OK-Tho:
On “What Is Your Name,” one of the tracks off of Better Days you released as a single, you preach the importance of one’s name and its meaning. What does Sean Annonymous mean? How did you get it?
Sean Anonymous:
Spoiler Alert: My first name is actually Sean. I get a lot of folks coming up to me and asking me what my "real name" is, and I wish I had something more interesting for them... In that same song ("What Is Your Name") I talk about being the son of an Irish immigrant. Which is also true. He's proud of where he's from, so I assume that led to him giving me such an Irish name. The anonymous part came from folks not remembering me. I recall being a little 17-year-old rapper showing up at shows and battles, and everybody was like "Who are you?"... And so I figured if I was going to be anonymous, maybe I should be Sean Anonymous... Things are a little different now.
OK-Tho:
What is your birth name? Who is Sean Anonymous and how does he differ from who you are? Do you think it is ingenious for a rapper to not present their real self on their songs?
Sean Anonymous:
I don't usually tell folks my birth name ... I'm proud of my family, but think it's not conducive to keeping the Sean Anonymous thing going.... I did tell my full name to a journalist once, and in result, it's been plastered all over the local newspaper a bunch of times. So if you do a little sleuthing, you can find it.
OK-Tho:
You’re from Minneapolis right? What is the hip hop scene like there?
Sean Anonymous:
Minneapolis has one of the strongest hip hop scenes in the country. So many talented people/acts. And a lot of love.
We're all very supportive of each other for the most part... There's always a couple haters here and there, but out of any hip hop-oriented city I've been to, it feels like Minneapolis has a higher percentage of lovers to haters.
We've always had a couple big groups doing it big out of Minneapolis, and it inspired some younger cats to do their own thing. The big guys are still killing it, and now there's a new wave of folks making some serious waves. While doing interviews gearing up for the Better Days release, I had a couple journalist include me in the "new folks making waves" section, and I'm thankful for that.
OK-Tho:
Do you consider yourself a rapper or a hip hop artist? Or something else?
Sean Anonymous:
I love this question... I think about it all the time. For me, rap and hip hop are the same thing (musically). Some say that hip hop is a culture more than a music, and I can't argue with that. I've certainly grown up inside of that culture.
But in my opinion, I'll always be a rapper.
When I was growing up watching Tupac, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes... I never told myself I wanted to be a "Hip Hop Artist", that didn't sound right to me. I just wanted to rap.
But in my opinion, I'll always be a rapper.
When I was growing up watching Tupac, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes... I never told myself I wanted to be a "Hip Hop Artist", that didn't sound right to me. I just wanted to rap.
OK-Tho:
What do you see as the distinction?
Sean Anonymous:
I don't see too much of a difference... One time a friend of mine was tripping on me about the Hip Hop vs. Rap argument, and I asked him whether he thought Dr. Dre was hip hop, and he said no. Then he proceeded to say that Eminem was hip hop, but Dr. Dre wasn't. I think that was the moment where I stopped listening to the hip hop/rap convo. It's all beautiful to me.
OK-Tho:
In your eyes, how are hip hop and poetry related?
Sean Anonymous:
So related. I've heard large parts of "mainstream" rap songs that sound like prose to me. I've heard remixes of Burroughs poems laid over hip hop beats that sound great... I used to spit rap songs acapella at poetry slams in hopes of winning prize money to pay my rent with... The two are completely intertwined, at least in my mind.
OK-Tho:
Top 5 Albums?
Sean Anonymous:
Of all time: Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid Madd City
Kanye West - Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Elzhi - The Preface
Outkast - Aquemini
Busta Rhymes - When Disaster Strikes
OK-Tho:
Inspirations both within and without hip hop?
Sean Anonymous:
The first rap I really got into was: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, X, a bunch of west coast stuff.
Then it was Mos Def, Talib, Busta Rhymes, other east coast-ers.
The 2 artists/groups that were the biggest catalyst for me to start rapping were Del the Funky Homosapien and Jurassic 5. I went to a skateboard shop in the 6th or 7th grade to get my board re-taped, there was a DJ there that played a Del song and a J5 song. That day I went and grabbed their albums. It was interesting to me how different those artists were compared to the other rappers I had been listening to. I thought "these dudes are weird... I'm weird... maybe I can do this?"
After that, I heard cats like Atmosphere, Eyedea, I-Self... Then I realized there were people in my part of the world making rap, and being successful, and that really lit the fire.
OK-Tho:
Favorite single of yours?
Sean Anonymous:
OK-Tho:
Favorite single of anothers?
