Let’s break the ice. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?

My name is Melvin Thomas, I’m from Memphis, TN and create hip-hop/rap/soul music

How do you feel about the Hip Hop scene in Tennessee? A small sect of you guys have obviously realized unity brings greater things landing a TN Stage at A3C Fest… I can tell you with confidence that moves like this were not happening in indie Mid-TN Hip Hop 5-10-even 15 years ago.

I feel like the hip-hop scene in TN is highly overlooked. We have a lot of talent here. It’s sad that some of us have had to move away to get attention from the industry. I think our time is coming very soon!

In my opinion, Kelly Hite doesn’t get enough shine for the amount of grind she’s been putting in over the years. How has she been shaping and affecting the Nashville Hip Hop scene from your point of view?

Kelly is awesome! She does so much for Nashville. Whether it be events, photography, or even getting this stage together for A3C. I think she gives Nashville artists a real opportunity to get in places where they wouldn’t be able to on their own. She’s definitely knocked down some doors for the culture in the city.

What was the last song you listened to?

The last song I listened to was Curtis Williams “Watch” actually produced by Nashville’s own Ducko Mcfli (Crazy right? ha)

Who or what influenced/motivated you to walk this journey known as music? What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting down this path?

I came up in a music filled household. My father was a disc jockey at the oldies station in Memphis and my mother is a music teacher. My starting 5 influences goes like this: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Dilla, Pharrell, and T.I. The biggest struggle I’ve faced on this path is the other side of music which is business. I have a manager now so I’m confident that things will get better!

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

In the next 10 years I would like to be a cultural icon. If Michael Jordan wasn’t who he was I wouldn’t have on the shoes I’m wearing right now. I want to be in that group of people that have changed lives with their art.

What should the audience expect from your performance at the A3C Tennessee Stage on October 11th?

The audience can expect a show packed full of energy and great music!

What does this opportunity (A3C TN Stage) mean to you? How do you think it will effect your career from this moment forward?

Being on this stage means a lot to me. This will actually be my first performance at A3C and Atlanta. I think this will definitely propel my career to the next level and put me in front of people that need to see what I have going on.

Where can we connect with you online? Find your music?

Twitter/Instagram: @TheMelvinThomas. TheMelvinThomas.com. soundcloud.com/TheMelvinThomas.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs?

Shouts to TN! We’re on our way