Between the six of us writing here at Unfinished Man, our play lists pretty much cover all the genres of North American music. I happen to have a preference for Rap, Hip-Hop, and R&B. I’m always looking for new upcoming artists and constantly checking social media sites such as YouTube, MySpace, and OurStage looking for new talent.
About a week ago, I accidentally came across a rapper named Terell Safadi. I had never heard of him before but his music really caught my attention. His versatile style, his delivery, and the production of the music really did it for me. The more I looked up his music, the more I liked him. So I decided to contact him and see what his story is.
Unfinished Man: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview you Terell. Why don’t you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
Terell Safadi: Well, I’m 21 years old. I’m a recording artist from Vancouver BC, and I also Skateboard.
UM: When did you start rapping and singing?
TS: I started writing music before I could actually rap. But I really started rapping when I was 16 years old.
UM: Who are your major influences in the music industry and your personal life?
TS: My musical influences include Drake, being that he is Canadian. I really like Kid Cudi, because he makes very versatile music. I try and mirror that. I also like P.Diddy and 50 Cent as I really look up to them in a business aspect. In my personal life, my mom, and any one who is chasing their dreams.
UM: Are you currently signed to a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
TS: I’m an independent artist. I’m registered with Socan, an organization that helps Canadian artists track down their royalties. That’s about it, haha.
UM: What are your favorite venues in the Vancouver area that you have performed at?
TS: Fortune Sound Club. Their set up, staff members, and sound system are awesome.
UM: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you have a set play list?
TS: I always play my latest single “Tonight”, as for the rest of my set I cater that to what kind of audience I perform in front of.
Below is the video to Terell Safadi’s latest hit single, Tonight, also available on iTunes.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUldv1dJxU0
UM: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
TS: I write all the lyrics you hear in my music, obviously aside from guest rappers, but I try and have relatable themes, I like to make feel good music, but I also have a track called “One Day” that’s coming out soon and it’s about the struggle.
UM: How has your music evolved since you first began?
TS: My music at first was darker and kind of underground. I have a better flow, delivery and swagger then when I first started, and I’m still improving and growing. Since then I’ve also worked with more producers, so I try and make a little bit of everything.
UM: What has been your biggest challenge as a musician in Vancouver, BC?
TS: The biggest challenge would be that the scene in Vancouver is still blossoming, meaning people from America and other parts of the world have yet to know anything about the talent Vancouver has to offer. I hope to change that.
UM: Are you making music to express yourself or are you more interested in fortune and fame?
TS: I definitely want to make music to express myself and my views. But I also want to be a successful recording artist. The fortune and fame comes along with being successful and popular.
UM: I understand that you are an artist on the come up but are there any established artists that you have worked with or opened for on their tours?
TS: I actually recorded a verse on a Christmas track for charity that features Canadian Juno winner Mike Reno from Lover boy which was pretty big. I’ve shared the stage with D12, Tech N9ne, LMFAO, Dev (Like a G6) Bun B, Warren G, and Rick Ross. I’m also scheduled to open up for Mickey Avalon on March 17th in Victoria and I’m Opening for T-Pain March 31st at Gossip Night club here in Vancouver. That shows going to be crazy!
UM: Have you had an opportunity to travel and perform in other cities?
TS: I’ve traveled all around BC when I did a couple dates on The D12 tour. I’ve performed in Calgary as well.
UM: If you could pick one established artist to go on tour with, who and why?
TS: Drake, because we make similar music and I think he would have a lot of good advice and I would get a chance to showcase my talent.
UM: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
TS: Go to TerellSafadi.com and you can download my latest Mixtape called “The Vancouver Son”. I have another Mixtape I put out before that called “Get Money Mindstate 2”. You can also download my latest single “Tonight” off iTunes.
UM: I recently heard “Black, Red, Yellow”, your version of “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa. Don’t you think the “Black, Red, Yellow” should be a Vancouver anthem for 2011? I would personally love to see that song played before each Hockey game.
TS: I’ve actually heard from several different people that it has already been playing in there during the warm up. We’re also in talks with the Canucks website editor about using it on the site. They hit me up on twitter and they want to get behind it.
Here is Terell Safadis’ version of Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa called “Black, Red, Yellow”.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff2GB833o_4&feature=related
UM: Besides music, do you have any hobbies?
TS: Skateboarding and spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy traveling.
UM: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
TS: Everyone that’s been supporting what I’ve been doing including my mom, my producer’s Crooks and Kruscher, Jamie “Preme Diesel” Kuse, and B-Beck. And everyone that has been sharing my stuff on Facebook and Twitter. Also my video team, Greg Loukas and Blake McRitchie. MSH Sessions and my street team, The Kick Push Grind Gang!
UM: Can your fans expect a mixtape or album in the near future?
TS: I have a full-length album that will be out in early summer time. You can expect some new tracks and material to come out before then too.
UM: Do you have any upcoming shows?
TS: Yeah, my next show is March 17th in Victoria along side Mickey Avalon at the Upstairs Cabaret. And after that I will be opening for T-pain March 31st at Gossip Night Club.
UM: Which social media sites can your fans follow you on?
TS: Search Terell Safadi Music on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @TerellSafadi. Also look me up on YouTube and my site TerellSafadi.com
UM: Any last words?
TS: Anyone who knows me from “Black, Red,Yellow”, be sure to check out some of my other stuff…… Kick Push Grind or Get left Behind.
Well, there you have it folks. Keep your eyes and ears out for Terell. The Unfinished Man team would like to thank Terell Safadi for his time and wish him continued success.
