Festival arenas and stadiums are filled up choc a bloc with the crazy fans of CALIK STILLSIK. He has come up with riveting tunes of hip hop in his exotically shot music video ‘A.M.F.B (About My Father Bizness)’ that also features DJ XL. It is a splendid execution by the new age rap artist.
We wished him all the luck for his latest endeavor and his upcoming ventures. He has been dishing out some crazy stuff as always. We caught up with the rapper very recently and he was candid enough to answer some relevant questions giving us insight about his private and professional life.
Here are a few questions that we asked the rapper par excellence –
1. What made you take the plunge in the difficult world of hip hop and how did you cope up at the initial stages of your career?
Ans: I mean hip hop had always been a passion of mine and I knew if I wanted peace I’d have to dive in headfirst. It’s like I crave the energy and power it brought. But I just wanted to be authentic and stand out. My way wasn’t always accepted tho. But I always believed that if you believed in yourself others would too.its an undeniable force. And I evolved as the culture did.
2. Who is your icon from yesteryears whom you want to meet given a chance to roll back in time?
Ans: I have so many icons I would’ve loved to meet. From Run DMC to LL Cool J. Eric B and Rakim, Slick Rick, Dougie Fresh, Fat boys. But I would say the one who I wanted to meet right off was KRS One (Knowledge Rain Supreme) and BDP. He was a big influence on me because he was more than a rapper he was a teacher of rap poetry and diss. And he gave us knowledge in every aspect of the game as well as the world.
3. Is there any career move that you regret and want to change if you can turn back the clock?
Ans: Well I wouldn’t say regret it but I was very much into sports. I always wanted to play professional football as a kid it was another great passion of mine and I took another road due to my life situation. But there is a reason for everything I believe.
4. How the Covid-19 pandemic did affect your prospects as a rapper and how are you dealing with it?
Ans: COVID really changes my whole direction in the moves I wanted to make. I have a certain way how I promote myself and my music. I love performing and rock in our stages everywhere. Also being one on one with the people in the community and that was always an effective approach for who I am as an artist. But then I did very little online promo and marketing. But the upside is I now do more online promo and marketing now with has given me a better boost and understanding of how to move in today’s culture.
5. Are you a go-getter in terms of achieving success or are you a chilled-out folk with a laid back attitude?
Ans: I am definitely a go-getter to the core. It’s in my DNA. I believe if you want something you have to get out here in circulation. Nothings gonna fall in your lap.
6. Are you a politically conscious artist and are you perturbed by the various socio-political issues that are cropping up frequently in the global perspective?
Ans: I am a real-life artist. But I’m aware of the political issues although I try not to incorporate politics into my craft nor over religious issues either. I feel it can shun listeners away before getting a chance to embrace you.
7. Do you have any city of choice in the world that gives you the much-needed adrenaline rush to perform better?
Ans: Yes I always wanted yo rock out New York Madison Square Gardens any City out that way. Because it where it all started and if you can rock out there you good.
8. Did you ever succumb to the pressure of managing the work-life balance given the hectic schedule that you have to manage all the time?
Ans: Work-life and life as an artist is a hard thing to juggle. But I feel at this point of where I am today I make it all work for me. So there’s no pressure at this time for me.
9. Do you think that there are a lot of contemporaries in the world of hip-hop who have enviable qualities or it is easy for you to ace anyways?
Ans: Yes I believe there are yes I believe once I put my mind to something I will definitely ace it.
10. What is your take on the directions and patterns set by the music industry? Do you feel it is moving properly or do you suggest any changes?
Ans: My take on the direction and patterns is these are the times where the internet is the wave it’s on and if you want to be successful this is the wave you must be on.
11. How do you react to the constant adulation from fans and media attention?
Ans: I love the media attention from fans. It’s a booster for me.
12. How do you relax when you have some time to spend on your own? Do you stay back at home or go for a vacay?
Ans: Because I’m always gone working I usually spend quality time with the wife. Spoil and cater to her needs to show my appreciation to her. She’s been there through it all.
Check out this latest video on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G45Dg4LYoq8
