Chicagoan and native South Sider Marcus Kincy has been knee-deep in music since first being exposed to it at the age of 5 in church.
By the time he was 13, Kincy had learned to play the drums and piano. With musical influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Jodeci to The Justice League, he prides himself on being a diverse and multitalented singer, songwriter, producer, and composer. Before focusing on his solo career, Marcus was able to work and perform with a number of hitmakers including Keri Hilson, The Dream, Mary J. Blige, Diddy Dirty Money, Jill Scott, and The Jonas Brothers.
Kincy recently sat down with rolling out to discuss his new single “10x Better,” his musical influences, and which R&B group he’d join to make a super group.
Who was your musical idol and why?
Either Stevie Wonder or Prince. Actually, I’m going to go with Stevie because I love ballads and he wrote amazing ballads!
You’re in a group with four other artists, any genre … who is in the group with you?
You know what? I think I’d just plug myself into Jodeci. Yeah it would be Jodeci. That would be kinda like an R&B dream team for me.
Do you remember where you were when you first heard your song on the radio?
I will never forget. I was in college. In my dorm room knocked out. I thought I was dreaming, but really my dreams were coming true .
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
Connecting with people and that transfer of musical energy, especially when performing live.
What’s the worst thing about being an artist?
The rate at which people digest music. As an artist, you have to put out so much music that sometimes the quality might suffer for the quantity. I try to be as patient as possible to prevent that .
Name one song that you wish you wrote?
Anything on the Diddy Dirty Money record.
Tell us about your song and album.
My single “10x Better” was released on June 17, and I’m extremely happy for and proud of the response it’s received. It’s the first single off my EP #20s, where I give you an array of experiences chronologically. #20s is a score of the most excited times of my life so far. I think you guys will enjoy.
How do you use social media to your advantage?
I stay on Twitter and Instagram. Those are my main two. I post as much as possible and I love meeting my followers in person. It’s a great way to network and be personable.
What is your creative process like?
Man it’s all about vibe for me. I might listen to a few joints for inspiration, watch one of my favorite movies or read up on my favorite NBA player (Derrick Rose). I’ll use anything for inspiration. I never depend solely on listening to music to make music.
Name one thing fans would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that if my TV is on, I literally don’t watch anything but ESPN.
Check out Marcus Kincy’s single “10x Better” by clicking here.