Sean Anonymous:
Sean Anonymous:
I've always listened to rap music. I remember being in the 2nd grade and hearing rap on the radio, and loving it. The deciding moment was the one I described earlier where I went to get my skateboard set up, and heard a couple Del/Jurassic 5 songs at the board shop. Those 2 acts/groups were so different than anything I had heard, and I thought to myself "I should do this".
OK-Tho:
What was it like working so intensely with Dimity Killstorm? How did it differ from when you collaborate with him on a single?
Sean Anonymous:
Big Bang feat. Lizzo & P.O.S (Felt good to make a song with 2 of my favorite people/rappers)
Or
Weight feat. DJ Snuggles (Put that out spring of 2014... One of my favorite songs I've ever made)
OK-Tho:
Favorite single of anothers?
Sean Anonymous:
Too many to name. All of Kendrick's stuff... I'm pretty sure he's my favorite rapper out right now.
When I was younger, there was a track that Q-Tip did with Wordsworth called "Making It Blend." That really influenced me to rap the way I do. Also, the inspiration to ask Wordsworth to be a part of the new album.
When I was younger, there was a track that Q-Tip did with Wordsworth called "Making It Blend." That really influenced me to rap the way I do. Also, the inspiration to ask Wordsworth to be a part of the new album.
OK-Tho:
Favorite multisyllabic rhyme?
Sean Anonymous:
Also, too many to name. But since we were already talking about the Q-Tip/Wordsworth song, I'll include a lyric from Words' verse:
"It's gotta be, the way I respond that makes you honor me, song hitting award winning, you're just the nominee... play it safe, I'll arrange your wake, my papermate, will have a labelmate's album released a later date"
OK-Tho:
Your Projects (Albums/Mixtapes/EPs)?
Sean Anonymous:
Wide Eyes - Situation EP
Wide Eyes - Hands Tied LP
Bottom Feeders - The Low Road EP
Wide Eyes - Follow Through EP
Sean Anonymous - Anonymo EP
Wide Eyes & Phillip Morris - The Sick and the Dead EP
Sean Anonymous & Dimitry Killstorm - Better Days LP
OK-Tho:
On “Fast Forward” you say, “This is a self-reward that I chose to give to you.” Do you make music for yourself or your listeners?
Sean Anonymous:
Glad you caught that! I make music because I need to... If I go too long without making music, I'll start to catch myself getting moody and don't know why. But when I think about it, I do know why: Humans have an underlying desire to create. I think that desire might be especially strong with me, but I don't want to big myself up too much.
That being said, I do enjoy when people enjoy my music. And believe that music can get you through life, and hope that these albums can help someone out. (Especially Better Days)
OK-Tho:
What are you looking to get out of your music?
Sean Anonymous:
That feeling you get when you record a new song and listen to it for the first time. One of the most beautiful feelings in the world.
Also, the feeling of making a huge crowd of kids go crazy/have a good time.
OK-Tho:
You’ve performed alongside some big names including Macklemore, Talib Kweli, Bun B, KRS One, Dead Prez, P.O.S. How did you link up with them?
Sean Anonymous:
Each artist is a different story. We played with Macklemore about 4 or 5 years ago, so it wasn't as huge of a deal back then... But you could tell he had a drive that was unstoppable. We played with him again a couple years ago at SXSW, that was the duplication company we go through that hooked that up. (Macklemore did his album at the same place we do ours, shouts to CopyCats Media)
KRS one hosted a rap battle I was a part of one time. I got to do a song too, it was tight. He was mad cool.... I played with Dead Prez at a protest one time. RATM, Anti-Flag, Michael Franti, and some other folks played that one too. It was a trip.
OK-Tho:
Who among them did you most enjoy performing with?
Sean Anonymous:
I can't say that any were more enjoyable by any means, but meeting Talib & Bun B was especially tight.
OK-Tho:
How does it make you feel when people compare you to other rappers?
Sean Anonymous:
I try to not mess with comparisons... But I know it comes from a good place. Any time I get compared to someone else, it's usually a rapper I really like. So, even if I feel that I sound different than everyone people compare me too, I'll take it as a compliment.
OK-Tho:
Would you describe yourself as an internet rapper or do you keep it old school passing CDs out on the corner?
Sean Anonymous:
I think I'm in an interesting place... I started really young, so I saw people transition from selling most their stuff at shows, to selling mostly online. I think I sit somewhere right in the middle there. I'm still in my 20's, so you wont find me talking down on "internet rappers", and I'd like to think I've got a pretty solid internet presence, but we're still selling a bunch of discs at the show/street/wherever.
OK-Tho:
What was the path that led to your decision to become a hip hop artist?
