Today we’d like to introduce you to P.U.R.P..
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a small city known mainly for its universities. I’ve lived a true rollercoaster of life in my opinion, from being raised by a single mom to being homeless while still in high school to running the streets to finally finding my purpose, all while chasing a dream that most never thought could be possible. I began my music career by playing the piano and writing poetry from when I was eight years old up until my later teen years. During the same time, my mom and I moved around a lot, and at one point, we were homeless. I would go back and forth between my friends’ couches and floors. My friend, at that time, started talking about how he knew a producer and he wanted to start rapping: I told him, let’s put our money together and do it. I learned then that being young, having street money, and doing music without any guidance will just have you running like a dog chasing its tail. Over the next few years, I developed a drinking habit, I was in and out of trouble, and I even tried to overdose when I lost the money and the woman I cared about. I was fortunate enough to have another chance at life. I saw the opportunity to move to Atlanta, to go back to college, and do music. I took advantage of that, and I never looked back. Being in a new city alone was tough, but I made a way. I found myself getting an internship at Twelve Studios, where I was surrounded by a lot of big names in the music industry, and worked my way up to manager. While working there, I lost my grandmother and tried to quit the studio so that I could move back home, but they wouldn’t let me. They told me to take whatever time off I needed for my family, but they can’t let me leave; I still thank them for that. While in the process of finishing school and managing the studio, I found myself homeless again for a time period. I would shower at the studio, go to school, and take naps in my car. Then I’d go back to the studio to work and record as much music as possible. It all paid off because I learned that when you need success that you have to work that much harder to attain it.
Please tell us about your art.
In all honesty, I do a little bit of everything musically, but my focus is as an artist. I don’t categorize myself in one specific genre because I just follow the vibes, but mainly I stick to Hip Hop. Hip Hop is currently something like a bridge genre that you can go off into any other genre of music with. Like sometimes you catch me singing some R&B, depending on the vibe of the song. I did a lot of soul searching and found out my purpose is to inspire. I want people to have fun with my music as well see that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it. My music takes the listeners on a ride through my life experiences, the good, and the bad. I want people to know that you don’t have to talk about having a Rolls Royce just to make dope music. All you have to do is listen.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
The best thing I can say is to just reach out. You never know what somebody is going to say, and the worst thing somebody can say to you is no.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Look up my newest projects, Thoughts of Greatness Vol. 3 Self Therapy and #LateNightsEarlyMornings on every streaming platform. As well as my videos, Satellite, Miss Me, and Psalm 109 on Youtube.
Contact Info:
- Email: presidentialmusic1987@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Purp_601
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PURP1
- Twitter: @Purp_601
Image Credit:
Fred Hustle
E. Hendricks Films
Chris Burkett
Black Cotton Films
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