The Unveiling of Marky..

If you don't know, you better ask somebody. And if you do know, you've already been introduced to the soulful lyrics of Hip Hop's most promising newcomer – Marky. He is not your typical Hip Hop artist. He is a young artist with an urban mission, straight out of Washington, DC.
Marky is affectionately viewed as one of Hip Hop's best kept secrets. Therefore, you can consider this his "unveiling." In this exclusive interview He will share with the audience all that defines him.

We all are dying to know, so I'm just going to come with it. Who is Marky?

Marky is a platinum laced ground breaking and versatile artist with a drive like no other in this game.

Growing up, who were your biggest musical influences?

At an early age, I was nurtured by Eric Sermon and Big Daddy Kane. I actually got the opportunity to get tips from them and rap with them about this industry. More Specifically, Eric Sermon was primarily my greatest influence. I was intrigued by him because I could see him on TV and then fly to New York to hang with him. I even got to do a song with him. So from that point on I was his number one fan. He was the best rapper alive. He helped mold me into the artist that I am today.
I'll never forget the guidance that both Eric Sermon and Big Daddy Kane gave me. I used the knowledge that I gained through them to guide me in my everyday life as an artist, and as I write, rap, and compose my own music.

What is your idea of success?

Success is when you reach the point in your life when you feel as though you are good. What I mean is if success to you means graduating from college, securing a good job that pays well and you're good with that - then you are successful.
In high school I would set big goals for myself even then. I would sell my tapes. If I sold 20 tapes I went gold. If I sold 40 I went platinum. Each time I obtained platinum status I was good.
However, At this point in my career I've set even bigger goals for myself. At this point, success means being worth 40 billion dollars, and I'm working towards that.

What motivated you to get into this industry?

What motivated me was a genuine love for music, a natural ability to flow, and encouragement from my family.


Who are your main vocal and production influences?

Vocally I'd have to say almost any artist out there that has that special something about them that sets them apart from all others mainly Jay-Z, Joe Budden, Game, Fabulous, Nas, and Nelly. Production wise I'd also have to say those original producers like Rich Harris that has the Go Go style similar to what we have back home; Timbereland from Virginia who comes with that off the wall type music; You go to LA you got JR Roden, and Scott Starch. Then you got people that are real soulful like Blaze and Will-I-Am with Black Eye Peas and Pharell. And of course the producers that I work with Fastrax and Seneca that's out of St. Louis.

Who or what is your inspiration?

I hate to sound cliché`, but my major inspiration musically I would have to say Jay-Z. He has a unique tone, flow, and way of painting pictures that's consistent – it's crazy. There's also people like Fabulous that grab the beat and flow with it.

Share with us three songs that you're really feeling right now?

I'm feelin`R Kelly right now and all of the music that he's puttin` out. I'm especially feelin the Flirt song. I'm also feelin` the whole Beyonce` vibe right now – especially "Upgrade You." And third, I have to say that I pretty much appreciate all music, especially Hip Hop's current elite artists.

In the current Hip Hop culture, what concerns you the most and what excites you the most?

What concerns me is the lack of creativity, and how people now days are so caught up on popular radio music that they don't take time to go purchase artists CD to get to know them. And what excites me the most is that Hip Hop is going back to the whole late 70's / 80's type of feel.

How do you feel your music will affect its listeners?

My music will change the way that young Hip Hop artists are viewed in this industry. Hopefully my music will catapult me to a level where Hip Hop legends will view me as a breath of fresh air in the new generation of Hip Hop.

Anyone in particular you're really itching to work with?

Right now Joss Stone, but I'm open to work with any of the Hip Hop legends especially Big Daddy Kane.

Who would be your dream collaboration?

I'd love to do a song with Joss Stone. She is neo soul and I'm Hip Hop. Sort of like Nelly and Tim McGraw and Run DMC and Mick Jagger. These were great crossover, groundbreaking collaborations.

What sets you apart from all of the other industry talents currently on the scene?

Three traits. First, I'd have to say versatility. I welcome opportunities to work across genres. Secondly, my music and flow don't come across as forced – it's just what I do naturally. Thirdly, where I'm from is untapped. There are no artist out there currently from DC.

Share with us some of the performance highlights of your career so far?

I've performed all over the place, but people back home are extremely supportive of my efforts to make Washington, DC and Marky a household name. Through DC's radio stations I secured performances with most of the artist that came through to perform – Fabulous, Vivian Green, hometown legend EU, Carl Thomas, Kelly Price. I opened for Lil Romeo and a number of other artists.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would change the whole label structure and allow artist more creative freedom – sort of like it was in the late 80's when music wasn't so watered down. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about the current structure, I just appreciate the artistic freedom of the 80's.

Finally, as a new comer yourself- what would you like to say to all the new artist striving to make it?

I'd like to say just keep doin` it – It's going to happen for you. The game is changing and wide open – Just keep pushin`. People will try to discourage you, but keep striving, and remember to never take advice from unproductive people.

That's what's up - another gifted young brother on the grind. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for MARKY. If you just can't wait for his new single to drop, you can tap into his talent at www.myspace.com/markdef1

Interview by T. Lee
March 22, 2007