Sean Anonymous:
I've always listened to rap music. I remember being in the 2nd grade and hearing rap on the radio, and loving it. The deciding moment was the one I described earlier where I went to get my skateboard set up, and heard a couple Del/Jurassic 5 songs at the board shop. Those 2 acts/groups were so different than anything I had heard, and I thought to myself "I should do this".
Then, when I found out there were rappers in Minneapolis that were killing it, I thought, this is something I could do forever.
OK-Tho:
How did you balance your education and your hip hop career?
Sean Anonymous:
Not well... hahaha.
I dropped out of High School a couple times, and ended up dropping out of college, mainly cuz I was too busy with music... I don't think that it's halted my "education." I'm still learning every day. But it certainly messed up my "educational career"... But it never affected my desire to learn.
OK-Tho:
Best concert you've ever been to?
Sean Anonymous:
I saw Jay-Z last year... That was amazing.
I also saw David Bowie about 10 years ago... Too good to properly describe.
OK-Tho:
Best concert you have put on?
Sean Anonymous:
We played at Soundset w/ J.Cole, Atmosphere, Big Sean, Ice Cube, etc... this year.
Ended up doing the last half of my last song while floating on top of thousands of people. That's the best in recent memory. Also, a couple shows in Denver, Austin, New York, etc...
As far as favorite show I myself put on I would say my 2014 birthday show in the Main Room at First Avenue... It was the first time I threw a headlining show at the legendary venue. The bill was Sean Anonymous & Dream Crusher (Live band), Toki Wright & Big Cats, Dem Atlas (his first show as a Rhymesayers Entertainment artist), & Enemy Planes.
As far as favorite show I myself put on I would say my 2014 birthday show in the Main Room at First Avenue... It was the first time I threw a headlining show at the legendary venue. The bill was Sean Anonymous & Dream Crusher (Live band), Toki Wright & Big Cats, Dem Atlas (his first show as a Rhymesayers Entertainment artist), & Enemy Planes.
It was also a benefit show for Twin Cities Music Community Trust. Raised a large amount of money to help local broke musicians get health care. Felt great.
OK-Tho:
Favorite artist?
Sean Anonymous:
In my opinion, Kendrick is the best out right now.
OK-Tho:
If you could ask Kendrick any one question, what would you ask?
Sean Anonymous:
I would ask him how he manages to make songs with a conscious message that are so vibe-y that they can still get played in clubs/dance parties... I've always been impressed by that.... That's something I'm trying to do as well.
OK-Tho:
What is the first hip hop song that changed your life?
Sean Anonymous:
I remember hearing N.W.A "Fuck Tha Police" when I was a very little kid. I remember liking it. I think that inspired me to check out hip hop in the first place... Best thing that ever happened.
OK-Tho:
If you could go back and give yourself advice when you were first starting out, what would you say?
Sean Anonymous:
Don't put too much emphasis on what others think of you... I don't think I ever really did, but it's good to get a reminder.
I love where I'm at in my career/life right now, so I wouldn't want to influence teenage me to change that much.
I love where I'm at in my career/life right now, so I wouldn't want to influence teenage me to change that much.
OK-Tho:
Did you try to include that advice on “How to Get On”? A track about how to get your start as a rapper
Sean Anonymous:
Sure did! That was actually DJ Corbett (the guy who produced Anonymo) who came up with the concept. I'm pretty sure his verse on that song was the first verse he's done in years. So glad he got to get it in on that track.
OK-Tho:
If you were to sign to a label, which one would you pick & why?
Sean Anonymous:
Prolly Rhymesayers? I live in Minneapolis. Lots of my friends are signed to Rhymesayers and they're killing it. Also, they've always showed us a lot of love... I think it would make sense.
OK-Tho:
Favorite Producer to listen to?
Sean Anonymous:
I've been jamming my guy Mux Mool's stuff a lot lately. He's got such a unique style.
Also, watched him perform a couple times when I was out in Denver a couple months ago... Great stuff.
OK-Tho:
Favorite producer to work with?
Sean Anonymous:
I'd say Dimitry! We've been working together for damn near 10 years, and never had a problem. He gets what I'm trying to do, and I think our styles compliment eachother... Keeping that in mind, I'm starting a new project soon, and going to work with all my favorite producers on it. I'm real excited to do an album with a group of producers, I've never done that before.
OK-Tho:
Favorite website for music?
Sean Anonymous:
Shiiiiit... To be honest, I'll just look at twitter and listen to the new stuff my friends are posting... Maybe soundcloud? hahah
OK-Tho:
Which music video did you have the most fun making?
