Meet @L3X (Alex) OLiv3r (Oliver) | Rapper & Hip Hop Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with @L3X (Alex) OLiv3r (Oliver) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi @L3X (Alex), why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well, it’s like this – pursuing my music career feels like my calling, my purpose on this planet.

I started rapping back in my teenage years, and it was a love affair that consumed me. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by artists like Kid Cudi and Eminem. They fearlessly expressed their emotions and didn’t feel the need to conform to societal norms or rap about materialistic things. They spoke their truth, and that really struck a chord with me. I wanted to be that person for someone else in the future – someone who could inspire and connect with others on a deep level.

There’s something incredibly liberating about being able to be raw, honest, vulnerable, and emotional through my music. Whether I’m in the studio, on stage, or just networking with like-minded individuals, I find freedom in expressing my interests and passions. Being creative allows me to be true to myself, to be authentic and pure. It provides a platform for me to be different, to blend all the best elements of my favorite artists, influencers, fashion, and visuals, and infuse them into my own unique perspective.

Music has this incredible power to amplify or dampen emotions, and I want to be there for my fans through it all. I want to empower them, to uplift them, or just let them know they’re not alone in their emotions, headspace, or life. It’s a feeling like no other, and it’s truly indescribable. Being an artist allows me to tap into that power and make a difference in people’s lives. And let me tell you, there’s nothing else in this world that gives me that level of fulfillment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what makes me stand out is my embrace of the darkness in a healthy way. So many people associate anything black, dark, sad, negative, or different with being bad, when in reality, it’s just another facet of life. To truly appreciate the light and joy, the other side needs to exist too.

Aesthetically, I opt for all black and gothic attire because it aligns with who I am and what feels most authentic to me. If I dressed like most rappers, with chains, fitted caps, and a boastful demeanor, I’d be deceiving myself and my audience.

My music covers a wide range of topics. I consciously avoid glorifying crime, materialism, and personal vices. Instead, I delve into my emotions, conscious rap and the black experience, spirituality and esoteric practices, relationships, and whatever I’m going through in life. I strive to make my verses as lyrical as possible without sacrificing musicality. I take great pride in my ability to seamlessly rhyme multiple syllables, words, and incorporate alliteration into my songs. I also enjoy finding the right people to include on my songs. A talented singer, an amazing producer, even some poetry all help elevate my music to the next level. Moving forward, I’m eager to capture even rawer emotions and create music that resonates with as many open minded people as possible, no matter how someone feels at any given time.

Given the uniqueness of my worldview, it hasn’t been an easy journey. People tend to gravitate towards a certain type of music, appearance, and message. Going against the grain and building my fanbase from scratch has been both challenging and rewarding. I don’t fit the mold of typical “Atlanta Trap Music,” and because of that, my beliefs, and personal style, most people don’t know what to expect from my performances or brand until they hear it for themselves. It’s always an exciting surprise.

What do I want the world to know? It’s okay to be different. You have the freedom to be whoever you want to be and like whatever you want to like. We often feel pressure to conform, to be popular, to hide our vulnerabilities, and pretend like our lives are perfect. But it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay to experience and express your emotions. It’s fine to go through tough times mentally, financially, spiritually, emotionally, physically, or romantically. You don’t have to meet anyone’s expectations. Be true to yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and live authentically. That’s the essence of my brand and the message I want to share with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a few best friends, so I’ll give a broad overview, is that okay?

First of all, you have to go to Anatolia. It’s the best hookah bar America has to offer..

For food options, we can’t miss Silver Skillet, The Varsity, Mary Mac’s, and Nakato’s. Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market are also great places to explore.

If we want to get in touch with nature, we can visit Lake Lanier or Stone Mountain. There are plenty of trails for some exercise too.

To get a taste of the city’s culture, we can visit the High Museum, Trap Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and World of Coke.

If you’re up for some sports excitement, catching an Atlanta United game or a game at the Battery is a must.

For a fun weekend, I recommend checking out Edgewood and Buckhead. I’m more into bars and taverns than clubs, but I can’t skip mentioning Atlanta’s famous strip club scene… if that’s your thing.

If you’re into metaphysical and alternative religious curiosities, Phoenix and Dragon is the place to go. I’ve definitely spent way too much money there myself.

And to end the week on a high note, Atlanta boasts some beautiful and large churches of all faiths.

Overall, Atlanta has a diverse range of experiences to offer, and I’d make sure my best friend gets to see the best of it all, haha.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I gotta give a shoutout to my producer Jwood. We go way back to our college days, and despite the ups and downs in our friendship and individual lives, he’s been one of my biggest supporters. He really gets my music and my vision, and his support means the world to me.

Then there’s my friends from high school. These guys have been with me from the beginning, and they still listen to all the rough drafts of my music, giving me honest feedback on how I can improve. Can’t thank them enough for keeping it real with me and supporting every step of this journey.

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of linking up with Mr. Hanky, who’s been mentoring me on the ins and outs of the music industry. He not only understands my vision but also shares it, and having someone with his experience guiding me has been an absolute blessing.

Now, my family might not always get the rawness of my music, but they are incredibly supportive. Their love and cheerleading mean everything to me, and I couldn’t ask for a better foundation.

And of course, I can’t forget my fans. Every single one of them is like a burst of motivation and encouragement. It’s the belief they have in me that keeps me going, pushing me to actualize my dreams.

Oh, and before I wrap this up, I gotta mention the role that religion and spirituality play in my ongoing journey. My faith in the creator and his plans for my life keeps me fueled and determined. I’ve experienced countless synchronicities that reinforce my path, but that’s a whole other story for another time, haha.

So, yeah, it’s the people who believe in me, you know? They’ve made all the difference, and I’m forever grateful for their presence in my life.

Website: rapwarlock.com

Instagram: @tharapwarlock

Twitter: @tharapwarlock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tharapwarlock

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvMn0FqhvldLQDCevH6mjYQ

Other: www.soundcloud.com/tharapwarlock https://open.spotify.com/artist/6sq7iVxh9HGPZPbE2wBYJ2 https://music.apple.com/us/artist/l3x-oliv3r/362122798

Image Credits
@shotbyoh (Owen Jennings)