum undertaking. His newest album, Crooked, was launched in 2017 and adopted 2014’s Crimson Twine and 2012’s Wonderful.
As Propaganda ready to take the stage for his “Replicate Greatness” efficiency, he had a while to cut it up with DX about being an atypical Christian MC, his religion and the way developing with Mission Blowed formed who he’s in the present day.
HipHopDX: When did you first get into music? What was your family like rising up?
Propaganda: I acquired curious about music relatively younger, initially from the information my mother and father performed then afterward the backdrop Hip Hop being birthed in Los Angeles. I simply form knew I wished to be an element no matter was occurring exterior on the street.
DX: What made you need to grow to be an artist?
I used to be kinda thrust into it. My past love was visible arts. That what I went to school for. However Hip Hop, actually it was for the love. It was once I was discovering it troublesome to steadiness my job as a instructor with alternatives to pursue music that I discovered myself having to decide on what I used to be going to deal with.
DX: What’s the most important false impression about being a “Christian artist?”
Most likely that it’s a aware choice to be “Christian artist” or that you’ve an excluding angle. I’m from Los Angeles the place there as no such factor as a Christian trade to exist in, not to mention be a Christian artist. I got here up at Mission Blowed and Basis, the place all types beliefs had been displayed. Muslim, Rasta 5%, and many others. You simply spit your bars and didn’t take into consideration being closed f to anybody. I used to be by no means shy about my beliefs. However neither was anybody else. I didn’t know what a Christian artist was till somebody referred to as me one.
DX: How do you fight these stereotypes?
It’s actually one thing I don’t take into consideration. I simply attempt to make the very best music I can. Truthfully, I’ve been actually on the perimeter Christian music as a consequence of my content material, my political stances and folks I fellowship with. I’m the kid a Black Panther, I’ve married a Latina, I come from a politically lively background. In mainstream Western Evangelicalism, it’s kinda laborious to parse out the religion from conservative patriotism. I’m neither conservative or patriotic laughs]. I by no means actually been invited to the cool children’ desk, if you’ll. My album has been pulled from Christian cabinets, and I’ve by no means performed any the most important excursions or festivals. Due to this fact, I personally don’t carry so much the luggage that comes with the title.
Now having mentioned that, I’m not delusional. I do know the remainder Hip Hop sees me as within the Christian rap circle, so some associations are simply unavoidable. I’ve discovered a house amongst extra progressive circles within the religion that do so much advocacy in immigration, racial and gender equality and such. Once more, I’ve by no means hid my religion, however I by no means actually match within the mainstream Christian subculture, so I actually don’t really feel no strain to hold the load taking down stereotypes. I suppose I’ve simply discovered, when individuals press play or come to a present, they only see and/or hear that I’m simply not what they could suppose.
DX: What are you hoping comes out this SXSW look?
I simply take pleasure in performing. I’m hoping actually to proceed to attach with recent individuals, cool artists and construct the tradition. The RMG guys — Derek Minor] and Doc Watson] — are legit my associates. I’m not on their label, however they’ve been one my largest cheerleaders. You don’t see that ten. I’m hoping that our exhibits for positive make some noise, open some extra alternatives for all us! Perhaps some tour slots with some larger artists, perhaps some placements, perhaps some nationwide radio. Who is aware of? Prospects are infinite!
Additionally, I’ve been someway related to HipHopDX for some time from when y’all coated my label, interviewed me on the Sundown Strip Music Fest, doing DX Reside, and many others. Each have been excellent to me over time. I’m actually excited to only characterize with y’all. I’m a believer that when the water raises all ships rise, so I’m hoping this present will try this for everybody. Hopefully , I also can may some new associates, get on some extra exhibits and make some good connections.
For extra info on Propaganda, test his web site out here.