Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
I go by Praktis. And I hail from one of the nowhere capitols of the midwest, in a little place called Garden City, Kansas. The name came to me when I was around 15. I was making a name for myself at the time on a site called rapchoice.com. building my skills, learning the art. I took up the name because everything takes practice. You may have talent but to fine tune, you need practice (praktis) . Also, praktis makes perfect lol.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Ive always loved music. Still do, almost all types. But what got me into hip hop? I’d say the likes of Will Smith and mc hammer. I was like 7 or something, idk just jamming OUT on some 2 legit to quit!! Evolved into gangster rap, and then underground hip hop when I really learned my stuff.
I found out it was my path when I actually made music. The feeling. The joy. The ideas, the creating… THAT made me fall in love.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
I have a few new releases that all tell a similar but different story. My music right now is so focused on self love and improving your life. You can hear it. You can feel it. I have been taking steps to make my life the best I can, and my music reflects that. So expect happy vibes and a coming of age if you will. Life is all about attitude and I’ve had a very toxic one for a LONG time. Now I’m all Coolio Fantastic Voyage.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I think my music is unique because I don’t try to follow trends. I just make what I want to make. I blend various genres when I make my beats, and I feel I also take a different approach to rhyme schemes than a lot of people. Most people ride the beat with the sane general schemes, I feel each beat is unique and so should the flow.
Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
My biggest influences are some of the biggest names of course, Pac, Jay, BIGGIE, Bone, E40, Snoop, Dre etc etc… but also I’m into people like Aesop Rock (he’s my favorite) Marlon Craft, Little Brother, and then Phonte solo…
I would love to collaborate with a ton of artists. From people like Timbaland and Justin Timberlake on some my love type shit, or down to my homies I already made music with like Nick Grooms or Rocsteady. But if I could EVER work with a few people like Aesop or Craft I’d fn die a happy man for sure knowing that.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
My best moment was a tour I went on with my former group Parallels . We had a life changing experience, played some cool shows in hot topics, Got entirely too drunk, I threw up on my shoes and everything lol and we finished it off in a country mansion after a show in Burlington. An epic series of events I will cherish till my last breath.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
It’s super hard. I go to the gym too so like everyday is an hour there, get ready for work, go to work, come home, cook food for the kids, finally sit down and if I’m lazy it’s video games, if not I’m grinding out some work on the laptop. The days off of work are crucial and I must use my time wisely or else I feel guilty for not working hard enough.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I guess just don’t give up. I wouldn’t even be writing this if I did. I wouldn’t have my album released , my singles. I used to sell burnt cds out the trunk for 10 bucks… then life hit me hard, and I thought I’d never really make it so I didn’t try. But I’m pushing now and making some waves. So if you have a dream, it’s important to push yourself or else you’ll never get off the ground.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
THANK YOU! I LOVE YOU!!! HEARTS AND SHIT!!! SERIOUSLY!!! It means the world to receive support!! You are the best!
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
I have a few songs right now I’m working on, and there will plenty after that. I just dropped a new single as well titled Ministry. It’s about the circles we run in life and don’t realize till we really stop and look. I hope to work more with some local artists , but either way, you will def be seeing new music from me monthly from here on out.
As far as albums go. It seems like the industry and fans like singles more so that will be my approach for the time being.
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