Today, we’d like to introduce you to HeSo Rude.
Hi HeSo, we are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story started behind the scenes and the pen. I cemented myself in the music industry by writing songs for artists I admired and aspired to collaborate with.
After co-writing a song for the singer Lloyd at “We the Best Studios” in Miami, Florida, I managed to maintain contact with him after he departed back to Atlanta. At the time I had no idea why he decided to open communication with me. I always assumed it was because of my work ethic, which I consider my superpower. One day in 2008, Lloyd told me that I should move to ATL; he simply stated that my talent wouldn’t be appreciated in Miami. The following year, I packed two suitcases and my studio equipment, and then I moved from the only place I ever called home to embark on my musical journey in Atlanta.
Working with Lloyd put me on the radar of Noontime, which was a staple independent record label in Atlanta. Under the wing and tutelage of the famed music producer Don Vito, I built my name and reputation in his garage and basement studio in Glenwood Park. My mentor, Betty Wright, taught me everything I know about writing a song, but Don Vito taught me how to produce a record. In 2011, Henry “Noonie” Lee asked me to work on a couple of songs for a singer he had just signed out of New Orleans. Something about this young man was infectious, and I decided to dedicate all of my efforts to his success.
I had no clue that two years later we would have our first number one song together, and that this young man would become the household name known as August Alsina. Little did I know, I would be a part of 17 Gold Records, 12 Platinum Records, 5 Billboard Number 1’s, and 2 Grammy Nominations. I’ve been extremely blessed to gain the success I have, but now I feel like it’s time to step out of the shadows and share my passion in my voice.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To call my journey a smooth one would be a complete lie. The music industry can be rewarding to some, but I had to take so many bumpy roads to success. I often tell people that success is subjective and that you must measure it for yourself and not base it on the opinions of others. My success didn’t translate into bank accounts filled with money and expensive cars and houses in the hills. I had to battle, working extremely hard while being told the money isn’t what it used to be by the people I trusted the most.
Funds were unaccounted for, and ultimately, I spent what should’ve been some of the happiest moments of my life figuring out how to maintain the bare necessities. I was embarrassed to be around other successful people because I was struggling to pay my bills and feed myself. It took a lot of self-work and discipline to come to the conclusion that, regardless of my net worth, I was still a success. That conclusion gave me the boost I needed to forge ahead into the next chapter of my career.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Without putting any limitations on myself, if I could say I had a specialty, I would say it was relatability. I don’t just write songs about nonsense, I do my best to along my words to paint a picture of something I have experienced in the past or maybe currently. My songs are conversational and very much so in the culture. I’m known for songs like August Alsina’s “I Luv This,” which I believe connected to so many people because it wasn’t just a song about sex, drugs, and alcohol; It was a 19-year-old saying, I’m not supposed to be doing this, but I love it anyway.
People can relate to that kind of honesty; it’s vulnerable and empowering at the same time. I’m most proud of my work on the album entitled “This Thing Called Life.” This album wasn’t met with tons of fanfare, but it was medicine, and medicine isn’t always sweet going down. This Thing Called Life wasn’t about a specific person, instead it was about the human condition, and I believe it was executed beautifully. To be honest what sets me apart is my ability to stay original and true to my art, even when it’s much easier to be trendy and be a follower. I am a real lover of music, and it cascades into everything I do.
What’s next?
My plans for the future are simple. I’m going to release a lot of good and relatable music to whoever will give it an honest listen. I plan on releasing my EP “Minimum Wage: Part Time” at the top of April, along with some great new content and a peak into my process. I look forward to winning new fans over one at a time, until the entire world is aware that I am here, and I intend to stay.
Pricing:
- www.patreon.com/HeSoRude
- Part-Time – $5 a month
- Executive – $20 a month
- Angel – $77.77 a month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hesorudemusic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/heso_rude
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hesorudeworld
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/heso_rude
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWb_wuiy7wAxSUmJwo8gntg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hesorudemusic
Image Credits
Dope Shots By Precious
