Meet HeSo Rude | Multi-Platinum Songwriter & Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with HeSo Rude and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi HeSo, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
When I turned 25 I read the book “Talent Is Never Enough” by John C. Maxwell. It changed my life in the most profound ways. Prior to reading this particular book I often gaged my success by comparing myself to who I considered to be my peers. I spent a lot of time beating myself up for not being as far along as I would like. I would wonder how, who I considered to be, less talented people could be more accomplished than I was. Talent Is Never Enough, shifted my focus from others and placed it on myself. I learned that I didn’t have to be the best to win, I simply had to beat the best to win. I learned that work ethic would be the ultimate path to my success, and fortunately it paid off.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my work ethic, and my ability to remain conversational and relatable. Sometimes I find that creatives get so artistic that they go over the heads of their audience, I pride myself in finding a delicate balance. Currently I am most excited about my recent decision to become a full time recording artist, I’ve been behind some of the most impressive artists in the music industry, but my instincts tell me that now is the time to step into the light and share my art with the world. My road to becoming a successful songwriter and producer wasn’t an easy one; it took years of rejection and resistance. I took a chance on an unsigned recording artist by the name of August Alsina, and in return he took a chance on trusting me with his creative vision. What we created together came with challenges because it didn’t look and sound like anything at the time. The greatest takeaway from it all is that I learned to stick to my guns and trust myself. I want the world to know that I’m in that same headspace all these years later. HeSo Rude is unapologetically here and plans on being here to stay.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie and one of my creative outlets is cooking for the ones I love. If I had to show somebody a good time for a week in Atlanta, I assure you it would be filled with some great dining experiences. Firstly I would start with the basics. Day One: Breakfast at Egg Harbor Cafe, Followed by MLK Museum in Downtown Atlanta, and Dinner at Poor Calvins.
Day Two: Flying Biscuit for Breakfast, A Day at the Botanical Gardens, Concluded at Low Country Steak in Midtown
Day Three: Start the Day at Johnny’s World Famous Chicken & Waffles, Mid day at the Aquarium, and Dinner at R. Thomas
Day Four: Classic Waffle House Breakfast. Grabbing Some Culture in Little Five Points, Followed by Rays on the River
Day Five: Atlanta Breakfast Club, Phipps Plaza Shopping, Games on the Rooftop at Ponce City Market for the Vibes
Day Six: Brunch at Toast On Lenox, Vendor Hopping at Atlantic Station, End the Night with Hookah at Sivas
Day Seven: Spondivits and Drop off to the Airport
Come gain 7 pounds with HeSo Rude in the ATL!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my 4 moms. I know it might sound strange but these women shaped my life in a way I could never repay. Mom number 1 is my biological mother Julia McMillon, she taught me the valuable lesson of working for myself and accountability. When I was 7 years old, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but she instilled some of the greatest values and proved to be my hero then and now. In her absence Mom number 2, Sadie Fields, my grandmother took me into her home the year she retired and raised me. She concentrated on my spiritual welfare, and through faith in God, helped to weave the fabric of my morals. Rest In Peace my angel. My 3rd mom is the incomparable Charlette Seward, my middle school and high school drama teacher. I believe she was placed in my life to show me the importance of never being complacent. Mrs. Seward stood on the point that we as creatives can always go harder and do better, and that has followed me all the days of my life. Last and certainly not least is Mom number 4, the legendary Betty Wright. I would not be the writer I am today without her mentorship. She encapsulates all of my life’s lesson; the perfect blend of work ethic, spirituality, relentlessness, and confidence. Heaven gained another angel in 2020 when she transitioned but the legacy she poured into me lives on through me and the countless lives she touched. I couldn’t shoutout one without the other, they are all the architects of who I’ve become.

Website: www.hesorude.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heso_rude

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/heso_rude

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWb_wuiy7wAxSUmJwo8gntg

Image Credits
I have full rights for the images.