This week Ashley introduces Ghost Da Lyrical, an up and coming underground rapper out of Queens, NY. His sophisticated rampant style grasps people’s attention. Ghost Da Lyrical is politically conscious and has no problem showing it. He is lyrical at the very least, delivering in each and every song. Ghost has also defined diversity in which he satisfies all demographics. We get to understand his views and who he is as you read on…
"...my music has messages, meanings and things for people to grow on, or simply relate to..."
Ashley: What is your perspective on rap down south, in west and east coast?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Personally I am not a fan of southern rap, but I do listen to it to learn about the culture and see what the fans like. Some of the southern rappers I respect include Young Jeezy, Outkast, T.I. and Ludacris. I love west coast rap; I grew up listening to Snoop and Dre. East coast music as of late represents a flashy lifestyle, and honestly that’s not what hip-hop is about.
Ashley: If you weren’t pursuing a career in entertainment, what else would you do?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I’m currently majoring in legal studies, leaning more towards criminal justice. Always got to have more than one plan, because you never know what life will throw at you.
Ashley: Which artists would you consider collaborating with?
Ghost Da Lyrical: If I had the opportunity I would work with J. Cole. He is an extremely talented writer, and I think we share the same views on music. Other artists I would collaborate with include Royce Da 5’9 of Detroit and Fred The Godson of the Bronx.
Ashley: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists learning the music industry?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I would suggest that they be unique. The industry is always looking for something people haven’t heard before. If they can incorporate a new sound, then it will be easier for you to be exposed.
Ashley: What characteristics determine the success of an artist in the music industry?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I would say tough skin. If you get knocked down, just spring back up and brush it off. Also, you need to be dedicated to your craft. The music industry is not a nine to five job; you have to work 24/7. Mostly, you need to be humble to make it far.
Ashley: How did you feel the first time you ever rapped?
Ghost Da Lyrical: My first recording was a big disappointment to me, because I knew I was way better than how it sounded. At the same time though it made me determined to keep working at it, and to always improve from the last recording.
Ashley: When did you decide to become a rapper?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Subconsciously, I would say 1994, after listening to Biggie’s “Ready To Die”. It is my all time favorite rap album, and Biggie is my favorite rapper. I would mimic his style, and recite his lyrics daily. Consciously, I would say when I turned 17.
Ashley: In your opinion, which artists dominates hip hop today?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Eminem, hands down. He has broken more barriers than any other artist and has shown the flexibility of his work.
Ashley: What distinguishes you from other musicians?
Ghost Da Lyrical: My voice. When I rap, I bring a lot of force and energy. It makes people pay attention. I have been called the “Modern Day DMX”, and being that DMX is actually one of my favorites, you could imagine how that makes me feel as an artist. Also, the content of my music. I’d say over 80% of the time, my music has messages, meanings and things for people to grow on, or simply relate to.
Ashley: Have you ever had any encounters with any negative publicity or promotion?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Unfortunately, yes. In 2009 I was supposed to open a show for Jae Millz, and didn’t get on stage until almost 3:00 a.m., despite the fact I was scheduled for 9:30. As tough as that experience was for me as an emerging artist, it also taught me how to be cautious when dealing with people in this industry.
Ashley: What’s the biggest opportunity you’ve had in your career?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Coast2Coast Mixtapes has offered me numerous collaborations and the opportunity to perform in Germany. Also, I have been rated number one on nycmuzik.com’s Top 5 Unsigned Artists for over eight months.
Ghost Da Lyrical: As flexible and as versatile as my music is, I find my typical fan to be a college kid working two jobs to pay off their tuition, or any person struggling to conform or fit into “society’s rules”. Anyone who has experienced great loss or tragedies can seriously relate to most of my music.
Ashley: How would you describe your music?
Ghost Da Lyrical: My music appeals to any demographic, especially because it encourages people to do better for themselves and be conscious of what they stand for. It’s ironic the kind of message I give off with the way I present the music, but it grabs everyone’s attention no matter what, which is what I intended.
Ashley: What are your immediate and long term goals for your career in the music business?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I hope to start getting spins on major radio stations. I would want the tri-state area to be excited about my music. I am not looking to get signed to a major label, because of the way the music industry is changing and plummeting. At the same time, as much as I enjoy the freedom of having 100% control of my career, a distribution or indie deal can suit me for the time being, until I can negotiate with a major strictly on my terms.
Ashley: How would you define success?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I will know I am successful when things I want come easily and I do not have to work so hard to achieve.
Ashley: Given the opportunity, who would you network with in this business?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Completely left field, but Donald Trump. He makes straight forward, unbiased decisions about his business, and at the end of the day, that’s what this industry is. A business.
Ashley: How would you rate your performance ability?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I would give myself eight and a half out of ten. I am a completely different person on stage compared to in the booth; however I am not ashamed to say that my stage presence and performance needs tweaking.
Ashley: Where would you like to perform?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I would want to perform overseas at some point. They are very receptive to hip-hop in some areas. Also on big hip-hop tours, such as “Rock The Bells”.
Ashley: Where did you get your name from?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Ghost is a childhood nickname in reference to my demeanor. The “Lyrical” came about in high school, when I would battle and freestyle at the lunch tables. I stung it together with “Da”, and there you have it, “Ghost Da Lyrical”.
Ashley: What is your favorite genre of music?
Ghost Da Lyrical: I listen to a lot of alternative rock at my leisure. I feel this genre has reached the pinnacle of flexibility and creativity that hip-hop should have, but hasn’t quite reached yet.
Ashley: Who are your musical influences?
Ghost Da Lyrical: Biggie is my biggest musical influence. Others include Onyx, 2Pac, Big Pun, Rakim, Big L, Eminem, DMX, Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations.
Ghost Da Lyrical: Shout out to: UNDVYD, Izzo Flii, L’Crème Clothing, Fat Boy Radio, Queens and Grand Life Daily for this excellent interview.
