Moe Vision: The Interview
Moe Vision is one of the best and most consistent up and coming rappers in the game.
Rapper Moe Vision’s new single “Breakdown” is out now. The Right Kind Of Brownies caught up with the recording artist in Maryland for an exclusive interview.
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What's your earliest memory of music?
I remember my Mom going on a trip to New York in 1997 and bringing back a walkman tape player and Will Smith’s album, Big Willie Style. I was 10. That was my first tape and when I fell in love with music.
Are you the first in your family to pursue music?
Yes. Being the first in my family to pursue music means there’s no blueprint, but it also means you have the freedom to try different things and see what works best for you.
What do you remember about the first song you made?
I made my first song in 2006. It was recorded on an old MacBook using iMovie, and it was terrible. At the time, I thought it was the best song ever. I remember playing it for everyone I knew and telling everyone I’m coming out with a mixtape called “Killa Instinct.” I recorded the mixtape in a week, had my boy take a picture of me in an XL bullets jersey, printed out cd covers, and burned 300 cd’s to pass around the school. The mixtape wasn’t very good. I needed to improve my craft a lot more before I shared it, but sharing the album gave me the mindset that I hold. I learned to take risks and always to be my biggest fan.
How did you end up deciding on the genre of music you make today?
I don’t really have a moment where I decided to make a certain genre of music. The music I grew up listening to gave me a strong foundation to build on. I’ve always gravitated towards rap music, and I got my Rnb influence from my sister.
How did you get the name Moe Vision?
My name is Muhammad, and people call me Moe. I made a mixtape called Hoop Dreams and dropped it with the name “Moe.” I felt like I needed to add a word that really represents my music. I listened to the songs I had put out at the time, and I noticed I used the word “vision” a lot… so it was only fitting.
What was it like creating your new song Breakdown?
The breakdown was fun to make. Music has always been a form of communication for me, and making Breakdown was freeing.
What inspires your lyricism?
My experiences. I make music about my life, so as long I’m present in my experiences, I will always have something to say.
In your "Popstar" freestyle, you rapped, "if it was 2005, most these rappers won't survive." Why do you say that?
We live in an era where people get famous first. A lot of people now pursue attention. Whereas in the past, if you were passionate about something, you would pursue your passion. Today, many of the ppl that get noticed are more talented at getting noticed than anything else. This really waters down the quality and standards of what we consider talent.
Who are some of your favorite rappers from the old school?
Mase, Outkast, 2pac, Nas, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Juvenile, B.G., Dipset, & Bone Thugz are my real go-to old school rappers.
Are you currently working on a new album?
I’m working on my new album called Racing Thoughts. It will be out on December 4th. I’m very excited about this project because, sonically, I feel I leveled up by working with two very talented mix/mastering engineers in Darren Fraser & Stephen Henderson.
How many unreleased songs do you have in the vault?
I have 25 unreleased songs at the moment.
What is your goal as a recording artist?
My goal is to make timeless music that resonates with someone and inspires someone to reach their goals.
What is your management / publishing / distribution / label situation?
I’m putting out music independently under my collective called Sound From The Basement.
Do you think American rappers of Pakistani origin, such as yourself, have a harder time achieving success in the music industry?
It’s a very fine line. A lot of it comes down to being true to yourself. If you make music that you love and believe in, there’s always going to be a crowd for you. But if you try to cater your music to a certain crowd and it’s not genuine, people can see through it. As time goes on, we’re gonna see more brown rappers. It’s very early still. So I don’t think it’s harder. I think navigating through music has challenges no matter your origin, but the music comes first. Good music will always win.
What's a lyric from your new yet to be released music that you're proud of?
I can’t even say just one. I’m so proud of this new project and so excited for you and everyone to hear it. I feel like this is my rumble in the jungle album. I feel like Muhammad Ali knocking out Foreman.
Having produced your last album ONIM (One Night In Maryland), are you more invested in production or vocals?
I feel like I have so much more control. By having more control over production, I feel like I control what I want to say even more. So, I’d say production and vocals go hand in hand, and they each increase my investment in one another.
Who do you make music for?
When I started, I needed to make music for myself. It gave me a purpose. Now I’m in a place where I feel a sense of purpose outside of myself. I want to make some dope, timeless music for the world.