Po: Thanks for stopping by Po Politickin. For our first question, can you tell the listeners a little bit about yourself?
Octavian: First I want to say I appreciate the opportunity to be featured on your blog and it is a pleasure. I am 22 years-old, currently a college student at Bridgewater State College in Mass. I’m from Brockton, MA. I have been in the game now 4 1/2 years. I have collabed with some of the industries most prolific artists for my debut mixtape “Steet Credentialz Volume 1: Industry Status”. I have collabed with Young Noble from Tupac’s “Tha Outlawz”, one of hip hops elite female MC’s “Lady Luck”, Former D-Block member J-Hood, and Mixtape Guru who is making noise all across the world “Statik Selektah” who hosted the mixtape. I am pushing my debut single “Hood Chick” Feat. up and coming R&B sensation Kallil. We are due to shoot the music video for “Hood Chick” May 1st and will be released mid-May. Bascically my grind, my hustle, my ambition, and my drive is second to none!!!
Po: How was it growing up in Brockton?
Octavian: Growing up in Brockton was rough for me. You know growing up with 3 other brothers and only my mom dukes. That sh*t was a reality check! Real Talk! We had to struggle for whatever we needed, I had no time for fun. I didn’t grow up the typical way. At a young age i was taught the streets. My uncles bread it into me. They taught me young, beginning at age six. But, despite the hardships and turmoil I was able to prevail. I took it upon myself to veer away from that life style and yearned for better, not only for myself but for my family as well. So, while learning the streets, living that life, playing that role… behind closed doors I was reading, doing my homework, studying! Eventually I was introduced to Brockton High School Football and life from there on out wasn’t too bad. I took it one day at a time. Graduated in the top of my class and now I am here with you doing this interview pushing my record “Hood Chick” to mainstream radio searching for a distribution deal.
Po: How would you describe your sound?
Octavian: My sound is original, raw, real, and controversial! I have no limits, no boundaries! I will spit about anything; the streets, politics, love, hate, hardships, struggles, commercial, anything. I am universal in that sense. i have influences from hip hop’s greats from Tupac, Big Pun, Nas, Biggie, Big L, LL Cool J, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Run DMC, and the list continues. I ahve developed my own style, my own swag, and understand who I am as a young man, i have found myself. My sound is just me, feel me?
Po: How would you define the word “success”?
Octavian: For me the defintion of success is very simple, success is “doing what you set out to do and accomplishing your goals no matter how big or small.” You can have success even if you just set a goal to be able to provide dinner for your children and you accomplish that goal. Success is something everyone should experience whether it be internal, personal, or infamous.
Po: What are your interest outside of music?
Octavian: Outside of music I have many interests. I love sports. As we speak I am currently a College football player for the Bridgewater State Bears. I am very interested in turning my entertainment company, “Viciouz Society Entertainment”, into a major corporation. I am also intersted in starting communtiy service outreach programs as well as a college scholarships for those financially incapable for paying for tuition.
Po: Where do you see your career five years from now?
Octavian: 5 years from now if I’m not a major figure in the Entertainment Industry or Music Industry, I will take my degree and attain a government positition out here in Mass, coach high school or college football, provide for my family, and be extremely active in the community. No matter which path i will not fail!!!
Po: Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal? (Why?)
Octavian: Currently I am looking for a joint venture deal with a major label like Universal, Koch, Def Jam, etc… I am seeking a joint venture deal becasue i own an entertainment company and would like to put artisits out. I would love to break artists records and get them over the hump just as DJ Addition is trying to do with me.
Po: What advice would you give to aspiring rappers?
Octavian: For all those aspiring artists if you really want this, if this is something eating you, if this is your calling… Stay focused on the task at hand. Do not try to do 50 different things at once. Keep motivated, ambitious, and driven. If at anytime you feel this path is not for you and you cannot continue take a second and evaluate yourself and if you still do not know wherer your destiny lies, this industry is not for you, focus on other things you may excel at. This industry is full of “Great White Sharks” lurking in the depths ready to tear you apart, if your not ready for the challenge failure is iminent!
Po: Once again, thanks for stopping by Po Politickin. Any last words for the readers?
Octavian: To all those reading this interview I want to say good looks, I appreicate the love and support! With out ya’ll I wouldn’t be here right now. Keep supporting your boy, stay updated on all current Octavian news & events by going ot my website www.octavianmusic.com … you can acces my myspace page and facebbook page from that site. I wanna tell my mom dukes I LOVE YOU, my brothers, Jose, Carlos, and Peter y’all know what it is man. To my homies Teddy, Jemini, Dwizzy, Money Mike, my cousin Nene, and all the rest, I got YOU. THA TIME IS NOW, LET’S GET IT!!!
Dats some real shit OC. Keep doing it up man. We hea for you. – Jay