Los Angeles artist, Neaks has one of the most unique sounds I have heard in a long time. I found his video "Wit My Team" in our submissions inbox and after checking it out, I had to interview him. Others must think the video is dope too because it has 610 thumbs-up and 0 thumbs-down on YouTube. There is just something about his style that seems so real. He isn't your typical "hip-hop" artist but that's ok. It's actually better than ok. Experimental music is something I enjoy very much. There shouldn't be "boundaries" in music even though there is but that doesn't stop Neaks from breaking them.

How did you come up with the name NEAKS? What does it mean to you?

One day my lil bro came up with the name Neaks because he was listening to some Keak Da Sneak. From then on, it became my nick name and more like an alias for my wild character.

Did you come up with the name 'Prince of Hip Hop'?

One of my producers came up with the title 'Prince of Hip-Hop' because he said I was like the modern day Prince of Hip-Hop. Huge compliment in my mind because Prince is one of the most talented artists ever to exist.

Your fans call you a music box. Explain that.

I've heard people refer to me as a music box and I think it's because I eat, sleep and breath music. Instead of giving me piano lessons or having me join choir or somthin, my pops gave me a drum machine he used to use in the 80's and taught me how to break dance. That was in ninth grade and ever since, I've been dancing, writing, beat boxing and by 2008, was fully immersed in rapping, singing and producing. I also grew listening to such a melting pot of music from Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyyd to Run-DMC and Grand Master Melle Mel. Even though those cats were way before my generation, I really felt a strong connection to those eras of music. It wasn't until Nelly came out with 'Country Grammer' and Ludacris dropped 'Word of Mouf' did I begin steep myself in modern Hip-Hop.

What producers do you work with?

I primarily work with Truth & Stephan Jacobs, but am always branching out and exploring alternative sounds.

What motivates you to make music?

My motivation to make music used to primarily come from this inner drive to be creative and express what I'm feelin inside with music. Since my daughter was born, my passion from making music primarily comes from wanting to show my lil lady that making a living pursuing what you love is very possible.

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Who are some of your idols?

My music idols are Michael Jackson, Nas, and Led Zepplin. All very different, but have been equally impactfull.

What type of music (or who) was played in your household growing up?

Metallica, Led Zepplin, Muddy Waters, BB King, Eric Clapton, Run-DMC, African Bambata and the Soul Sonic Force, Grandmaster Melle Mel, George Clinton,...

What do you want your fans to take from your music?

When someone listens to my music, I want them to feel something and I want to make them think. I want my music to be like a surrealistic art piece. I don't want to make my message too obvious, but simple enough for anyone to feel it.

Describe your music career up until now in 3 words.

Always Overly Dedicated

What’s next for NEAKS?

I recently released a collaboration with DJ Stephan Jacobs on YourEDM.com and am currently working on my 2AM Daydreams Mixtape and playing local venues in LA this year. Hopefully, you can expect to hear my music on the radio soon.

Connect with Neaks
Youtube.com/UCFGRnBxFnej6CFrNvn5cPlQ
Twitter.com/ByouNeak | Soundcloud.com/neaksworld