Conversations with AceCue 

Today we’d like to introduce you to AceCue

Hi AceCue, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been beat boxing since I was 7 years old. I’ve always had rhythm. When I was in the 6th grade they sent out a form asking if you want to be a part of any music program with the school (Chorus, Band, or Orchestra). I had chosen Orchestra at the time, thought I’d just play guitar. Right before I had to turn it in, I heard the band from the high school playing an arrangement of the song “Promiscuous Girl- Nelly Furtado ft Timberland”. The school was down the street but I heard them clear as day. After that I erased orchestra and switched to band, it was calling me.
In 9th grade we had a ritual where we stayed after school until the football game started. The seniors would be in the back circled up, beat boxing and rapping. I became apart of what we called “The Band Room Cypher” with all the students. That’s where I fell in love with rapping. I started practicing, writing, and memorizing my own raps. Free styling when I ran out. Battle rapping for superiority. I’ve been rapping ever since.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first started rapping it was apart of a group (EmceeSquared). A duo with AteloMidas a fellow rapper. Once we graduated the group split and that was the first time I had to make my own songs alone. This started off a struggle.

Contemplating on life and whether or not I should give up on rap or create a more sustainable income through another avenue.

Then funding and distributing my own music was an issue.
Whether it was finding a studio to record, or buying my own studio equipment with the homies and engineering our own music. Plus this was before streaming became popular.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a rap student, I put time into writing, creating a story or picture while engaging in a metaphorical style. In other word I have real bars that you gotta think about with double and triple entendres. Because of band my musical ear allows me to hear a full picture of music. For me it’s more than rap it’s a respected culture from my message to the beats that support it. I pride myself on creating a real vibe, type to meditate while you drive with a groove behind it.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
It’s been on a wave of trendy pop sound music because it’s become so popular it’s become pop music. So everybody wants to be a drill rapper now vs when I started there was more musicality and showmanship. But I’m seeing it going for a reset especially in controversial times like now politically. Rap excels as a voice for the people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4acecue/profilecard/?igsh=MWhmYmRoMm5uYTZ4aA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4acecue?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@acecue8607
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/X8iV51c5pcPxzZ5X7
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7fkmpuBnmMBwExNs3GozaT?si=sXrMZu67Q2SNrKRL9SWTsQ

Image Credits
Anna Commissiong

Justin Commissiong

Charmaine Springfield