Blake Holmes
HEATWave Entertainment artist, Blake Holmes, started making music when he was 12-years-old. He grew up in Northeast Washington, D.C., where he found his love for music through car rides with his father as they listened to the radio. The 23-year-old was abandoned by his biological parents, and for him, music was all he had.
After graudating from Duke Ellington high school, he started working with powerhouse firm, HEATWave Entertainment to brand his craft. Soon enough, he began performing at different venues throughout the United States. He's worked and performed with Grammy nominated artists such as CJ Hilton and BHEAT. Blake has a universal style and creates music for everyone. His passion and love for music has allowed him to study and appreciate his craft. He’s a fan of the art of rhyming and his lyrics mean everything to him. His humble yet confidnet style is sure to take you on a unforgettable journey through hip hop.
HEATWave INTERNET RADIO Q&A:
Who is Blake Holmes?
"Im a young and gifted Mc"
How old are you?
23
Where are you from?
Washington, DC
How long have you been pursuing music?
about 10 years.
What separates you from the rest?
My relationship with the music and the messages I kick. I respect the music and respect the craft.
I recognize the power in words. So I promised myself that while i have the mic, Ill try my hardest
to shed light on certain situations and provoke change.
Who & What is behind the music of Blake Holmes?
The family. Heatwave Entertainment. A lot of honesty and soul. A little pain. And of course that
famous finesse.
How would you describe your sound?
Right now the sound is a mix between hip hop and neo soul. My big brothers always come through with the right vibes. But honestly we have all different types of sounds and styles. And we all have so much music. So the sound can change but some things never change... Like the message and the flow.
Name some your biggest musical influences...
I came up on Lupe Fiasco, Jay-z, Weezy, Tu-Pac, Nas, B.I.G, Kanye, Eminem. I fell in love with hip hop because of people like Lupe Fiasco. Of course I have mad love and respect for artist like jcole, kendrick, and wale who consistently keep the real alive. I have a deep appreciation for the Cudder. His music has done alot for me over the years. But honestly, I gotta say my biggest musical influence right now is my big brother B-Heat. All the things that he's done and continue to do inspire me and show me that this dream can be a reality everyday. And his ear is crazy. Pen game is bananas. So if I could get as nice as him, im gonna be set. "
Rapper discusses recent news and new music
Everyday from 12pm-1pm tune in to www.heatwaveinternetradio.com for the IAMBLACK radio show with Blake Holmes. Tune in for exclusive music and interactive discussions about the culture.
Blake Holmes releases his first mixtape entitled Chicken Soup on HEATWave Internet Radio at 4pm
Blake Holmes "IAMBLACK" EP Q&A's on HEATWAVE INTERNET RADIO
What's the concept of "IAMBLACK"?
A: Taking pride in what we have done and acknowledging what we need to do in our communities.
Q: Would you say "IAMBLACK" is a or negative or positive concept or statement in 2017? Why?
A: Its always positive. When u research and realize all the great contributions we as a people have made
to this world, its hard for it not to be positive. When you think of the great tribulations that we've
faced and overcame since day 1 on this land, its all positive. Its also a spiritual thing, when you know/find out
that the spirit of your people is love, generosity, and perserverance...its the most positive and powerful
statement or concept there is.
How do u feel your listeners will relate with "IAMBLACK"?
A: I honestly feel like we put so much positve energy into it that it has no choice but to resignate with
our audience. I feel like whoever puts their ear to it will appreaciate everything about it. Its hard not to like.
Who else is featured with you on "IAMBLACK"?
A: We got Ra The Mc, Kenny P, Mello, Ashley Brown, Olucination, and Mia J so far.
Q: Why did u choose to have so many features?
A: Thats all squad really. Many of the people I just named we have been working together for years.
So quite naturally everybody was all in on making this project come to fruition. It was my first time working
with Ra the Mc and Ms. Ashley but we either go back a long ways or travel the same circle. Aside from it
being a pleasure working with them, I really believe that everybody thats on this joint is definently meant to be.
What producers did u use on this project?
A: All in house production. My brother A1 was pushing and encouraging me the entire way. Making things happen. It makes me proud to say that. Just about every producer on this EP has been working with us for years now. We all are like family so that vibe can be felt through the records too. I just met my man Boog Wonda recently but its been nothing but love since day 1. Super dope producer/rapper/engineer and he actually is a big part of my skill development as well. Of course my brothers B-HEat, NewKirk, and KP brought that flavor full cirlce as always. And of course my brother Olu came through with the guitar and shut things down. Its all family in
and out of the office.
Q: Is this your 1st EP?
A: Yes it is.
What was working on this EP like?
A: Another day at the office. I worked for years, building. This is just a sample of what's coming.
What really made this special tho was the timing of everything. Thats how I knew it was meant to be.
What company are releasing this EP under?
A: HEATWave Entertainment
How long have you been with this company?
A: We have been working together since I was in High School.
What is your level of comfort working with this company?
A: We are family. Its not just music. We all care about each others well being. These are my brothers and sisters and we made a promise to eat together. And we are gonna see that through.
"iMatter"
Q: With the controversy of the "Black Lives Matter" movement, What do you think makes a person really believe "iMatter"?
A: Its alot. Somebody has to tell you that you matter. A solid foundation. Knowledge of self is also imperative. Know you. Where u come from. There's always pride and purpose when u look inside. I had to learn that from Cudi and just life. But for us as a people I think that the deeper u research into our history, there lie the answers. We need to come together and continue letting each other know that we matter by the way we live...things we say...and how we treat one another. Show love. Get love.
Q: Who matters to Blake Holmes?
