Fresh off of a two-week tour of Japan and a five-state regional tour, rapper Wes Coas has found the time to release “Paper Planes,” his latest album featuring Zro, Maro, 7th Letter, Chris Clarke and Renzo with production by Flawless (Producer of Wale’s “Pretty Girls”), 7th Letter, Epik and Beatnik Productions. Born in California and raised in Houston, Wes Coas has created a sound all his own by fusing together Dirty South beats and West Coast vocals. Rolling out caught up with the self-proclaimed hybrid artist of hip-hop and talked with him about the industry, his career and advice to others who want to pursue hip-hop. –alex green
You have grown so much as an artist. How do you keep that “street edge” in your music?
No matter what you do, you have to stay true to who you are. You can change so many things around you, but you can’t change what made you who you are. It’s about your roots, even when your address and wardrobe change.
What kind of vibe can we look forward to on your latest album, “Paper Planes?”
The vibe of “Paper Plane” is pretty much a celebration of the year. A lot of people supported what I was doing and, when you listen to the album, I wanted it to take people somewhere and give them some more insight on the experience, to go from unknown to known. People really start paying attention to who you are and what you do.
If rolling out dropped by to check out your music collection, what would we find?
Everything from rap to rock to jazz. You would see some early Ice Cube, Beanie Sigel, Green Day, Diddy, Rick Ross, Chrisette Michele, Mystic, my music, and even some Nina Simone.
Why do you think marijuana has played such a major role in hip-hop?
Some people grow up surrounded by it, and people have been getting high on marijuana for decades. I didn’t know anyone snorting cocaine or taking pills growing up. So, it was easily accessible and cheap.
Would you advise a young person to go into the business? If so, what tips would you give?
I’d advise a kid wanting to get into the business of music to know that, if you are not focused with a goal, you are going to fail. If you are scared, you are going to fail. This is a business that feeds on your fear. Also, whatever gets your attention with your music, never let anyone tell you it should go different unless you want to change it. Don’t sign a contract if you are not prepared to follow exactly what they tell you.
For more information please visit : www.WesCoas.com www.twitter.com/wescoas www.facebook.com/wescoas www.imaflycat.com
