Rising Hip Hop Artist Ari Stylez Discusses His Latest Project

For decades, music legends have come from Chicago, Illinois such as Common, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Durk and of course Chance the Rapper. Do you feel that you have one “set” genre or how have you created your own unique sound?

Ari Stylez SSR: No, I don’t have just one set genre, my style and sound are unique because I go off of the melodies of the beats and depending on what type of record it is, the result could come off as Trap, or more of a R&B sounding track or even more melodic.

What top music artists from your hometown do you admire most and why?

Ari Stylez SSR: To be honest, I have been a fan of Kanye West from the beginning. He has remained one of my favorite recording artists over the years and still respect every record that he has produced. Chance the Rapper is another artist on my list because I have seen him grow from a humble beginning into a successful independent artists so that has made an impact on me. And then of course there is Fredo, he made such an incredible impact on the music industry, it wasn’t solely about his music, but about his image. Everything I know, I learned from him. He was a great teacher and the first person to really believe in my career and give me a shot.

What music artist would you like to collaborate with in the near future?

Ari Stylez SSR: Hands down, Kanye West and Future.

How did growing up in Chicago influence your lyrical style?

Ari Stylez SSR: My hometown of has always influenced what my lyrics are about. Growing up in Chicago with my mother being a successful recording artist in the 90s, I often write about what was going on in my life growing up there… a perfect example is when I recorded the song, “Knockin” with Iman Shumpert. We grew up together in Chicago, played on the same basketball teams in grammar and high school (he’s now an NBA player) this specific song was just us rappin’ about our high school days, when we first started driving to school and parties in and around the city. When you hoop in Chicago, you’re already popular. So the dudes and girls showed mad love! Of course this was just us wanting to be seen, pulling up to the spot with the radio blasting!

On a scale of 1 to 100 (100 being the best) how good is the next single you are dropping compared to the last one you released?

Ari Stylez SSR: Of course I’m going to say it’s at 100, I hope y’all are ready for it! My last single, “Pesos” is a song where the track influenced my direction. It had this Latin flavor to it, so that’s where the concept of my lyrics and the video came from. I heard it and wrote “Pesos” on the spot. With “New Ferarri” it is driven more as an autobiography. I want my fans to get to know more of me, and my perspective on trying to survive and THRIVE in today’s world. The lyrics will definitely tell the story.

What aspect of the music making process excites you the most?

Ari Stylez SSR: The recording process. Once I select a beat that I vibe with I start rapping without even writing any lyrics down. This is what makes making music still fun in my eyes. I really enjoy how the creative process plays out for me, to keep it fun and less technical…for instance, as far as producers, I have always loved working with Young Chop…we got cool just hanging out, being in the studio. Everything is spontaneous! I first met him through Lil’ Reese in Chicago before I made the move to LA. He wanted to see what ideas I could come up with for some of his beats, the music just clicked with us instantly.

Being an independent artist, what are the top three factors that you desire the most (increased music distribution, marketing, better quality production, touring, increased media exposure, digital campaigns…)

Ari Stylez SSR: Everything! I don’t know if I can actually narrow them down to my top three. Being Independent gives you freedom, but you have to be smart and strategic about where you spend your budget. Without the machine behind you, it is a more deliberate, drawn out pace because ultimately your sales – whether it comes from single streams, albums, touring, merch – whatever – it has to go back into funding your next project. I know you asked for my top three, but to me, the most important factor is marketing to your fan base.

Your videos are well done, how important is it in your eyes to shoot your visuals in Chicago since this is where it all began for you? Or does that not factor into the storyboards on your videos?

Ari Stylez SSR: Yes, it has always been important to me to pay homage to my hometown so I have shot all of my videos in Chicago from the beginning of my career. Although I am contemplating to break the protocol by recording in Chicago and then shooting in Los Angeles in the near future, or vice versa. I will be sure to let my fans know on my social media.

What has been your single greatest challenge as a music artist to date in your career?

Ari Stylez SSR: The single greatest challenge to date is getting all of the ideas and my visions to my fans without sacrificing quality while staying within the confines of the budget.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Ari Stylez SSR: Above all, it would be to stop all of the clout chasing and fakery. Authenticity never goes out of style.

What can your fans expect from your newest project, “New Ferrari”?

Ari Stylez SSR: With my new project, my fans can expect a renewed energy, better melodies, production and overall better lyrics. Production wise, I will say that I was excited about working with Soundz. Our collab was CRAZY! I also have a feature with Tyga that I think the clubs are just gon’ love!