The Break
E-Stilez’s work ethic is what success stories are made of.
By SUGA DA BRAINIAC BABE The Break/www.ClevelandHipHop.net
In my many years as an undiscovered rap artist, I have yet to find passion and consistency from an artist comparable to that of E-Stilez’s. There is not a day that goes by that I can’t find news feeds on facebook promoting this young man’s songs and collaborations. In a time when focus on negativity in the Cleveland atmosphere seems to take precedence over the constructive exploits and ambitions of our youth, E-Stilez is a refreshing change of pace, lyrically exploring subjects such as acceptance by peers and other serious matters that are taken lightly in our society. This is one youngster who is deserving of some positive attention.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: How did you come up with the name E-Stilez?
E Stilez: Well at first I called myself Young Wreck, but everyone was representing the capping and wrecking style going on here in Cleveland, so I decided to change up my style. I got the E from my first name, Evan and changed the spelling of style by adding I instead of Y and Z instead of S to avoid copyright infringements and such.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: When did you decide to pursue a rap career?
E Stilez: When I was 14 I took a look at the music industry and realized that I didn’t see any artists that we could actually look up to. I wanted to bring that element to the game, someone who isn’t all about negativity but can still relate to the youth.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: I have been an avid listener and supporter of your work for a little while now and I have yet to be able to compare you to other artists. Describe your style and any comparisons that can be made to other artists in the industry.
E-Stilez: My style is more so of a method of connecting to people with realistic stories and concepts. I personally don’t make comparisons, but some that have been made include Lupe Fiasco, Wale, and J Cole.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Very good answer, while I can understand some of the comparisons being made, your style does create a life of its own. Which hip hop artists would you say carried the most influence on your style and focus?
E Stilez: Tupac was a major influence because of his ability to show the good and the ugly of human nature through his lyrics and delivery. I also picked up a poetic sense from Tupac which later was sparked once again by Wale who also gives a poetic vibe to his rhymes. Nate Dog was another influence because of his ability to harmonize with rap music.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Cleveland is saturated with an abundance of Hip Hop Artists, what distinguishes you from the others?
E Stilez: I think what distinguishes me from everyone else is the fact that everyone is trying to do the same thing. It’s all about money, hoes, guns and clothes to most artists; I present real life, day to day situations and emotion to my audience.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: I have noticed that you tend to collaborate with other artists quite a bit. Name some of the artists that you have collaborated with.
E Stilez: My newest single, “Bad News” features Tino Baby. I also have done songs with 5’6” Lil Kee, Cartier Casa, A-Dub from the ATL, Phat Beezy, and Yung Scrat to name a few. I also have upcoming projects planned with Britni Elise and Lasette.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: That’s an impressive, versatile roster. You seem to be gaining the respect of your peers. What elements do you bring to the rap game?
E-Stilez: A whole lot of realness, education, because I want people to learn from my lyrics, and just having a good time.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: What is your favorite song that you have done to date and why?
E-Stilez: I really like my newest single “Bad News” featuring Tino Baby. Tino created the hook, we kind of dissected the beat and rebuilt it to our taste and took our time creating a hot song. That has to be my favorite right now.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Now let’s see if you’re just a lover of yourself or if you really support the Cleveland Hip Hop Movement. Name your top 5 mix-tapes by Cleveland artists.
E-Stilez: (Laughing) OK, Top 5 mix-tapes. 1. Young Ray Vote or Die 2, 2. Lino Boy Live, I think the mix-tape is called Lino Boy Live too. Oh, of course myself, E Stilez Timeless, the one I dropped for Christmas.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Yeah, I was just waiting for you to include yourself. (Laughing) Seriously though, that is a good selection, I downloaded and enjoyed that one the day after Christmas. Ok, two more, I’m not letting you off yet.
E-Stilez: (Laughing) Ok, ok, two more. Tino and 5’6”s So Under Rated and (thinking) Cartier Casa’s Cartier Vision.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Ok, I respect that, good answers. Now, how do you see your movement growing a year from today?
E-Stilez: I see myself doing more shows and touring, meeting and interacting with a lot more fans.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Ok, but how are you going to accomplish this and how does college fit in to this agenda, by the way congratulations.
E-Stilez: Thank you. Right I’m going to be attending Akron University and a major part of my plan is to create a buzz in and around campus and in the Akron area by performing at events and different venues around the city.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: What projects and collaborations are you currently working on?
E-Stilez: I’m working on the completion of my latest album, Dear Cleveland due out next week, and Foes to Bros with Chrizzy Corleone.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Took me a minute to register what you just said, I thought you said Hoes to Bros, I’m like, how did that happen?
(Laughter)
But seriously, how did that name come about?
E-Stilez: Ok the title Foes to Bros came about because Chrizzy and I used to have a rap beef in high school. I was the arrogant new guy in school and he had been around for a while and we would collide lyrically. We later became good friends and even performed together at our prom.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: That’s a beautiful thing, it’s important that we as artists learn to separate competitiveness from actual beef. Last question, where can we find and download your single, “Bad News”?
E-Stilez: The link to this single is www.soundcloud.com/estilez216
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Well, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you keep up the great work young man, you’re going somewhere.
E-Stilez: Thank you, and thanks for the opportunity.
That right there is Cleveland, Ohio’s Youth, the side that we often ignore, a youngster that has a drive to succeed and a vigorous work ethic. Hell, he even puts quite a few older artists to shame. I’m just saying…
(This interview is the official property of Unbreakable Records and www.ClevelandHipHop.net)
