Let Em Know: Byron Messia
Interview: Aleia Woods
Editor’s Be aware: This story seems within the Winter 2023 situation of XXL Journal, on stands now.
Byron Messia is a self-described “dance-soul” artist, a title that spawns from in the present day’s dancehall reggae sound. His rising reputation contains cosigns from some hip-hop heavy hitters like Drake, Cardi B and Lil Durk. Messia additionally just lately hit the studio with Lil Child. A longtime hip-hop fan, Messia spoke with XXL about his love for the music.
XXL: What evokes you musically?
Byron Messia: All of it is dependent upon what temper I’m in or what temper the beat attracts my consideration at any time when I’m listening to beats. It doesn’t all the time get to be like that, although, as a result of, I imply, take a look at what we did with [my hit single] “Talibans.” [The] beat doesn’t sound dirty in any respect, however we took that strategy with it. Generally, it’s simply I like to be inventive and take a look at completely different stuff as nicely. I’m nonetheless making music and nonetheless attempting to determine what route I need to go into. I’m tryna merge over into the rap world a bit, do a giant collaboration. Do a giant collaboration with artists from everywhere in the world at this level. Not simply rap music, however each style that’s.
You introduced out Lola Brooke and Fridayy at your SOBs present in NYC. You’ve linked up with Meek Mill and Rod Wave. Lil Child was even seen vibing to “Talibans” on the membership. Are you able to clarify your connection to hip-hop and the way it influences you?
The primary tune that I ever re-corded was truly a rap monitor. After I was rising up, that’s all I used to listen to, mainly, a number of rap music. It undoubtedly performs a giant half in my music. [The first rap song I wrote] was entitled “Thotiana.”
You may have mentioned a few of your rap influences are Nas, Slick Rick and Younger Thug.
And The Infamous B.I.G.
Hip-hop turned 50 years previous in August. What are your ideas on this style that has impressed you?
I simply need to congratulate them. Congratulations to hip-hop making 50 years. That’s a long term, like a long term for 50 years. And it has developed, too, over time. There’s the antiquated aspect of hip-hop, after which they bought the brand new era of hip-hop. It’s pretty to be alive to witness it. Terrific.
Is there anyone in hip-hop you actually need to collaborate with?
Man, I bought all people in my bag. I don’t know as a result of that’s the factor, too. I don’t pressure options. You bought to be the proper characteristic. We bought to have one thing in widespread for it to make sense.
Learn Byron Messia’s interview within the Winter 2023 situation of XXL Journal, on newsstands now. The brand new situation additionally contains the cowl story with Latto and conversations with Killer Mike, Flo Milli, DD Osama, Maiya The Don, Monaleo, Mello Buckzz, Sexyy Pink, BigXThaPlug, plus extra. Moreover, there’s an unique interview with Fetty Wap, High quality Management Music’s Coach Okay and P focus on 10 years into the label’s development, in-depth tales on the reputation of sampling in hip-hop in 2023 and the state of hip-hop touring, and the very best moments of hip-hop’s year-long fiftieth anniversary celebration.
See Photographs From Latto’s XXL Journal Winter 2023 Cowl Story
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