Silas is a young rapper from Gaithersburg
Maryland. He has been working on his craft since the age of 12 and now, at the
age of 17, he is about to release his debut album, The Genesis. Before this release he dropped numerous singles, three
of which will appear on the upcoming album
set to drop early this month. Read on to get an idea of the path Silas took
to become a Hip-Hop artist, the influences that helped shape his style, and what
to expect from his genesis, The Genesis.
Ok-Tho:
What does Silas mean and how did you decide upon it as your name?
What does Silas mean and how did you decide upon it as your name?
Silas:
Man… funny story. Actually, I was in 6th grade and my boy put me on to the movie How High with Method Man and Redman and Meth's character in the movie has the name Silas and it always stuck with me. But when I started rapping I found out in the bible Silas sung his way out of Jail. Always thought that meant something special about the name.
Man… funny story. Actually, I was in 6th grade and my boy put me on to the movie How High with Method Man and Redman and Meth's character in the movie has the name Silas and it always stuck with me. But when I started rapping I found out in the bible Silas sung his way out of Jail. Always thought that meant something special about the name.
Ok-Tho:
Yeah, I didn’t know that it was biblical. If he sung his way out of jail, what, if anything, would you say you are rapping your way out of?
Yeah, I didn’t know that it was biblical. If he sung his way out of jail, what, if anything, would you say you are rapping your way out of?
Silas:
The system, a couple years ago. Even my own mind as a prison. I feel as if it's a lot more than just the music.
The system, a couple years ago. Even my own mind as a prison. I feel as if it's a lot more than just the music.
Ok-Tho:
What do you mean by the system?
What do you mean by the system?
Silas:
The government, welfare, food stamps, my boys getting locked up. I do it for me but also for them. Thankfully none of my friends or family is in jail currently but it always motivated me to do something positive with my life and not go down the same path.
The government, welfare, food stamps, my boys getting locked up. I do it for me but also for them. Thankfully none of my friends or family is in jail currently but it always motivated me to do something positive with my life and not go down the same path.
Ok-Tho:
I’m sorry to hear about your buds. I’m on food
stamps too so I can feel you on that front, but Im lucky enough not to have
been fucked by the judicial system yet. You’re
pretty young right? Still in High School? How have you dealt with balancing
Hip-Hop and academics? How do you plan to go forward in terms of your
education? Do you plan on going to college?
Silas:
Don't be sorry man we all live and learn! But yeah, it's always tough feeling like you can't do anything to help, but I'm 17 out of high school working on my GED. But in the past it was very difficult balancing academics and Hip-Hop. I would be in class thinking about what was going on at home instead of thinking about algebra. I do plan on going to college very soon though.
Don't be sorry man we all live and learn! But yeah, it's always tough feeling like you can't do anything to help, but I'm 17 out of high school working on my GED. But in the past it was very difficult balancing academics and Hip-Hop. I would be in class thinking about what was going on at home instead of thinking about algebra. I do plan on going to college very soon though.
Ok-Tho:
Good shit. Do you plan on putting the Hip-Hop on hold while you are in college?
Good shit. Do you plan on putting the Hip-Hop on hold while you are in college?
Silas:
Not at all. I have a talent, not to sound arrogant or cocky, but I've spent 5 years on my craft. I plan on taking it all the way.
Not at all. I have a talent, not to sound arrogant or cocky, but I've spent 5 years on my craft. I plan on taking it all the way.
Ok-Tho:
What has been your experience trying to make it alone as an online artist?
What has been your experience trying to make it alone as an online artist?
Silas:
Hard but enjoyable! I was just having a discussion about this with my cousin the other day. The internet is so expansive in this generation we really don't need a major label. We can do it independent with full creative control and gain more profit. Just look at "Internet" Rappers like Bones. It’s possible but very hard.
Hard but enjoyable! I was just having a discussion about this with my cousin the other day. The internet is so expansive in this generation we really don't need a major label. We can do it independent with full creative control and gain more profit. Just look at "Internet" Rappers like Bones. It’s possible but very hard.
Ok-Tho:
Yeah it seems like it is challenging, especially when you don't live in a Hip-Hop center like Chicago or New York. What is the Hip-Hop scene like in Gaithersburg Maryland?
