Within the vibrant tapestry of American hip-hop, ICN emerges as a multifaceted artist, weaving his lyrical prowess, singing finesse, and rap sensibilities into an intoxicating musical tapestry. Born within the coronary heart of Indianapolis, Indiana, and nurtured by the colourful sounds of Chicago, Illinois, ICN has spent over a decade on a relentless journey by means of the rhythmic realms of music. For the previous 12 years, ICN has been crafting sonic experiences that resonate deep throughout the hearts of his listeners. His musical odyssey has seen him collaborate with esteemed artists corresponding to 2Chainz, Yo Gotti, and extra, solidifying his place within the ever-evolving hip-hop panorama.

ICN’s roots run deep, drawing inspiration from a lineage of iconic artists that features Nas, Snoop Dogg, Ice Dice, 2Pac, ASAP Rocky, and 2Chainz. His fascination with the artwork of hip-hop ignited in 2013 when he crossed paths with the visionary Michael, identified within the business as DJ Prolifik. This fateful encounter marked the genesis of ICN’s transformative journey into music. Beneath the tutelage of DJ Prolifik, ICN underwent a decade-long metamorphosis, evolving into the lyrical maestro and versatile artist we marvel at at the moment. The mentorship of DJ Prolifik was the crucible the place ICN’s uncooked expertise was refined, honed, and finally molded right into a blazing trailblazer on the musical circuit.

From the standard beginnings of basement recordings to gracing tracks alongside a few of hip-hop’s luminaries, ICN’s ascent within the business has been nothing wanting meteoric. In 2023, he etched one other milestone in his musical saga by securing a report deal, catapulting him to new heights of recognition and acclaim. Nevertheless, ICN stays grounded, attributing his outstanding journey to the unwavering help of those that have performed pivotal roles in his life. He acknowledges the profound affect of DJ Prolifik, who ignited his ardour, in addition to the unwavering love and help from his dad and mom, the encouragement of his girlfriend, and even the complicated, bittersweet classes discovered from his exes.

In ICN’s lyrical universe, each beat, each phrase, and each emotion is meticulously crafted to resonate with followers on a profound degree. With an illustrious previous and a promising future, ICN continues to captivate audiences together with his distinctive expertise and distinctive mix of musical artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving panorama of hip-hop. Not too long ago signed by DJ CEO’s label Let’s Get It Productions, on October 20 ICN releases the only “Like Iggy” that includes 2Chainz.

1. Are you able to inform us extra about your background and upbringing in Indianapolis and Chicago?
   

ICN: Properly I used to be born in Indianapolis Indiana and I spent a bit of my childhood right here with my mom, however resulting from issues, I used to be later despatched to reside with my father who additionally lived in Indiana. After residing with my father for a couple of years there have been but once more extra issues, which ultimately resulted in me, being despatched to reside with my Aunt and Uncle in Chicago. Life in Chicago even with the same city environments was very totally different than life in Indiana particularly for an 11 yr child that by no means actually went outdoors and hated college due to bullies. Chicago had its up’s and downs, and regardless that I’ll have been born right here in Indiana it was Chicago that formed into who I’m at the moment. I may go on and on about life in Chicago. However I finally returned to Indiana in my grownup years the place I started constructing my music profession.

2. What motivated you to pursue a profession in music, and the way did you get began within the business?
   

ICN: Consider it or not I really by no means noticed myself stepping into music as deep as I did if even in any respect. Once I was with my mom one factor that she cherished was poetry, listening to it writing it and so forth. So I used to be uncovered to rhythm and rhyming fairly early on and commenced writing poetry across the age of seven. So I suppose you might say that I at all times had a method with phrases however I had by no means tried and even thought to aim out phrases to music. I had ZERO musical information up till a met a Dj named Dj Prolifik in 2014. I consider on the age of 21. Dj Prolifik owned a recording studio and had invited to test it out. On the time I nonetheless had by no means rapped a lyric in my life and it took me a pair months to ever go try the studio. However as soon as I did test it out I believed it was dope and determined to report a music only for the hell of it. The music sucked the supply was trash it was a horrendous work. However Dj Prolifik had stated that I had “uncooked expertise” and he thought I ought to keep it up.  So over that subsequent decade or so DJ Prolifik molded me into the artist that I’m now and he was additionally the spark that lit the fireplace so far as music.

3. What does your moniker “ICN” stand for?

ICN: Ice Chilly Nigga

4. May you share some insights into your musical journey over the previous 12 years? What have been a few of the defining moments in your profession?
   

ICN: I’d must say my very first efficiency was undoubtedly an enormous defining second. Having gone from not figuring out something in any respect about music to acting on a small stage in Shelbyville Indiana was enormous to me, then having my second ever efficiency on a good larger stage it’s the Emerson., after which in fact signing my first report cope with Let’s Get It Productions in 2023.

5. You’ve appeared on songs with established artists like 2Chainz and Yo Gotti. What was it like engaged on these tracks, and the way did these alternatives come about?
   

ICN: Engaged on these tracks was really sort of like a dream come true, particularly with 2chainz being considered one of greatest inspirations. The way it took place is a brief and candy reply. I’ve the dopest supervisor and workforce behind them and I owe that “dream come true” to them.

6. Your musical influences embrace Nas, Snoop Dogg, Ice Dice, 2Pac, ASAP Rocky, and 2Chainz. How have these artists formed your personal fashion and sound?
   

ICN: All of those artists have helped form my sound in additional methods than one, however the primary factor that I take from them is to guide the beat don’t let the beat lead you.

7. Are you able to inform us extra about your collaboration with Michael (DJ Prolifik) Ellis and the way he helped you develop as an artist?
   

