Q). How things with you?

Great! Just preparing to drop this new music.

Q). Where did the whole El Gant journey all begin?

It began in Poughkeepsie NY at the age of 15 or 16. That is my hometown where I honed my craft and soon after college moved to NYC where I got my start at open mics, battles and eventually appearing on MTV 4 or 5 times battling. After that I had the opportunity to start putting music out and I was off to the races.

Q). Your single ‘Pageants’ feat. Rass Kass is available now. How has the response for that been?

It's been great so far! I always love collabing with Ras Kass. He is one of my heroes lyrically and has become one of my best friends over the years. We have done a number of tours together as solo artists and as part of Jamo Gang with J57. I have more songs with him than anyone in the game. Getting production from Marco Polo was a blessing as well I love his sound so I was really excited to release this one leading up to the album.

Q). Whats it like being in the studio with El Gant?

I wish I could say it's a party but I usually keep my circle very tight in the studio so the vibe is right. There are times I may have a drink or two (maybe a sprinkle of mushrooms haha), but most times I am pretty sober and focused. More so now I like to keep my senses sharp so I can really feel what I am recording. I could lock myself in there for hours as long as I have water!

Q). How would you describe your sound?

I would say high end boom bap. I have been through a lot of crazy stuff in my life but instead of just reporting it, I want the listener to walk away with a message or something to think about. I'm also not trying to go over their heads either, but I like to make music with rewind value so you might catch something new I said the third or fourth time you listen to it.

Q). Is there anybody who you would love to do a track with?

Black Thought and Scarface. I love black Thought for a million reasons and I have told him this haha. Scarface's delivery was very influential to me growing up and I think he's such an old soul in you can hear it in his music. Either one or both would be crazy!

Q). Who is your biggest influence?

Definitely those two, KRS-One, Nas, and lot's of bands that have made timeless music throughout the years like Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc. 

Q). Why did you choose to get into the music industry?

I was never a fan of the music industry for the most part and I think if I decided to play the game I could have or currently go a lot further, but I just love making music. I'm an artist and it will always be a part of me. I think though by being patient and not chasing trends it has helped me tremendously at this stage of my career.

Q). What would you say is your biggest achievement in music so far?

I have done some pretty cool things and played some huge venues but I think all of that pales in comparison to getting to work with and travel at time with DJ Premier. Getting to experience things with him, being his friend, and also getting some amazing advice from him I couldnt ask for more.

Q). What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

My full length album O.S.L.O. drops Oct 7th! Expect Pageants on there as well as songs with Preemo, J57, Planet Asia, Killah Priest and more.

Q). Do you have any social media for new fans to follow you?

Everything is @elgant