Quest LA is riding out the success of his new EP “A Guy Called Quest”. As this is his first major release of the year, he is proving to be a stand out rapper in the city of Atlanta. His deep lyrical consciousness, strong songwriting abilities and dynamic storytelling, separates him from a lot of the competition he is facing in the industry. Being heavily influenced by Kendrick, J. Cole, Drake, and Reason, he is the company of some of music’s biggest and lyrical spitting acts in the world.
I had the pleasure of catching up with Quest LA for a short Q&A style interview to talk about his new EP. We also dig into balancing life as a college student, and his plans for the future. Check out the full interview below.
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating?
I draw a lot of my inspiration from my past experiences. My past has literally made me the artist that I am today, and I stand on that. A lot of artists try to mask who they really are. Me, I like to be myself unapologetically, and talk about what I know.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, especially being a college student at Clark Atlanta University?
I got a great deal of my inspiration to become a serious artist, after a bad breakup that I had encountered. The only thing I had was a pen and my legal pad, so I started jotting my feelings down. Still to this day the most organic and natural song I ever made, was my first single “Real Thoughts”. But my sophomore year roommate, Chaq Don who is also an artist, introduced me to it in a sense. I would always hear him writing to some beats, and eventually I started grasping the concepts. One day I told him I had written something to a beat he had been working on. With his words of wisdom, and with his constant push for me to keep growing as an artist, I’m where I’m at now, a rising rap star.
What are your plans after graduation?
Post graduation, I am looking into furthering my education in law school. The music has been skyrocketing, and I’m trying my very best to balance both school and music. Obviously if music continues on and leaves me with no choice, then I will just put a pause on schooling for a bit.
How would you best describe your sound?
I would best describe my sound as soulfully conscious. I’m like the new school J. Cole and Drake mixed in together. A part of me can be conscious and talk about worldly topics using my word play, and a part of me can also make a good record surrounding my feelings or emotions. I also have the capability to write and create an anthem, so I think I’m just a well rounded individual.
What does it mean for you releasing your first full length project and finding success?
It means the world to me. I often look at where I am at this point in my career, and say I have not done much. But upon further reflection, I started to understand that I have come a long way. From making cover arts using PicsArt, and recording a track in a closet, to posting freestyle in my dorm room, I am proud of the progress I am making.
Are there any artists you hope to work with in the future?
There are so many artists I would love to work with. Off the top of my head I would say, J Cole, Drake, Kendrick, Kanye, Reason, Dr. Dre, Westside Boogie, Rod Wave, Snoh Aalegra, and Ari Lennox, to name a few! But there are so many more for sure!
With a new EP out, what is up next for Quest?
The opportunities are endless for me right now. I am hoping to shoot some visuals for some of the songs on my EP. Realistically when I’m making one project, I have enough music that can carry over into my next full body of work ! I always have something in my back pocket, so do not count me out just yet. I do want to create a Dreamville Revenge of the Dreamers type documentary and will be working on that sometime in the near future.
What are your social media handles so readers can track your progress in the music game?
Readers can keep up with me by following me on Instagram @questmusiq and on Twitter @questmusiqq. Show some love and tap in! My team and I are very responsive and we love to hear from our supporters.