Interview by: Trill Nadia

It’s been two years since we introduced independent artist Moses Uvere to our Keep It Trill viewers, so we decided to check in with the Dallas rapper to see what’s been going on with his career. In this exclusive interview with Trill Nadia, Moses talks to us about his label situation, touring and how his music has evolved over the past two years.

Trill Nadia: What’s good man?

Moses Uvere: I’m chillin’ how you been?

Trill Nadia: I am well, thank you for inquiring. For those who are new to your music, will you describe your background, elaborating on the transition of youth to adulthood?

Moses Uvere: Well I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. I’m the oldest of four, my parents divorced when I was ten, grew up kinda rough. I started rappin’ when I was 16 just for fun and then it became a calling more or less a career.

Trill Nadia: How has residing in Dallas, TX influenced you, your music, and your popularity?

Moses Uvere: Well it’s helped mold my style because most of music is drawn from life experience and I’ve lived out most of them here. As far as popularity, the people in Dallas let people know that I am someone to invest in, so it all started in Dallas and spread all over the world. I owe all my popularity to this city.

Trill Nadia: What genres are you listening to these days, and who are among your favorite musicians?

Moses Uvere: I’m listening to a-lot of Indie music, Rock and Rap, but my musical influences are B. Reith, DJ Promote, J. Cole, and Luminate. That’s who I’m jammin’ right now, and they have been my biggest influences lately.

Trill Nadia: Previously, I reviewed your album, “From Worse to Better.” How has your sound evolved since then?

Moses Uvere: Musically the sound has become a-lot more technical. A-lot of live instruments came into play on my more recent material, and the content and delivery reached a new level. I’m way to excited to put out my new stuff and build on the Moses Uvere story.

Trill Nadia: Tell us about the record label you currently call home.

Moses Uvere: It’s an Indie label called Chaos Theory that’s owned by producer Geoff Rockwell, who’s notable for work with Forever the Sickest Kids. I’m the first Hip-Hop artist that he’s signed so it should be interesting to see who this all turns out (laughs).

Trill Nadia: How do you occupy your free time?

Moses Uvere: I usually kick it with my family and watch Hulu (laughs). I’ve been trying to read a bit more too.

Trill Nadia: You released an EP during December entitled “Heart Condition.” How is the feedback thus far?

Moses Uvere: Man.. the response for that project blew me away. I was so humbled by the amount of people that downloaded the project. Words can not express how moved I was from the response. I just hope and pray with my next release the response grows.

Trill Nadia: You are preparing to release an album during March, can you provide a specific release date? Care to describe the album to listeners?

Moses Uvere: We don’t have a date just yet but the project just needs a few more tweaks and then we will be set to go. The name of the album is “Mind The Gap.” I’m not sure on the amount of tracks for the album but so far I have 7 confirmed songs that will make the project. I’ll tell you, the sound of this project is way different than anything you’ve heard before I really made it and effort to push myself on an artistic level and so far I’m happy with the results. Feeling pretty blessed about the results actually (laughs). But march is about the time the project will be out.

Trill Nadia: Some artists seem to release consecutive albums of a conceptual theme. Describe your composition process, and where your inspiration for your album titles and songs derives from.

Moses Uvere: Well when it comes to writing I’m the type where if a subject or situation doesn’t move me emotionally I can’t write about it. I’m not the type that can say “oh let me write a song for the ladies” I have to really feel something emotionally to write about it. I heard in a interview recently from Nicki Minaj that writing music is spiritual and I can agree with that 100%. So with this new album “Mind The Gap” it’s like chapter one in the Moses Uvere story. One of my features that also goes along with who I am is my teeth, and the fact I have a huge gap between them (laughs). But it’s part of who I am and chapter one in the story. I can’t let go of song titles just yet, but just know they will create a really cool story of me (laughs). All the songs will.

Trill Nadia: Who are some of the artists you have collaborated or performed with?

Moses Uvere: I’ve collaborated with Dustin Cavazos, Gallery Cat, and DJ Stibs, with a possible collaboration for my new album with the drummer of Forever the Sickest Kids, Kyle. I’ve performed with Trey Songz, Paul Wall, Chingo Bling, Rass Lass, and Playaz Circle.

Trill Nadia: How has your experience touring been overall? Do you have any interesting or comical stories to share?

Moses Uvere: Well my touring experience has been so dope! I think one of the craziest things that tend to happen is we will start out on the road with no money and end up in some small town with no phone signal, and then make it home and have enough to pay bills and put gas in my car. Every time I put gas in my car and go on the road, I come back on the same tank, it’s a miracle.

Trill Nadia: Have you considered an international tour? What percentage of your listening audience resides overseas?

Moses Uvere: I have considered it, and it’s in the works for sure. I would say a good 30% of my fans are overseas, big shout out to Tom from the UK, he really helps push my product out there.

Trill Nadia: What are your current thoughts regarding the Indie-Rap scene and it’s development?

Moses Uvere: I love the Indie-Rap scene. You are starting to see the true heart behind a-lot of these artists and it’s refreshing, just a bunch of yung cats trying to make it! I love it!!

Trill Nadia: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Moses Uvere: Touring!! Like crazy! Maybe on my 4th or 5th album, getting ready to transition out of music into business or teaching, help some yung bucks get in the game.

Trill Nadia: Music is very influential. Your music provides a more positive listening experience, but there is a-lot of controversy that surrounds Hip-Hop/Rap music. Some individuals find the lyrical content degrading, violent, and unwholesome in general. Considering the lack of proper supervision and guidance for youth in society today, do you feel this genre of music and it’s negativity contributes to the crime rate in America? If so, what do you suggest should be done in order to decrease the number of youth exposed to violent themes in music?

Moses Uvere: I do think the music is playing a part in the lives of youth. I feel the artist should be held responsible for their content and their parents for allowing their kids to listen to certain material as well. We need figures to step up and invest in peoples lives instead of allowing them to feed off negativity. I want to help, starting with my music and my lifestyle. I want it all to reflect morals.

Trill Nadia: What are your thoughts on Barack Obama, his administration, and your personal political stance in summary?

Moses Uvere: I’m not feeling Obama at all, I think he’s a puppet just like the rest of our presidents. I don’t have a specific stance on politics. I would encourage people to research the foundations of this country, they will find out it’s just one big game.

Trill Nadia: What is your definition of the word “success”?

Moses Uvere: Being able to complete what the good Lord put us on this earth to do. Record sales and numbers don’t matter, but people and their lives do.

Trill Nadia: What is the most difficult decision you have made?

Moses Uvere: Wow. I would say leaving the rap group I was in and going solo. It’s a long story but I almost lost a good friend because of that choice I made. In the same breathe though, I don’t regret it. Everything happens for a reason.

Trill Nadia: Are you more knowledgeable about the music industry now than you were when you began your career? What advice would you offer to a young, aspiring musician?

Moses Uvere: Yes, I am for sure. I would say learn how to do everything from beats, to recording, to booking and then train someone and pay them.

Trill Nadia: Is there anyone you feel had a major impact on where you are in life today?

Moses Uvere: There is only person and that is my father. He’s my hero.

Trill Nadia: Would you like to provide the public with the best way to keep up with you and your music?

Moses Uvere: Please visit: http://www.mosesuvere.com , http://www.facebook.com/moeandmusic , http://www.twitter.com/mosesuvere , http://www.myspace.com/moeandmusic .

Trill Nadia: That wraps it up, Mo. Thank you for your time, and I wish you the best of luck.

Moses Uvere: Thank you so much!

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