Blkraw

From the moment the track begins, the level of skill and creativity embedded in the production is clear. The sound is crisp yet warm, the bass heavy, synth-soaked backdrop has a rather vintage energy to it, though the overall output is of a fresh and new sort of ambiance. The music is calming, easy to listen to, easy to leave on and enjoy the good vibes as you get on with your moment. There’s a lot that changes as the music develops, there are several different sections, several different vocals, as opposed to the more common verse-chorus-verse-chorus arrangement. It’s always a pleasure to come across music that follows it’s own pathway, and yet still manages to maintain an element of familiarity to that it doesn’t come across as several songs in one. The hook is clear, the key line and the melody return to centre stage appropriately, and then surrounding this there are several new moments to pay attention to.



The music is easy going, as mentioned, but there’s also an element of wanting to listen intently to make sure the concept is captured and nothing is missed. It’s a good way to keep an audience interested, though there’s nothing hugely striking about the lyrics on first listen, however – the sound is so well captured and produced that most listeners will be likely to seek out more music after listening to this initial track. That’s often the best approach with certain types of music, the energy is on point, the voices sound confident and stylish, and the music provides the good vibes people lookout for and revel in. The concept behind the lyrics is a memorable and unique one, so this alone works well in adding a little lyrical strength to match that of the music.

By Rebecca Cullen



Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing -

“I feel as an artist I’m just going to put out the music and let it speak for itself. I’m not into begging anyone to listen to the music. I also recently started driving for Lyft and I’ll play my music in a playlist of others and get props all the time.”

Check out the interview with BLKRAW exclusively on Skilly Magazine Online.

Skilly: How were you able to start your journey in the entertainment business? Where did this all start?
BLKRAW: Growing up music was always the face of my household. After two near death experiences, losing my big brother in one car accident and almost ending my own in another, I used those death experiences as fuel. I’ve never given up on my big brother and I’s musical dreams. I started recording music back in 2006 and have not looked back.

What are some of the creative ways you use to promote your music?
Some of the things I do now to promote myself and my #IWAMF brand is on my Instagram. I do something called Shout-out Sundays where no matter who it is if you DM me I’ll send you a shout-out. I feel as an artist I’m just going to put out the music and let it speak for itself. I’m not into begging anyone to listen to the music. I also recently started driving for Lyft and I’ll play my music in a playlist of others and get props all the time.

What is the greatest challenge you face in today’s entertainment business? How do you overcome them?
Everyone is an artist or does something with music. I would have to say the greatest challenges would be getting people to take you serious as an artist. To overcome that challenge I just keep working on my craft and keep putting out quality records not quantity.

How is the music scene like in your hometown? What do you like about it and what don’t you like?
I am currently in the Bay Area and the music scene here is dope. Starting back in the 90’s and gaining momentum in the early 2000’s, talented artist like E-40, Mistah Fab, and Mac Dre had the bay rocking alongside Too Short. In my opinion these guys laid the foundation. What I like about the music scene currently is that artists don’t forget the roots of the bay, yet we all sound different and have our own sound/style. I don’t like the fact artists follow trends instead of setting their own.

Where do you think the future of music is going to be? How do you feel artists can be more a part of it?
The future of music will not be the same and we all know that. Artists must learn how to market/brand themselves. We must grow with the future or get left behind. I feel music artists are finally being seen as real people and not these untouchable celebrities.

What advice can you give to other upcoming artists and musicians trying to achieve success?
The best advice I can give to other upcoming artists would be stay true to yourself as a whole, believe in your craft before you want anyone else to. Most of all be humble and always put your best foot forward.

What inspires you to write your next song?
Everyday life experiences. Along with my mood during the time I am listening/writing a song.

What are the steps you take to make a song?
I really don’t have any steps, I let the track speak to me. I’ll start to freestyle, what comes out is what goes on the records. I continue to listen to the record and write down the freestyle lyrics that come out. Before I know it I have a full record done.

What do you think makes a great song?
I think having great production, dope lyrics that can connect with the fans, and hooks that stick like glue makes a great song. - Skilly Online

The light and electro-like sound of the opening synth riff flows well alongside the simple click of a beat. The r&b vocal melody that follows is as you’d expect from the music, the vocal effect is a little clichéd, but the melody is strong, and from a production perspective the music is well balanced and well mixed. As the rap vocal comes into play, the flow is a little faster than expected, that element of mystery, freshness, is brought into the mix. The lyrical flow is impressive actually, and it really fits well alongside this particular backing track. The music is simple, synth-based, almost like a retro computer game, but not irritating – it sounds pleasant, it contrasts well with the velocity of the rap vocal performance.



There is nothing particularly striking or unusual about the lyrics, but the track has a great sound of summer to it, a well-timed release that will most likely leave a positive and lasting effect on listeners in the coming months. The song itself really grows on you the more you listen. The vocal flow goes from impressive to quite outstanding at times, there is a glimmer of lyrical strength towards the end of the second verse, then the melody comes back in and it all feels familiar again. It definitely sounds like a hit, by all accounts – well performed, well mixed, an effective and memorable melody for the hook.



