Minneapolis, MN Mac Irv has caught the attention of many beyond his hometown. Following the traction he gained form his release, Misfit: 55411, he looks to build on that momentum.
How have you grown in your artistry since Misfits 55411?
I’ve studied and studied the best artists in the game – through concerts, through their classic albums, through their flow, through concepts, through production – and am learning from their strengths. I want to channel what I’ve learned into my own artistry. I’ve also grown so much as a human in these last few years. Making music has become a lot easier because all I’m doing is expressing the things I go through and grow through daily.
What’s the significance to the numbers 55411?
55411 is the zip code to North Minneapolis. The most underserved community in our state. But still, it represents in my opinion the heart and the culture of my city. We haven’t gotten much exposure in the hip hop scene, but I have a strong feeling that’s all going to change really soon.
What have you learned from Cornbread Harris?
Growing up across the street from a Minnesota music legend, and the father of another Minnesota/overall music legend, Jimmy Jam, is inspiring and the aura of being within one hundred feet of that will just rub off on you in a positive manner. I’ve also learned that if you have a God given talent you share it and use it to inspire others to do the same. Never stop doing what you love.
3 Dream collaborations?
Jay Z – because he’s my favorite artist of all time. Smooth style, hustler, and relentless business man.
J. Cole – I’ve always been a huge fan of his subject matter and flow. Plus we have a lot in common with going to college, and the love for the game of basketball.
Kendrick Lamar – because of his skill, his concepts, and his creativity
Who inspired you to rap?
I was inspired by a lot of artists including Jay Z, Tupac, Biggie, Common, KRS 1, Mobb Deep, Kanye West. But honestly I think rapping was a career that was chosen for me before I knew it was. It’s always been a major part of my life, but writing out my thoughts helped me get through some very depressing times after my basketball career ended. Since then it’s been a burning desire to use my story to inspire and motivate others.
What’s your recording process?
First off I have in my opinion the best engineer in the city “Jimmy Easy.” I’m usually ready with the skeleton of the song before I get to the studio. I’ll record the chorus or verse whichever comes first and then I’ll add ad libs if necessary – or whatever adds a bounce, or depth to the song. Then we’ll be sure to listen and touch up anything we feel may be off or could come off better, because I’m a perfectionist. I listen for a few days to see if I’m happy with it and then we come back with edits or we begin to mix it.
Will a project follow up after the release of “Hate Anyways?”
Yes! I have a new project coming called The BreakThrough! A project I’m extremely excited about getting out and put a lot of hard work and emotion into.
How do you juggle family life and being an artist?
I focus all my time on the things and people I love. It’s pretty simple. When you’re managing your time this way it’s almost impossible to be distracted. I spend my time recording music, writing music, shooting videos, going to the gym, or with my family and my daughters. Nothing else in between. Those are things that serve me internally the most. They make me feel the most alive and make me the happiest. Life’s too short to waste time on anything irrelevant to where I want to go professionally or to who I want to be as a father and as a man.
What should ppl expect in 2021 from you?
Expect all the hard work that I’ve been doing to finally pay off in a big way. Expect consistency. Expect quality. Expect The BreakThrough, literally.
How do you define success as an artist?
Being able to do what I love day in and day out. Appreciating each step of the journey and each fan, each comment, each view, each share, because the journey is the destination. I’ve learned the harder you work the more you’ll want and the more you appreciate what you have, the more you’ll get.
