Amani.
Anybody that has met me and knows me knows that I Love and enjoy 3 things: Spirituality, Art (which includes ALL forms of Art not just music or painting) and Yu-gi-oh (long story).
This means that when i meet creatives, listen to something new or observe how skillfully and intentionally some artists create, I pay attention. This is ironic considering the artist I’m talking about today: Conscious.
Calvin “Conscious” Reed is South Carolina Artist from Marion, SC, and arguably one of the most soul-filled MCs in the state. After talking with him, working with him, and observing the things he’s done i can proudly say these things, and if you aren’t hip, you should be.
Conscious is one of those artists that are extremely quiet publicly... and for good reason. The internet unconsciously chastises that with it doesn’t understand and creates various (sometimes silly) trends, and he chooses not to participate. He strictly makes music, and that’s it. There are a lot of creatives that do this, but i know from experience that this gentleman stays out of the way, in every sense of the word.
However, when you’re as dope as he is, you are afforded a level of grace that allows you to do so.
Lately he’s been exploring his singing abilities, but for the most part (just like me) he is what we call a rapper’s rapper. He is a lover of the craft, and listening to him you hear it. From the stories he tells on tracks like “Pistols and Poverty” to his more confidence boosting tracks like “Advent,” it is evident that he has not only studied some of the greats, but has begun to become one himself. No one can deny his skill.
His last project, “Nice To Meet You” lives up to its name: an introduction (and for some a reintroduction) to him and his art form. The album felt and sounded as if he was reinventing himself, while also reminding those who forgot that his skill is as sharp as ever. While being a short project (only having a runtime of about 30 or so minutes), listeners will appreciate how full this album feels. From tracks like “Traffic Jam, ” where he puts his R&B face on, (and wears it well i might add) to songs like “Encore” which is not only Inspired by Jay Z, but is also an ode to how far he has come in his journey, his delivery on most (if not all of his tracks) have a level of life experience, life and zeal that you just cannot mimic. I had the privilege of going on tour with him and even on the stage, his hunger and passion for music show in his performance. In talking with him, you hear how much he cares about the craft, and also how much he wants to succeed with his music. This success is not only personal, but communal. He strives to represent something different when it comes to artistry, for himself, and his community.
Not only am I always inspired by the stories of an artist, but I am inspired by their creation process. Conscious is one of those artists that truly inspire the creative in me every time I hear him, and in a way that reminds me to not only be authentic, but to also not fall for the gimmicks that plague that some fall victim to in today's climate. He is a meticulous emcee, not relying on gimmicks or a unhealthy amount of wit, but choosing to say words that are as impactful as they are true.
In short, he reminds us: be you, be dope, and tell your story. You have no idea who's watching.
Below is a link to his album on YouTube (but its available everywhere), as well as the music videos from the "Nice To Meet You" project. He has other music available as well, and All Hip-Hop Lovers should tune in and stay tuned in, because he's cooking. Trust me.
Nice To Meet You (YouTube):
"Advent" Music Video:
"Crown" Music Video:
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