Daily Discovery: Marcellus Juvann
Image via Marcellus Juvann
Daily Discovery is a feature that highlights a new or recently discovered artist who we’re excited about. See the rest of our Daily Discoveries here.
Since last year’s debut album was titled The Fall, it is somewhat ironic to consider the ongoing and inevitable rise of Ohio-born, Texas-bred, Florida-based rapper and music-maker Marcellus Juvann.
The self-released, free album—which balances reflective, confessional sentiments and spirituality, all over some truly juicy beats—has more recently been followed by new tracks “Holy Grail” and “Nothing At All.” Besides getting to know today’s Daily Discovery a little better with a short interview, we’re also premiering the video for “Holy Grail,” named after the Monty Python cult classic. Perhaps not as satirical as the film so many love to quote, instead the video for “Holy Grail” is a bold visual statement and a pointed reaction to the realities of racial stereotyping and skewed perceptions delivered by current-day news media.
Although, to paraphrase from the movie, power, or authority at least, does not come from a farcical ceremony involving naked women and swords, but instead comes from a mandate from the masses. In the case of Marcellus Juvann, he is fully aware of this—his music, as he told us, is his own personal mandate. The chronicle of a young man making his way to reach the masses, meeting all the unavoidable vicissitudes along the way, and addressing them in his music.
Get to know Marcellus Juvann below, and download “Holy Grail” via SoundCloud here.
The title of your new release is After The Fall, and follows last year’s free release The Fall. How do you personally feel things have changed for you since The Fall? And perhaps more importantly, what do you have in mind for the next 12 months?
Since releasing The Fall, a lot has changed. I became one of TIDAL’s “Discovery Artists” which was a blessing, and I’ve made connections with a lot of good people in the industry. And for the next 12 months? I just want to release more great content to get people more familiar with who I am and who my team is.
What can we expect from After The Fall, and when can we expect to hear it in it’s entirety?
After The Fall was to serve as a reminder to my fans and everyone else that I’m ready. I don’t think I’ll turn it into a full length project with that title. But I will be releasing another full length project very soon. Just expect more progression in my story.
How much of the album did you produce? And is production something you could see yourself focussing on more in the future?
I produced one song off of The Fall, and yes, production is something I want to step into soon. I just have to find my way in doing that, just like with being a rapper.
So for those that are encountering your music today what key facts about would you like people to know about you?
There really isn’t much that I can say in this interview that I haven’t said in my music. So if you wanna know who I am, listen to my music.
Who have you drawn inspiration from over the years? Musicians or otherwise.
My constant inspiration is life itself. I talk about what I might be going through, or even what the people around me are going through; It’s all factual. My biggest inspiration to this day is my mother though. She’s taught me a lot.
What’s one specific thing your mother has taught you?
My mom has just taught me to always work for what I want. And to never take NO for an answer.
Does your family have a background in music?
From my knowledge my family does not. Or if they did it wasn’t anything serious. My earliest exposure to music was probably in church. I was damn near raised there.
What was the first live show you went to, and which has been your favourite since?
My first live show was a Lil Bow Wow show in Cleveland, Ohio at 13! And my favorite would have to be the Lil Wayne concert I went to in 2009.
Do you enjoy the live performance aspect of being a musician? And if so, where would you most like to perform given the opportunity?
I love live performances. It’s the most exciting aspect of being a musician I would say. I really wanna perform at a festival—either Coachella or Wireless Festival in London. Oh, and maybe Made in America too, one day.
Are there any other countries you’d particularly want to visit on a hypothetical world tour?
I still want to tour the US because I haven’t yet! And I really would love to tour England because I like the culture over there.
You’ve mentioned in a previous interview that College Dropout and Thriller are amongst your favourite records of all time. Do you have any records in your collection that might surprise us? And do you have a physical record you particularly cherish?
Like I said, I grew up in church so I would have to say the Victory live album by Tye Tribbett is another one of my all time favorites. I don’t know if thats surprising or not? But as far as a record I cherish, I have Kanye West’s Yeezus unopened in my room, and i don’t plan on opening it ever. i feel like its one of the most slept on albums ever. I fucks with Kanye.
What is your one most prized possession?
I honestly don’t think I have one.
I mean, God forbid, your place is on fire… What do you grab?
God forbid… but I’d grab my Kanye West CD, my computer, and my phone.
What’s your poison of choice?
As far as weed goes, I would say Kush all day. As for liquor, I’m going with Hennessy.
What comes to mind when I say comfort food?
Waffle House.
Who or what comes to mind when I say hero?
My mom.
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