I recently was introduced to Freddy Guwap, an upcoming local West Philadelphia rap artist who has received some big-name cosigns in the music industry. We got a chance to catch up and discuss where he’s coming from.
What’s up man – how are you, and what are you up to right now?
Wassup fam I’m doing good, maintaining my work.
How old are you, and what part of Philadelphia are you from?
I’m an 18yr old artist born in Brooklyn, raised in West Philly 61st and Jefferson.
What kind of role does your music play in your life right now?
Music plays a big role in my life, keeps me out of trouble and it’s always been a dream to inspire others with my craft.
What kind of music/rap did you listen to growing up?
Growing up I listened to artists such as Soulja Boy and Chief Keef. It’s many other artists I listened to, but I don’t have a specific genre, it’s whatever that gets my attention.
What made you want to be a rapper?
What made me want to rap truthfully was my childhood friend Joshua who passed away a few years ago. Every day at lunch from 2nd grade to the beginning of high school they put me on the spot to rap, as he made beats on the lunchroom tables. It helped me get better and it’s a big part of how I make my music and why I choose beats with a lot of hard bass. I also had a friend named Tamir who passed away during middle school that was already into making music in the studio. Honestly, he inspired me to go to the studio because if it wasn’t for him being the only 7th grader in the studio, I probably wouldn’t have taken action to go and record. But after he passed, I took music more seriously.
How would you describe your style?
My style is indescribable it’s just Wapstar shit, ain’t no telling what I’m gonna record.
Young M.A. recently cosigned you, how did that come about, and how does it feel having the support of one of the biggest female rap artists out there?
The Young M.A co-sign came through my team, my manager and most importantly my music and work ethic. It feels good to have an inspiration like the Queen showing love. I’ve had many people show me love in the industry such as Slim Jimmi from Rae Sremmurd, YBN Nahmir, PnB Rock and Loso Loaded, that’s why I know it was destined for me to make it in music. But M.A. was actually genuine, it’s a few more who are too but not everybody is going to like you for your music, it’s about if you have a fan base behind you.
She was into your new track Da Skeechie, it’s been gaining some traction.
Da Skeechie is the hottest song out, video shot by ShuggC the hardest videographer, you’re gonna hear a lot more about him too.
What can we expect in terms of the future? What kind of goals do you have for 2019?
I don’t know what the future holds but expect success. My goal for 2k19 is just to have an even better work ethic than I do right now, the more I work the more I’m going to see progress.
Any shout-outs?
I wanna shout out my family, my supporters and everyone on my team.
Thanks Freddy, appreciate your time, looking forward to what you got coming.
I’m looking forward to what I have coming too, we don’t know what else is in store. Thanks for your time.
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/freddyguwap
Instagram: @freddyguwapp