Blog 365: March 2015

HighTyde: Piece of a Larger Picture - Part 5, The Finale Preludes

HighTyde: Piece of a Larger Picture - Part 5

By Mr. Joe Walker

Hip-hop star HighTyde is making the most of his independence. Formally signed to Warner Bros./Word, the award-winning Battle Creek, MI native is taking every step to genuinely expand the reach of his brand by his means. He’s also doing so while remaining humble yet hungry, evidenced by Project Cypher - his charitable live performance series.

The first Midwest MusicChallenge winner is fully driven by love and desire to further the growth of hip-hop culture through community. With acclaim and attention continuing to find him, HighTyde realizes he is but a piece of a much larger picture.

Why are you a hip hop artist?

"To me, hip hop is the rawest and most pure, if not poetic, form of music. I embody the hip hop culture because of the passion behind it. It's stories, it's tragedy, it's heartbreak, it's love, it's fun, it's parties. Simply put: it's life.

As a hip hop artist, we create art. We think outside the box. We inspire others to become better at their craft. We are our own worst critics. Having that mindset, as well as putting life to music, this is what truly makes me a part of the hip hop culture and a hip hop artist." - HighTyde

For more on HighTyde and his Project Cypher series, visit HighTyde.com. Download his newest releases NewTyded States of America HERE.

I write "good"!

HighTyde: Piece of a Larger Picture - Part 4

HighTyde: Piece of a Larger Picture - Part4

By Mr. Joe Walker

When was the last time you felt super dope and super wack?

"The last two times I felt super dope was February of 2014 after winning the first ever Midwest Music Challenge. After the surrealism wore off, it was less about being 'dope' and more of 'finally feeling respected by my peers' - which is all I ever wanted to be from the beginning.

I don't look at hip-hop artists as doper than each other because we're all fighting for the same cause. But to look to my left, and to my right, and see artists like Ski Streetz and Smartmouf, and Nemoniq, and all these artists who have built followings and paid their dues, and for them to say, 'I respect you', to me, that is the essence of dope.

The last time was the feeling I had coming off the heels of the first Project Cypher. This was the first event I had ever thrown. It was an idea that I had kicked around in my head for several years, but it wasn't until the recognition and the connections I made from the Midwest Music Challengethat I felt I was truly able to pull off such an event. After putting in so much blood, sweat, and tears, I think finally seeing the end product go off without a hitch was just another example of pure 'dopeness'.

As far as feeling super wack... That's harder to say. I can't ever recall a time where I didn't want to show my face in public for fear of embarrassment. I guess the closest to feeling wack was being signed to a major label, and feeling like I had no control over my own branding. Being stripped of determining my own destinations, and basically being shelved because no one at the label had faith in me." - HighTyde

For more on HighTyde and his Project Cypher series, visit HighTyde.com. Download his newest releases NewTyded States of America HERE.

I write "good"!

HighTyde: Piece of a Larger Picture - Part 3

By Mr. Joe Walker

Where do you look for inspiration when you NEED to find it?

"When I look for inspiration, I look no farther than the leaders of any movement, whether it be on a local or national level. From music, to charities, to just beliefs in general, I'm inspired by individuals who take a stand, who create, the ones who don't tend to follow the pack, but rather guide it.

I look at someone like Tye Ramos of La Famil as an example. He had a dream, he had a vision, and he acted upon it. His success wasn't determined by following anyone but his own heart. He created events, he developed a following, he made connections. But Tye also spent time developing other artists. He could have been greedy, but he wasn't, and still isn't to this day. Tye is the type of person that wouldn't hesitate to share what he has learned with someone because he knows a team of people with knowledge is stronger than any one lone individual working towards the same goal. I tend to model myself after people like that." - HighTyde

For more on HighTyde and his Project Cypher series, visit HighTyde.com. Download his newest releases NewTyded States of America HERE.

I write "good"!

HighTyde: Piece of a Larger Picture - Part 2

By Mr. Joe Walker

“I think whether it's work-related or personal life, I just feel like it's my destiny to inspire a younger generation. Sure, they don't have to be hip-hop artists, but what we lack in our society today are the leaders and the motivators. I constantly find myself being that guy who pushes people to be better than they are. It's not an ego thing, call it whatever you may. But a huge motivator for me is being the inspiration for someone, and then have it go full circle; seeing them succeed, which in turn inspires me to motivate someone else.

I think winning an event like the Midwest Music Challenge was a huge boost to my confidence. It was more like a gift, I guess. I'm sort of reminded of the Spiderman lore: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’. I think being crowned a winner of anything in general sort of puts a level of responsibility on your shoulders because you become a role model at that point. I think once I accepted that I am in that position of being a role model, I have to carry that with me like a badge of honor, because it truly is.” – HighTyde

For more on HighTyde and his Project Cypher series, visit HighTyde.com. Download his newest releases NewTyded States of America HERE.

I write "good"!

HighTyde: Piece of a Larger Picture - Part 1

By Mr. Joe Walker

The first Midwest MusicChallenge winner is fully driven by love and desire to further the growth of hip-hop culture through community. With acclaim and attention continuing to find him, HighTyde realizes he is but a piece of a much larger picture.

Who is HighTyde when he's away from the microphone and anything music related?

“HighTyde is an extremely independent, unique, focused, free-spirited, business-minded, driven, and passionate individual, although most people see him as just a loner. HighTyde is a Graphic Designer by trade. HighTyde's career outside of the music world is in Finance. HighTyde, above all else, is charitable, humble, and gracious for all the opportunities he has been given. My motto growing up and still to this day is, ‘You laugh because I'm different; I laugh because you're all the same’. – HighTyde

For more on HighTyde and his Project Cypher series, visit HighTyde.com. Download his newest releases NewTyded States of America HERE.

I write "good"!