Yeah it seems like it is challenging, especially when you don't live in a Hip-Hop center like Chicago or New York. What is the Hip-Hop scene like in Gaithersburg Maryland?
Silas:
It is, but for me it pushes me more and the scene in Gaithersburg is crazy… Growing rapidly, my boy Rival and Benjo both are my rivals musically. Love when they put out good shit, it inspires me to go make good shit like a sport. A good analogy would be Michael Jordan and Kobe going at each other.
It is, but for me it pushes me more and the scene in Gaithersburg is crazy… Growing rapidly, my boy Rival and Benjo both are my rivals musically. Love when they put out good shit, it inspires me to go make good shit like a sport. A good analogy would be Michael Jordan and Kobe going at each other.
Ok-Tho:
Who would you say are you major influences both within and without Hip-Hop?
Who would you say are you major influences both within and without Hip-Hop?
Silas:
Nas for sure, simply off of the fact that I was raised on Illmatic, The Tribe, The Roots, Wu tang and all of their solo albums, Kendrick Lamar, and J Cole. The list is so expansive in Hip-Hop. Outside of hip-hop Metallica, Nirvana, Prince… I could go on forever man, I'm a lover of music.
Nas for sure, simply off of the fact that I was raised on Illmatic, The Tribe, The Roots, Wu tang and all of their solo albums, Kendrick Lamar, and J Cole. The list is so expansive in Hip-Hop. Outside of hip-hop Metallica, Nirvana, Prince… I could go on forever man, I'm a lover of music.
Ok-Tho:
Any music you don't like?
Any music you don't like?
Silas:
Honestly, some of the newer pop punk music, can't really get into it.
Honestly, some of the newer pop punk music, can't really get into it.
Ok-Tho:
Top 5 albums of all time?
Top 5 albums of all time?
Silas:
Nas-Illmatic
Nas-Illmatic
The Roots-How I Got
Over
Blu & Exile-Below
The Heavens
Raekwon-Only Built 4
Cuban Linx
Silas- The Genesis
haha nah I’m just playing if I could I would put that for all 5 but
Kendrick
Lamar-Section.80
Ok-Tho:
Favorite single of yours?
Favorite single of yours?
Silas:
A battle between KiN and Love Line(s). Both have personal topics but many can relate and that's why the reception for both was crazy!
A battle between KiN and Love Line(s). Both have personal topics but many can relate and that's why the reception for both was crazy!
Ok-Tho:
Yeah, I am big on KiN, but I really love the vibe on Angel Dust. You flowed to the beat well.
Yeah, I am big on KiN, but I really love the vibe on Angel Dust. You flowed to the beat well.
What is the meaning of
the capitalized N in KiN?
Silas:
Yeah, my boy Choppy on the beat killed it and his son Graffiti did work on Angel Dust as well as the song Elixir. The capitalized N was just to make the song stand out more but that song means so much in today's society man, just the hook alone: "You my brother you my KiN fuck the color of your skin." We're all human, no matter what our pigment is colored.
Yeah, my boy Choppy on the beat killed it and his son Graffiti did work on Angel Dust as well as the song Elixir. The capitalized N was just to make the song stand out more but that song means so much in today's society man, just the hook alone: "You my brother you my KiN fuck the color of your skin." We're all human, no matter what our pigment is colored.
Ok-Tho:
Yeah, I agree with that sentiment. I just wish the rest of the world could figure it out too.
Yeah, I agree with that sentiment. I just wish the rest of the world could figure it out too.
Silas:
It almost feels impossible sadly. All we can do is spread love though and hope people feel it the same way we do.
It almost feels impossible sadly. All we can do is spread love though and hope people feel it the same way we do.
Ok-Tho:
Best concert you've ever been to?
Best concert you've ever been to?
Silas:
Kendrick Lamar September 12th 2012 his first time ever in Maryland only like 250 people at the show… Crazy experience.
Kendrick Lamar September 12th 2012 his first time ever in Maryland only like 250 people at the show… Crazy experience.
Ok-Tho:
What do you see as the golden age of Hip-Hop? Why?
What do you see as the golden age of Hip-Hop? Why?
Silas:
That is what every artist should truly aim for and to me the golden age of Hip-Hop lives on through the younger cats like myself who have done their homework on this art, who have sacrificed to be a part of a beautiful culture, and who remain true through their music. I will always be a raw artist at heart. I can go on a party record and remain myself, I pride myself in that ability to stay true.
