As you all know, I went down to A3C in 2015 and met a ton of great artists. One of those artists was 60 East. Although I forgot that we had met until recently, I had been following him on social media and email. Make sure to subscribe to his email list because his emails are very interesting. One day, his new video "What I'm Saying" landed in my inbox and I checked it out. After I finished the video, I was sure 60 East was trying to resurrect "real" hip-hop. He is a true emcee and that is something we are always looking for. 2015 was a big year for him so I decided to interview him and share it with you. Enjoy!

How did you come up with the name 60 East?

I grew up off the freeway 60 East in Southern California. I spent a lot of time doing graffiti, mostly on the 60. So much so my crew began getting know as the guys that were all over the freeway/freeways. That was kind of our thing. I also wanted a name that represented where I am from so it kind of worked out perfect.

What motivates you to make music?

Life, my daughter, other artists, and seeing people succeed and getting what they deserve. Also seeing my music touch people, whenever someone tells me my music saved their life, its a reminder of why I do this.

Who are some of your idols?

I always had a lot of love for the independent artists that built their own careers, grinding it out, people like Atmosphere and the whole Rhymesayers camp, MURS, Dilated Peoples, and Macklemore. I also had a lot of respect for the OG's like Rakim, Pharoahe Monch, and Black Thought. And of course the greats like Pac, Biggie, Eminem, and Nas.

What were your favorite albums of 2015?

I am very busy and do not have a lot of time to listen to a lot of music but 1 of my favorite albums would have to be Fashawn - The Ecology.

2015 was a huge year for you. What were some of the highlights?

I got to tour with Joell Ortiz and Illmind on The Human Tour for a few dates, that was a dope experience getting to build with those dudes. I also got to perform at A3C, it was my first time there so it was really dope to experience the Conference and Festival. I also ended the year touring Europe for the first time and that was one of the best experiences of my life, cant wait to go back.

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Why did you choose hip hop to express yourself? Why not another genre?

Hip Hop chose me is what I always say. My brother was a DJ/producer, my cousin was a b-boy, and all their friends were rappers and graffiti artists. I was a kid and I would come home and Hip Hop was literally at my house all day in all forms so naturally I picked it up watching them.

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

I want them to know that I am a real person just like them. I wake up and work hard and pay bills just like them. I want them to be able to relate to me on that personal level where they feel they know me before they even meet me.

Describe your sound in three words.

Positive. Creative. Inspiring.

What’s next for 60 East?

I plan on touring the world whether it be by myself, with my team, or with a bigger artist that's really where my head is. After years of touring I've discovered that fans are made on the road. I also plan on releasing a lot more music and visuals. I feel I have been slacking on releasing material and I owe my listeners a lot more content and that is why I am giving away my new album for FREE.

Connect with 60 East
www.sixtyeast.net
Facebook.com/60eastofficial | Twitter.com/60eastfd
Youtube.com/60eastfd | Instagram.com/60east