Hip-hop’s influence has stretched far beyond the hot-spot destinations we’ve come to know. Also, it’s no secret that you can feel the influence of the genre anywhere in the world. In this case, north of the border in Toronto’s neighboring city, Montreal, resides Husser. A rapper whose unique approach to the genre is delightfully hard to ignore. Art and music collide as Husser brings a refreshing rock tinged aesthetic to the game.
Formally of the group ‘The Posterz’, Husser’s solo venture is as energetic as ever and worth a first listen if you’re new to his wave.
We chopped it up to meet the man behind the music following the release of his latest project ‘Geto Rock For The Youth’.
It’s been said that a lot of creatives develop their taste in music and culture between the ages of 5-11 years old. What were you listening to at that time? Do you think it has had an effect on the artist that you are today?
My new project is actually based off of that period. I listened to the radio a lot at that point in life. In Montreal there aren’t any real hip-hop stations, just hip hop segments. Maybe like 2 hours a week worth of hip-hop. Imagine a city where there’s no hip-hop on the radio, there’s no scene for hip-hop to really build upon. So the music I did hear, influenced me a little bit.
When did you start rapping and who was the first person to notice your talent?
I started rapping when I was 16. The first person to notice my talent who wasn’t rapping alongside me was a DJ (Himansu) in Montreal. He was running parties and had a promo team and he kind of became my first manager who plugged us (The Posterz) into the club scene.
What has it been like doing music as a solo artist?
It’s different because you’re like a one man team. Also, it’s different in the sense that, I make all of my own decisions.
So have you faced any differences in the creative processes being solo?
Not really, it’s just different because instead of 2 people there collaborating and hyping me up, it’s just me in the booth and on the track. I’m getting beats from different producers so in that arena it’s a little different. However, when I was in a group I would still create on my own so there has not been that much of a change in that way.
Do you feel like the music you released recently is different from the music you released when you first started?
Yeah, definately. It’s different because in my opinion I got better and I’m trying new sounds. I’m taking more chances and trying different vibes. I’m inspired by different genres but it’s the same energy.
Paintings For The Blind
Has Montreal influenced your sound in any way?
Yeah, I came up rapping with Chris (of The Posterz) cousins. We all have our own sound. It’s kind of based off of the way we talk and our individual energies and how we see things. However we all have that Montreal influence. So Montreal has definitely influenced me in that way.
Do you ever plan on relocating to the states?
I want to make a move out to Cali in the future. I’ve visited Atlanta as well and I like it there too.
‘Catherine’
You have a very unique sound and approach to music. Do you feel any pressure to fit in with the current wave of hip-hop music?
Yeah I do. I get good reviews on my music, but there are factors that play against me sometimes being that the English community in Montreal is small as well as the hip-hop community. The numbers can be effected for those reasons but I mean, I feel like for someone who’s upcoming the numbers are proportionate. I still freestyle and play around with different things and sounds but there is a certain amount of pressure to be or sound like a certain wave in hip-hop in general.
“Can’t Blame Em” is a very multidimensional video. What was the story behind it?
It’s funny because I wrote a treatment for the music video a year before we shot it. The song was actually 3 years old by the time it came out. The concept was exactly the same, except for the Steve Jobs element. A director approached me and presented that idea. I was down, and we did it.
Fast forward to 2017, What can people expect from Geto Rock For The Youth?
It’s like a preview of what I have to offer, I don’t want to say too much because you’ll see once you listen but it’s some good sh*t!
You can stream Geto Rock For The Youth here and listen below.