That is what every artist should truly aim for and to me the golden age of Hip-Hop lives on through the younger cats like myself who have done their homework on this art, who have sacrificed to be a part of a beautiful culture, and who remain true through their music. I will always be a raw artist at heart. I can go on a party record and remain myself, I pride myself in that ability to stay true.
Ok-Tho:
Why do you make Hip-Hop? What in your life led to the decision to pursue a career in Hip-Hop?
Why do you make Hip-Hop? What in your life led to the decision to pursue a career in Hip-Hop?
Silas:
At the start of me pursing it, I was terrible just like everyone else. Kanye West wasn't always Kanye West but I could write down on paper how I felt and I could make it sound good. I could speak for the people who couldn't… I've had people tell me I made a song that described exactly how they felt and it helped… The first time I heard that I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life if possible.
At the start of me pursing it, I was terrible just like everyone else. Kanye West wasn't always Kanye West but I could write down on paper how I felt and I could make it sound good. I could speak for the people who couldn't… I've had people tell me I made a song that described exactly how they felt and it helped… The first time I heard that I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life if possible.
Ok-Tho:
Has there ever been a song like that for you? That helped you articulate what you could not say yourself?
Has there ever been a song like that for you? That helped you articulate what you could not say yourself?
Silas:
At one point, when I had just started, it was Growing Pains by Logic. A very good friend and once my mentor, great guy.
At one point, when I had just started, it was Growing Pains by Logic. A very good friend and once my mentor, great guy.
Ok-Tho:
Logic is a very good friend of yours?
Logic is a very good friend of yours?
Silas:
We haven't spoken much recently he's, living his life doing what he does best, but at one point he mentored me when I had just started making music. Here and there he throws me words of advice or tells me what he thinks about a song.
We haven't spoken much recently he's, living his life doing what he does best, but at one point he mentored me when I had just started making music. Here and there he throws me words of advice or tells me what he thinks about a song.
Ok-Tho:
If you were to sign to a label, which one would you pick & why?
If you were to sign to a label, which one would you pick & why?
Silas:
Ironically I would love to sign independently with Visionary Music Group. Seeing what they did with Logic is crazy... If not them then Dreamville records, love everyone there! For a major label it would be Def Jam, they have crazy history over there.
Ironically I would love to sign independently with Visionary Music Group. Seeing what they did with Logic is crazy... If not them then Dreamville records, love everyone there! For a major label it would be Def Jam, they have crazy history over there.
Ok-Tho:
Favorite website to find new music?
Favorite website to find new music?
Silas:
SoundCloud so many connections have already been made through that service very thankful for it
SoundCloud so many connections have already been made through that service very thankful for it
Ok-Tho:
On kNXSTALGIA you start off talking about how you have a sore throat and how you hope that makes the track sound iller. How would you compare the way you rap to the way you talk?
On kNXSTALGIA you start off talking about how you have a sore throat and how you hope that makes the track sound iller. How would you compare the way you rap to the way you talk?
Silas:
Sometimes when I talk I rhyme, it’s funny but surreal almost. The sore throat just gave me more of a gritty tone. I rap and talk almost the same way.
Sometimes when I talk I rhyme, it’s funny but surreal almost. The sore throat just gave me more of a gritty tone. I rap and talk almost the same way.
Ok-Tho:
Do you think it is disingenuous for the two not to be similar?
Do you think it is disingenuous for the two not to be similar?
Silas:
Well, I love that both are similar. It shows there is no type of act going on in the music! That's a whole new debate right there.
Well, I love that both are similar. It shows there is no type of act going on in the music! That's a whole new debate right there.
Ok-Tho:
On which side of that debate do you find yourself?
On which side of that debate do you find yourself?
Silas:
I’m with the be yourself side… Be who you are but I can’t knock someone else's hustle who decides not to follow that. I respect everyone and their music.
I’m with the be yourself side… Be who you are but I can’t knock someone else's hustle who decides not to follow that. I respect everyone and their music.
Ok-Tho:
The picture for Breeze is from the show Cowboy Beebop. Do you watch that show? Why did you decide to use that picture? How, if at all, has that show or television in general influenced you artistically?
The picture for Breeze is from the show Cowboy Beebop. Do you watch that show? Why did you decide to use that picture? How, if at all, has that show or television in general influenced you artistically?