There’s a distinct sound of the 90’s or early 2000’s in this track, it brings about a certain level of nostalgia as you listen, but for the most part the creativity in terms of the musical backdrop is clear and inventive. The music doesn’t just roll out on a loop, it builds up, drops out, stretches, sits, intermittently throughout the track – whilst at the same time letting the vocal performances confidently and stylishly lead the way.

By Rebecca Cullen - Rebecca Cullen of Exposed Vocals

Known as a rap / R&B artist with an enigmatic side, Blkraw's new single ‘Freak’ has exploded on radio and put this rap / R&B artist on the world map.
There is something special happening with Blkraw, the talented rap / R&B artist out of Bay Area Vallejo, California. A firm believer in the time-honored tradition of composition and careful attention to detail, Blkraw's work demonstrates how personal and affecting music can be when the right elements come together. This legitimacy is discernible from other angles. He has a deep understanding of the techniques and traditions of the rap / R&B genre which is perhaps why the critics had this to say about his award-winning work: ‘Blkraw grafts smiling high-life recommendations to a venerated (and equally elevated) melodic vehicle to make ‘Freak’ a powerful piece of sexual propaganda.’ Reporter Blake Wright recently caught up with this talented artist to learn more about his unique story and his plans for the future.


BLAKE: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
BLKRAW: After releasing two projects with DJ Noize Fact vs Fiction and Who is BLKRAW I noticed my music career gaining momentum, with grind comes hustle I found myself being introduce to 3x Platinum Artist & Songwriter Mistah Fab which he blessed my song (She's So Ratchet) with a dope verse. Shortly after I released my version of Kid Inks and Chris Browns Show Me titled You Remind Me on Soundcloud which has well over 100,000 views and plays and still counting.

BLAKE: Your song ’Freak’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BLKRAW: As an artist I am always listening to online radio stations, xm etc. To see what's new from new artist as well as my favorite artist. So to hear my record Freak playing on the radio it was very humbling to hear. Also confirming my music is heading in the right direction.

BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BLKRAW: The inspiration behind this record basically, was to speak to all the gorgeous woman out there, and let them know how we feel about them when there wearing them sexy ass clothes, and sending them sexy ass selfies, to our cell phones, well at least thats what is running through my mind and 9 x out of 10 it's running through her mind as well or she would not be killing your phone with them ass shots lol ya dig...

BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BLKRAW: After two near death experiences losing my big brother in one car accident and almost ending my own in another, I have used these two experiences as fuel, never giving up on mine and my brothers musical dreams. With a third chance at life I feel I have the potential to take my music career to the next level. When I feel like giving up I hear my brother in my ear "keep grinding ain't nothing worth dying for easy". So i keep grinding...

BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
BLKRAW: I would have to say over all i'm very down to earth, but I am also very serious when it comes to my music, at times complicated, but only because I fell I am a perfectionist.


BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BLKRAW: Like any commitment there will always be ups and downs. with those ups and downs comes great experiences. Working with the ones that help make my musical dreams a reality is a blessing I'm very thankful for them working with me and being patient on this journey.

BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BLKRAW: Growing up with music being the face of the household we did not have any musicians in the family until my big brother Sean started to do local shows. I have been around music my whole life. If it wasn't my mother playing her old-school jams Smokey Robinson, Temptations, it was Sean singing Jodeci or writing a rhyme for me to rap. The passion just grew from there and with my brothers death my hungry and passion grew stronger to become successful in life and my music.

BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BLKRAW: Would have to say the most rewarding thing is seeing your fans and supporters not just rapping along but seeing that connect within there eyes or movement. Thats the most rewarding thing to me as an artist... I would say the most challenging would be during my creative process would be making sure my lyrics in some way shape or form will make that connect, I would be a fool to thing every song will make that connection, but if I have 7 song on a EP and one of those songs make that connection with my fan I fill I have done my job as an artist.

BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
BLKRAW: To keep it 100, I don't have any role models, but I do have the up most respect for Nelly, LL Cool J, Snoop, Notorious Big, 2 Pac and my list goes on, I have even more respect for The Jacka, Mistab Fab, Plies, YG 400, Nina Ski, Rick Ross and Big Slick because these our artist I have met during my musical journey.

BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BLKRAW: My most memorable performance would be in Tampa Fl opening up for Rick Ross in club 112 just the response from the fans was crazy, the energy in the club that night was epic. To be an up and coming artist and to see the crowd rocking and jumping with you is one of the most rewarding experiences you can receive.

BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BLKRAW: My most memorable performance would be in Tampa Fl opening up for Rick Ross in club 112 just the response from the fans was crazy, the energy in the club that night was epic. To be an up and coming artist and to see the crowd rocking and jumping with you is one of the most rewarding experiences you can receive.

BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BLKRAW: I'm currently wrapping up my project #IWAMF (Independent With A Major Flow) EP the first single off the EP is "Freak which is receiving radio play. Yes there is a new single "Friends & Foes" which is the second single off the project. It's a radio ready club smash produced by The Legion there credits: (E-40, Messy Marv, Too Short, French Montana, and Bun B). Full tracklist and songs of #IWAMF only on www.blkraw.net

BLAKE: I will be sure to check it out! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your music. Best of luck with your future endeavors!
https://soundcloud.com/blkraw/freak-feat-jamillions-dirty
© 2016 Marquix Global Network - Blake Wright