Vancouver, BC Rapper "Cassette" talks New Music, Female Rap, & Her Inspiration to Hip Hop "I’ve always been inspired by lyricism"

"Stay true to what feeds your soul and what feels right to you. Stay away from fixating on numbers & streams and use that focus to better your craft." -Cassette

 

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Mistah Wilson: Hey, Cassette! Thank you so much for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! It's a tremendous honor to have you here with us. For our audience reading this, could you introduce yourself and give us a quick background?
Cassette: What’s up? My name is Cassette! I’m a female rapper/songwriter, and entrepreneur that resides in Vancouver, Canada.

Mistah Wilson: Before we jump into tha music, I want to talk about life in Vancouver, BC. What are some pros and cons to growing up there?

Cassette: Life in Vancouver is fun and exciting. The city has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty. The ocean and mountains surround the city. Vancouver is also full of coastal rainforests. I also have to point out what a tight-knit and supportive music community we have. That’s a big reason why I’ve chosen to live here. Unfortunately, the city of Vancouver has a bad housing crisis. The cost of living for the average person is getting out of hand. Also, there is a large demographic of homelessness in the downtown east side which is seemingly increasing more and more as time goes on. The government of Canada needs to address this better, in order to support the drug epidemic happening in our own backyard.

Cassette - Paid Now (Official Video)

Mistah Wilson: We discovered you while you were performing at a show in Seattle. How much different would you say Canada is from tha United States?

Cassette: I found that  the scenery in Seattle is very similar to Vancouver. The audience in Seattle was so friendly and encouraging! I would have to say the difference in currency - Canadian money isn’t worth a whole lot.  A lot of people that I connected with in the states mentioned the serious issues with health care. As Canadians, we are privileged to receive universal health care and sometimes I forget how lucky I really am. Music-wise: the world of Hip Hop in the states is just so much more advanced. I’m looking forward to doing more shows in the US and breaking into the scene full force. I’m feeling blessed to be making these connections and I have a lot of respect for the American homies. My goal is to bring my team with me to the next Seattle show so, we can merge together for something really dope!

Mistah Wilson: Ok, now tha music! One thing that we found interesting about you was your stage presence and confidence. What is your inspiration to Hip Hop and when did you decide to pursue it as a career?

Cassette: My inspiration to Hip Hop started at a really early age. I recorded my first song when I was 16. I’ve always been inspired by lyricism. Being able to specify my creative expression in such a meaningful way is a powerful thing to me. Music has always had such a profound impact on me. I started to take myself more seriously in the last decade but this year things have really jumped off.  The motivation was ignited inside me. I’m just so ready to take it to the next level and I have been.

Mistah Wilson: If you could only recommend one song of yours to a new potential fan, which one would it be and why?

Cassette: I think I’d recommend my latest “We Back At It“. I collaborated with female friend, rapper, and producer Skulastic. I just feel it’s the definition of raw Hip Hop and a representation of two dope females in the game. We Back At It  - Skulastic ft. Cassette

Mistah Wilson: Your song "There For You" is a banger. I loved it tha moment it came on. Do you have a mixtape or album in tha works or what?

Cassette: Thank you! And Yes! I’m glad you asked that! I am currently creating an album as we speak. I’m halfway through recording this project. I also have some music videos in the works for a couple songs off the album. So be on the lookout for that. This is gonna be nothing you’ve ever heard from me before.

Mistah Wilson: In your own words, what can women do to increase their presence in today's entertainment industry?

Cassette: Honestly, I think just saturating yourself into the culture as much as possible. Networking with fellow musicians at live shows, having a strong online presence, supporting others mutually so you can gain real connections, being consistent with your material, and building your brand.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some musical figures that have influenced tha artist you are today?

Cassette: I grew up on old school boom bap so that will forever be my main influence. Outside of that - I’m influenced by other strong & talented female rappers around me. I try to take different talents from artists and emulate them in my own craft. (while staying as original as possible, of course.)

Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words would you give to other aspiring artists and musicians?

Cassette: Stay true to what feeds your soul and what feels right to you. Stay away from fixating on numbers & streams and use that focus to better your craft. Cherish the real supporters that you have because sometimes that’s better than a million followers on your page that really are just spectators. I’d also advise any up-and-coming artist to work on making quality songs rather than just being a rapper. There’s a difference between a rapper and a well-rounded musician. 

Mistah Wilson: Hey, Cassette! Thanks for coming thru for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! It's been awesome having you. If you wanna drop any shout outs, let's hear it...

Cassette: Thanks for having me! Shout outs to thawilsonMAG for the opportunity. Also, shout outs to my man Gully who’s been helping me produce my debut album. Couldn’t have done it without ya! ❤️