Brotha Ash Brings New Music In The New Year

Emerging New Jersey native Brotha Ash considers himself a rapper, and he surely fulfills that title in his own creative way. A lyricist and storyteller at best, Brotha Ash is creating an authentic lane for himself within today’s airwaves. Introduced to the magic of hip-hop music and culture in his early childhood, the New Jersey emcee surely took interest and has been practicing his passion ever since. Fast-forward to 2022, Brotha Ash is consistently releasing quality music and calculatedly aiming to roll out new content. Be sure to learn more about Brotha Ash in an exclusive conversation below here at On Tha Rize Mag!

• How long have you been creating music and what inspired you to start?

I’ve been a musician since I was 9 years old, I started out playing the drums in church. I transitioned to hip hop in 2017. Rapping/freestyling was always one of my favorite hobbies, I started writing poems and performing spoken word in college. My mentor, who was a hiphop producer, invited me to his home studio, ever since that night I knew what I wanted to do with my life.

• Would you say growing up in New Jersey helped influence you to step into a creative space? Or did you seek inspiration elsewhere?

Being from New Jersey, specifically Willingboro New Jersey has a HUGE impact on me becoming a creative. I grew up with hip hop culture all around me. Being from Jersey gives you a certain attitude that aligns with innovative creativity and taking a risk on yourself. My father is my biggest inspiration. He was an amazing saxophonist. I often watched him gig on the local jazz scenes as a kid, I loved following him around and appreciated his commitment to making time for his passion while raising a family and working full time.

• Do you have any artists or other creators that you studied growing up? Or even in the steps leading to your music career?

Kendrick, J. Cole and Biggie were my favorite artists to study growing up. Biggie was slightly before my time being a 90’s baby but his voice and flow taught me so much about approaching songwriting/freestyling with a confidence listeners can’t deny. Cole and Kendrick helped give me the confidence to be myself in the studio, they both had unique stories and introductions to hip-hop but they allowed their art to be an extension of their own experiences. There was a point in HS where they were the only artists I listened to. Nipsey is also an artist I studied a lot, more so after I started my career, he is a huge inspiration to me.

• Out of curiosity, which one of your releases would you say is your current favorite and what was the inspiration behind it?

‘Baby Boy is Stimulated‘ will always be my favorite release because of the emotional value alone. After I lost my father in 2021, dedicating my debut independent album to him was special. He was my biggest fan hands down and I even got him to play his saxophone on the outro before his unexpected passing. The entire album is an example of me believing in my ability to be a great artist and trusting the process that comes with it. 

• Even though you are primarily an artist, do you aim to be -or- are you already a jack of all trades? (i.e producing, singing, songwriting for others, engineering, etc.)

I would consider myself a jack of all trades. Like I mentioned, music has been a part of my life for as long as I remember. Learning skills like producing, engineering, songwriting and even new artist consultation seemed like the right thing to do. It also helps me build my following and business. I founded The Wick Ent. to serve as a record label and entertainment platform through Hip Hop and R&B. Often people discover me from rapping at a show, then when they find out I made the beat I rapped on I gain a fan and a client. Being an entrepreneur in this industry presents its challenges, people have even advised me to solely focus on the rapping or producing or running the business; I never listen, I go at my own pace and keep pushing. If I can do it all, why not?

• What are your goals as a creative in the next 3-5 years?

In the next 3-5 years I would like to expand ‘The Wick’. Specifically, I want to sign some local talent, produce and release their albums and tour 3-5 cities. Networking is always a priority, I would love to get my artist in the rotation at some popular rap festivals. Right now I operate ‘The Wick’s’ recording studio out of ‘Hub 13’ in Trenton NJ, but the next step is ownership of  a building so I can have a true HQ for ‘The Wick’ and expand our creative reach. As for my personal career I am mainly focused on touring, traveling and locking in film credits for my beats and songs.

• What can fans and newcomers expect for 2023?

In 2023 fans can expect the best independent rap album of our time. Looking at 18 songs, multiple features from some dope underground artists. There is no doubt in my mind that my next album will show the industry that Brotha Ash and The Wick are elite in the booth. I rarely make claims like this. I believe the music should speak for itself but there’s no denying the next album is a classic. Me and my team truly raised the bar for underground independent hip hop and I’m so proud to hear what we’ve accomplished. You guys are in for a treat.

• Where can we keep up with you?

You guys can keep up with me on social media @brotha_ash & @mplwck. Subscribe to my website for specials on merch and to keep in the loop on live shows and new drops. www.brotha.info . Thank you so much.

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