A: Life matters to me and all the people in it. Every single person is here for a reason. Instead of ignoring that fact, let's embrace it and find out our purpose. Imagine the things we can do unified. My community matters to me most. I've been searching for years for a way to have an positive impact in our community. I want to do my part.
Q: Tell us about the song "iMatter"
A: iMatter is one of those feel good records. I love it because Ra the Mc and I go through some of the complex issues surrounding our community today. And B and Mello come in with the big picture broken down to its simplist form. Super dope.
Q: Who's featured in "iMatter"? & How was the experience of working with these people creating the song?
A: 'I Matter' is produced by my brother B-HEAT. He's wrote and did the hook as well. I heard the track and the concept and it was a wrap. We sat after we finished and decided to find another mc to get down on it. I remembered Ra The MC from when she came and performed at my high school. We all sat in the studio and watched her journey and we had to make it happen. Mello has been working with B-HEAT for a while now and him and I have alot more music cooking as well. Great vocalist. My brother Olu came and laid the guitar and really took the track from 100 to 1000.
"Black Girl Magic"
Q: What is "Black Girl Magic" and What is the significance of having "Black Girl Magic"?
A: We all know a black lady, older or younger, who against all odds have made something out of nothing. Through whatever adversity they always manage to take care of others they love. Thats magic. That perseverance when things look down, they always find a way. Thats magic to me too. The young queens getting A's in school to me is magic. All these black women becoming leaders in the business world. The list goes on and on.
Q: Give us your top 10 women who possess "Black Girl Magic"
A: A lot of women in my family. Like my mom, grandmom, my sister. But then my friends moms and grandmas who always manage to treat me like their own. Some others off top I would have to say Ra The MC, Ashely Brown, Taraji P, Queen Latifa, Viola Davis, Lupita, Nicki Minaj, Remy Ma. Thats just off the top though.
Q: With today's music referencing women as bitches, hoes, thots and otherwise, Why did Blake Holmes decide to go this direction in approaching a record geared towards women?
A: Thats how it always is with us. We understand that we need to uplift our women instead of help bring them down.
Q: What's your take on the image of Black women of today?
A: I try not to judge too much. I really feel like people should do what they feel. I guess to piggyback off of that, I love the transition and the way I feel its going. Black women embracing their natural hair and body. A lot of the things that were cool a few years ago, are getting played out.
Q: Name some women in your life that u felt have it had Black Girl Magic?
A: My mom for sure. Shes one of the strongest people I know. My sister is a perfect example. My grandmother is another perfect example as well.
Q: Who's featured on "Black Girl Magic"? Tell us about her and more about how this song was created and your experience
A: Ashley Brown is an incredible vocalist. We first met doing another block party gig in the summer time. She has been working with my brothers BHeat and Alvin for a while now. So it was nice to work with her on this song. It was also a dope experience to hear that hook brought to life the way she did.
"Too Much"
Q: In the song "Too Much" are you saying that the African American culture is "Too Much" for the rest of America an nonblack cultures? Explain how so.
A: Yes, more specifically to that top 1%. Its that feeling you get when you and the crew eat at a super fancy restaurant and you all receive those side eyes. Or say when you move into a little nicer neighborhood and they assume you are a ball player, rapper, or selling dope. I wanted to talk about that " you don't belong here" vibe I get so often. And I just want to embrace those moments.
Q: You made the statement "HipHop saved my life" in this song. Tell us about that
A: I feel like everybody has been through tough times and maybe have been in a dark place or 2 before. I just know hip hop got me out of mine. And for years its been the only thing really getting me up and out.
There are feminine references to "her" & "she" in this song. Is this symbolism? if so explain.
A: Yea my brother Kenny P wrote that verse. I dont want to speak for him but he's the best at taking something like hip hop or music in general and personifying it. The mans a genius.
Who's featured in this song? Tell us about them
A: MY brother Kenny P. We go back since high school and he's been my brother ever since. We have stories for days. But to keep it short, Kenny is one of the most talented and hardworking people I know. Great singer/producer/engineer.
Tell us about the audio clip in this song. Who is this? Why did u choose this clip?
A: That's Ms Nina Simone. The clip was so fitting because of all the things she fought for and stood for. The statement she made is how I feel.
"Rise"
Q: What do you feel it takes for Black People to "Rise" above the negativity attached to the race & culture?
A: Embrace it. Search for truth. A lot of the these narratives are false or when you research them, you find other factors hidden in plain sight. Stop letting others teach you to fear one another.
: What do you want people to leave with from the message of "Rise"?
A: I just want to encourage people and remind them that no matter how bad things seem, our history always proves to us, that we will make a way. And it starts with YOU.
Who's on this song?
A: Its Mia J and I. We wrote and did all that in one good session. That was meant to happen.
Tell is about the audio clip in this song. Why did u choose this clip
"We Need You Now"
Explain exactly who, you feel, we "need now" to make a difference in our African American community?
A: We need each other. I dont think we need any new leaders. People just need to start doing their parts on a fundamental level. We need to care about each other before we can complain about how others do not care. Its time to treat one another better. We need to be better to each other. I think once we do that, we can go on and fix these bigger problems. And thats happening as we speak.
What was inspiration or story behind "We Need You Now"?
A: I felt how we all felt after all of this police killing. I just had to write a song that captured the right emotion. I didn't want to seem angry or helpless. I wanted to show that we are aware and are waking up everyday. So basically, Im pleading to the people. Telling them we need you...right now.
254 Marine Passage Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Catch Blake at www.heatwaveinternetradio.com EVERYDAY!!!!
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George Washington Middle School
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