Silas:
Awesome question, I love Anime, I watch Cowboy Beebop. It’s a huge part of my childhood. I decided to use the picture because it’s very mellow. That was the feel of the song for me. Television does influence me artistically.
Awesome question, I love Anime, I watch Cowboy Beebop. It’s a huge part of my childhood. I decided to use the picture because it’s very mellow. That was the feel of the song for me. Television does influence me artistically.
Ok-Tho:
How so? Which shows?
How so? Which shows?
Silas:
A lot of cartoons, but older ones, the darker cartoons where when you watch it you're like "How the fuck was this even on TV!" But Courage the cowardly dog, like I said Animes, Death Note, Dragonball, Naruto… The list goes on. I almost relate and see myself as those characters.
A lot of cartoons, but older ones, the darker cartoons where when you watch it you're like "How the fuck was this even on TV!" But Courage the cowardly dog, like I said Animes, Death Note, Dragonball, Naruto… The list goes on. I almost relate and see myself as those characters.
Ok-Tho:
Your debut album, The Genesis, is set to drop early July. When specifically can we expect it?
Your debut album, The Genesis, is set to drop early July. When specifically can we expect it?
Silas:
No set date on it yet only because I’m trying to press out hard copies for it and gain a little buzz from these singles I've been dropping but very soon!! I am very proud of this body of work.
No set date on it yet only because I’m trying to press out hard copies for it and gain a little buzz from these singles I've been dropping but very soon!! I am very proud of this body of work.
Ok-Tho:
You dropped the title track “The Genesis.” Is that the only single you dropped that will be on the album?
You dropped the title track “The Genesis.” Is that the only single you dropped that will be on the album?
Silas:
The Genesis, Love Line(s) but a different version of Love Line(s), and KiN will all be on the album.
The Genesis, Love Line(s) but a different version of Love Line(s), and KiN will all be on the album.
Ok-Tho:
How did you decide on the name? Does it have any relation to Nas or the bible?
How did you decide on the name? Does it have any relation to Nas or the bible?
Silas:
Both actually, glad you caught that. This is my Genesis, my beginning.
Both actually, glad you caught that. This is my Genesis, my beginning.
Ok-Tho:
Both your name and your debut album have ties to the bible, Are you religious?
Both your name and your debut album have ties to the bible, Are you religious?
Silas:
I am a god fearing man at the end of the day. I don't go to church but I pray, I do believe in God.
I am a god fearing man at the end of the day. I don't go to church but I pray, I do believe in God.
Ok-Tho:
What producers can we expect to hear from on The Genesis?
What producers can we expect to hear from on The Genesis?
Silas:
A couple local cats from Maryland. Expect some hard hitting beats from producers you may have heard. Not gonna throw names out, but I know everyone will be surprised!
A couple local cats from Maryland. Expect some hard hitting beats from producers you may have heard. Not gonna throw names out, but I know everyone will be surprised!
Ok-Tho:
Favorite producer to listen to? Favorite producer to work with?
Favorite producer to listen to? Favorite producer to work with?
Silas:
J Dilla. Favorite producer to work with personally was Choppy, very good vibes!
J Dilla. Favorite producer to work with personally was Choppy, very good vibes!
Ok-Tho:
Does the album set out to tell a story? What is that story? What is the moral of that story?
Does the album set out to tell a story? What is that story? What is the moral of that story?
Silas:
It’s a snippet of a very big story… The story is about me as a kid transitioning to a man. The moral of the story is just finding yourself in the right ways, learning from mistakes and growing.
It’s a snippet of a very big story… The story is about me as a kid transitioning to a man. The moral of the story is just finding yourself in the right ways, learning from mistakes and growing.
Ok-Tho:
How long has it been in the making? Did you write the story of your transition during that transition or after?
How long has it been in the making? Did you write the story of your transition during that transition or after?
Silas:
About a year and a half. I wrote most of it transitioning through and half of it after.
About a year and a half. I wrote most of it transitioning through and half of it after.
Ok-Tho:
Will the album be available for free? Where can people get it?
Will the album be available for free? Where can people get it?
Silas:
Yes it will be. It will be available for download on Datpiff and streaming on Soundcloud.
Yes it will be. It will be available for download on Datpiff and streaming on Soundcloud.
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