Everyone loves a rags-to-riches success story; hence, the notion of becoming successful after a life of hardship is so fascinating and compelling.
The world of rap is a world that is loaded with rags-to-riches stories. If you’re following mainstream media, you would’ve probably seen rappers surrounded by designer clothes, luxury cars, diamonds, lavish mansions, and sizzling hot women. But we all know that most rap stars didn’t start their careers in such conditions.
One such rapper is Conz. He started writing rap lyrics around 2002. However, he couldn’t execute any of the songs he wrote because he was preoccupied with the daily grind of life, dealing with poverty, trying to make ends meet, and discovering his inner self.
However, two years ago, he was dealing with a lot of anxiety, and writing rap lyrics is what helped him recover and get back on his feet. He started uploading his songs on YouTube, and several of his songs ended up going viral because he began rapping and collaborating with prominent artists in the industry.
He released “KWELYO” featuring Gloc-9 and “Basagan ng Bungo” with the Dongalo artists, which garnered a lot of views, and just recently, “TAKBO.” Overall his YouTube channel has combined YouTube views of over half a million, and it looks like there’s no signs of him slowing down.
Besides being a prominent rapper, he’s also a successful entrepreneur and a straight-up pinoy hustler. He grew up in the streets without the proper guidance of his family, but he kept pushing forward, despite his struggles, into remarkable success. InLife International recently caught up with Conz to discuss his journey in the music industry, and here’s what went down:
What got you into rap music?
My kids. They like to listen to rap music, so I told them I could rap too, and that’s why I had to prove it to them.
Who is your biggest musical influence?
Andrew E! When I heard him rap for the first time, I felt that I can do what he does.
Which rappers do you think you would harmonise best with?
The Dongalo boys because they embraced me as a rapper.
How would you describe your style?
Reality rap – that’s my style. I’m just telling my life story by rapping about it.
How do you put words to paper? What’s your creative process like?
I’m always reminiscing. I’m always just looking back and sometimes writing what I want to say or how I feel about something.
If you could perform anywhere in the world where would you perform and why?
Anywhere, as long as I feel at home.
How do you see your sound evolving in the next few years?
I’m bound to take over reality rap because I’m the realest out of all of them.
What makes you different from other rappers in the industry?
I’m the realest… I don’t say or fake things.
In what way do you wish to make a difference with your music?
I want to motivate people who don’t believe in themselves.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m living my life to the fullest, but at the same time, I have my ‘faith.’
