Last year, Murph dropped his highly anticipated Position of Power EP and has been working very hard to bring his visions to life.
The South Florida-based rapper gave the project to DRE Films to check out, which he received positive input on. Murph and his go-to videographer DRE Films headed to Columbia’s Caribbean coast to create a three-part film inspired by a trio of records off the EP.
“When we touched down in Cartagena, we knocked it out and it came out dope,” Murph told VIBE.
In December, Murph and Dre Films released the first video for Puttin’ On, which was produced by Rich Eye AM. The music video was filmed surrounded by locals in the 16th century Old Town and 21st century slums of Cartagena.
A month later, Murph and Dre Films released the second part of the three-part film, Homecoming.
“This time around I wanted to give [Murph] something different. When I mentioned the idea of shooting in Cartagena, Colombia he was with it 100%. We touched the whole city,” Dre Films told VIBE.
Interview
What are your thoughts on the hip hop scene in Miami?
“The hip hop scene in Miami has grown immensely from the time I started out rapping. The acceptance of lyrical content and rhyme scheme has risen compared to the original sound Miami is known for. Many artists are out here making a name for themselves and letting their presence be known. I am happy to say the hip hop scene in Miami is finally shining. It is time for me to show and prove myself to the public.”
Who would you like to collaborate with in 2018? Why?
“I can’t exactly say who I’m interested in working with at this moment because I am primarily focused on my product, but I am willing to work. I enjoy making dope music with anyone that has dope material. I’ve worked with well known artists to locals doing it how I do. At the end of the day I am just all about productivity.”
Out of all of the songs on “Position in Power,” which was your favorite one to work on? Why?
“I would have to say Puttin On and Monumental might be my favorite joints off of the whole project. The production that each producer presented brought out the hunger in me to create. I enjoyed making those records, as well as, every other record on the album. Yet, those two are the most special to me.”
What is your musical background? How would you describe your sound to new fans?
“I grew up listening to 2Pac, Scarface, Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z, AZ Eightball & MJG, Lil Wayne, T.I., and more. This is the time period when artists expressed meaningful things in their music. I’m Jamaican, so Jamaican artists have influenced me as well.
My sound comes off as aggressive because I go into my life experiences, such as things I went through or things that someone close to me may have went through. I really try to bring life into my music.”
How do you separate yourself from other rappers in the game?
“My main focus is to stand out as much as possible because I’m not trying to be a one hit wonder. The musical content I focus on isn’t like the typical music you would hear on the radio. I thrive off of being accepted from a great body of work and try my best to exploit that through the visuals I make off of my projects to the production. I’m independent and do everything myself, such as funding everything for my career. I believe that alone sets me aside from most rappers these days.”
Firstly, I would like to say your new music video came out dope! How was your experience filming your music video for “Homecoming” in Cartagena, Columbia? What made you choose Columbia as the setting?
“Thank you, I really appreciate it! I actually went to Columbia in July for vacation and fell in love with the country. I went on the Pablo Escobar tour while I was out there and felt like I was on an episode of Narcos. I released the project when I got back home and emailed Dre Films. He told me what songs he wanted to shoot for and said let’s go to Columbia and knock some shit out. A week later we were on a flight to Cartagena, Columbia.”
What has been a stand out moment in your journey thus far? Explain the moment and why it stands out to you.
“This journey of mine is still in process and the fact that I am still alive to tell my story through music is a blessing for me. Filming the music video for Positionin was a moment that stood out, because I tapped back into my Jamaican roots. It was definetely a tragic time because I went for my aunts funeral. However, my family and I decided to make the best of the moment instead of grieving. So, to be able to film that joint and have my folks involved was really a dope moment for me.”
In your opinion, what is the biggest barrier you have to face in regards to gaining commercial success? Explain why.
“I think the best step to gaining commercial success is radio airplay. Once you have a record that is being supported by a DJ, the barrier is broken. That is when the grind you have been displaying gets accepted. I believe it is all about finding the right record.”
What is next for you? Tell us about any projects and/or ideas you are currently working on.
“I am currently in the process of wrapping up my next project called No Tears 4 Us. I have no official release date at the moment, but I am dropping it real soon amongst other projects I plan on releasing later this year.”
Last question, what is one message you want to send your fans?
“To everyone that has been involved with or following the moment or those who are just not getting familiar with me and my music—I appreciate you all. Keep striving for whatever it is you are chasing and keep it realer than most (RTM).”
Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @emceenetwork and @beautyisacyn!
