We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
It takes a lot of work. More work than most people get done in a lifetime you know?. Sleepless nights, sacrificing family time, balancing a personal life along with fitting time in to record & plan the next move. It gets difficult at times, especially when you get approached with statements such as “why you not on yet” “it’s been 10 years”, it’s almost as if you’re being mocked. The outsiders looking in see it as, if you’re so good at what you do why aren’t you big as Drake or J Cole? or “this new rapper said he only started making music a year ago & he’s headlining at Rolling Loud, why aren’t you famous yet?” With so many artists popping up everyday it makes it seem easy when when it’s the opposite. It takes many nights for someone to blow up over night, even for the artists that’s not as in-depth with their lyrics. That’s when it becomes more business than pleasure, being able to connect the dots to create a broader picture. With being an indie artist all of that usually falls in your hands. Sure you got a few people who help out but when it’s your vision & your brand everyone else is just in for the ride. You’re the boss, the captain, the leader. Most people wouldn’t be able to handle that pressure. Booking studio time, finding the right engineer, finding the right producer, finding the funds to pay for the services, shooting the video, editing the video, marketing the video then releasing it, going back into the studio now & start recording the album, clear samples, photoshoots for the album cover, marketing the album, distributing & promoting the album. It’s a lot & that’s just the process creating the music. Imagine all that responsibility being split into 4 people or sometimes even 1. This industry takes time, more than others.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a recording artist hailing from the Jamaica section of Queens, New York. Being from where i’m from it’s difficult to stand out when so many big artists come from the same streets that i come from. Unlike the majority when i create my music i start with the production mostly. I’ll pick a left field beat & kick lyrics all over the track. I’ll push the line & say things the consumer wouldn’t expect, sometimes it’s from the heart sometimes it’s exaggerated to get a response but i always try to stay true to myself. I’ve been known for aggressively displaying my lyricism & rhythm when i record my music, it’s been said that’s what makes me who i am. The emotion & blood i pour into the music. Being 17 years old & performing at Summer Jam with is what puts the biggest smile on my face. No other artist has done that considering my age & who i was rolling with at the time. It went from me trying to find studios to hanging out with Shady Records & opening up for Yelawolf & Big KRIT. One of the best moments of my life, aside from the birth of my beautiful daughter, Emily. Since then i learned that it takes more than being a dope emcee, it takes skill, guts & wit to advance in this game. Everyone is gunning for the number 1 billboard slot & it takes planning & razor sharp accuracy to even get a finger nail scratch of it.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When i’m not behind the microphone i am literally an average person. I like barnes & noble, movies, pool halls, the beach & just kicking back. My friends know i’ll never turn then down hitting up the beach after dark then maybe knock over the nearest diner.
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?
Thanks to my family & all my close friends who’ve been down for this long ride in hip-hop. Special My mother for being the first to take me serious when i told her i wanted to peruse music. There was never a fuss or a downplay when i came to her & said i wanted to be a rapper. She took me very serious & helped me get to work. A very special thank you to both, the late Chris Nadler & Dj Whiteowl, for believing in me & giving me the space to get my foot into the door when everyone else ignored me.
Instagram: cmoezgzup
Youtube: www.youtube.com/cmoezgzup
Image Credits
@djdes