Banchie (Real Name: Antone William Hampton Jr.) remains to stand tall and rise above the average MC…And that’s hard to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After losing most of his childhood friends in the streets, he dedicated most of his life on making it on the music scene. He grew up a very rebellious and cantankerous child. Due to being an outcast from others, he mostly stayed alone isolating himself away from people. His early childhood years was pretty much normal. It was not until his teenager years when he started getting into trouble. Alot of people assume that he calls himself “Banchie” cause of the bike but as it turns out to be it’s for a different reason. He is in a songwriting duo alongside with his best friend Jajuan “Miracolus” Allen and also has an excelling solo career.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Philadelphia (Southside & Uptown). Well I have musicians on my dad side of my family and I was writing poetry since the age of 10 so I always knew music was somewhere in my future. I just didn’t know what would’ve been my role.
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?
Its important to learn how to market and promote yourself cause nobody can promote you like “you”! Never be afraid to ask for help and do your research before doing business with other people.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Oh yeah I remember I got caught lip singing cause I was messing up my words during a performance, I was probably too drunk before the set lol, so I told the Dj after to don’t play any music with lyrics…just instrumentals. he played a smooth slow beat & I recited a poem about the struggles of life, it was called “A Scattered Picture”. Afterwards the crowd went crazy, I was like they never heard a real poem before. Women were tearing up, Dudes were dapping me saying “good shit my nigga”. Yeah…it was a good ending.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I went on tour once a while ago. I was dealing with some dude from Atlanta named Maravi. He also managed other people before me in different states, turns out he was a scumbag smh. We in Baltimore at this lounge & we about to perform…so I thought. Everybody is looking for this nigga…after an hour goes by somebody finally informs us that the show will be canceled cause Maravi didn’t play them. Come to find out he ducked off and left two hours before. Mannnnnnn listen niggas went crazy, messed up the whole club, fucked up the v.i.p sections, threw bottles, broke tables, threw chairs through all the windows. Yeah…he jerked the club promoter, us, and the other artists out of our cuts. It didn’t end well with him that’s all I’m saying
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Well I don’t have my own studio but for me my only upgrades I need to work on is to keep working and stay consistent.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I always use social media for promoting. The best plugs are on there, even though most of them are not honest. But the ones that are honest, that really do good marketing as a career, was a blessing for me. I work with so many marketers now that I don’t have to sometimes repost or keep posting the same thing over and over hoping someone will pick it up. They’re making sure that happens and the results are satisfying.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Awww man its so many. I don’t really have just “one” artist…but I think it would’ve been dope if Tupac was still alive to share a stage with him. I really don’t care where, just being there with him is legendary enough for me. His philosophy was always intriguing to me. It would’ve been a great honor to learn from him.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Well I have an mixtape dropping on April 20th. Its called “Don’t Sweat The Technique” and its dropping on Spinrilla, Audiomack, & SoundCloud. After that I’m working on a project with my songwriting partner…and while that’s in the making, I will be working on my LP “GhostPlanet 2” so stay tuned. Also work on building my brand and my label “ParaNormal Realm Enterprises” so I can start giving good artist that needs help and some good friends of mine a chance
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Music and Entertaining is in my blood so if I wasn’t making it with words then I would be producing or engineering, acting, etc. Maybe try a new venue but still something in the same field as music and entertainment. I can’t see myself without being around it.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Look forward to a force that you ain’t never heard…a brand new sound, a brand new form of lyricism, just all around good hip hop from hear on out.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
First and Foremost, the lord almighty always gets the first one. Thank you for the blessings you sent me thus far. Grandma, keep watching over me. S/O to my music partner Miracolus, couldn’t ask for a better one and a good friend. S/O to my Business Partner Anita Harvey for helping get my own publishing, helping with the label, and sharing your wisdom with me. S/O to my two mentors Uncle Bob & Carl Glover, thank you for your guidance and wisdom as well. S/O to my homie Sosah, without you “Don’t Sweat The Technique” wouldn’t been made. S/O to my promoter & photographer Paul Johnson, S/O to all the marketers & all the other promoters that was honest with me and helped me so far. S/O to Young Jay from CA for all the good business we did, and to more to come, and for the support you’ve shown me. This is only the beginning for us homie! A special S/O to all my homies in my hoods and to my whole family the ones that ride with me always, Love you for life. S/O to all the artists from my city doing their thing. S/O to the whole Philly of course! Last but never least, S/O to my big homie/cousin Horse, wish you was here to enjoy my come up. I didn’t wanna do it without you but you know Bob was in my ear lol, encouraging me not to quit and rethink about walking away, always reminding me that you’re always with me and you are never forgotten, real g shit bruh…Miss you and One love forever! #LongLiveHorse
