This is Crash.
Crash, could you tell us a little more about how you got into music?
I got into music being a poet as a kid.
I was a really really great poet, my content was dark in tone, and also had a lot of social references.
I was told I should Rap forever by friends, and more pushed into music rather than actively trying to do music.
Adjusting to poetry that needed to be structured with Rhythm was an adjustment for sure, but it was growth for me as an artist as well.
Using my voice started to feel like it had more power than using my written words.
That took vocal training, and a lot of ability to deal with critique to achieve though.
I hear a lot of musicians and songwriters say it’s an easy transition.
It really isn’t. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and rawness to do successfully.
If I was a mumble rapper without content that had any real value to society, I’m sure it would have been a much easier transition.
Fortunately, I was around all the right people who saw my raw talent as a writer, and they pushed me to be the artist I am today and carve out my own lane.
My music is entirely made up of political/social problems I’m frustrated with, as well as my own mental health problems, and I think it’s very important to speak out on those issues.
Those issues are important to people, especially nowadays.
Some people say I was ahead of my time, and I wasn’t, I was just awake rather than being asleep.
I was deeply bothered by the things I saw in society since I can remember.
Your vibe is so refreshing/unique; how would you describe your particular sound/style when it comes to your music?
I would describe my style as “Crash Barbosa.”
I haven’t heard any artists who sounds like me.
I really try to go against the typical tendencies and structures that I feel restrict the message within the music.
I’m not about to be some “brave new word” type of artist selling people “fun” or giving terrible life advice.
That’s not something I support.
The world deserves a better version of public figures.
I’m honestly getting really upset seeing so many artists selling records and not speaking up about injustice in their communities or trying to help anybody.
That isn’t what art should be used for.
What would you say to aspiring rappers & fans who look up to your work?
I would tell anybody who looks up to my work to continue to pay attention.
I hope I’m not anybody’s singular source of information or news.
I encourage everybody to be as educated as possible.
I constantly tell aspiring artists that if they work hard, don’t cheat anybody, or behave like they’re above everybody else, they should be solid.
The right people will contact them.
They don’t need to be on the billboard charts to be successful.
If they can pay their bills, do what they love, and do good in the process, that’s a win.
Society likes to imply that being on a 360 degree contract that leaves you penniless is success just because of the RENTED cars, homes, and jewelry they see on TV.
A lot of these kids are in debt millions of dollars to their label.
They should have read that contract before signing it.
To any fans who look up to me, I essentially tell all of them that I’m not really a role model.
If I am, they should look into the people I see as role models.
I’m really just the messenger. If I’m viewed as a role model, that only means society is lacking people who speak on the truth.
Whether people are ready for the truth or not, it’s important it’s spoken on without bias.
Ideally, from firsthand experiences.
More than anything, I tell people to stay themselves.
Nobody needs to play a character, that isn’t going to create better role models.
Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?
Yes, depending on COVID lockdowns and when they end, I have an Album called, “Checks & Balances” slated for release this Fall/Holiday season.
It’s an awesome project and touches on everything from racial injustice, western society issues, mental health issues, and our broken systems within the United States and Abroad.
Follow Crash Barbosa:
Instagram: @CrashBarbosa
YouTube: Crash Barbosa
Spotify: Crash Barbosa
