Filthy Slaps Exclusive Interview: Skizzy Mars

by Kian • Alternative, Hip-Hop/Rap, Interview, Songs • Tags: Interview, Skizzy Mars

Today we hooked up with our boy Skizzy Mars for an interview. He is a super chill guy out of Manhattan with some of the dopest music out there right now. I guarantee you’ll like his stuff. Check out the interview and download some of his music below.

Thanks for doing an interview today we really appreciate it. So just first off, what inspired you to become a rapper?
I’m glad you guys approached me. First, just growing up listening to rap inspired me to get involved. My sister is 7 years older than me, so I grew up hearing guys like Ludacris, Jay-Z, and Nelly on the television and I loved the whole excitement and originality of rap culture. When I discovered, Kanye West, I just got really motivated to make my own type of music.

Dope. Would you say that making music and getting into the music industry has affected your life positively?
Absolutely. I’m new to this whole thing and still relatively unknown in my eyes, but just having people approach me with positive words about my music and what I’m trying to do really makes my day. The fact that people really are comprehending my lyrics and getting the message of my songs is awesome, and the anticipation for a debut project is definitely growing. I’ve got some meetings and collaborations coming up, so things are definitely moving fast.

That’s great. Much respect. Which one of your songs do you feel represents you as an artist best and why?
Surprisingly, I’d say “Possibilities” which is one of my less popular and less promoted (on my part) songs. It’s about being spontaneous and taking chances in life, specifically relationships. I’m singing and rapping on the song. It’s just really fucking unique and it’s nothing like anything I’ve heard. It samples “Girlfriend” by Phoenix, but instead of just sampling the voice of an alternative song and making that into a rap beat, I’m basically rapping over what Phoenix sang over. “Douchebag” and “Profound” are also two huge songs for me of course, but I’m just proud of the originality of that record.
That’s chill. It’s important to have some less known songs for the real fans. In your song “Douchebag” are you rapping about yourself?
Haha yeah, actually. I’ll just clarify what that song is about exactly. It’s about being labeled something and as a result being ostracized and alienated and eventually just saying “fuck em’ all” because “they don’t really know me at all.” In my case, that label happens to be “Douchebag,” and I feel like that’s an unfair label for me in most cases. But it’s one that I have, so I made the song and it’s doing pretty well.

Yah, as long as the music is good it shouldn’t matter. Is there anyone who has motivated you to keep going and working hard?
Kanye West hands down. I’m big on originality and making music that you love and you would listen to. I listen to myself more than any other artist to be honest, and I want to keep it that way. But, I’m also trying to eventually live comfortably off of music. There’s a lot of money in this business. Kanye has set a precedent for originality and mainstream success. It is possible to make music you love and you’re proud of and to make money and be on the radio. Who the fuck can put out a depressing album of strictly singing and have it go triple platinum and gain critical acclaim? He’s definitely my biggest motivation music wise.

I agree. His music is some of the only real stuff out there now days. So you can see yourself going big at some point?
I mean, that’s the plan. I hope. I think I have the talent and the appeal just bringing a different lifestyle than most rappers have experienced. So yeah, hopefully I get lucky.

So what can we expect from your music in the future?
Continued originality. Good flow, thoughtful lyrics. My story. Growth, maturation. We’re going to keep putting out singles and keep expanding and then my debut project this summer.

I like it. What has been your favorite moment since getting in on the rap game thus far?
Funny story actually I had some bros from Deerfield approach me last night telling me how much they loved my music. They told me they played beer pong to my shit, played sports to it, haha it was a funny moment but it felt good. Pause.

That’s dope. Having fans is a big part of getting big but so is having haters. How do you deal with them generally?
Not going to lie I’m immature as hell when it comes to haters. I mean, I’m 17 years old. I’ve never had a hater in person, but I’ve had a couple on YouTube videos and I basically respond to all of them. Constructive criticism is fine and encouraged, but if you come on my page with some ignorant shit I’m going to call you out, and you’re going to look stupid when 50 people like my response to you and yours is flagged as spam. But haters mean you’re doing something right, and like a lot of my supporters have told me, they’re probably not worth my time.

I feel you man. We get them all the time too. How does it feel having all these fans and people you don’t know having your back?
It’s encouraging. I’m a perfectionist and so is my boy David Yassky who produced “Douchebag” and “Profound.” So we’re both a little nervous every time we put out a new track. “Douchebag” was my first single so I was worried that people wouldn’t get the message or they might not relate to the subject matter. And after that ended up being pretty successful, I knew the next track had to be as good or better so there was some pressure. But everything’s ended up working itself out so far.

Well you’ve done a nice job so far. What is your favorite song out there right now?
Probably a three way tie between Dreams Money Can Buy by Drake, Return of Simba by J. Cole, and St. Peter’s Cathedral by Death Cab For Cutie.

I love those slaps myself ahahah. Thanks so much for everything man. We really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Any last words for the listeners of Filthy Slaps?
Just keep fucking with me and my music, it’s only going to get better. Hit me up on twitter, Facebook, soundcloud, I’ll respond. And thanks for giving me the opportunity to have my music heard.

Thanks again to Skizzy Mars. I’m expecting big things out of this guy.