Discovery has become quite a popular section here at U.G. Digital Magazine. One of the things we try to do is introduce you to hot new talent who blaze trails in the industry through their craft. This month and issue, we lead with Canadian hip-hop artist Cvss [pronounved Cass] Hamilton. Only a few projects in, he’s already building a strong name for himself through a mixtape and album that he’s released over the past year or so. Now, with a new album, and single in the forefront, he’s ready to take his brand to an even higher level. In our feature, we talk about his new single, “Bang”, with Karl Wolf, his new album to come, and the career he’s striving to build in this industry.
Meet Cvss Hamilton!
U.G. Digital Mag: Your story is one of inspiration for a lot of people who follow. You’ve dealt with the triggers and blows of life in terms of being in trouble, and living the street life. What took you in a different direction?
Cvss Hmilton: I always had music, but the thing that pushed me to get away from the streets was the birth of my daughter.
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s what up. That’s real to so many people when they want to have something better for their kids.
Cvss Hmilton: Right. I’ve seen it so many times with friends of mine. They either get shot or are in prison, and then their kids don’t have a father.
U.G. Digital Mag: Now realistically, this is a business that takes time when it comes to cultivating your craft and building a proper presence. Money usually doesn’t roll in immediately. Now having a daughter and obviously needing a steady flow of income, what motivated you to continue as you got started?
Cvss Hamilton: I was always more than an artist. I did a lot in the background, from design to doing my own mixtape covers. Once I established myself, I used my own name to get business. I was generating income through it all.
U.G. Digital Mag: Let’s talk influences. Who were the artists who really inspired you to pursue this?
Cvss Hamilton: Growing up, definitely Pac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Eminem, Royce Da 5’9”, Ludacris, Jeezy, and Jadakiss. All those guys were big influences for me. Even recently, I have to give a shout out to Kevin Gates. He has really influenced me a lot. A lot of his songs, I relate to. If I had to decide to do a feature with someone, that’s who it would be.
U.G. Digital Mag: Who were the people in your ear in real life, who influenced and inspired you to turn the page for a better life?
Cvss Hamilton: I would say people that I bumped into in the streets because for a while I wasn’t really putting out music. Once I started doing music, people would recognize me out in the streets. They would stop me and say “hey, you’re that guy, keep doing it”. Others weren’t always my biggest influence. They were into the streets too, and would say things more like don’t waste your time. I was really doing it for me, so I didn’t pay much attention to people’s negative opinions.
U.G. Digital Mag: You’re dropping “Bang”, your collaboration with Karl Wolf, in just a couple days. Talk to me about that single and the direction you went for?
Cvss Hmilton: So, I was invited to do the Canadian Urban Television Awards this year, and I was still fairly new. I had just dropped the album “Selfish Ways” and it was kinda popping. I was at the rehearsal, and Karl Wolf was doing some a capella work. I walked over and started beat-boxing, and we started talking. Kardinal Offishall was supposed to be with him, but couldn’t make it. He asked if I could freestyle for him when he performed, and while I thought about it, I didn’t really feel I was prepared for it. I did it anyway, and we established a connection. I hit him up with a beat and some ideas, and was hoping it would make for something a little different to help build a presence. I want to touch a different type of audience and show versatility.
U.G. Digital Mag: The collaboration is definitely dope. How does it feel to be getting so much love and respect for your craft and the way you do things musically? You have to be in a good place with that, right?
Cvss Hmilton: It’s a good feeling. I’ve always been humble about it. I try to stay that way. I love progress in anything, be it music or anything else. I love good music. Anything with progress is wonderful. How can it be denied?
U.G. Digital Mag: What can we look for in a full length project for you?
Cvss Hmilton: I was introducing myself with “Selfish Ways”. This time around, I want to make people dance. I’m trying to focus on radio distribution, and things that can play in the club. I want more energy, and want to keep people moving. I want to show I have more style.
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s dope. I love to see when artists are truly having a good time. Ultimately, it makes for better music. It’s all about escaping from the everyday madness of life that you may experience. People can appreciate that from you. It’ll be a dope turnout and people will surely see that versatility.
Cvss Hmilton: I can’t wait.
U.G. Digital Mag: Talk about your goals as an artist? How do you contribute something lasting to this industry that helps the next artist coming in?
Cvss Hmilton: That’s pretty much the plan. More artists should be that way. Once I have the power and can help, I want to build a team. It’s not about being the best. I just want to do what I love and be happy doing it. I want to have a good team, and want them to work the same way. Having the power to be that guy that everyone respects, and being humble to let others in is what I’m trying to do.
U.G. Digital Mag: Where can everyone find you online?
Cvss Hmilton: They can find me at www.cvssmusic.com. You can find the social media links, mixtapes and albums there. My videos are there as well.
U.G. Digital Mag: Do you have any final comments?
Cvss Hmilton: I just want to give a shout out to everyone watching my progress. I really appreciate it. I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m loving it.
