From the violin to the studio: Matt Black

By Chioma Nwana

Broke, scared, and ambitious.

I watched the "G Wagon" music video. How did you come up with a concept for the visual?

Thank you. Since the song is titled "G Wagon," it was mandatory to get one for the video. I didn't know how, but I knew it had to happen. I originally planned to have a matte black G Wagon because... Matt Black. But I ended up getting a white one. The locations were chosen by me and my friend Sebastien, who helped shoot and direct the video. The scenes in the nighttime on the roof represent the present time — broke, scared and ambitious. The scenes with the G Wagon and the yellow jacket represent the future — flashy, vibrant, and wealthy. The song is pretty much a manifestation of what's going to happen in the future. 

You’re a member of the SYFUH collective. Can you describe SYFUH for everyone?

SYFUH has changed throughout the years, from its meaning to the people rapping it. At the core, SYFUH will always be a lifestyle representing art in every form. SYFUH is the art of life and the life of art. 

How did you transition from playing instruments to rapping full-time?

I've been surrounded by music since I was born. I was born and raised in The Bronx — I grew up listening to a lot of hip-hop and R&B. I played the violin in elementary school and the alto saxophone in middle school. I started rapping in the beginning of high school. One of my friends from my block wrote raps for fun at the time, and he inspired me to write my own. Since then, I haven't stopped. 

What is your sound? Do you want to keep it there? Or are you trying to take it somewhere else?

My sound is constantly evolving. What you hear now will be completely different from what you will hear a year from now. I just want to keep learning, be inspired by life, and put all of that into my music.

Are there any music artists in particular who have influenced the way that you make music?

Eminem, Kanye West, Drake, and Logic.

In addition to your music, you take streetwear very seriously. How would you describe your style?

My style is spontaneous. It really depends on where I’m at and what I’m doing. Regardless, I always wear what makes me feel confident and comfortable. 

If you had to wear one pair of sneakers for the rest of your life, what pair would you choose?

That's a hard one. I have three favorite sneakers: it would either be a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors 1970s, Air Jordan 1s, or Rick Owens Dunks. 

Has moving from The Bronx to California changed the way that you approach music or style?

Yes, greatly. I noticed that I became a little more laid back and carefree in Cali. That definitely played a major role in my fashion style and music.