.png)
Ervin Mitchell has a new album out called " Cudi Baby ", which pays homage to his two favorite rappers; Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi. Born in Louisiana, this artist is bringing a different style of music to the industry. IamDjRo came up with some questions to ask this on the verge artist to give our viewers more insight on who he is. Check out the exclusive below.
Tell me in a few words, who you are. How would you describe yourself in a short story.
My name is Ervin Mitchell. I’m from a lot of places. I was born in Louisiana and lived there for 12 years then I moved to Memphis with my dad from 12 -18. I went to college in Atlanta and lived there for 10 years. So I’ve been all over. I’m a young man with a creative vision that I plan to share through my art. I want to show a different vision. We can manifest anything we want. I am someone who embodied that.
What’s your stage name and how did you come up with it?
My stage name is my actual name but some people like to call me Ervin “Mother F*%%in” Mitchell as well.
What got you into music?
I’ve always been into art and movies. I used to read and write a lot as a kid but I got into music once my dad put me in the band in sixth grade. Actually before that I only listened to music on the radio occasionally. When I moved with my pops he put me on to all the classics so music has always been in me. I combined my love for literature with my love for sound.
What was life like growing up?
Life was interesting. I moved with my pops when I was a kid and didn’t even meet him until I was like 8 so that shit was a trip. He pulled up like I’m your dad and I want you to life with me. Shit was like a real life Fresh Prince. My dad wasn’t rich but he was well off. He was strict and he had his issues but childhood was great. I was blessed to have a father. Also my mother allowed me to make that transition and I will always love her for that. Childhood was fun. Lots of cartoons, church, basketball, and going outside. Typical southern child s***.
Who is your inspiration? What keeps you going to get up daily and put effort into your music career?
My inspiration is God. I have a mission to realize and that keeps me going. I strive to be at least 1% better everyday.
What is your creative process like? What is the meaning behind
your current single?
My creative process varies. Sometimes I like to write my lyrics out on paper. Sometimes I type them. Lately I’ve been doing this thing where I create a few tracks and I recorded line by line off the top of my head. I’m doing that to be more creative with the flows. It all depends on the track really. It just depends on what I’m trying to say and how in depth I’m trying to go with it. I just let the beat play and get in the vibe. My current single is just some real rap shit. It’s featuring my bro The Letter M. He’s fire.
What is the name of the current single/ep/album that you are pushing? Do you prefer people to buy it or stream? And why?
I just released my first full length album called Cudi Baby. It’s paying homage to two of my favorite artists Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi. I prefer people to engage with the music in whatever way suits them. I make it available in all formats for that purpose. Also plan to make out some hard copies and sign them for the fans that enjoy that kind of thing. It’s available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, etc. It’s even on Napster!
With the industry changing so much, would you stay indie or sign to a label? Why and why not?
Indie for sure. I’d partner with a major if it makes sense but what they once provided is accessible to me. A lot of artists are only one dimensional and may need that machine to guide their brand or vision or may not want to handle those aspects of the art form. I love that part. I get what labels can do but personally I see a much more lucrative future independently. It’s just a maze very few are able to carve out which makes other things more appealing. I’m more of a long road guy myself. I don’t mind the grind.
Do you feel like the music industry has went down since the pandemic? Why or why not? Where you affected by the pandemic with music or everyday life?
I think it’s been better because a lot of bullshit that was being propped up has died and a lot of music that is emerging now seems to be a bit more essential.
If you were give a chance to sit down and have a business dinner with a celebrity who would it be and why?
A business dinner with a celebrity? Probably Lebron James. I’d just like to talk about life and how someone from where he is from could go to where he has gone. It’s incredible!
How do you balance everyday life tied into your music career?
Um, I don’t balance it. I create a system where they sort of feed off each other. It works better when you can be yourself fully but also brand yourself in a manner that connects and helps everything go. I’m always thinking about new ideas and creative ventures. There is no difference.
Tell me about your most memorable moment in your career?
The most memorable moment is probably releasing this album honestly. Also being featured as one of HipHopDXs Next up artists was dope.
What style of music do you prefer to make? Would you ever try a different lane?
I just make music that resonates with me. I rap mostly but my style is a bit more eclectic than most. I’m more of an individual. The game now is based on copy cars which is kind of the opposite of what I came up on.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
Nia Long and Ashanti. I hope they aren’t too old to get pregnant lol.
Is there anyone who you would collab with right now?
I love the artists I collab with now. They’re all legends but in the future I’d love to work with Wayne and Cudi obviously. Future as well. I f*ckin love Future.
Who is the producer and engineer behind your music?
I have a few different producers. On my latest project my bros Sterling and Will Gittens did some work for me. My bro Fro Sosa did some stuff. Lexi Banks and Ill Instrumentals did a few joints. I’m currently working with TrackTeam and tapping in with my brother 14 Golds again soon. They the next niggas to blow out the A. Mark my words. All my tracks are mixed by my guy Miah Lajeunesse. He’s fire.
What are you currently working on and what is next for you?
I’m working on just getting in and collaborating with different artists around the city. Just trying new sounds and building new vibes. Already working on my next project but I won’t say too much. I’ll just say it’s gonna be different from my last one. Way harder. Not necessarily darker but harder for sure.
When it comes to fashion, whats your dressing style ?
I just grab what fits me. I’m free spirited. I’m gonna show the world more of my style in this next phase of my career.
What is your creative process like and who inspired you to make music?
My creative process is just me being inspired. Like it could be by a movie or a commercial or a cartoon show or anything. I just get that energy to create. I try to write at least 3 songs a week but sometimes I do 4 in a day. Been doing a lot of recording lately.
If you could open up for one celebrity who would it be and why?
The Weeknd back in like 2014 would be the perfect guy for me to open up for. He was on some weird underground hippy shit back then and that is right up my alley.
Any funny stories or an embarrassing moments you want to share with our readers?
Um, not at the moment but I’ll keep y’all up to speed lol. I’m writing a script about my life. Just finished the first draft. Not sure if it’s gonna be a film or a series but I’ll share everything in there.
What would you be doing right now if it wasn’t for your music career?
Who knows. I’d probably be doing something boring as f*ck.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Do you and also take accountability for your actions and be gentle to yourself.