Executive Voice
Interview With New Jersey Artist PapiVersace
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I started off in a music group in New Jersey called Next Kingz as one of the founding members but then continued solo once I moved from the NJ area to Oklahoma City. From then I’ve collaborated with several of OKC’s finest rap artists but always maintained an unmanaged solo career. In 2016 I dropped a music video “Vince carter” which solidified me as one of the city’s largest artists.
Where are you from?
I’m from Ventnor, New Jersey, a small bayside town next to Atlantic City. It’s a very small town of about 20 blocks but it sits right on the bay and is only a 4-5 minute walk to the beach. Atlantic City is a tourist attraction, a mini las vegas so many of my musical influences came from the inner city.
When did you start music?
I wrote my first full song when I was 12 to the Biggie Smalls “Juicy” beat. Prior to that, I had been playing instruments since the age of 3.
How did you get into music?
My dad had an extensive music catalog from Drum & Bass to Rap & Rnb. A lot of major role models in my life loved music as well so knowing good music has always been a pride of mine. More specifically each of my 5 uncles were all into rapping as well & my youngest uncle whom I was closest to always challenged me to freestyle & write verses without cursing. So that’s how I got into writing music.
What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?
The most challenging thing I’ve overcome in my life is balancing being a young parent & still pushing hard with a music career. This isn’t the kind of career that has set hours, there’s no guaranteed money & you lose a lot of friends over time.
Are you currently signed or independent?
I’m currently independent.
Who inspires you the most musically?
The first artist to come to mind overall would be Michael Jackson. He’s definitely an artist that I related to. Also, Chris Brown was and is a big inspiration as an artist and dancer.
What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
I want people to use my music as a gateway to channel their emotions & because of what I bring to the table I feel I can reach almost anyone on this planet if they’re willing to listen.
Any new music coming out soon?
I have an album dropping very soon titled “Phantom Pain”. It has 7 songs on it and is by far my best body of work up to date. I really believe this next album will give people something to talk about.
Follow PapiVersace here: https://www.instagram.com/papiversace.ent/
Listen to PapiVersace’s music on Spotify here:
