Sev7en Taylor on Mental Health & "Negro Spirituals"

Multi-talented creative and overall dope human being, Sev7en Taylor is back at it again with a bangin' new single, "Negro Spirituals". While the title is on an "if you know, you know" type deal, we caught up with Sev7en for another Q&A session, where he broke down it's meaning, as well as hit on important topics like mental health, Black Lives Matter and a new project in the works. Tap in below for all the details. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾

You’re already the Hype Homie. But, what’s been new since we last spoke?

I’ve been experiencing life. Owning in on my super powers; re-branding myself and getting to a place of consistent growth. What’s most important is my mental peace. I struggle with depressive episodes; they come when I’m more on the stressed side or just overall trying to find a way to score in on something; most likely pivotal to my career. I’ve gotten to a place where I’m more open discussing it. I’m not ashamed. 

So many creatives deal with this. So many of us suffer in silence. We don’t know how people will treat us; having depression episodes doesn’t make someone weak or disabled. I’m truly capable of striving and being my best self ( professionally and non- professionally ) — I think the stigma makes us feel like an “ awe” type of person and we’re truly strong as fuck. During the lockdown I had so many depressive episodes and sometimes wanted temporary silence. To vanish and come back when my super powers are in full effect. As of today I am much better. Tending to myself a little more and being as open as I can be. Being Sev7en Taylor is a job I’ve signed up for. 

You just dropped a new banger. Why name it “Negro Spirtuals”?

This new project centers around spirituality in a mixture of different things as well. I named it that because it was something that came to me so organically like a Negro spiritual. That I quickly got the name and enlisted  for Dimitri Miller to be a part of it; because his voice was so beautiful in it; reminded me of when you go to the auditorium in high school and a singer will sing the national anthem. Black people have contributed to pop culture since we’ve existed. Whitney Houston‘s version of “Star Spangled Banner” echoes in our hearts tremendously. Black people have always had a talent to take something and make our version — The most popular version. 

What songs have been your “Negro spirituals”, leading you out of darkness and giving you hope?

I have so many but the most pivotal one in my heart is Sam’s Cooke “ A Change Is Gonna Come.” He was brilliant and futuristic with singing that song. I think about that song when I was marching on the highway a few months back for the recent Black lives that were murdered. 

I heard you’re dropping a new project soon. Can you give any details?

Yes, I can. The new project will debut 2021 and it’s  part two to my current project” The Disobedience Of Jimmie Taylor”. Which both projects you will get visuals from. I also will be much much more open this time around and I have a lot to address.

This year has been crazy AF. What are you thankful for the most in the midst of all the chaos?

I keep reminding myself that everything is gonna work out and that everything is gonna be OK. And that a change will come no matter what  working class you are in. I pray a lot, I sage and I speak to the ancestors; I speak to the universe. I do everything with intention and I make sure that I do everything full out. That’s my remedies and I’m also working on a new book that will debut next year. Which it’s my first blend of fantasy and fiction type of book. And I’m very raw and honest in its creation. Thank you for the Interview.