HYPE FILES - The Marqus Clae Interview
From touring with Lupe Fiasco at an early age and being regarded as a Hip Hop prodigy to signing to Master P’s No Limit Forever label when he was 16, Marqus Clae is no stranger to the game. A rap acrobat with highly agile flows, Marqus takes his craft seriously, as evidenced by his fiery tales of aspiration and tightly wound word rhyme schemes.
Now as one of Def Jam Recordings’ newest artists, he plans on shaking up the game and coming out as one of the leaders of the next generation. With the release of a brand new project around the corner, “The Mecca”, we got to catch up with the 22-year-old, Houston-bred MC for the latest Hype Files interview.
Catch it below for Marqus' thoughts on Hip Hop nostalgia, nature vs. nurture, creating classic records, and much more. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 🚀
Thanks for coming through! So, you’re about to release a new project, “The Mecca”. How are you feeling about it’s release and what inspired the title?
I’m super excited about the release. I can’t wait for people to hear how it came together. And the title is basically explaining Hip Hop through my eyes. It’s a small summary of my current feelings and emotions.
Your sound is nostalgic, familiar, yet modern and unique at the same time. What artists and projects have been game changers for you, past and present?
I would say 2Pac, Jay, Nas, Wayne, BIGGIE, Scarface, Cole, Kendrick, the list goes on. And projects that stood out to me for sure was Life After Death, Blueprint, The Black Album, Me Against The World, Makaveli, To Pimp A Butterfly, Get Rich Or Die Trying, Forest Hills Drive, The Warm Up, Carter 2, I could name all day. I’m just a fan of the art.
How has your artistry evolved over the years?
My artistry has evolved tremendously and it’s still going. Growth is super important in anything that you do. You always want to get better at something you’re doing. That’s how you become great.
Where do you think your talent comes from - nature, nature or both?
My talent comes from both. I was born with the talent to do music from GOD. That’s natural. And I nurtured that by always working on my craft.
What was it like growing up in a musical household, most notably with your mom who is a rapper too?
Growing up in a musical household was dope. My mom had me in the studio as a kid as well. So I got an early input on music and I fell in love with it.
You’ve been on tour with Lupe Fiasco and were signed to Master P’s No Limit Forever label. What were those experiences like as a young artist?
Those experiences were crazy. I’m forever grateful for those moments because they helped shape the artist that I am today. Shoutout those dudes.
Creating classic records is your thing. What aspects of “The Mecca” do you feel will place it in that category?
“The Mecca” is a conjunction of life stories, experiences, and examples of why I deserve to be mentioned as one of the new leaders of this generation.
What type of content and flows can fans expect to hear from the project?
People can expect heartfelt messages, crazy flows, dope production, and just overall good music.
Which track are you most excited for people to hear?
I’m excited for people to hear all of them to be honest.
You’re now signed to the legendary Def Jam Records. Describe the thoughts and feelings you had when penning those papers?
It was so many different emotions. I was super excited & grateful for the opportunity. Nothing happens overnight, but with hard work and dedication I will reach my goals and aspirations.
How did that deal come about, by the way?
I got signed to Def Jam off of instagram freestyles. The SVP saw some of my videos and DM’d me saying that he was interested. I thought it was fake at first, but he flew to Houston 2 weeks later and we met, and the rest is the rest.
Your mission of seeking impact over accolades is dope, as Hype Off Life is on the same wave. In what ways do you see your music making positive contributions to the culture?
I see my music making all kinds of contributions. I try to speak on things I real life situations that I’ve experienced in my music for the listener who’s probably going through the same thing as me. That’s how you relate to the culture. I always want to stay true to myself.
Anything else we should know?
“The Mecca” dropping soon.
Follow @marqusclae for more dope music and updates