Sean Anonymous:
"Big Bang" w/ Lizzo & P.O.S were real fun to make. My director Arlo & editor Jay are super easy to work with/get along with. Also, Lizzo & P.O.S are awesome humans.
2nd would prolly be "Weight". I came up with the concept for that video, so it was really cool to see that come to life.
2nd would prolly be "Weight". I came up with the concept for that video, so it was really cool to see that come to life.
OK-Tho:
Rakim says “I don’t believe in writers block, so when I get to the point where im getting slow on the ink, I just put the pen down and go out and live” What are your thoughts on writer’s block? What is your writing process more generally?
Sean Anonymous:
I'd have to agree with Rakim! Sometimes if I go too long without writing, I'll start to worry that I'll "lose it." But then I'll get a new beat and something beautiful will come out... Some folks say not to force writing, which makes sense for some folks. But I just need to start writing, and the inspiration will come.
OK-Tho:
Better Days dropped 7/14/15, where can people get it?
Sean Anonymous:
It’s been 2 years since you released your first project Anonymo. Have you been working on Better Days since then?
Sean Anonymous:
We've actually been working on Better Days since before then! A couple songs on Better Days we're started around the time I was working on Anonymo. For the most part, the bulk of Better Days was written/recorded in the last couple years. Some of the older songs are my favorites on Better Days, but the new ones are a little fresher in my mind.
OK-Tho:
What else have you been up to?
Sean Anonymous:
Beyond that, I've been rapping around the country. Eating as much food as I can. Riding bikes. And hanging out with my friends... Life's pretty good right now.
OK-Tho:
How have you progressed and grown as an artist since Anonymo?
Sean Anonymous:
Every time I write a song, I think it's the best song I've ever made. The songs have changed a little bit, but they're still Sean songs. And I think the new stuff is better than ever.
OK-Tho:
Does Better Days set out to tell a story? What is that story? What is the moral of that story?
Sean Anonymous:
I've never been the type of dude to try and make a concept album. I've always been more about vibes than concepts. And the vibe of Better Days is, things can get messed up sometimes, but if you work hard, they can improve. (Hopefully)
I went through a lot between dropping Anonymo & Better Days... I was real broke for a bit, my dad was going through some hard times over in Ireland, and I lost my mom.
I was lost for a bit... But taking the time to write the songs that appear on Better Days helped me get through it. Some were very hard to write, but I'm glad I did. I know a lot of folks are going through the same problems that inspired me to write Better Days, hopefully folks can relate to the songs, and if it helps one person get through those hard times, then it will all be worth it.
I was lost for a bit... But taking the time to write the songs that appear on Better Days helped me get through it. Some were very hard to write, but I'm glad I did. I know a lot of folks are going through the same problems that inspired me to write Better Days, hopefully folks can relate to the songs, and if it helps one person get through those hard times, then it will all be worth it.
OK-Tho:
What was it like working so intensely with Dimity Killstorm? How did it differ from when you collaborate with him on a single?
Sean Anonymous:
Dimitry is one of my best homies. We've known each other for about 11 years. I can't think of anyone that would've been better to work with on such an intense project. Sometimes he'd hit me with input on the songs, but others are so personal, he knew that I would have to do those on my own.
Long story short, it was a great experience. So proud to have made beautiful music with one of my best friends.
Long story short, it was a great experience. So proud to have made beautiful music with one of my best friends.
OK-Tho:
On “Big Bang” you say that the way you do shit is a little different. What makes you stand out from other rappers?
Sean Anonymous:
I've never been too focused on making sure I'm different than others... Everyone is their own person, so as long as you're speaking your mind, you're automatically different.
But I will say that there are a lot of folks that see someone killing it, they want to kill it as well, so they emulate other artists to the point where they sound/look the same. I've never been into that. I think I can safely speak for Lizzo & P.O.S and say they don't do that either. Big Bang is about doing things your way in a world where people want you to be something you're not. Hopefully if we stay true to ourselves, we can make a big enough splash that people notice that you don't have to live your life like someone else.
OK-Tho:
That track features P.O.S., What was it like working with him?
Sean Anonymous:
The best! Stef is one of my favorite dudes. Beyond being an amazing musician, he's a great person. Always happy to chat with that dude.
OK-Tho:
What makes Better Days unique?
Sean Anonymous:
Better Days is my heart. I told my notebook things that I had never told anyone before. There were times where I thought I wouldn't release certain songs, but in the end, I thought it'd be good for me, and hopefully good for anyone who got the chance to listen.
The things that make Better Days unique, are the same that make my life unique. Everyone has gone through different experiences in their life, I was just able to expand on these experiences more than I ever have before.
I hope it affects others in the same positive way it affected me.
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