In this interview, we chop it up with Lewnati about influences, the new project, and more.

Full Q&A, links, and the video for One Day below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I’ve always admired West Coast/G-funk rap music. I grew up on a lot of Tupac and Snoop. Being from NJ, I was also influenced by late 90’s NY hip hop music, such as Big, Hov, Big L, etc. I mixed both styles with the new direction Hip Hop is currently going towards and created this alternate sound. I call it “Mood Music”, in which I keep it funky, keep it melodic, and keep the substance potent.

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

I’m a firm believer in following your dreams. I’d like people to look at me and say to themselves, “well if he can do it, so can i!” Too often we get discouraged, ultimately allowing ourselves to put our passions to the side. Doing so we get too comfortable and unfortunately lose the spark we once had. I try to make music to influence the discouraged; hopefully giving them the push they need to continue following their dreams.

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

I take extreme pride in being a creative. I refuse to let the art of creating die. Local creatives from my city influence me. I love seeing my peers create and grow. It’s something about expression that fuels me. Without it, you’re nothing. Whether it be in the form of music, literature, dancing, etc. I know I can always get something out of art.

When i first started rapping my content was childish and lacked meaning. But as I got older I realized with great power comes great responsibility. If I have the power to influence, why not promote originality and positivity. They will fuck with you because you’re hot, but they will love you if you’re real.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

My third project, “Poison In The Toothpaste” drops Sat. Aug. 27th. Prior to this release, my last two mixtapes were unprofessional and lacked confidence. On this project, I knew exactly what I wanted, I knew exactly how I wanted to sound, and i knew exactly who I was. With age, I get better and better and more comfortable with my creativity.

The theme of this project is hip hop infused with a little new age flavor. When listeners hear it, they’ll get 90’s lyrics and delivery, with today’s feels.

What was the last song you listened to?

Chance The Rapper – Blessings

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

MP3s make spreading music easy especially via internet. But If I had to choose which form i’d prefer, I’d have to choose CDs. CDs just feel more personable and growing up they were all we knew. From buying them to burning our own mixes. Collecting the cases and letting friends skim through our real life “itunes library”.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Apple music but I’m not biased at all. They are all useful in their own ways.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

Because everyone is making music, I know it’s hard for fans to weed out the good from the bad. Not only that but in terms of artist to artist support, instead of supporting one another, they would much rather hate and downplay each other’s music credibility.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

If you’re interested in getting a first hand look at my incredible lifestyle, i’m always on Instagram either promoting upcoming shows and new music or running the streets with my boys wreaking havoc on the man. You could check me out there @Lewnati. I also have a soundcloud page where I post music and interact with fans. You can follow me there at soundcloud.com/Lewnati .

Like I said earlier, my latest project, “Poison In The Toothpaste” drops Sat. Aug. 27th, you can find the tape on Spinrilla as well as my soundcloud page. For videos, subscribe to my youtube channel, I just recently dropped a DOPE visual for my single “One Day” you can find it here at https://youtu.be/jgrQfgsPMwo