While those born in the ’90s may not recall the career peak of the industry’s legends, there are others who lament over the loss of the music. The loss of lyricism. The loss of what first endeared them to Hip Hop.
And there are others who look towards the future….by transforming themselves into a bridge to close the generational gap between the two.
In an age where luck and YouTube can collide to make literally anyone a star; there are others experiencing a simmering frustration at the current state of affairs in the Hip Hop community. Many artists are now being faced with a dilemma, trade their artistic souls for infectious hooks, or give up hope for any radio play at all.
For Chris, otherwise known as Mac Fame, the choice is clear: Either find a way or make one.
As Fame will attest, “It’s about mixing the old with the new. Taking the aspects that people liked from the past and making them new for a younger audience.”
For many, this proves to be easier said than done. Music is more than just lyrics, it’s about how it makes you feel, hence the difficulty for current artists looking to bridge the gap between lyricism and mass commercial appeal. Just how do you appeal to an audience that’s less apt to embrace a ‘Beat without Bass?
To Fame its simple, “Back in the day, songs came on and you automatically felt something. But you can take the same classic metaphors, and combine it with a catchy phrase or a hook.” “I believe in lyricism. Lyrical content can appeal from the old heads on down to the younger generation.”
The result is a smooth sound as laidback as he is.
With a wry smile on his lips and a blunt in his hand, Fame carries a quiet air of confidence, yet can easily be overlooked in a crowded room due to his chilled demeanor…until he steps to the mic. For him, it’s all about the music.
As he will affirm, “Music is my motor. The studio calms me. I feel most at peace with myself when in front of a microphone.”
A native of San Diego, California, Fame escaped the violence of the West in exchange for a college education in the South. Degree obtained and a financial career underway, from all appearances Fame has a firm back up plan should his musical endeavors cease.
But he has no worries.
Says Fame with a laugh, “I’ll admit it. I’m hella cocky. If you not feeling your own stuff how can you expect someone else to?” He adds, “I embody the same cockiness of Wayne. And I’m just as off the cuff with my delivery as say the Cool Kids.”
For an artist intent on merging lyrical content of the old with the commercial success of the new, it truly is all about the music and Fame is poised to be a living testament that the music truly can speak for itself.
As he will tell you determinedly, “Music is a form of expression and everyone has an opinion. I don’t need to hype my music up…it just needs to be heard.”
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
They followed me on twitter lol, i checked out the page and reached out to yall to build the relationship, and bam! here we are. haha
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Im from San Diego, CA my story is a long one, so its better we do that piece by piece. But realizing my potential, and the support around me made me want to become an artist.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
another long story. but to shorten it up, im always had the gift of gab, so i kinda “(M)astered the (A)rt of (C)ommunication
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
ive given ALL my music away for free. there are fans who actually purchase my music as well to show their support of what i do as well though. i want my music to travel as far as possible, and i do not want finances to a be a road block for anyone to enjoy my craft, so making that option to have it for free is there, but undertstand, artists have bills too lol.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
dont give up, invest in yourself, and network your a** off.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
yes i have, it happens, i just roll with it, freestyled some quick bars on the spot and went straight back to the hook hahaha! but whatever you do, you dont stop performing!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Life. i pull 95% of my inspiration from life around me. my life experiences, friends experiences ect.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
MacFame.com is under reconstruction at the moment but will be back up by the top of the 2nd qtr 2015!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Traveling, and writing.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Everything is HD as is. im happy with my equipment.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Word of mouth is the strongest form of promotion. i cant thank the people who tell others about me enough. but blogs, online platforms like twitter and facebook help as well.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Ludacris. In Jamaica his energy is crazy, and i love jamaica!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
My newest project will be out at the top of the 2nd quarter of 2015 entitled “Return of the Mac”
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Management, DJ, blogging, AnR..i would def be involved in music somehow
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
My first album, or cd i should say, was a the single for Jay-Z featuring Blackstreet “You Belong to the City”
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Prioritize. and keep the BS to a minimum.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
New Music, New Videos, and Hopefully my face in their city!
