Rising lyricist Cage the Great has his heart set on producing. Here, the college grad shares why he’s unique and how he stays ahead in the music game in Dallas and beyond.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
I started making music after seeing my cousins producing and making beats on music generator and it got me intrigued but I didn’t do much with it and later in life it found me. I failed at my first dream its only right I succeed at my second.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
I have a unique culture being an Ivorian from Texas I incorporate both cultures in my music. I also have a degree in audio engineering so I am able to be a part of every single process when creating my music.
For those considering entering this arena, what skill sets do you recommend mastering? What traits are most conducive to success?
There isn’t anything in particular I feel that can get you on the path to success. If you stay true to you and only focus on being the best version of yourself you can be there will ultimately be some form of success.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
By being an individual, in an industry where individuality is rare. Being myself is something that works to my benefit. It allows me to make music that is refreshing to the listener. I am not a Future or Drake carbon copy and that alone keeps me ahead of a lot of others.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I write out goals and knock them out one by one. I measure success by how much I’ve moved forward or improved from the past.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see or use as examples to emulate?
Big Krit, Stunt N Dozier, and Kendrick Lamar. Are all people I look up to and consider as influences on my music so I watch their careers closely and try to emulate what can help me.
Name two of your top role models: one from your industry and one from outside of it.
Two of my top role models in the industry would be Kendrick Lamar and Big Krit as I stated earlier. Outside the industry my top role models would be my parents.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
Everything you do in life is a learning experience. In order to gain wisdom you must learn and experience things and grow from the situation. So in order to be great you have to be a student of the game like all the greats before you were.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
I try to be humble and have a very strong yet consistent work ethic, but the most important prayer. I ask the Lord for ideas and for him to help me better manifest my thoughts on paper.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
Technology plays a big role, by having the Internet I’m able to work and connect with people all across the globe. It makes the world smaller. Like my boy Kendall who is an engineer at quad studio helps me engineer my stuff and master it, and technology keeps us connected in real time.
Please define your personal brand.
I am CageTheGreat or Zeus Almighty. I hail from Dallas and I am a Southern lyricist giving a real but positive message to the people. My goal is to create awareness in the world on certain topics as well as uplift the Black community and human race as a whole.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
New Zealand, even though I’ve never been since fourth grade its been my dream place to visit and/or live.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing at all, I’m not perfect but I’m me.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
Not sure what it takes, because the people are ones who give you the titles so I just keep my head down and continue work. The more you’ll work the closer you get. To me an icon would be the late great Prince. He created a whole sound for his city and added to the culture as a whole.
What keeps you inspired?
I’m the ultimate competitor so unless I have every record in music I won’t be satisfied. But the main thing is retiring my parents once they are good I can chill a little.
What Scripture(s) are you leaning on?
Matthew 7:7
How do you stay connected with fans?
Social media is the best way.
Twitter.com/iF_cagethegreat
Soundcloud.com/cagethegreat
Instagram:@cagethegreat
What’s on your playlist?
Kendrick, Nipssey Hussle, Dj Screw, Tame Impala and Andersen Pak
Where did you vacation this summer?
No vacation as of yet, but that’s what we are working toward.
