Hippy X is an artist who continues to immerse himself in musical creativity whilst honing his craft and creating tracks that are infused with energy and emotion. Establishing a personal style by blending sounds, beats, stylistic techniques and elements from several cultural music genres. Exposed to performers, musicians, reggae artists, studios and the stage from a young age, Hippy X utilises his music to bring focus to the creativity and talent from Bermuda. I spoke with the rapper and writer to discuss his musical journey from the Island of Bermuda to the UK, freestyling, inspirations, cultural referencing, his creative process and practice, and upcoming projects.

NAHUEL CONTRERASWhere did your journey with music begin? HIPPY XI feel like music has always been a part of me; from the age of 6, I remember freestyle battling in primary school around the time ‘8 Mile’ had just come out. I also was raised around music and artists because my mother was apart of the lead promoters in Bermuda. This gave me early exposure to stage building and performance, studios and artists. Although the majority of the artists did reggae and dancehall, I still took a lot in subconsciously that I apply to my artistry today.

NCYou draw reference to your formative years where you were born and raised on the Island of Bermuda. How have your surroundings shaped you in a creative sense? HXGiven that Bermuda is an island with Caribbean culture, but close enough to New York to have plenty of American influence, we as artists bring all of these influences together; from fashion, to music, to art.
It also pushed me subconsciously because it has only been in recent years that Bermuda supports their local artists and appreciates the things that we produce; because I felt I wasn’t getting the support I deserved over the years, I kept pushing harder and harder for it. NCIn your artist statement, you mention that you were exposed to stage performers, musicians, reggae artists, studios, and the stage from a young age. Who are your pivotal influences, and how do they impact your practice and style? HXBecause I was exposed so early to reggae and conscious music, as genres, they have been my main influence. Sizzla, Buju and Morgan Heritage. It wasn’t until I got older that I started to explore my own taste in music and I fell in love with Hip Hop. Rappers like Nas on his joint album with Damian Marley was pivotal to my music influence. I then was privileged enough to watch the growth and rise of artists like J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Wale, Meek Mill, Mac Miller, Ab Soul and that entire class of rappers who came up in the same era, which I would argue is the best class of Hip Hop yet. It wasn’t until I moved to England 6 years ago that I became influenced by grime, afrobeat and artists who I love and listen to even more now than the US artists; artists such as Ghetts, Kano, Chip, Wretch 32, Kojey Radical, Krept and Konan, P Money, Burna Boy and Wizkid. NCWith your wordplay and creative flow, your music demonstrates the art of storytelling. What are you hoping that your listeners will take away when listening to your emotion-filled rapping? HXI’m just telling my story and stories that I feel need to be heard. I want my listeners to learn something or relate, and if not that, to just feel good when they hear the music. I hope the listener receives the transfer of energy that I put into my music regardless of the lyrics or topics. NCDo you have a personal favourite lyric? HXThat is probably the most difficult question. I write so much that I can’t think of something as my favourite because I know the next day I will remember a lyric that I like better. One of my favourites is “Man your age (Manure) gonna grow from the shit he is given” NCIs rapping a way to explore and express your own identity and experiences? If so, how? HXRap and music in general have always been my safe space. No one can force me to write anything or take this away from me. I feel comfortable telling my story, expressing my emotions, being myself and even showing parts of myself that people don’t know, not even in my closest circles. NCWhat is your creative process? How does your process change depending on the project? HXUsually I just need a beat that I like and I will write to it. I love working with a producer that I can bounce off of to make something great. I prefer to work with producers I know and actually have a personal relationship with; it makes the energy exchange and the music better. I’m a bit old school and I love the feel of a pen and a notepad. When working with other people, including other artists, the energy has to be right; when it’s right, it can be great. When it comes to bigger projects, I think they require more details. NCWhat themes do you enjoy exploring in your music? HXI like to make things that I enjoy listening to. I love creating sounds and pulling inspiration from vibes and songs that make me feel good. Also in Bermuda, we have a fusion of cultures that influence us and it comes out in music and art. As the UK has its own fusions, I feel like I fit right in. NCWorking in music, the practice of collaborating can be beneficial to productivity. Who would you most like to collaborate with? HXThere are many UK talents that I would love to work with, such as Fanatix, Chip, Ghetts, Wretch 32, Kano, Kojey Radical, Che Lingo and Ms Banks. There are also a lot of up and coming talent here that I’ve had the pleasure to work with, like Jino Blacc, Loso, Johntay, Carmen, Nahs Spencer, Blakjax, Damibliz and many others. NCYou mention that your single ‘Gyal Dem’ is an amalgamation of sounds and elements from London, Bermuda, and Jamaica. What do you most enjoy about fusing and experimenting with sounds, stylistic techniques, and production? HXI still believe that I’m trying to find my sound; fusing allows me to not only experiment, but also find my sound within all that I enjoy listening to. There are also many ways to fuse things together that can make the same elements sound totally different. NCAs an artist, you utilise your music to bring focus to the creativity and talent from Bermuda. How does the music scene differ between Bermuda and the UK? HXIn Bermuda our music industry is at its infant stage. We are just getting to the point where the local radio stations give artists regular spin, as well as the local support and appreciation for the artists that we have. As a country, we relate to the UK when it comes to culture and sound, and your music industry is a thriving example of how to do things. (In drawing a comparison) my contemporaries from Bermuda are the Wileys, the Ghetts, the Kanos and the Chips in their early stages. NCYou regularly post your freestyles on social media, something that allows complete immersion in creativity, free from constraints. Social media as a platform can be beneficial in providing visibility and accessibility, and for you, allowing you to showcase your ability to generate lyrical flow and narrative. However, it can also establish greater challenges. How do you feel social media has impacted your practice? HXSocial media is another tool in the game. I have just tried to figure what’s the best way to use this tool to build my empire. I am not a fan of being on social media, but I know it is important and a free way to promote and market yourself. I love to rap and make music, and I’m doing it all the time; I might as well show it on social media and make the most out of it. NCWhat were you able to learn from the creation and release of your latest project, and what advice from these experiences would you provide to other emerging rappers? HXI learnt that a great project takes time, and whatever feelings and energy you put towards your project will always transfer to the listener. So, if you want people to feel what you’re putting into your music, you have to invest the same energy, money and work into the marketing and promotion side; including videos and campaign runs. NCPersonally or professionally, what are you currently focusing on? HXWorking on my next campaign, which includes a couple of projects, singles and videos. There is a lot to come towards the end of this year, so look out for it.