Within the panorama of Chicago hip-hop, Philmore Greene stands as a testomony to genuine storytelling and soulful manufacturing. Recognized for his thought-provoking bars and deeply private narratives, Greene has established himself as one of many metropolis’s sharpest lyricists. Along with his newest initiatives together with the one “Gold Air Max” and album The Grand Design, Greene continues to craft music that breathes life into Chicago’s wealthy hip-hop legacy.
The Grand Design, what impressed it, and what message are you making an attempt to ship via it?
The Grand Design, mainly, is the grand design of life and the grand design of music. I gave you storytelling. I gave you the braggadocious rhymes, thought-provoking rhymes, introspective rhymes. … I did all the things however rhyme like Twista. … And the grand design is mainly the issues we love, the blueprint of all the things involving life and music.
Why is it vital so that you can current your music as a real artwork type, particularly rap music?
While you break down the which means, I’m not a rapper. I’m a recording artist. That is artwork as a result of there’s nobody strategy to do it. … I don’t assume lots of people respect this style. … Why can’t hip-hop artists tour till they’re 79 like Sting? That’s why it’s key to rap about sure issues all through your profession. Since you part your self out in case you’re speaking about killing someone if you had been 21.
… What I’m doing is artwork. I’m not simply rapping. If you happen to peel again the layers on what I’m saying, it’ll imply a lot to you, and also you’ll get a unique perspective. Once I did the album with Apollo Brown, the lyrics got here to life when he went to Ok-City with me.
One in every of your newest singles, “Gold Air Max,” has an important vibe to it. What impressed that?
Shout to my brother Rasheed Hadi. He did the beat. … “Gold Air Max” didn’t make the reduce for the album. … Typically I write these data actually to show a degree. I’m proving it to myself. I can go there, too. It ain’t bought to be all introspective each time I get on the mic. … That was me actually placing out one thing that everyone might really feel, as a result of I’ve been giving all people introspective music for years. I’m by no means gonna cease that. However I’m gonna bounce into different lanes.
What do you assume is lacking within the present state of hip-hop, and what do you need to deliver again?
I don’t wanna say something is lacking. However what I might deliver again is the construction. The indie construction if you’re not simply doing issues off the telephones. Let’s deliver again that out-the-trunk. The bodily gross sales of issues. Let’s deliver again going to magnificence salons and barbershops having one thing for them to purchase. Not simply listening to it on the cellphone.
What’s subsequent for Philmore Greene?
We bought an eventful summer season developing – the Summer season of Philly. As of now, we have now three booked exhibits right here. I haven’t carried out within the metropolis in virtually two and a half years. The primary present is at Bourbon on Division, Might seventeenth with my brother Skyzoo [and my other brothers, Rufus Sims and Jay Hayes, aka the Little People].
We bought our first ever beat match with eight hungry producers … going through off on stage, and the winner will get a report with Skyzoo and I. The second present is a fundraiser in July, hosted by my brother Wooden Harris.
The third present is at Metropolis Vineyard on August 20 with a reside band. … For individuals who’ve been to Metropolis Vineyard within the West Loop space, they know that’s supreme grown and horny. … It’s simply an honor for me to headline that spot.