ICN: Over that decade Dj Prolifik turned like a brother. He’s like my residing definition of a “day one” as a result of we been at this since day one. Nonetheless to at the present time Prolifik not solely continues to assist me develop as an artist however as a businessman as effectively. With that being stated I really feel that the remaining goes with out saying. You’ll be seeing plenty of Dj Prolifik all through my profession.

8. From beginning with little information about music creation to signing a report deal in 2023, what has been probably the most important milestone in your profession to date?

ICN: Positively getting the chance to collaborate with 2Chainz.

9. Your debut single, “Like Iggy,” that includes 2Chainz, is ready to launch on October twentieth. Are you able to give us a sneak peek into what impressed this monitor?
   

ICN: Actually Iggy Azalea was the inspiration, her magnificence, her work ethic, her music. I do know some might disagree however I really like Iggy, and I hope to sooner or later have the chance to collaborate along with her. Additionally pal of mine that I spent a while in RDC with named “stone”. He gave me the thought of a music that displays a REAL “dangerous bitch”. An exquisite profitable lady whose physique is a murals, that works arduous day in and day trip, and shows a personality that I really feel everybody may respect.

10. What message or story does “Like Iggy” convey, and what can listeners anticipate from it?

ICN: The message is to have enjoyable, and really feel your self. Each time individuals hear that music, I need them to be feelin themselves. When ladies hear that music I need them to really feel like they only as dangerous as Iggy if not badder. Rise up and dance, present your self off it doesn’t matter what individuals assume. When the fellas hear it I need them to really feel like they will obtain something. Like they will have any lady within the constructing, and go anyplace and do something that they honestly wish to do.

11. How do you are feeling about your journey from recording in a basement to attaining success within the music business?

ICN: It’s been powerful. It truly is a cutthroat business and due to that it’s been a really lengthy and dear course of. Now I may always remember the place I come from, however I strive to not spend an excessive amount of time wanting again. Particularly with all the pieces that I presently have happening now in addition to all the pieces that I’ve developing. All I can say is keep tuned.

12. Are there any particular experiences or classes you’ve discovered alongside the best way which have had a profound influence in your music and profession?
    

ICN: Each expertise holds a lesson quite it’s good or dangerous, and what I’ve discovered is to understand each expertise good or dangerous, as a result of these experiences got here with information that may be utilized to development.

13. May you share some insights into your artistic course of in relation to writing and producing your music?
    

ICN: I’ve a couple of totally different artistic processes however the one which works greatest for me is writing the music in my head. Writing songs in my head permits me to both write in my head to a beat that solely exists there, which leaves me room to play with my vocals, cadences, vocabulary, and extra. Memorize it and match them to an actual beat afterward down the road, or I can write to a beat all through the day AFTER I’ve already heard the beat and memorized the tempo, bar counts, and transitions. It’s like meditation for me, with the ability to write songs in full silence by memorizing beats and sounds throughout the beats and rapping totally different lyrics and bars in numerous cadences in my head. Till increase…I’ve written the music. I’ve the beat, the lyrics, cadence, transitions, and adlibs all memorized with out ever writing it down and might report it on the fly. It’s an unusual, however very helpful method of making music, in my eyes

14. What do you take into account to be your distinctive musical expertise and strengths as an artist?

ICN: I’d must say my capability to mix the sounds of various artists all into one and couple that with an unpredictable, and even typically unorthodox stream and also you get ICN.

15. As an artist, how do you deal with criticism and suggestions, and what recommendation do you have got for aspiring musicians coping with each optimistic and destructive feedback?

ICN: I’ve at all times been open to all types of criticism as a result of it may be used to enhance in locations you didn’t even know wanted enchancment. My recommendation can be to understand any and all suggestions, and most of all LISTEN to the criticism and apply it don’t take something to coronary heart.

16. What are your aspirations and targets as an artist for the close to future and the long run?
    

ICN: Within the close to future I’d prefer to have sturdy basis constructed in order that I can take these experiences be taught from them and apply that information to constructing the perfect long run future potential.

17. Are there any upcoming tasks or collaborations you may tease in your followers to sit up for?
    

ICN: Oh FASHO, I’ve one other music with Yo Gotti, and ANOTHER one with Wealthy The Child and I even have my new single “FASHO”. So be sure y’all keep tuned for these in addition to some TV appearances.

18. How do your loved ones, girlfriend, and previous relationships affect your music and artistic course of?
    

ICN: I do that FOR my household, and my children. I need to have the ability to give them the very best life that any son/father may give and I refuse to allow them to down. My girlfriend has been by my aspect since earlier than the deal once I had nothing working a 9-5 residing paycheck to paycheck. She by no means gave up and she or he at all times believed in me even once I stopped believing in myself. And so far as previous relationships go all I’ve to say is shout out to my exs for leaving me doing me soiled speaking and on my title and telling me that I might by no means make it rapping. (In my Chris Brown voice) Take a look at me now.

19. How essential is authenticity and staying true to your self within the music business, and the way do you keep that authenticity in your work?

ICN: I consider authenticity is essential, but in addition ensuring to have enjoyable with it’s simply as essential. Don’t let it turn into simply work. Typically it’s good to get on a monitor and simply have enjoyable speaking yo shit. Be genuine however hold the eagerness sturdy.

20. Lastly, what message would you prefer to convey to your followers and supporters as you proceed to develop and evolve as an artist?

ICN: To my followers, I simply wish to say that I respect them giving me the love, help, and recognition that they’ve been and proceed to present, and it’s due to them I’m able to proceed to develop and evolve as an artist.

OFFICIAL LINKS: https://instagram.com/icn_atitagain