Rapper and C.E.O of the independent label Urban House Records, Shareiff Worrell has released two projects in the year 2016 and has recently released the single “Left, Right, Left” from his latest project Broad Street which will be released to the public in June. His music is filled with true depictions of his life as well as his views on the world around him. He is very raw in his music and he urges other young people to stand beside him as a force against the constant oppression in our communities. It’s rare that you find an artist to be so true to themselves and their purpose while still being interesting and catchy on a song.

UHH: Tell us a bit about yourself and upbringing.

Shareiff Worrell: I’m from Bed Stuy Brooklyn. The same place where legends like Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G, Fabolous, Lil Kim just to name a few all grew up. I take that with strong pride and attempt to be able to represent that legacy each time I'm behind a mic. I first started rapping at 10 years old while using the bathroom. I began to hit on the sink counter and words began to pop in my head. Ever since then, music comes to me at weird times and I’ve mastered to hold it down and memorize it until I write it down then it leaves my mind. The gift from God I call it. I am the founder and CEO of the Independent Record Label Urban House Records & Independent Radio Station In Ya House Radio. My music can be found on major streaming platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, & Spotify and sold digitally on iTunes, Amazon, & Google Play.

What is your musical background?

I grew up in a soulful household. Music Actually was always around me. I was always around local musicians and producers and had family members who were well-seasoned musicians and producers, so I would say It’s kinda in my blood really.

Why do you want to be a professional rapper?

As a kid, I was always into music. I always have seen myself as a musician but rap found me. I like the connection between a rapper and their fans and I love to play with words and I love the reaction rap brings. I also love the lifestyle it brings.

Who were your musical influences?

My music influences are of 5 people Jay Z, Biggie, 2 Pac, Michael Jackson & Prince.

Do you play any instruments? If so do you produce music?

Nah, my voice is the only instrument I use. I can make beats and engineer.

When did you begin taking your art seriously?

I began to take music seriously after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and my dad was diagnosed with diabetes. After they both died 8 months apart from each other I told myself I would make this dream a reality in memory of them.

Where are some places you’ve performed and how was the experience?

I’ve performed all over New York and twice in Connecticut. I always love my experience on stage. I believe my home is on stage, I tend to blackout while on stage I don’t think at all I just feel and that experience is truly a spiritual journey.

What are some of your long-term goals in the music industry?

I want to go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it. I want to be able to touch hearts and souls with my legacy and open the door for the generations after me.

What obstacles have you been faced with thus far?

I think being independent is the biggest obstacle, not having a marketing team, a promotion team, a corporate machine behind me to do it all for me has proven to be challenging. Other than that most obstacles I get through quickly.

How do you balance your personal life and your music career?

It’s hard. I am a self-trained artist 75% of what I know came from purely studying day and night. I didn’t go to parties, I didn’t go out that much, didn’t have much of a social life and that same trained and attitude I take with me now. I lock myself in the studio and I work. My closest friends do music and are apart of the label. My girlfriend's brother is who put me under his wing and taught me everything so the balance is tilted in a sense because music is my life. Yet I still have that connection with my family and friends and I find time in my life to spend it with my girlfriend who is my world but the music takes control of 80% of my life.

Tell me about your most memorable moment as a musician?

I would say performing “Better Dayz” a song from my Project “Growing Pain’s” in a hole in a wall spot in the city and hearing the crowd sing the song back to me. Hearing that for the first time felt like everything and I cried that night honestly because it was like a childhood dream coming true, a moment I’ll forever keep in my heart.

Tell us a little bit about your upcoming project Broad Street.

I’ll say this because I don’t want to let out too much. I’ll say the album is 100% done and it is the best project I've ever created, and I can’t wait for all to hear it. From the lyrics to the melodies, to the beats it’s truly an amazing body of work.

What personal experiences have you been faced with which inspired your single “Left Right Left”?

Being told I wouldn’t be able to be where I am today or do what I’ve done. Fake friends and the subs they have thrown and bullshit us black people face on the daily. The figurative chains created by those rooting for me And my labels downfall.

Which record is your favorite and why?

This is the hardest question but I would say “Olive U” because of its smooth melody and sonic sound and it’s lyrical content and catchy presence.

If you could pick a couple lyrics from your album that you believe will be the most influential which would they be?

I would say it would be “Since Every Old Nigga Think That We Need A Gimmick, Ima chief it no skillet, Perfect Pass, Scottie Pippin”. It’s a line from my song “Stay Afloat” off Broad Street, that represents so much and may seem meaningless but has so many definitions.

Who do you make your music for and what do you want people to take away from your art?

I make my music for every and anybody that needs that escape from reality but that realism of life. I want people to get lost in the stories and create visuals in their minds as if they had the best seats to the greatest show in the world. I want people to listen and get inspired, motivated, and fearless to be themselves and have fun.

Tell me a bit about Urban House Records?

Well, we are a record label based in Brooklyn New York established on August 8th, 2013. The name is a playoff where we are classified to come from, you know the urban community and the house comes from the family-oriented vibe that echoes And Oozes from everything that has to do with us. We always say we more than a label we a family.

How do you balance being a CEO and an artist as well as working with other artists?

It’s not hard to juggle the Different Hats because me being an artist I understand more and I know what an artist naturally wants and needs to make art. When working with them it’s all about controlling my ego and seeing everyone as equals. I don’t abuse my power and come down on my artist it’s more like a family thing and i'm the head of the table. Yet there is a respect level amongst us. I respect them as an artist and they respect me as CEO.

What does it take for an artist to get on your label?

Drive to be the best, Commitment to your craft, and individuality. I want you to do what no one else is doing. Change the game status. Nothing is worse than trying to copy the trend cause when the trend leaves so will you and that's not something I want or need.

What advice can you give to an inspiring young artist?

Never change your pitch but upgrade your sound. Be the best you that you can be and believe in your dream when others laugh. Stay focused and humble and great things will come in do time.

Connect with Shareiff Worrell
Facebook.com/Shareiff-Worrell-268306773636585
Twitter.com/_UrbaanReiff
Instagram.com/_urbaanreiff
Soundcloud.com/urbaan-house