New Artist Alert: Ant B

At CelebMix, we’re more than happy to give you all the news about the goings on of your faves, but one of the things I love about this site is their dedication to bringing the spotlight to those who aren’t popular on the mainstream scene just yet.

It’s the main reason why I asked if I could do an interview with this crazy talented guy from my hometown, and why I was so ecstatic when the editors said yes.

Ant B is a rapper from Dudley, North Carolina, a little town just about an hour east of Raleigh. He’s been active for a few years, and as of right now the video for one of his songs, “Hero”, has one MILLION views.

In this interview, we talk about his career, his biggest inspirations, meeting 50 Cent(!!!), and what we can expect from him in the future.

Q: What made you decide to pursue a music career, rap in particular?

Ant B: It was around 11th grade actually. I wouldn’t really say it’s “rap” entirely, though. It just felt like it came naturally to me, like from a young age. It started with two pencils on a table at a Hardees in Pikeville, NC, with my older brother. That’s when I realized how easy it was to kill a beat.

Tell me about your first performance. How did it make you feel?

My “first” time performing was at a talent show in high school, but really every single day at school was a performance. I literally would have the whole lunch room rocking with me. I would win People’s Choice every year in the talent shows. The feeling was a rush and still is to this day!

What inspires you the most?

What inspires me the most is waking up every single day with a dream. Not one day goes by that I wake up and live a boring, “same ole same ole” lifestyle. I literally can’t wait to wake up the next day, to see what it brings. That’s even if I sleep at all! I really want to set an example for my kids and to basically anyone who needs advice. I want them to know that you truly can do whatever you want to in life, but nothing in this life is given. My motto is basically this: “Give 100 every single day and pray”.

In your opinion, what’s the hardest part of the music business?

I think the hardest part for me in the business is the business itself. It’s turned into a money thing. It really isn’t about your talent or gift anymore, it’s like those days are over. It’s now all about how much money you can bring to the table. For artists with no connections, no relationships, it’s difficult. It’s been a hard road for myself as well.

How would you best describe your sound?

I would best describe my music as “different and original.” I’ve been pushed to make songs and records that weren’t even close to who I am or what I wanted to represent. Those days are also over, my next project will be the real me, 100%.

What kind of artist would you like to be known as, and what kind of impact would you like to have?

I want to be known as an artist that’s true to myself, a real artist who isn’t selling out. As far as impact goes, I just want everyone to think that it’s okay to live life in the moment. Screw the drama, you know, and just be happy.

What was it like to meet 50 Cent?

Meeting 50 Cent was dope! Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky to have been around people like him, and I’ve even built relationships with people I never thought I would. It’s really been a blessing and being around that kind of success just motivates me even more!

Myself and @50cent pic.twitter.com/XRVRRW1ech

— AntB (@AntB919) September 15, 2015

Do you have any plans or projects for the future?

Yeah, actually I have some brand new music coming this summer, and we’re revamping the website and everything as well. The crew behind that is amazing, they’re always ready to go.

If you’d like to see some more material from Ant B, check out his YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Like him? Love him? Not your cup of tea? Leave your opinions in the comments below or over at CelebMix’s Twitter page!

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