Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus (Marce) Batemon.
Hi Marcus (Marce), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Forest Park, there was always a lot going on, but the one thing I consistently gravitated toward was music. My brothers were heavily in the streets, but they rapped and kept music playing throughout the house at all times, so falling in love with it came naturally. Free my big brother HIT (Deangelo Mallett) and shoutout to A1 (Alex Mallett) for introducing me to music, even though we’re not on the best terms today. Shoutout as well to Tyce and Jasmine Batemon, my other brother and sister. They grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so they weren’t as involved in my musical growth, but they are still family. And I cant forget my momma. S/O to my parents for bringing me into this world. Of course they made it all possible from the jump.
Music was really in my blood. My whole family was into it. My uncle had a studio, and my dad ran a small record label, so being around music felt like second nature. One of my earliest memories was watching my brother HIT freestyle in my uncle’s studio. He had everybody hyped, and it inspired me deeply, even though I never felt like I was as good as him.
At one point, my dad and his friend asked me to freestyle in the studio. I messed up on the first bar, and they laughed and cracked jokes. That moment hurt and turned me off from music for a while, but looking back, I am grateful. It pushed me to grow thicker skin and ultimately made me a better artist.
By high school, I was right back at it, freestyling in class all the time, and people loved it. We were inspired by Gucci Mane’s no pad, no pencil era, so we were constantly recording freestyles. I loved music so much that I joined the drumline to learn more about rhythm, composition, and timing. Even though I still was not recording seriously yet, music was always my thing.
After graduating high school, I downloaded FL Studio that summer. When I went to Middle Georgia State College, I dropped my first single, “Fuck Y’all,” under the name Marc Luciano. The whole school was buzzing about it, and that is when I knew I really had something. I spent most of my college days writing and recording music and released a few more singles. Unfortunately, that lifestyle led to me dropping out of college, and I needed direction, so I joined the military.
For a while, music took a backseat. I made songs here and there but did not release much. Then about six years later in the Navy, I met one of my mentors, CP (Childs Play). He was deeply into music and had a hit song called “Rivers Cry.” He taught me the game, including inflection, tone, cadence, flow, and emotion. I recorded one of my first officially released songs at his house called “Rerouting Navigations.” Fun fact, he came up with the chorus on the spot. I used to struggle badly with hooks.
I released that song under a new name, Hollywood Von, and once again the response was love. I dropped a few more songs but eventually fell off again. After getting out of the Navy, an old friend who later became my manager, Motha Mag, shoutout to the Mothaship Market brand, reminded me that I had something special and pushed me to fully commit.
From there, I hit the ground running. I released a string of singles and eventually dropped my first album, “Where’s Hollywood,” under my current name, Marce. Today, I am still creating and releasing music, and I just dropped my newest EP, “Marcellago,” on January 3rd.
Tap in.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say the road has not been completely smooth, but in some ways it has been. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I am doing, but my biggest obstacle has always been self doubt. I know I get on my songs and talk my talk, but at the end of the day I am human, and I doubt myself more than people realize.
I ask myself questions like, will people actually like my music? What will my friends and family think of me? Will they even listen? Those thoughts have held me back more than anything, especially when it comes to performing. I have been making music for years and still have not performed, even though I know that stepping on stage would take me to the next level.
It is not that I think I am bad in front of people. I was a high rank in the military, so speaking publicly is not the issue. The real fear is not being received for something I truly love. In today’s climate, it can feel like nobody wants to hear a 30 plus rapper. People want you to get a job, fall in line, and conform to society’s standards.
That is exactly why I dropped my new EP, “Marcellago.” It was my way of releasing all of that pressure and saying I do not care what anyone says. I know who I am, and I am going to stand on it regardless of opinions. This is me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a rapper, songwriter, and poet, and what I am most proud of is my ability to be a chameleon when it comes to creativity. I can create across any genre. I may not always be the best person to sing or perform a song, but I can write it for someone else if needed. I can write country, R&B, rap, techno, and more. The genre does not matter. If you need it, I can deliver it.
I also take a lot of pride in my poetry. I write from perspective, fully stepping into the voice of the person telling the story. For example, I once wrote a poem from the perspective of Jesus during the Last Supper. That ability to embody emotion and narrative is something I carry into all of my music.
I do not believe in putting myself in one box. I am versatile, adaptable, and diverse.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just do it and do not worry about what anyone else has to say. Be yourself and make great music, but also stay self aware. Not everything you create will be great, and it is important to recognize what needs improvement and be open to constructive criticism.
At the same time, some of the songs you like the least may end up being the ones people connect with the most. In the end, the only real way to know is to put the music out and let the crowd respond. Some people will love it, and some will not, and that is okay. It all comes with the game.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marceallago?igsh=MXJ4dzZvNWk3bGZx&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@freepressmarce?si=nHsdo5omdDQjkkVW
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6GSNCCV13RNHd1V0fhyibD?si=xm6-2gN7RL25ld_aK4ltsg
