Clavynson Loriston, a South Florida native, better known as Chop It Up. Shares his journey from a Haitian household to making a name for himself in the world of hip-hop. Growing up, Clavynson found solace in rap and hip-hop music, as he resonated with the artists' ability to shed light on the realities of life in certain areas, often overlooked by the mainstream media.
While working at Zaxby's, Clavynson had a moment of self-reflection while cleaning dishes, questioning if this was the life he wanted for himself a 21-year-old with education working in a fast-food restaurant, earning little to nothing.
Chop It Up said: "When i working on day at Zaxby's i was cleaning the dishes and thought myself is this what life has come to? Cleaning dishes for little to nothing? Theres no way I'm 21 years old educated and working in the kitchen of a fast food restaurant helping wash dishes hell nah."
Determined to change his circumstances, Clavynson took a leap of faith, embarking on a journey with an uncertain destination. Little did he know that this leap would lead him to push his limits and achieve remarkable success. In just a year, the same man who once washed dishes and felt directionless now boasts over 20k subscribers on YouTube and has amassed an impressive one million-plus views across all his platforms.
The interview with our guest was smooth and enjoyable. We were able to ask about several things that might catch your attention as followers and readers. Also we were able to discover the other side of our guest's personality.
The Full Interview Below:
Q: Can you share your background and experience in the rap and hip-hop music industry?
A: Growing up in in South Florida, I remember as a kid i would listening to artist such as Lil Boosie, Webbie, Rick Ross, Wu-tang clan, Lil Wayne, and more. Their music was always very inspiring to me as I related to the topics discussed in their songs. I also found a lot of unique things about the artists I listened too just from the music they created. Over the last year, since starting my Youtube I have been blessed to gain a lot of experience within the rap and hip-hop community.
Q: What inspired you to start interviewing artists in the rap and hip-hop genre?
A: Growing up i always watched other people’s interviews such as VladTv, Sway in the morning & Saycheese the way they would ask questions I’ve always had some interest in doing the same but in a different style. One day I was at work and I realized florida didn’t have the scene to recognize the underdogs and a-lot of the upcoming stars in the rap industry. I thought about how the west coast has No Jumper, and NY has the breakfasts club, why shouldn’t Florida have the same? Especially since they don’t have any real interviewers or podcasts that speak specifically on rap and hip-hop music. I thought, why should they have to travel to another state to have a big interview done when you can come Chop It Up with me and have a true 1 on 1 with someone that understands real Florida stuff.
Q: How do you select the artists you interview? Is there a particular criterion you follow?
A: No there’s not a particular criteria I follow, but I have to somewhat like the music or get a feel for the artist before interviewing them. Im huge on good vibes / energy. My door is open to everyone and I give all artist the opportunity to be interviewed.
Q: What do you believe sets rap and hip-hop music apart from other genres?
A: Compared to other genres, hip hop and rap hasn’t been around as long. The uniqueness of their beats and flows are revolutionary. The facts that a lot of artist can make music in a variety of ways such as on their phones is an amazing experience to be apart of and to see how people can create rap and hip hop music.
Q: Could you discuss any notable or memorable interviews you’ve conducted with rap and hip-hop artists?
A: One artist that I had a memorable interview with was MajorNine. We talked about his playing days in the NFL, about how his music career started and what made him create the music he did, talked about his hit song “footwork”, we also discussed shared similar musical interests With Lil Wayne. Although he’s not a rap/hip-hop artist, I would like to discuss Miami Got Jokes. After my first interview with him he made it a point to stay in contact with me. Although I was just starting out he put a lot of faith into me and my brand. He invited me to various events and introduced me to a lot of people I have connections with today. He has definitely impacted me a lot with thought my journey so far as he’s helped open a lot of doors for me.
Q: In your opinion, how has rap and hip-hop music evolved over the years, and what trends do you see emerging in the industry?
A: When I was young music was slower and beats were slower when compared to music now. During the mid 2000’s Lil Wayne had an impact on change within the rap game as he was heavy with metaphors and lyrics. Some of his lyrics now that I’m older I’m realizing the things he was talking about back then. Now there are artist like Migos with more add-libs than normal, Young Thug with his high pitch & Chief Keef who brought Chicago drill scene. Chief Keef caught a lot of peoples eyes because he talked about what was happening around the world and didn’t care what others thought about his music before releasing it.
