Into the Mind of EMPHASiS

Ariana Daniels
Jan 15, 2017
2 min read

Atlanta-based artist and misunderstood teddy bear EMPHASiS, is embodying Atlanta's sound and creating music that can only be described as alternative trap. Combining futuristic beats (produced by TJ Pompous), playful lyrics, and an energetic flow EMPHASiS is approaching hip-hop in a completely new light.

He got started rapping around the same time his God brother TJ got into music.

"One day he was making a beat and he told me to rap over it and I did and it was terrible, but I kept doing it cuz it felt good." He, just like other members in Apex, a collective he is a part of, live the word different. EMPHASiS is not one to imitate and he takes the phrase "Stay true to yourself" to another level. His motto is "You’re not gonna be iconic if you’re trying to copy other people."

EMPHASiS, unlike most rap artist, didn't grow up listening to hip-hop. He was brought up on R&B artist like John Legend and Usher. Eventually, he started listening to artist like Ski Mask the Slump God, Outkast, Earl, Kanye, and Travis Scott. He admires these artist for their creativity; a creativity you can hear in his newest EP, America's Sweetheart

At just 18, EMPHASiS is already creating projects exploding with uniqueness. This EP is filled with clever, weird, raunchy lyrics and beats that truly reflect him. Listening to this EP is like stepping into his mind. His music isn't on some Public Enemy "make you aware of the system type stuff" or some Rae Sremmurd "we gone make you turn up" hype. It's him. His music is not trying to make you feel or do anything. You can either love it or hate it and I believe that is something to be valued.

Even in one of his first tracks, self-titled EMPHASIS, you get a sense of who he is. It's a playful, catchy, fun and thoughtful song that gives off that Kyle type happy vibe without sounding anything like Kyle