Get To Know iiiConic

Originating from Ghana in West Africa comes Brisbane-based Hip Hop Artist IIICONIC, who has made serious waves across the country off the back of his exciting and eclectic new-wave sound.At the very fore-front of the new breed of Australian hip hop that engages a worldwide audience IIICONIC  has spent the last 24 months building up an impressive CV of singles, all written, recorded and produced himself. These singles  gained immense traction online, racking up hundreds of thousands of streams and finding IIICONIC charting at number 31 in ‘Australia’s Viral 50’ playlist on Spotify. In addition to hitting the viral charts, IIICONIC has appeared in Spotify’s New Music Friday, A1 Hip-Hop, Urban Flavour, The Drip, All Aussie Hip Hop’ and the cover of ‘Mellow Styles twice. On an Apple Music front he has appeared on ‘Best Of The Week,’ ‘The A-List: Hip-Hop,’ ‘New Fire’ and ‘Breaking Hip-Hop’ playlists, as well as multiple spins on The New Australia on Beats 01 Official.  

We thought we’d sit down with him and see what he’s been up to.

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1. Thanks for sitting down and having a chat with us! How have you found COVID-19 life and isolation over the past few months? What have you been up to? 

COVID has probably been the craziest thing to happen to my generation. At first it felt like a quick and temporary thing, but it’s now become an extremely complex issue globally. For me personally, being isolated was terrible for the first few weeks, but I guess now the world is getting used to this reality and I’m personally finding ways to overcome it. 

2. You’ve supported TYGA at Fortitude Music Hall, as well as supporting A$AP Ferg this year in Sydney and Brisbane  for Lost City Music Festival and a host of other heavy hitters in the urban game. Do you have a favourite performance / venue that you have performed at? 

I’d have to say playing at THE MET in Brisbane is my favorite. It’s a smaller capacity than the venues you mentioned, however, the sound system, staff, and most importantly the vibe at The MET is always amazing! I’ve played there a few times and every time there’s always this energy that I love about it. 

3. Word is you even got announced for the NLE CHOPPA and Famous Dex tour which fell through due to visa issues which sucks! When restrictions lift do you have any plans to tour? 

Yeah unfortunately NLE CHOPPA and Famous Dex couldn’t make it. At the moment, due to COVID all plans we had on touring had to pause as there is honestly no certainty in the entertainment industry at the moment. Stay tuned though.

4. You’ve been Brisbane based for years now but you originate from Ghana in West Africa. What are the major differences you have experienced living in both places and how have those experiences affected your music? 

I actually went back to Ghana in December and it has definitely changed my life for sure. To see a different culture and the way of living in Africa and to come back to western civilization is a surreal transition. Ever since my last visit to Africa, I’ve found that I’ve become more creative and experimental with my music.

5. You visited Ghana earlier this year (pre covid) and you wrote / produced  your newest single Problems over there. What is your process when writing lyrics? 

Nowadays I usually punch in my lyrics. Meaning I think of a couple of lines in my head while in the studio and record it. However, with some songs, including Problems, I do write my lyrics beforehand. I do this with songs that mean a lot to me and when I’m in the writing process, I usually sit in my room and spend an hour or two to come up with lyrics and if I think of something better after writing my lyrics I just add to the lyrics I’ve already written.

6. You really seem to pour your heart out in this new single, is that something that you found uncomfortable at any point? 

Not gonna lie, yes. In my personal life, I tend to struggle to show emotion to nearly everyone in my life. I guess this time I decided to get out of my comfort zone and share a little piece of my life in my music.

7. Hip Hop / Urban music seems to be a very culturally driven movement. Who are some crazy good Brisbane artists that we should be keeping our eye on? 

Yung Gwopp, Hoodllandsz, Swish Music, Beefy Black, Nerve, Creed Tha Kid, and many more BNE acts. Definitely check them out.

8. Fashion plays a major role in your project. We’ve seen you collaborate with some pretty dope brands like Culture Kings, Superdry, City Beach + more. Why does fashion play such a big role in your project?

I’ve always loved fashion personally and I’ve been given the opportunity to represent my favorite brands. The fashion side is more a personal venture for me, but obviously, because people know me as iiiCONIC, it’s become a part of my brand. 

9. Who are your biggest music inspirations RIGHT NOW?

Right now I’m taking a lot of inspiration from Polo G and A Boogie with a Hoodie. These artists tell a story in a unique way and I want to be able to tell my story in the same captivating way they do.

10. What can we expect from iiiConic in the next 6 months? Collaborations? Supports? Plans? 

Expect new music, big music and fashion collaborations, merch and more!

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