Peace & blessings. How did you come up with the name Monsoon?
The name Monsoon honestly popped up in my head at a time when I was really going through alot of shit, I heard the name and just felt a sense of peace. From that point I just made it my name. The name Staraw means “Smart Talented Artistic Rhymer and Writer”.
How did the hip hop culture influence your music?
Hip hop culture has influenced my music because I grew up on the culture. From the break-dancing, to the fashion, to the ideologies and music. The whole art of story-telling through the music and the concept of building a song and having a message in the song was influenced by the culture of hip hop.
How has growing up in Chicago have an impact on your vision as an artist?
Growing up in Chicago has influenced me because Chicago is a rough and honest city. It make you a stronger person and it motivates me to be as honest as possible in my music. The energy that Chicago has is unmatched by any other city and I love that.
You’re not afraid to explore controversial issues, how effective do you think music is in getting political messages across?
I think it has a lot of potential to get political messages across because it is the voice of this generation. I wish more artist would realize that and use the power they have to change things in a positive manner.
You just released your latest visual “B.R.Y.C.E./EL Train Flow” What has the response been like?
The response for “B.R.Y.C.E./ EL Train Flow” has been awesome. People have liked the visuals and they have been listening to the lyrics and really taking it in. I had a lot of fun shooting the video with my son whose name is Bryce, and who is a big inspiration for my next project. “B.R.Y.C.E.: Beats and Rhymes Y’all Can Enjoy”
Why do you think that mainstream Hip-Hop has moved so far away from the lyrics and message it originally supported in the 80’s & 90’s?
I think mainstream hip hop have moved away from lyrics because they feel like it’s unnecessary and it’s not profitable. I feel like some of the elders of hip hop are not respected and their influence has been taken for granted and it’s all about the business and not the show.
Are there any artists today that you think still carry the flame of original hip hop, doing deeper than the superficial tendencies of mainstream Hip-Hop today?
Even though I don’t know if buddy is considered hip hop, Anderson .Paak is super dope. I like Phonte from Little Brother and the Foreign Exchange. I like Chance, he’s dope and a definite inspiration, and I also like Vic Spencer.
What have you got in store over the next few months?
Im going to be shooting the videos for more records off the album and eventually releasing “B.R.Y.C.E: Beats and Rhymes Y’all Can Enjoy”
Any last words?
I truly appreciate the support and it’s a blessing to have people like y’all around for up and coming artist. We need the voice bruh.
