Urban Grandstand Digital Issue 10 | Page 85

something to speak about.  UG Digital Mag: What’s the outcome of the showcase for the other artists involved? Aren’t there other artists involved? Slate: Yes. There are other artists that me and my management will seek out that will come to showcase their talent, leading up to my performing. It’s a way for me to do a couple of things, like, I’ve performed a lot, but I’ve never had a full set. I’ve done one, two, and three songs. I wanted to get the experience of perfuming a full set. I’ve made the transition, and an announcement is coming up. I feel like that will be the biggest thing of the event.  UG Digital Mag: It’s definitely good to see you do this on your own. You don’t see that with a lot of artist, especially the younger ones. Many of them are not as involved in their careers as you are in yours. Why was it important to be able to do this for yourself? Slate: Just in taking control of my career, musically, I’ve always been in control. I wanted to have the experience of putting on my own show, and say that people came out to see me. I wanted the feeling of knowing they came out because they wanted to see me and what I was showcasing. Rather than waiting for the opportunity to come down the line, I wanted to take the bull by the horns. I want it to be something that grows and is successful so that I can have another Even Experience. I want to grow as an artist and give fans the chance to grow with me.  UG Digital Mag: It’s clear that as an artist, you’ve learned a lot about how to present yourself. Looking at your predecessors, what are the biggest things you learned from watching them? Slate: Mainly, the hard work side of things when it comes to perseverance and grinding. A lot of people think that talent alone will get you to where you want to be. Talent is great, and you definitely need it, but that’s not all it takes. There’s always a great rapper who never makes it, or a great basketball player who never makes it. The difference between them and a Steph Curry, or Kobe Bryant, is the work they put in.  UG Digital Mag: You recently released your latest project, I’m Sorry, Soon. Where did the the title come from? Slate: Basically, all 2015, I talked about the EP coming soon. Needless to say, I’m still working on it. Rather than rush it, I wanted to give the fans something to hold them over. The title is just saying, I’m sorry it’s not here yet, but it’s coming soon.  UG Digital Mag: Who were people you were able to work with in putting it together? Slate: It’s been close knit. I worked with one engineer for both projects. When it comes to collaborations, it’s been in-house. It hasn’t been too much outside interference.  UG Digital Mag: What’s coming up next aside from the EP? Is there even a date yet? Slate: No date yet. I have a goal, but every time I speak it, it doesn’t happen. But it’s definitely coming soon. We’re almost there when it comes to the finish line, but I’m not rushing it. It’s definitely coming soon. My single for the EP will drop at the Even Experience. That’s what the focus is. We’re trying to make sure there are as many people as possible to vibe with me and support me. April 30th! After that, it’s just going to be post-pro- duction. From there, when I’m ready and content, the people will have it.  UG Digital Mag: I would love for people to continue checking you out. Where can they find you online? Slate: My social media for Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Soundcloud, it @LyricalSlate. Youtube as a lot of performances, and SoundCloud has both of my projects. My Instagram is @ CantHateSlate UG Digital Mag: Any final comments at all? Slate: I just want to thank you for this opportunity, and I’m stressing the Even Experience! April 30th at the Karma Bistro, in the SkyBox. 1179 South Hairston Road, in Stone Mountain. Doors open at 4:30, and it goes from 5pm - 7pm. Single is coming April 30th, and EP is coming soon! +