Hip-hop has been a stable in the black community for years. Through old school 90’s hip-hop and RnB, to new aged millennial freestyles, and catchy beats, music has changed throughout time and young people across the world have a story that they want to tell, their story.
Today’s featured artist has a sound that speaks for itself. Hailing from the streets of Philadelphia with an ambitious spirit to match, Ca$hmere is making his way through the music scene by staying true to his lyrics and being humble throughout each hurdle.
If you haven’t heard his name, here’s what you need to know about “The Drip” star himself.
- Where did you grow up?
Originally I grew up in West Philadelphia. I remember living in West Philly throughout my entire childhood between my grandmother’s house, dads house, and various family members. I was raised in southwest Philadelphia during my teenage years between 13 years old up until now. I’m 19, that’s where my interest in music started.
- What is your musical background?
I would consider myself to be a very well-rounded musical artist. I listened to rock music when I was young, and I from there that’s where I began to love all of the different sounds of music and the artists who produced different beats. Through different genres of music, I know what it means to be a recording artist and what you have to go through in order to make good, quality music.
I also enjoy hearing new sounds and seeing new underground artists like myself and others perform. When I was a kid, I never really played an instrument or performed in school plays, but I’ve always had a creative mind. Whether it be in fashion, making up my own lingo or doing the complete opposite of what other people were doing, my music and lyrics come from a truly genuine place. I use my background and the things that I’ve witnessed growing up as a driving force to create music. This is my craft.
- Have you performed around Philly?
I performed all around Philadelphia. As of right now, I’m just becoming noticed and getting a name for myself in my profession. To date, I’ve been performing more so on the underground rap scene like in local sports bars, clubs, and VIP events. Speaking things into existence, I know one day I”ll be performing for bigger events in Philadelphia as a headliner.
Time gone tell …
- Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite rappers?
My biggest influences are Drake, PartyNextDoor, Deek, Kur, PnbRock, PMO, Meek Mill and Kodie Shane, that’s just a few artists that I can think of off the top of my head. There are a lot of artists that have made a big influence on my direction in making music because I’m interested in different sounds and storytelling. If you can draw me in with a good story along with a great beat than I’m all in, you got me.
My favorite artist(s) are Drake, Deek, and Kodie Shane for that very reason. They’re good with wordplay, they tell a story through each song.
- What do you think of the Hip-hop scene in Philly?
The hip-hop scene has gone down-hill in my opinion for Philly. Nobody is being genuine in the way they’re living life, meaning telling their actual “life” story. All I hear nowadays is how “such and such” is getting high and having sex with 100 bad bitches on records when in all actuality that’s not even the case.
Unfortunately, that’s one of the issues in hip-hop today overall. No one cares about talent or genuinely helping the next artist out, they’re just in it for themselves. I want to be able to relate to the everyday life things that I myself go thru as well as people my age. Philly not bringing that, and that’s what I’m bringing to the table. I have some stories to tell, real-life facts.
- How would you describe your own style?
I would describe my style as a “RAP-STAR” not so much a pop-star or a commercial rapper. I feel as though my rhymes are definitely “RAP”/”STREET” lyrics but the amount of information and importance to every song would create an outlet for every American to relate to. Which is why I believe one day I can be as big as Taylor Swift and Drake.
https://soundcloud.com/pmothemovement/no-time-ca-hmere-featuring
- Who do you collaborate with?
I collaborated with underground Philly artists like “DAZ RAW”, “MEECHO”, “KEER MONTANA” and “PMO” I haven’t worked with any mainstream artists yet but never say never.
- In what ways has your newest music changed from when you first started?
I think my newest music changed for the better. Overall, I’ve been going thru more things & experiencing things that as a younger artist I couldn’t really speak on. Just wait until I drop my first mixtape you’ll really see the difference. I have a new video out on Youtube right now so that’s something that I’m definitely looking forward to releasing. I want to start putting out more visuals for my fanbase. I’m learning a lot as I go. I just want people to hear me.
- What are the main inspirations for the lyrics you write?
Hands down my older brother Tranere Mikell. I lost him at the age of 8 back in 2007. I’ve never dealt with death that close to me and that was one of the biggest hurts in my life. I had some big shoes to fill at a young age after his death.
I remember before he died he promised me that he would provide for me and my family once he made it big, you know after going to college and making money, stuff like that. So I use our past conversations, memories I have of him and just things I think we would talk about now if he was still living and put it on a song (if not every song).
https://soundcloud.com/cashmerepmo/sets/young-important-the-ep
- What would be your dream venue in which to perform?
To create my own “PMO FESTIVAL” and bring the best of the best artists from all across the world out to perform for my city with me being the headliner.
- What does “PMO” stand for?
“Power Moves Only” (PMO) it’s not so much of a saying but more of a way in how to live your life. You have to make everyday count, it has to be power in your steps, power in the way in which you handle obstacles that come your way, thoughts, actions, everything. You gotta make each day worth living for.
To keep up with Ca$hmere and his latest events, follow:
Instagram: @cashmerepmo
Twitter: @cashmeretgt
Soundcloud: cashmerePMO
Wow. What and amazing article, CashMere I wish you nothing but success young man and I love your music. I’m looking forward to seeing you do some big things.