Interview by Ben Z @WI608

Though hip-hop was born in NYC, it is now a global culture. Proof of this is Warhleo, an artist born in Kurdistan and raised in Norway. Upcominghiphop.net had the opportunity to ask Warhelo some questions about hip-hop and his own experience. We hope you check out what he has to say and enjoy his video, “One Day.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We_6vLQO0Hs]

Start by telling us who you are and where you are from.

I'm Warhel, but I go by the stage name Warhelo — it's smart right? I just put an "O" on the end so it could be easier for people to remember me. I'm from Kurdistan, but I moved to Norway when I just got off breast milk. So I don't remember that much of my childhood from over there, but the growing up part in a foreign country has been amazing. I live in a town called Sarpsborg, the first ever capital of Norway and next year [sic].

When did you first discover your passion for hip-hop?

My passion for music has always been in the heart, but my passion for hip-hop came about eight years ago when I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and just do something new with my life. I really didn't know where to start. I just found a beat on the internet, wrote some shitty bars, and went to the studio to record it. It really sucked, I must admit that. But with hard work I went on to become a much better person and artist.

What/who are you biggest influences?

It is not a secret that my biggest influence has been that white kid on 8 Mile who knocked out Papa Doc in the last round. Em has been my biggest influence ever since I saw 8 Mile. I also have more artists that are some grades down from the fame. For example, Jake Miller, Yonas, Hopsin, Machine Gun Kelly, and many more. All of these guys created a fan base from nothing and went on to be something.

If you could have the chance to work with any artist living or dead, who would you choose and why?

This question is so hard because there's a lot of them. I would usually go with Eminem, but to be honest, it would be Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez at the moment. Both of them are pretty and both of them have beautiful voices. I really hope I can create something with one or maybe both of them in the near future.

What do you hope to accomplish through your music/career?

First of all, I hope to change my own life through music. I hope I can change others' lives too. I really hope I can put my homeland, my heart and my brave warriors— Kurdistan and the Kurdish people— on the map. I hope I don't need to wake up in the morning worrying about something. I hope me and my family have a roof under our heads until our eyes get shut, and I hope God can help me through this journey [to] believe.

Connect with Warhelo
Facebook.com/WarheloFans | Twitter.com/warhelo
Instagram.com/warhelo