Using his experience with medicinal marijuana to spur his creativity, Tbliss continues to flex his rapping ability with his latest release ‘Smokers Anthem.’
‘Smokers Anthem’ invites the listener along on a “trip” and asks them to be open to learning about the hip hop artists’ experiences with the drug before making assumptions. Opting to steer away from traditional rap themes, Tbliss is a true contemporary performer, being vulnerable about his emotions and willing to share.
Gripped by Tbliss’ candidness, I wanted to know more. Here’s what he had to say.
Stream ‘Smokers Anthem’ here.
Hey Tbliss, thank you for chatting with us at Pink Wafer. You’ve described yourself as a conscious rap artist. Can you expand on what that means to you?
Being a conscious rap artist means being an artist that isn’t afraid to be himself on the mic. I know I could rap about the common things you see these days – money, sex, & living the fast life – but that isn’t me. To be completely honest, I’m a homebody.
Whenever I write something that isn’t true, I honestly cringe. It doesn’t feel right to me, and I sure as hell know it doesn’t sound right to my fans either. I never want my music to feel forced just because I’m looking to make a quick buck or my streams are low. I’d much rather take my time and write what I truly feel.
Hip Hop is becoming more saturated with aspiring rappers. How does ‘Smokers Anthem’ and you as Tbliss differ from the noise?
When I first wrote ‘Smokers Anthem’, I wanted to ensure that the theme wasn’t the same as any other rap song about weed. I use cannabis for medicinal purposes, and it’s genuinely helped me out. Hence the lyrics “You ain’t know the struggle man, you ain’t know the pain”.
As an artist, I’m just your average-looking guy doing what he loves. I don’t try to act like I’m some untouchable, or unobtainable superstar. Too many artists these days take their following for granted. Not me. Instead, I respond and talk to my fans daily because I know they’re the reason I can even do this for a living. I know I’m blessed to have such an amazing community that’s been loyal since day one.
You say how ‘Smokers Anthem’ offers an insight into medicinal cannabis rather than using it recreationally. How has your experience with the substance affected your life and influenced your music?
The first time I used cannabis was when I did firecrackers at my friend’s house. For those that don’t know, a firecracker is just a smore, but with cannabis-infused into it. Anyway, the first time I used it I had the best time of my life. It was as if all my worries just melted away. After that, I kept using it to help with my social anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. It wasn’t until I started studying the plant that I figured out how far it could take me.
Due to the medicinal properties, I was able to write better, and in return, it helped influence the music I wrote. I was less rigid with my pen and more fluid with my flows. It soon became a staple point of my brand and has quickly become a huge inspiration for my aesthetic.
You’ve previously been featured in publications such as TheHypeMagazine & HipHopSince1987. How was that experience?
It was surreal, to say the least. I remember that day very vividly because my publicist talked to me about securing two major article placements. When the articles came out I was in shock.
When I was around 12 years old, I used to fantasise about making it onto the news or getting an article written about me for my music. Tons of people said I was crazy, insane even, to consider that to be a possibility. I knew if I kept trying and remained focused, something would eventually happen.
Fast forward to when I was about to turn 21 and I was finally able to make the 12-year-old me proud.
What’s your process for creating your beats and lyrics?
I have a couple of producers that I keep in close touch with who can provide me with some amazing content. I usually start by asking them to send me a couple of ideas they’ve been working on recently. If inspiration strikes, then one thing leads to another.
Lyrically, I need to be in the right mental state. The beat needs to evoke a certain emotion in me for me to do my best work. Sometimes it’s instant and other times it can be frustrating.
The biggest thing that kept me writing, regardless of the common pitfall of writer’s block, is that I usually write what is on my mind or what I’m experiencing. If I’m feeling down, then I’ll write about it. And if I’m feeling good, then I’ll write about it. It doesn’t matter to me what emotion I’m feeling, I just know that if I can write what’s on my chest at the moment, it’s going to be a killer song.
Check out ‘Smokers Anthem’ on all streaming services!
