Washington Rapper Nage Re-Emerges for 2019

If there’s anything you know about Seattle, besides the Space Needle, it’s that I’ve constantly posted numerous PNW (Pacific Northwest) artists on my socials. Word on the street is that there’s a new, but not so new, artist up and coming from the Seattle area. Going by the name Nage, this rapper has been on an almost three-year hiatus with his solo music since dropping one banger “On the Rise” in March 2016. He hasn’t been completely ghost during that time though, as he has been featured on tracks of other local artists. Coming into 2019 with some major work planned to drop, you’re gonna want to be on the lookout for him.

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You’re constantly between Seattle and Bremerton, but you’re not originally from either place. Where are you from?

Good observation. So, I was born in the Philippines, but I basically grew up in San Diego and Washington. Due to my parents being split up, I was back and forth. But most of my teen years were in San Diego, ya dig?

I learned something new. Didn’t know you were born over there. I recall you telling me you have two ethnic backgrounds, paired with a Cali upbringing and the PNW culture. Will we see or hear any influences of that in your new music or videos next year?

I got to, ya dig? And also, yeah, there are influences from those cities, but I use many different genres.

I’m sure that will give your new music a unique touch. Why have you taken such a long break from releasing any of your own solo work over the past almost 3 years?

Ay, you’ve been doing your research. Barely anybody that’s met me recently knows that… Well, I sort of didn’t take music as something. I saw myself as someone that has potential to make a difference musically, but feedback from others and self-belief had me saying otherwise.

Since you’ve had time to really figure out what you want this music journey to be for you, how would you describe your sound now, since people may only know the song from 2016? Is it going to be the same, is it different…?

If you recently heard my music from this year I definitely sound like I’m in a different genre. But, I always just be myself and be consistently myself.

Speaking of consistency, are you worried about how your music will be received by people after not dropping anything for such a long time and them anticipating new music from you now?

Not at all. Fans are wishy-washy. Just gotta keep putting content I’m extremely happy with. There’s new people constantly fucking with me and people that have been really rocking with me since day one. Those are the ones I really make music for.

People in Seattle, specifically, seem to love to support local artists. I’ve been told many times this is a small city. Everyone knows each other. I know that’s true now from my own experience. What type of support are you hoping to get from the people here?

I’m looking for more collaborations on projects and shows. Especially from bigger artists that are more recognized, to give back and throw us the spotlight, be it, more shout outs, or openings… That’s what I hope at least.

You mentioned collabing on projects and shows. I imagine in 2019 you’ll be doing more shows once you drop new music. What’s the #1 spot that you look forward to having a show at in Seattle?

That’s an easy one. I’d say Century Link Field or Key Arena.

Definitely big areas to fill. Those are dream spots for a lot of artists here, I bet. What made you start rapping?

Not gon’ cap on you, but it’s when I heard the Beastie Boys for the first time and I didn’t listen to rap ‘til I was 12 or 13. And I just wanted to be just like them.

Wow, the Beastie Boys? That’s actually pretty dope because I totally wasn’t expecting that answer. They had their own style as individuals and anytime I’ve been around you or seen you, you always have your own style. Whether it be a denim jacket, circle glasses, or turtlenecks. Where does the inspiration for your fashion come from?

Yeah the Beastie Boys really made a lasting impression for sure… I don’t know… I really just see what’s new and what’s been relevant for decades and watch certain people make shit fly and be their own, that start trends.

I feel that. It’ll be interesting to see how your style evolves. I know you are pretty crazy and like to have fun, what’s the craziest story you have from a night out with friends?

To be honest, I did more crazy shit when I was younger. Now, I’m boring. I drink tea and smoke weed (laughs).

Yeah, you are pretty chill until you get to dancing out at clubs (laughs). Back to the music, when are you planning on dropping something new?

Well there could never be a dull moment, but nowadays I just have good, clean fun… EP, LP, mixtape or project, whatever you call it, in February! But I’ll drop a single before. I don’t like to give out much specific dates. I just wait for the universe to tell me to drop music.

That at least gives us a little time frame to be on the lookout for a drop. I for sure will put that info out when it happens. What’s your best skill when it comes to rapping and making music, in your opinion? What should we be checking for in your new work?

Real concrete music. I’m gonna make bars cool again. Not everything needs an 808 bass or Tay K drum pad, even though I’m a fan of those styles. But, I’m bringing something unique that’s been here for decades and decades.

#MakeBarsCoolAgain. You need that on a shirt or something. I’m looking forward to what you will do with your music. In 2019, a lot of people are declaring for big things to happen for themselves, per usual every new year. To close this out, what’s your claim for 2019?

Yeah, there’s a lot of programming and controlling by these big labels and just putting out suicidal and drug and murder music. There’s more to life than that, you know? All that shit is obsolete. Not all of us live that life… My closing statement is, I can’t give too much out…and to say I’m just grateful to see 2019.