As many local fans are aware, Florida has one of the most overlooked Hip Hop circuits, not only in the region, but the entire country. While it can be tough for local creatives to break out from the scene, Citrus Rap makes strides to continue to uplift the Floridians who are on their way up. Said creatives, seen all over CitrusRap, can be found making moves statewide— some even venturing out of state. Still there are several unanswered questions for these rising stars, so we went ahead and formulated a questionnaire to clear the air. This is a new interview series we call “Florida’s Natural,” so that fans can gain insight on the individuals who we believe have the juice
List your current Alias(es):
Eddy Braveaux
Where do you reside; what’s your hometown?
My blood is as Nigerian as it gets but I was born and raised in Duval County, Jacksonville, FL and I’m still in this bit. May be moving soon though.
Why do you produce/rap?
I make music for my own enjoyment and it’s my form of communication to connect my world to OUR world. My world, or philosophy, thrives on transparency; being yourself no matter the cost, as that it is the key to being at peace within one’s self. With that being said, I make music to try and bring peace to the world and to make each day of life a little bit more worth living. We don’t have much.
Who do you look up to?
Honestly it’s getting harder to look up to people because of how fake the world is becoming. For instance, I used to look up to Kanye West. More than ever once 808’s and Heartbreak came out, then next thing you know, I hear people like King Louie and Travis Scott and others have been writing his raps. That’s not who I thought he was. I still respect his ideas though. I fuck with a good amount of artists too such as Dom Kennedy, Kendrick Lamar, Black Kray and many more for several reasons, but in the most humble, non-green way of saying this that I can, I look up to who I’m becoming.
How old are you now and how old were you when you first released your music on the internet?
I’m actually 22—but I act 12 with a hint of 37. I was 14, and I dropped a song called “Check My Logo” w/ my homeboys, and shit kinda took off. It had kids in class singing it and shit, stats goin up and this fat-old-ass bitch was tryna get us to ink a deal with So So Def. Turns out she was just a flaw-ass compulsive liar. I still want the fade!
What albums shaped you as an artist/producer?
One would definitely have to be 808’s and Heartbreaks, mainly because of that joint “Street Lights” but the album as a whole had such a boldly unique sound, in a world where everybody seeks to wants to be “normal.” The whole Man on the Moon series. Kid Cudi helped me to be comfortable with myself. Lastly, Kush & OJ. It was the definition of cool to me even though I didn’t smoke or anything back then. The vibrations it gave off just from talkin about lil’ shit in cool ways made me feel like the man. “Never Been” still resonates in my heart to this very day.
What do you consistently bring into all of your production that captivates?
I don’t even know anymore because the shit that I make that I think is the coolest and most captivating tends to get the least response. All my throwaways do the best, for whatever reason. I think my drums and percussion are cool though. May have something to do with my Nigerian blood ;)
How do you portray your personality in your music?
I try and do different stuff such as slow downs or stylish intros, anything that basically is unexpected. I feel like once you expect something, the interest and effect of it is weakened. Ask anybody, I’m all about surprises.
Do you care about social media?
Me and social media have a love hate relationship. I love it because it gives us all a means of staying connected and is a platform for me to display my work to the whole world. I hate it because anybody can be whoever they want to be on there, which is much less easy to do in real life. I’ve been catfished before so I feel very strong about people faking identities.
Is it ever difficult to express yourself?
Yeah, but the only situation I can think of is if I’m at a show or anywhere with a whole lot of people and a lot going on and I see a badass lil’ shorty. I always end up waiting for the right, most unforced opportunity to slide but shit never works out. Shoutouts to them DM’s though.
What song describes your current mood?
Lapalux – “Don’t Mean A Thing”
When can people expect your next release/placement?
I’m bad with dates…before the year is up.
Anything else to add?
What have I created…?
Eddy Braveaux is on Twitter and SoundCloud.
