Hip hop artist Haph Breed counts many genres of music as his influence. The California native draws inspiration from Jazz to hip hop and even and for his upcoming project “Ira & Evan: The Legacy Continues” which will be out 3/17/18 finds him going a more personal route having named it as a tribute after his mother and brother who have both passed. The first single “Joy” which was released on Valentine’s Day is an ode to his wife and beautifully samples R&B group BlackStreet’s song of the same name.
We had a chance to chat with Haph Breed about his upcoming project, his musical inspirations and his upcoming goals as part of our spotlight series. Check out the video for “Joy” and our interview with Haph Breed.
Describe your music for those who have never heard it.
Haph Breed is a chameleon who can adapt to every style or genre of music. My music is a melodic, eclectic style of hip-hop mixed with jazz, r &b, soul, blues, gospel, easy listening and bossa nova. My production is boom bap heavy with a classic, timeless feel to it. My music is also conceptual. I never create music for the moment but yet for a lifetime.
Tell us about your new single “Joy”.
“Joy” is a dedication love song to my wife. With lines like:
“It only takes one touch and I’ll clutch on to you like pearls,
I thank the world you gave birth to my baby girl.
And just when I thought that we were really done,
Second edition you gave birth to my little son”
It is a song that expresses my eternal love for my wife and thanking her for giving me such a beautiful family. It is also universal Valentine’s Day love song for the world.
What inspired you to pursue music?
At an age as early as 7, I had discovered a great love for jazz and became quite fond of Miles Davis. I wanted to play the trumpet so badly. By the time I was 14, hip-hop was already an established genre and there were 2 musical groups that would forever change my life.
This group’s groundbreaking debut ultimately lead me on the path to becoming a hip-hop artist. A Tribe Called Quest’s 1990 album “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” ignited a creative spark in me to start writing lyrics. Released a year later, Gang Starr’s “Step in the Arena” would further fuel my growing desire to produce music on my own.
Greatest career accomplishment so far?
I am the sponsor of The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control, I created a positive health rap song called “The Mosquito Rap”. The video is played at various schools throughout the Los Angeles County during the school semesters. It was also on NBC Channel 4 website, Newsweek, KROQ’s Kevin & Bean Show, KFI AM, Big Boy’s Neighborhood, and it was tweeted by former United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis See attached video:
What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding genuine lack of support from close friends and family.
What is your music goal for the year?
For my label to become an independent established platform, and to continue to help preserve pure hip-hop music.