Q: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and emerging artists in the rap and hip-hop scene?
A: Sometimes it is kind of difficult because I’m always on the road. But when I do get on my phone and I see artist getting reposted on accounts such as 954FastPitchTv or other social media platforms I try to keep track and make note. Also, when people share their music with me or I have managers reach out to me to share new music.
Q: Are there any challenges or obstacles you’ve encountered as an interviewer in the rap and hip-hop music world?
A: I feel that every job has its challenges or obstacles. For me they have been more personal than related to the rap and/or hip-hop world specifically.
Q: Can you share any advice for aspiring journalists or interviewers looking to cover rap and hip-hop music?
A: The best advice I would give to someone who is trying to do what I do. You have to do what you love, don’t let anyone distract you, and be willing to lose sleep. Gotta push forward, you can’t always expect to get paid it’s more of a learning experience. You have to be willing to take a risk and put yourself out there, take every opportunity given to you. You can’t be afraid to reach out to artists you want to work with because you never know what the outcome will be.
Q: What do you hope to achieve through your interviews and contributions to the rap and hip-hop community?
A: I want to be the biggest EVER in South Florida. I want to achieve being the youngest doing what I do but also have the best quality. I want everyone to know that I do this because I love it and don’t care about money.
Q: How do you prepare for an interview with a rap or hip-hop artist? Do you have any specific research or listening habits?
A: Yes. Before interviews I always look at the artist social media or research about them, I want to learn more about them from before, during, and after their rap career started and make sure to listen up on their music and try to dissect their lyrics to see if I can learn more about them. I try to think of meaningful questions before hand to ask and let the questions flow together for a more cohesive interview and to extend the conversation.
Q: Can you discuss the importance of authenticity in rap and hip-hop music, and how you strive to capture that in your interviews?
A: Give people the platform to tell their stories and be themselves. The interview isn’t always just about their music but I try to capture who they are as the person.
Q: Have you noticed any recurring themes or messages in the lyrics of the rap and hip-hop artists you’ve interviewed? If so, what are some of the most prevalent themes?
A: A common theme I noticed is that a lot of artist talk about their upbringing, experiences they’ve had, struggles they’ve dealt with etc.
Q: How do you balance maintaining a positive relationship with the artists you interview while also providing objective and honest coverage?
A: It honestly is not too challenging for me to maintain a positive relationship with artist when interviewing them. All the questions I ask I try to make as meaningful as possible.
Q: Are there any specific challenges or unique aspects when interviewing rap and hip-hop artists compared to artists from other genres?
A: No, I feel that they are all the same it hasn’t come up where I’ve felt that one genre is more difficult to work with over others.
Q: How do you approach controversial topics or sensitive subjects that may arise during interviews with rap and hip-hop artists?
A: I prefer to not discuss topics that could make the people I’m interviewing uncomfortable. I try to plan ahead what questions I am going to ask or what topics will be discussed to avoid controversy or sensitive subjects.
Q: Can you share any insights into the impact of rap and hip-hop music on society and its influence on popular culture?
A: Some insight I have on the impact rap and hip-hop music have on our society is that when working with different artist it’s important to stay on top of things that are happening out in the world to know which topics are appropriate to discuss. I think that rap music is very relatable and has a huge impact on those who listen to it.
Q: What do you believe is the role of rap and hip-hop journalism in promoting diversity, representation, and social justice within the music industry?
A: I believe that the role rap and hip-hop play in journalism is promoting diversity, representation, and social justice within the industry because of the various situations and people that are mentioned in songs. I think that it spreads awareness for specific situations and people that need to be talked about more and can bring social justice to our communities.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about, both personally and within the rap and hip-hop community?
A: Yeah, I have a few interviews with big artist coming up soon that I’m excited for and i have a lot of big news to hit the stage soon so summer is going to be huge!
Q: Finally, how do you envision the future of rap and hip-hop music and its intersection with journalism and media coverage?
A: The future of rap will intersect with journalism and media coverage because of the topics that are discussed within songs. Also with more up and coming artist that will emerge over the years, media will always be a huge aspect in sharing their music. I also think that they will intersect because songs mention social media and journalism but also if any social events related to this genre of music were to take place in the future it would potentially be covered in the media.
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